The Green Hornet #9
In "Deadline," reporter P. Easton Binney stumbles onto a high-stakes deal between the Green Hornet and underworld kingpin "Buckles" Barbosa, capturing a crucial photo that threatens to derail a secret Witness Protection-style arrangement. As the Daily Sentinel races to publish the story, the tension between press freedom and criminal justice comes to a head, forcing Britt Reid to make a difficult choice—while Binney, ever the dogged journalist, keeps one step ahead on the trail. Written by Chuck Dixon and Tony DePaul, with art by Tod Smith and inks by David Mowry, this 1992 issue features a cover by Val Mayerik.
Sell my copy
Have this issue — or a whole collection? Get a fair offer from us, skip the marketplace fees and the hassle.
We Buy Collections ▸Cast · 5 characters
Full credits
Full plot ⚠ may contain spoilers
▸ Reveal full plot — may contain spoilers
P. Easton Binney, tired of writing up the "geezer meetings" for the Daily Sentinel, gets advice from the publisher that he should "keep [his] eyes open." While having a late meal at a nearby diner, Binney spots big-time underworld figure "Buckles" Barbosa and follows him to and photographs him at a meeting with the Green Hornet! What's actually happening is that Barbosa wants "out" and the Hornet can arrange a Witness Protection Plan-like set-up for the hood and his family in exchange for ALL his records, which of course won't be used the way the retiring racketeer expects. Binney manages to get back to the Sentinel's offices with his picture, which Britt, who is well aware of the negotiations, can't block from publication without raising too many questions. Hamilton sees it and the accompanying story in the morning edition and demands that Reid reveal the sources, information which he in turn claims is protected by the First Amendment's "freedom of the press" clause. Eventually, Britt caves in, and sends Hamilton to the airport, while the Hornet is actually at the docks putting the Barbosas on a ship! Binney, however, had staked out the racketeer's home, hitched a ride on the rear end of the Beauty (What, no security sensor? Well, it is a brand-new vehicle, and hastily completed!) and again has a big story for the Sentinel.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).