Karl Hellfern

Doctor Karl Hellfern, aka Doctor Death is a criminal scientist with feelings of being wronged by the rich and wealthy of the world. He encountered the Batman on two occasions.

Extortion plans and first encounter with the Batman
In June 1939, Hellfern finally completed an experimental poison which is to be delivered by pollen extract. His plan was to exact "tribute from the wealthy of the world", under threat of death. Hellfern's only concern was the Bat-Man, who at this time had risen to legendary status in Gotham City. Hellfern feared a crime of this magnitude would attract the Batman's attention, and decided to find out his secret identity. To this end Hellfern put out an ad in the daily newspapers to lure the Batman into a trap.

The next night, the Batman surely appeared, and barely escaped with his life from Hellfern's manservant Jabah. However, a chance encounter the next day led the Batman to Hellfern's home, where he killed Jabah and let Hellfern seemingly succumb in flames during their fight.

Second encounter and arrest
After escaping through a secret door, Hellfern recovered, horribly burned but nursed back to health by his manservant Mikhail. Hellfern, needing funds, tried to blackmail wealthy man John Jones. Jones, however, was near bankruptcy, and Hellfern killed him as threatened with a strange disease turning him purple in the process. Hellfern disguised himself as pawn shop owner Ivan Herd, and sent Mikhail to recover diamonds from Jones's widow. Mikhail was intercepted and followed by Batman, and killed by Batman in a fight. Hellfern, still disguised as Herd, was caught by the Batman and bound, left for the police to arrest him.