The Saga of Ra's Al Ghul 1988 #1 - back issue - $4.00

Dick Giordano tells of his visit to the set of the coming new TV series Star Trek the Next Generation, as part of his finalizing the deal to publish a six-issue mini-series adaptation of the show, with all new stories.

Batman meets Talia, Ra's Al Ghul's daughter.

Ra's Al Ghul discovers Batman's secret identity.

After a five-year stretch in prison, three bandits return to the house where they buried $50,000 in gold under the floorboards. The didn't reckon with the comatose figure of El Diablo being summoned back to life by his Native American guardian Wise Owl.

On-sale date from DC Releases #44, confirmed from copyright registration. No editor for this reprint collection is credited in the indicia. The original editors are credited for the individual reprinted stories, but not for the issue overall.

• The Saga of Ra's Al Ghul - Wrap-around cover. Logo design credit from Todd Klein.
• Meanwhile... - Black and white on inside front cover. The page shares space with the DC January Deluxe Checklist.
• Into the Den of the Death-Dealers! - Credits for script, pencils and inks confirmed from Julius Schwartz's editorial records, provided by DC Comics. Story continues in "Daughter of the Demon" in in this issue. First mention of Ra's Al Ghul. The League of Assassins (as well as Dr. Darrk) first appeared in Detective Comics #405. However, this is the first appearance of Talia Al Ghul, who would be a major presence in the life of Batman for decades to come. Julius Schwartz is not credited as editor in the pages of this reprinted story. He is listed here as "original editor".
• Daughter of the Demon - Credits for script, pencils and inks confirmed from Julius Schwartz's editorial records, provided by DC Comics. Batman's origin is re-told. Second appearance of Talia who first appeared in Detective Comics (DC, 1937 series) #411. First appearance of Ra's Al Ghul. Julius Schwartz is credited as editor in the pages of this reprinted story. He is listed here as "original editor".
• Night of the Living Dead! - Reprints 1st appearance of (western) El Diablo. This reprint is introduced at the top of page one with a banner saying "Rare Find", and the following text: "Long before Batman patrolled the streets of Gotham City, another lone figure guarded the ranges of the west. Since we had a little space left, we thought you'd enjoy reading this seldom seen tale..."
• 2 Free Months of DC Comics! - Ad offering two additional months of various DC titles (at five different price points) with each 12-issue subscription. Black and white ad on inside back cover.