Story: "The Return of Scarface! Part Three: The Gig Heat" (22 Pages)

Credits: Alan Grant (plot, script); Norm Breyfogle (pencils, inks); Adrienne Roy (colors); Todd Klein (letters); Dennis O'Neil (edits)

Feature Character: Batman

Supporting Characters: James Gordon, Harvey Bullock, Renée Montoya (all three in between Detective Comics #642 and #644), Vicki Vale (last in Detective Comics #642; next in issue #484), Sarah Essen (in between Detective Comics #641 and #644)

Villains: Ventriloquist (next in Detective Comics #659), Scarface (next in Detective Comics #663), Rhino, Brute (Scarface's Street Demonz informer; dies), Dallas, Stonk, Pete, Andy (latter four all members of the Street Demonz gang; all probably die), 'Chico' (a Mexican gunrunner; probably dies)

Comment: Continued from Detective Comics #642.

Synopsis:

Bruce Wayne considers telling Vicki Vale, who is recovering from injuries in hospital, that he is also Batman. He is soon called away to a confrontation between the Street Demonz and their Mexican gun-suppliers, which turns explosive, Scarface eliminating his competition ruthlessly in such a way as will make it seem as though they are themselves responsible. Having seen how Sergeant Essen is willing to risk her own life due to her love of Jim Gordon, Bruce decides it would be best not to reveal his secret to Vicki, in case she should put herself in danger for him.