Story: "Joe Public: The Birth of a Hero" (25 Pages)

Credits:

Alan Grant (plot, script)
Bret Blevins (pencils)
John Beatty (inks)
Todd Klein (letters)
Adrienne Roy (colors)
Dennis O'Neil (edits)

Feature Character:

Batman II (last in Batman #505; next in Showcase '94 #5/1)

Guest Star:

Joe Public (last in Justice League Task Force #9)

Villains:

Corrosive Man (last in Detective Comics #589; next in Batman: Gotham Knights #33)
Street Demonz gang

Comment: This issue carries a 'Knightquest: The Crusade' banner

Synopsis:

The Corrosive Man escapes from incarceration at S.T.A.R. Labs, determined to revenge himself on Mort Kadaver. Meanwhile, Joe Public tries to get a start as a hero, but finds that Batman is less than encouraging of this idea. When they hear of Corrosive Man's escape, both men head out to find him, discovering that he plans to blow up a gas tank close to the hospital where Kadaver is being treated. Batman's armour can only barely survive contact with the Corrosive Man, and Joe Public has to painfully absorb his power until Batman can cover him with sand, neutralising him. Once again, Batman tells Joe Public to give up being a hero, then retires to the Batcave and upgrades his costume once more.