Batman #2 - Story 4
July 20, 1940
"The Case of the Missing Link"
This is one that stands out as it deals with something beyond the ordinary - a prehistoric man.
The story opens with Batman repelling a group of African Pygmies from the top of a moving train. Inside one of the cars are several more that Batman takes out as well. The object of their concern is a Professor Drake and his amazing find he is bringing to the city - a prehistoric man.
The being is noted for his unusual height which caused him to be worshipped as a god by the Pygmies. Drake has managed to tame him and plans to domesticate him. The professor has named him Goliath and he's taken a liking to Batman.
The news quickly gets out about the discovery, getting the attention of a pair of circus promoters who kill Drake when trying to negotiate for Goliath fails. But Robin is there and he sends the killers running, especially after Goliath gets loose. On seeing his dead master, Goliath becomes feeble-minded.
The next day, the newspapers are calling Drake's death a suicide with Goliath willed to the circus. Robin knows otherwise, but can't go to the police as they look upon him and Batman as vigilantes.
At the circus, Goliath sees one of the killers and goes berserk. In his rage, he releases a group of animals. Batman and Robin arrive on the scene to round them up.
