Batman (1940-2011) #1

Batman (1940-2011)

by Bill Finger, Whitney Ellsworth, Bob Kane (Artist)

The first comic dedicated exclusively to The Dark Knight! This 1940 issue pitted the Dynamic Duo against classic menaces including Professor Hugo Strange. Plus, the first appearances of The Joker and Catwoman (referred to as "the Cat")! Also includes a 2-page retelling of Batman's origin.

Genres: Comics, Batman, Dc Comics, Graphic Novels, Comic Book, Classics, Graphic Novels Comics

68 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 1940

About the author

William "Bill" Finger was an American comic strip and comic book writer best known as the uncredited co-creator, with Bob Kane, of the DC Comics character Batman, as well as the co-architect of the series' development. In later years, Kane acknowledged Finger as "a contributing force" in the character's creation. Comics historian Ron Goulart, in Comic Book Encyclopedia, refers to Batman as the "creation of artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger", and a DC Comics press release in 2007 about colleague Jerry Robinson states that in 1939, "Kane, along with writer Bill Finger, had just created Batman for [DC predecessor] National Comics".

Film and television credits include scripting The Green Slime (1969), Track of the Moon Beast (1976), and three episodes of 77 Sunset Strip.

-Wikipedia

Reviews

[Tawfek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am sorry to be the party crasher this time, and ignore the fact that this is a classic, and not treat it as such but i still am, and that's the only reason this would get a three stars really.
I love the joker he is as unique as ever, and he will only get better in the future.
I Also love catwoman. she has the same characteristics.
i hated Hugo strange, i am amazed that he looks like the main villain, before the debut of the joker how could that be possible! lol
i am not sure if i can continue reading this, i think i will skip to the first time they reset the world!

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

At a loss as to what to say...just glad to have read this! In the past I have read the parts that were about Batman (BM), but never the whole issue cover to cover (adds included). Now I can truly put this issue down as 'read' on my comic shelf! 1st Joker (J) and 1st Catwoman (CW)! Highlights: J actually beats BM in a fight! CW asks BM to team up with her - and BM considers it! If I ever win the lottery this is going to be an issue I will track down and buy!

[فؤاد · Rating 3 out of 5]

چگونه بروس وین، به بتمن تبدیل شد.
داستانی که بارها و بارها در کمیک ها و فیلم های بعدی تکرار شد، منشأش این کمیکه. پسری که برای گرفتن انتقام قتل والدینش، قسم می خوره که جلوی ظلم و جنایت بایسته. و اتفاقی خفاشی می بینه که منبع الهامش برای پوشیدن لباس خفاش میشه. (عنصر خفاش بعداً شکل دیگه ای گرفت و به ترس کودکی بروس تبدیل شد.)

و اولین حضور جوکر.
باب کین و بیل فینگر جوکر رو از روی فیلم صامت "مردی که می خندد" اقتباسی از رمان ویکتور هوگو طراحی کردن: مردی که تبهکارها دو طرف لبش رو چاک دادن تا لبخندی همیشگی بر لب داشته باشه. اما بر خلاف داستان اشکبار و اندوهناک ویکتور هوگو، مرد خندان داستان های بتمن عامل وحشت و هراس مردمه.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first issue of Batman!
There are four different stories involving three different villains (the same villain is used in two stories).

Story 1 includes the first appearance of The Joker! A much crazier version of this famous character.
Story 2 is about Hugo Strange. I did not know this character had been around since the 40's! I haven't read too much about Strange so I found this tale interesting. Though, I don't think the idea was as developed as it could've been.
Story 3 was (but not really) about "The Cat"! This definitely felt more about Robin and him fighting on his own. The part where The Bat unmasks The Cat was good though. You could feel an instant connection between these two characters.
Story 4 is where The Joker comes back to get his revenge! I felt like they put a bit more effort into this tale which made me like it the most.

Throughout this entire comic, they used kinda old fashioned language. I found it funny but I will say, it did fit very nicely with the illustrations.

[Eddie B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? A true legend.
And how can I forget this page?

[troy Albert]

As relevant then as now

Everyone says Golden Age characters reflect a "simpler time". There was nothing simple about the 1940s. Less than half the country had electricity or running water, America was still reeling from the depression, and the threat of world domination loomed in Europe.

These early Batman stories reflect a rougher, rawer time. The people weren't so much naive or innocent as they were optimistic. They really expected others, and society, to be at its best. Batman's savagery in the face of real evil is an image of that time's reaction to a faction of that society's refusal to be part of the greater good.

I've wanted to see this comic my entire life. I was not disappointed; all the elements that have made this character and his universe the most popular hero today are here!

[Etienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here it is, the issue that started it all. I was surprised by many things in this first issue. They are short stories, Batman smoke, Batman kill brutaly and Batman doesn't fight very well. I also didn't know that Strange was such an old character. Well lot of surprises, lot of fun, a bunch of clichés, but putting in in perspective with the year it was publish and all that, it was, and still is, groundbreaking.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this was pretty fun to read from an historical perspective. It holds up pretty well 75+ years on as long as you know where it's coming from. Some might think that this is a safer, softer, more tame Batman. Sure, it's the 40s, but it sure ain't some kid-friendly Batman. More like a pre-code gangster movie with a guy dressed like a bat! People die at every turn. Heck, even Bats kills a few. That whole thing about him not using guns? Sorta true, except for the part that he uses a machine gun on his Bat plane to blow away some thugs in a car! Interesting stuff and serves as an introduction to the Joker, Hugo Strange, and the Cat. Maybe due to the interpretation of the violence at the time, in one story Batman takes a weird aside to show kids how cowardly armed criminals are and they shouldn't be idolized. How does he do this? Takes away their guns and makes them fight the Boy Wonder. That's right kids. Guns are for weak sissies. Don't believe me? Well, I'm willing to risk the life of this child to prove it. Again, seems a bit weird in the story and takes you out of it for a bit. Thinking this might have been an editorial decision to separate them from the pack of crime stories.

[Hamad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing ! Read it 3rd time for sake of goodreads and I still find it thrilling !
These characters that were created here went on to become even greater ! I intend to read all the possible material I can find !

The insanity created in jokers character gets me every time ! Not just in this comic, in most of them.

P.S. Loved the leap year joke lol.

[Brian Garthoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Batman’s first book all to himself, and with it is the first time we get mr jokey jokemaker and Selina Kyle in Mrs. Doubtfire cosplay. Batman guns down some giant mutants, makes some card puns when trashing the joker, and then lets Catwoman escape because he thinks she’s hot while questioning his own relationship aloud. So that’s Batman (volume 1) part 1 of 713 (not including 1000+ Detective Comics) complete, here goes nothing!

[scribble · Rating 2 out of 5]

And so begins the rivalry between Batman and the harlequin of hate!
Throughout the whole issue I couldn’t think of anything else but Robin looking exactly like Curran Walters who plays Jason Todd in Titans.

What the £#€% was Batman telling Cat to “be quiet or papa spank”!?

[Davidus1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this book. Realizing that it was written before the entry of the US into WWII is amazing. Simpler times in some ways. No technology like we currently have. I will continue reading the series. A must for those serious about comics and their history!

[Travis Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great look back at how far we have come

While issue #1 shows us a lot of things we've come to know and love, it also shows us how much has truly changed. This is a fun read, if not simply for it's historical significance and for a flash into the 40s... Because this is indeed VERY 1940s.

[Javier Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

La esencia de los personajes ya estaba ahí

[cauldronofevil · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, here I have 350 issues of Batman. Can I really read them all? Should I? I know I’ll certainly enjoy many of them - it definitely crosses over to when I was reading them as a child.

But I also know that some of them are going to be really dumb. But you know, as a reading hobby, it sounds like it might be a lot of fun. Let’s see how long I can last!

Robin’s green cape on the cover has always bugged me. Otherwise it’s a great cover.

”The Legend of the Batman” is a familiar retelling of his origin story.

I’ve always thought his ears were the perfect size and can’t understand why anyone changed them.

”One night some fifteen years ago, Thomas Wayne, his wife and his son were walking home from a movie…”

“Issue #1” starts with a Joker story - the first one I believe. I also think I’ve reviewed this before but Goodreads is no helping in finding it.

”It is night - in most homes people listen to their radios.”

Over the radio the Joker says he will kill Henry Claridge and steal his diamond at midnight. Henry surrounds himself with eleven policemen holding hands.

At midnight, Henry drops dead with a ghastly smile on his face. In the same in the same room they find a fake diamond replacing the real one and a single playing card.

In the Joker’s lair (is that a demon bust or a Batman bust?) he gloats.

At the home of Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson wonders why they don’t go after the Joker. Bruce says the time is not ripe and lights his cigar.

Another night, the Joker makes the same announcement. Jay Wilde will die and the Ronker’s ruby will be stolen. The police ring-around-the-rosie again but he still dies. But this time gas fills the room and the Joker, dressed in medieval armor that was in the room with a gun that sprays paralysis gas. The police will live, but the concentrated dart he shot Jay with kills him with a smile. Joker removes his armor and steal the ruby.

At a criminal hangout a conversation is about the Joker accomplishing robberies that they were going to make! So Dick Tracy tells them to spread the rumor that Brute Nelson is gonna get the Joker. That he thinks the Joker is a yeller rat!

Batman heads to Brute Nelson’s home. Now the time is ripe.

