The Brave and the Bold #167

The Brave and the Bold #167, published by DC Comics in October 1980, is part of a long-running anthology series known for pairing unlikely heroes to solve mysteries or confront threats. During this era, the title was primarily utilized to spotlight Batman alongside a rotating cast of characters. This specific issue features a team-up between Batman and the Riddler, highlighting the creative shift towards more psychological and thematic confrontations rather than purely physical battles.

The issue was written by Mike W. Barr and illustrated by Dave Gibbons. Barr’s scripting focused on the intellectual tension between the detective and his foil, while Gibbons—who would soon gain international acclaim for his work on Watchmen—provided clean, distinct linework that defined the aesthetic of early 1980s DC titles. The story was well-received by fans of the era for its clever subversion of the typical superhero-villain dynamic, maintaining the series' reputation as a home for experimental, character-driven storytelling.