The Brave and the Bold #185

Published by DC Comics in April 1982, The Brave and the Bold #185 serves as a notable entry in the series' long-running format of team-up stories. This particular issue features a collaboration between Batman and the Martian Manhunter, scripted by Mike W. Barr with art by Dave Gibbons. The narrative focuses on an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of the inhabitants of a small town, leaning into the investigative detective tropes that defined Batman's presence in the title.

The creative direction reflects the editorial approach of the early 1980s, where DC frequently paired Batman with various members of the Justice League to showcase different dynamic character interactions. Dave Gibbons, who would soon achieve monumental acclaim for his work on Watchmen, utilized a clean, structured visual style that provided a sense of gravity to the science-fiction elements of the Martian Manhunter's lore. The issue is regarded by collectors as a well-crafted example of the DC team-up tradition before the series was eventually overhauled and relaunched.