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BIRDS OF PREY

BIRDS OF PREY #40 April 2002 [$2.50] Cover Credit: Phil Noto (art, signed)

Story: [Bruce Wayne: Murderer? Part Twelve] "Switchback" (22 Pages)

Credits: Chuck Dixon (plot, script); Rick Leonardi (pencils; Jesse Delperdang (inks); Albert T. De Guzman (letters); Wildstorm FX (colors; seperations); Matt Idelson (edits)

Feature Characters: Oracle (last in Robin Vol. 2 #99, next in Batman #600); Black Canary II (last in Robin Vol. 2 #99)

Guest Star: Spoiler (last in Robin Vol. 4 #99, next in Batgirl #26)

Supporting Characters: Ted Kord; Robin III (last in Robin Vol. 2 #99, next in Batman #600); Nightwing II (last in Batman: Gotham Knights #26, next in Batman #600)

Villains: "Charles" (first appearance; an unpleasant, exploding bug); Riddler (next in JLA #64), Cluemaster (next in flashback in Robin Vol. 2 #111), Query, Echo II (all four last in Robin Vol. 2 #94); Mr Quam

Other Character: Daria

Synopsis:

Black Canary and Spoiler deliver the evidence about Vesper Fairchild's investigation into Batman to Oracle, and Ted Kord informs her of his dangerous heart condition. At his office, Kord discovers a robotic bug called Charles. At the watchtower, meanwhile, Robin and Oracle wonder if Bruce might have killed Vesper to protect the secret of his double life, or if one of Batman's enemies killed her in order to gain this secret. And in the Gotham suburbs, Black Canary drives Cluemaster and his criminal friends out of Spoiler's house, earning yet more admiration from the younger hero. Kord discovers that the bug is a 'gift' from business rival Mr Quam, who wants to take over his business. When he refuses, the bug explodes. And as Oracle and Robin further investigate Bruce Wayne's purchase of a gun, they hear news that Wayne has escaped from custody. Robin and Nightwing make their way to the Batcave with all speed.