When Batman was Robin!
By Request for psychop_rex, who asked for more information on an event in this post
I'm very, very fond of Robin's uniform being something related to his days in the circus. Also, this story makes no sense. Bruce is a teenager who hasn't lost his parents and needs a disguise, so we are supposed to believe he randomly came up with a Robin suit. With an 'R' on it. However, there are some cute moments, and I love that Bruce learns here the values Batman prizes in his soldiers. I also like Harris's thoughts about taking on a kid. Harvey Harris shows up again in 1989's Detective Annual #2.
From Detective 226. December, 1955 Cover: Win Mortimer, Writer: Edmond Hamilton, Pencils: Dick Sprang, Inks: Charles Paris
A package arrives--a Robin suit!
And we flash back.
But he must conceal his identity while he stalks Harvey Harris.
And Young Casual Bruce wears a red sweater and green trousers--just like Dick wore for all of the Golden and part of the Silver Age.
Which is the only explanation for this panel.
(And I mean it. It's the only explanation.)
So Bruce doe does try to catch up with Harris, but before he reveals himself, Bruce realizes Harris is trailing someone! The crook gets wise and lays in wait to trap Harris, but Bruce saves the day via giant novelty prop. We learn that that was the moment Bruce learned he "had to make use of whatever he could, in emergency situations like that one!"
Harris doesn't really want to train Bruce as a detective.
But eventually...
And a whole lot of things happen. A lot. This story has events! (Not appearing in this post.)
More complications!
Unrelated to obeying your commanding officer--Bruce understands how to be a good soldier--"Robin" does make a mistake.
It humbles him and Bruce realizes he has a lot to learn. Harris tells him that someday he'll be a great detective, but for now he needs to study and learn and prepare. So could Bruce please give Harris the Robin suit for safekeeping?