Batman is one of most famous and capable heroes in DC Comics, but sometimes there are cases that even the Dark Knight needs a little help with. In the 1999 Batman/Hellboy/Starman limited series, the inter-company crossover had Batman investigate the ominous kidnapping of Ted Knight, the former Golden Age Starman, by a Neo-Nazi group called the Knights of October. The group's occult background brings in Hellboy, the world's greatest paranormal investigator.
In the series, written by Starman writer James Robinson and illustrated by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, Ted Knight is invited to Gotham by Wayne Industries to speak at a conference about alternative energies. But the lecture is cut short by a group of armed Neo-Nazis whose acquisition of the former Starman is then nearly thwarted by Batman. With little evidence to work with - except an ominous phrase from a dying gang member - Batman is eventually introduced to Hellboy, whose experience in the occult and supernatural was considered to be an asset in retrieving Ted. Although a loner by nature, Hellboy makes an argument that his understanding of magic, and Batman's limited understanding due to his scientific background, could prove useful on top of his painfully earned reputation in the field.
Hellboy and Batman work their way up the network of informants in Gotham City, relying on their investigative skills as well as appearance to find the information necessary to end up at an abandoned Gotham airfield. Before jumping into battle, Batman and Hellboy discuss their appreciation of what they brought to the table during this unusual team-up, while also acknowledging each other's strangeness. Unfortunately their attempt to stop the Knights is a failure. Batman is unable to prevent the Knights leader Herr Dantz from leaving with Ted Knight to their secret base and despite Hellboy's intervention, the members on the ground disappear courtesy of a powerful spell of passage.
With both heroes eager to charter one of Bruce Wayne's planes (he's Batman's friend, no questions asked) to intercept the Knights before they reach their remote base, it would appear this case is just about wrapped up. Unfortunately Batman learns that his nemesis the Joker did not perish during their last confrontation but has begun his latest crime spree. Unable to ignore this, Batman apologizes but ensures Hellboy that he'll arrange for his travel and that he'll be there as soon as the Joker is stopped. Fortunately for Hellboy, he's not going to face the Knights alone as Ted's son Jack, the current Starman, flies in eager to help the heroes stop the Knights of October and rescue his father.
More in line with Robinson's Starman series, this issue doesn't waste time explaining how both heroes know each other, despite existing in two completely different publishing lines. Dark Horse and DC Comics have crossed over before in other stories and the brief explanation doesn't get in the way of the story, it accepts it and continues with the tale. Hellboy and Batman are aware of each other's reputation and they have a job to do; saving Ted Knight while stopping the evil Nazi bad guys. Mignola compliments Robinson's script with his signature style of shadows, elaborate design and expressions that give the book a timeless feeling where Hellboy fits in within Batman's Gotham City. It's a shame that Big Red and the Dark Knight don't team up more often because it's quite a lot of fun when they do.