Bruce Wayne has spent a lifetime as Batman making sure his headquarters is secure; at one point in his career, he even got a giant holographic bat to frighten intruders. Amidst the decades of souvenirs, costumes, and vehicles, a terror lies in wait. She both guards the lair, and heightens the symbolism; just two advantages of a nocturnal animal avatar.
The issue where she swoops in is Batman #459, written by Alan Grant and pencils by Norm Breyfogle. Even though that's legacy numbering from the first Batman title, this is nineties Batman, specifically February 1991. Right at the top of the story, Alfred takes the full force of a surprise attack, when, walking down to deliver a tray of food, he's barraged by an array of flashing lights. The bat streaks by him, larger than a man. Poor Alfred's never seen this trick before, so Batman explains that it’s a new feature to put by right beside Batman in the Batcave.
Harold is a guy that Batman rescued in the previous issue. He was living on the streets, homeless and in danger until the Caped Crusader intervened. Though he's tough to look at, Harold's a genius engineer and he was entering the world by fixing toys and radios for his neighbors. After those same neighbors accused him in the disappearance of a little girl, Batman decided to cut him a break.
Tragically, (for readers), the holographic bat isn't used for real in this issue, instead Batman chases down a mid level drug dealer while Jim Gordon and an old flame go on their first date. A foiled mugging leads Batman on an epic chase to take down a dealer he’s been after for a while. That chase eventually leads to a confrontation in front of a movie theater; one playing The Mark of Zorro, the same classic movie that the Waynes went to see before their deaths. This turns out to be the same theater where Commissioner Gordon and his beau have gone on their date.
Despite holographic flying mammals, early nineties Batman is clinging to chock full of wonderful toys.
