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| Images copyright DC COMICS |
The BAT-MAN (as he was referred to inside the actual comic, though his name was rendered unhyphenated on the cover) first appeared in DETECTIVE COMICS #27, cover-dated May 1939, (which means it probably went on sale in February) and almost immediately became one of the top two 'long-underwear' characters created in the 20th century. (And he shows no sign of relinquishing his superstar status anytime soon in the 21st.)
Like SUPERMAN in ACTION COMICS, Batman didn't feature on the cover of every issue in his first few appearances, but this was an oversight that was soon corrected when his popularity with readers was recognized. ROBIN The BOY WONDER was added in issue #38, and thus began the long tradition of boy sidekicks so that the main hero wasn't talking to himself all the time. (Personally, I hate sidekicks - ban 'em all!)
Anyway, here are 11 covers of Detective Comics for you to gaze at in wide-eyed wonder at how it all began!
This stuff is legendary, love itt!!
ReplyDeleteI love it too! (Added your site to my blog list.)
ReplyDeleteAs there's no chance of my ever owning any of these on paper, I bought digital downloads of these from Comixology @ reasonable prices. I recommend downloading the app to any comics fan!
ReplyDeleteI'd rather have them in comics or books, JP. You can pick up a Millennium edition of DC #27 on eBay for a reasonable enough price, if you're interested.
ReplyDeleteI think that's the Crimson Avenger issue 34...anyone confirm that?
ReplyDeleteI believe it is, Phil (he debuted in #20), but he doesn't look very crimson to me.
ReplyDeleteI don't hate ALL sidekicks, but they just don't work well with every character. Batman was originally supposed to be a grim vigilante who terrified criminals, and who was himself a wanted outlaw. Such a character would be a loner.
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine Kid Spectre? Or Deadman and Deadboy?
Some characters, like Captain Marvel and Captain America, had a lighter image, so Bucky, Captain Marvel Jr., and Mary Marvel did not seem so incongruous. And I actually liked Tonto and Kato, who were adults, and who were helpful partners, rather than whining brats.
In comics, the sidekicks (Robin, Bucky, Speedy, Toro) were often kids. In Western movies at the same time (1940's), it was the opposite. The sidekick was often a cantankerous old coot. Gabby Hayes, Fuzzy St. John, Raymond Hatton. Odd, since both comics and "B" Westerns were probably aimed at much the same audience (preteen children).
My favorite sidekick, though, was Xena's companion, Gabrielle.
Deadman and Casper - a surefire hit. It's teenage sidekicks I hate, TC - Tonto and Kato I wouldn't mind so much.
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