The Brave and the Bold #169

The Brave and the Bold #169, published by DC Comics in December 1980, serves as a quintessential example of the Bronze Age team-up format. This issue was crafted during a period when the series functioned as a rotating showcase for Batman, pairing him with various characters across the DC Universe to test team dynamics and explore thematic contrasts. The story features a team-up with the Demon, Etrigan, navigating the dark, supernatural sensibilities that defined DC’s horror-adjacent titles of that era.

The issue was written by Mike W. Barr with cover and interior art by Jim Aparo, whose definitive run on the title is celebrated for its clean, dynamic lines and emotive character work. Aparo’s contribution to this specific run was instrumental in establishing a consistent visual identity for Batman that bridged the gap between traditional detective noir and the more complex, supernatural narratives requested by readers at the time. It remains a notable entry for collectors focused on the Aparo era of Batman's history.