Batman #495 is a comic book published by DC Comics in June 1993. It is part of the “Knightfall” event, which involves Batman’s back being broken by Bane, the debut and subsequent descent into madness of Bruce Wayne’s successor Batman Jean-Paul Valley, and Bruce Wayne’s recovery and reclamation of his former title, combatting Valley himself. The issue is titled “Strange Deadfellows” and is written by Doug Moench, with Jim Aparo as the penciler and Bob Wiacek as the inker.
In this issue, Poison Ivy plots to control Gotham’s wealthiest and most influential men, while the Joker and Scarecrow have some fun with Mayor Krol and Gotham’s finest in “Strange Deadfellows”. Batman allows Firefly to escape in order to save both their lives, wrapping his Batrope around the villain’s leg, and letting Firefly’s glider pull him out of the fire. Firefly realizes that he’s towing his enemy, and cuts the wire, sending Batman hurtling toward the ground. Batman survives by gripping onto a fire escape as he falls. At the same time, Jean-Paul Valley decides to go out on the streets in costume, hoping to have a trial-by-fire after training for weeks since he was humiliated by his encounter with Killer Croc. He doesn’t tell Batman or Robin. Used.
