Detective Comics #428

In "The Toughest Cop in Gotham!", Gotham’s most relentless officer, Steve “Shotgun” Smith, clashes with the city’s drug trade—until Batman starts to wonder if his hardline tactics come with a hidden price. Written by Frank Robbins and brought to life by Bob Brown’s art, with inks by Dick Giordano and letters by Milt Snapinn, this 1972 tale explores the thin line between justice and corruption. The cover, by Mike Kaluta, captures the tension with a sharp, noir-inspired portrait of Smith in his element.