History: (Batman I #3) - The Puppet Master developed a thought serum that let him mentally control people just as he controlled his puppets. Using his puppet act as front, he made his way to the U.S. intent on stealing military secrets to sell to warring nations. His Cossack henchmen administered the thought serum to atomic researcher Dr. Craig, but Batman became aware of their involvement, and prevented Craig from handing over his secrets to the Puppet Master. Puppet Master’s men then attacked the Metropolis Ltd. railcar carrying the top secret Voss rifle, but Batman once again foiled them. The Puppet Master demanded revenge, and after one of his men gave Batman a dose of the thought serum he ordered the hero to rob a jewelry store, hoping he’d be shot by the police in the act; killed and disgraced. Batman eluded the police, and was bringing the jewels to Puppet Master’s house when Robin confronted him, asking him why he was going after the criminal without his sidekick. Batman slapped Robin, and the Boy Wonder realized his best pal would never strike him unless he was hypnotized. He struck Batman, jarring the Master’s control, and together they took down the spy. Batman would hand him over to the authorities and explain that he had been mentally controlled when he robbed the jewelry store.

Due to the Crisis on Infinite Earths, the Puppet Master’s existence was erased from DC continuity.

Comments: Created by Bill Finger & Bob Kane.

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