At Brute’s house the Joker comes in through the window. Three thugs come out of the closet to attack the Joker. Upstairs Batman stumbles.

”I’m afraid I wasn’t as silent as I hoped to be!”

Batman jumps down to fight the thugs. Joker shoots Brute, not wanting to waste his venom. Joker runs to his car but Batman jumps on the car as it drives away.

Batman is cracking wise all throughout and I guess it’s early days since he’s still learning how to sneak about, but I hope he gives up his comedy career soon.

The Joker tries to shoot Batman off his car, but Batman grabs him and hauls him out of the car as it goes over a bridge. They fight. Joker kicks Batman off the bridge. Batman swims to shore.

”It seems I’ve at last met a foe that can give me a good fight!”

So when did the Joker become wimpy?

Later the Joker makes another announcement. This time he’s just going to kill a judge who sent him to jail at ten o’clock. This time they only send one police chief to play cards with the judge. But it turns out the Joker is the policeman in disguise! Disguised the Joker easily gets away.

Outside Robin is watching and follows the Joker to an old deserted house. Robin sneaks in and Joker knocks him out. The Batman, still outside of the Judges house uses an infra-red flashlight of his own invention to follow Robin’s footsteps which glow in the dark under the light. They are treated with a luminous chemical.

Batman gets there just in time to find the Joker about to pump venom into Robin. They fight. During the fight Joker is knocked into a table full of chemicals which catches on fire. Joker grabs a spray gun of paralysis gas. The Joker had injected himself with an antidote to make him immune. The Batman starts to grin.

But Joker has not reckoned with the amazing recuperative powers of the mighty Batman. He grabs the tied-up Robin and takes him out of the burning building. Robin tells Batman that the Joker boasted of getting the Cleopatra necklace next. They rush to the penthouse of its owner.

Where Joker is currently entering. Joker shoots Batman but he is wearing a bullet-proof vest. Joker throws the empty gun and leaps to the construction site next door.

But Robin is waiting there and kicks him off the building. Batman catches him. And then punches him.

That was a surprisingly well-constructed and exciting story. Except for Batman’s jokes that was 5 stars

Whatever else you can say about these old comics, you sure got your money’s worth. This one is 54 pages for 10 cents! No wonder its worth 2 million dollars!

“Story #2” starts with Professor Hugo Strange using the Warden as a shield to break out of prison with his gang. Then going directly to the Metropolis Insane Asylum and breaking out 5 inmates.

”C’mon nuts!” says an unenlightened goon.

Bruce Wayne hears this over the radio in his smoking jacket and pipe and thinks it must mean something terrible. He starts reading the new Jack Reacher book.

A month later a 15 foot hulking brute of a man is running around downtown throwing cars around, throwing the police through windows, ripping up lamp posts and playing golf with the cops. It is also bulletproof!

It jumps in the back of a truck and when the police chase it, it throws a grenade at the police car. Hearing this on the radio, Bruce Wayne thinks he may have to put down his book to stop Hugo Strange.

The next day the monster is ripping down the supports of the “EL” train and once again gets away by truck and grenade.

But this time above is Batman in a very cool bat plane with a machine gun on the front. He follows the truck to a house on the cliffs over the sea. Batman lands and goes up to the house, thinking they will never expect him to come in the front doors.

But they do and two monsters grab him. Hugo explains that these are the escaped lunatics he has given a growth serum to that distorts both the bran and the body. He will send out two of them tomorrow as a distraction while he and his men rob a bank. He removes Batman’s utility belt and injects him with the same formula. The serum takes 18 hours to work so they knock him out and put him a cage. That they had a home.

Batman wakes up with 15 minutes left before the serum works. Luckily they didn’t know his boots contain chemicals that when mixed together cause an explosion. That is why Batman is so light on his feet. He escapes and then punches Hugo out of a window and over the cliffs.

A very polite thing to do is when the panels have an unusual layout they number them so you can tell which order to read them in. It was a more considerate age.

Batman still has to fight his way through three monsters. Then he uses Hugo’s chemistry set to whip up an antidote with just a minute to spare, while the brutes fight each other.

”They’ve killed each other as I hoped they would.”

Considerate in some ways…

Batman follows the truck in the batplane.

”Much as I hate to take human life, I’m afraid this time it’s necessary! ”

Batman machine guns the truck. The truck crashes but one monster lives and comes out of the back of the truck, where Batman drops a noose around his neck and hauls him up with the batplane, hanging the monster until dead.

”He’s probably better off this way.”

Probably. He cuts the rope and then heads after the other truck. He catches up and machine guns that truck to crash. Another monster gets out of the back.

