Batman #539, "Boneyard Blues," published by DC in February 1997, introduces the new villain, The Undertaker. This self-contained story sees Batman investigate a series of grave desecrations where a delusional man is stealing bones and creating macabre sculptures. Batman confronts The Undertaker, who mistakes him for his deceased father. Though Batman apprehends him, the villain later dies in custody. This issue is notable for collectors as the first appearance of The Undertaker.