Every year on the anniversary of his parents' death, Bruce Wayne leaves flowers in Crime Alley.
What does his alter-ego, Batman, do on this anniversary?
He visits Lee Travis: The Crimson Avenger, the first masked crimefighter", the cape and mask of which every member of the Justice League of America (and the JSA before them) swears a vow to before being indoctrinated.
(BAT FACT: Batman procured the cape and cowl of the Crimson Avenger for both the JLA and the JSA.)
The Crimson Avenger was the man that inspired the next 70+yrs of superheroes.
He was the first in the DC Universe to do what other wouldn't for justice.
When Lee Travis, The Crimson Avenger, died in a nursing home a 15yrs ago, the entire superhero community mourned.
(BAT FACT: Lee Travis did not die. He just wanted to live the rest of his days alone and in anonymity. And he wanted to live them as a person. Not a symbol. Batman created a false death certificate, and a new identity for Lee. He is currently located in Altoona, Pennsylvania under the name "Chammie James Sr.")
(BAT FACT: This is the only crime Batman committed willingly.)
When Bruce is done leaving his flowers in Crime Alley and whispering choked words of unnecessary contrition to silent concrete...Batman goes to Pennsylvania.
The continued existence of The Crimson Avenger is Batman's biggest secret.
And he needs to see him every year on the anniversary of his parents' death.
Not because Lee Travis's only regret is "being too old to fight the scum anymore" (he is old, after all. Very, very old. And he has no television in his house because the horrors of the outside world would make this old man, this old hero, want to do something.)
No.
Batman needs to see him because when Lee Travis was five years old and his parents were about to be shot during a mugging...five year old Lee Travis leapt in front of the bullet.
PANEL ONE. PAGE ONE:
Close Up of SCAR TISSUE on an elderly man's shoulder. A very old bullet wound that never healed.
BAT FACT: Lee Travis isn't going to live forever.
Tentatively titled: "For Good Boys To Do Nothing."