The monster, putting batplane and machine guns together climbs a tall building to get at the plane. At the top of the building his bullet-proof clothes protect him so Batman sprays gas. Going unconscious he falls off the building.

Another exciting adventure which has many valuable life lessons for the kids! Mostly not to interrupt Bruce Wayne’s reading and smoking time! 4 stars

“Story #3” assures us that Batman and that young Robin Hood of today, find themselves swimming in troubled waters!

Aboard a yacht Dick Grayson is acting as a steward. Mrs. John Travers is taking a group on a trip aboard her yacht. She has a famous emerald necklace with her.

Bruce wants to be on that yacht, but he has another job so it’s his idea that Deck takes the case.

Talking to other stewards and eavesdropping, Dick learns that many people try to get money out of Mrs. Travers and she’s keeping the emerald safe in her room.

Dick picks up a note to her nephew telling him to keep his aunt away from her room. Signed ‘The Cat’.

Suddenly Travers screams - she’s been robbed! A private detective guarding her room was knocked out.

Suddenly a boat pulls up next to the yacht and says they’re the coast guard. They come aboard and are actually gangsters with Tommy guns. The demand Travers hand over the necklace. The crooks decide to frisk everyone anyway.

As one gangster tries to manhandle a woman Dick attacks. The crooks shoot at him but he dives into the ocean.

The crooks get all the dough and jewels from the passengers, but don’t find the necklace, jump in their boat and get away. A boat is following them and Batman and Robin jump off it and capture the crooks.

”I’m going to show the kids of America how yellow you rats are without your guns! I’m going to let Robin here take four of you on all at the same time!”
”This guy’s nuts!”

I can’t say I disagree with him. Show what kids?! He’s on a boat out at sea?

Robin handily defeats the men (who really should have just attacked Batman instead!).

”Well, kids, there’s your proof! Crooks are yellow without their guns! Don’t go around admiring them. Rather do your best in fighting them and all their kind!”

Batman & Robin take the jewels and cash and the boat and go back to the yacht, leaving the crooks tied up. Robin tells Batman about all the suspects who could be in on the necklace theft.

On the yacht they are having a costume party. Batman shows up and wins the prize for best costume. He accepts the cup and fills it with their money and jewels.

Then the fire alarm goes off. Batman notices a Miss Peggs running without a previously noted limp.

”There goes Miss Peggs - nice legs for an old woman!”

The captain quickly tells the passengers that it was a false alarm. Robin tackles Miss Peggs. Batman has heard of the Cat before in the underworld. He rips off her wig and rubs her make-up off. She struggles.

”Quiet or papa spank!”

Under the bandage on her leg is the missing necklace. Worth half a million dollars. Her accomplish tries to point a gun at Batman and take the necklace but Batman punches him instead.

The Cat tries to convince Batman to join her as partners and they can become the King and Queen of crime. Batman says he’s tempted, but they work different sides of the law.

They take her in the boat and she asks why they didn’t leave her on the yacht. Batman says he’s got his reasons. The Cat jumps off the boat. When Robin tries to go after her Batman clumsily bumps into him. Robin suspects Batman let her get away.

”Lovely girl! What eyes! Say - mustn’t forget I’ve got a girl named Julie!”

Who is Julie?!

Well, this was a classic introduction of Catwoman. I’m really not sure Batman should be teaching the kids of America anything, though I’ve personally learned the phrase ‘Papa spank’ that I hope to use real soon.

5 stars

”The Joker Returns” starts with the Joker in jail and angry that they dare jail a man of his intellect, but from the back of his mouth he unscrews two false teeth. Inside each tooth is a chemical, that when mixed together forms a powerful explosive. Overpowering two guards he escapes.

Must be the same one Batman carries in his boot heals.

The Joker heads to a deserted graveyard where a trick gravestone leads to an underground crypt/laboratory.

Once again he announces over the radio that the police chief will die at ten o’clock.

Through a poison dart placed in a telephone the Joker calls the police chief and he dies with a smile on his face.

A couple more thefts and Joker announces over the radio a museum theft. Police guard the museum.

”The Joker wouldn’t dare show up!”

The Joker shows up but so does Batman. They fight, the Joker knocking Batman out, but Joker hears the police coming and escapes with the necklace from Cleopatra’s lily white neck!

When the police arrive the Joker is gone but one of the cops decides to take off Batman’s mask to see who he really is. Batman leaps up and punches two cops.

”Sorry, boys but I’m not quite ready for jail!”

The police shoot at Batman and he leaps through a window.

So even at this point, Batman is still considered a menace.

”The Batman! Wattaman!!”

A reformer, Edgar Martin, speaks out against the Joker and the next day’s broadcast sentences him to death at nine sharp. He’s worried but his house is overrun with cops. One of them has left a deck of cards for him to play solitaire. So, yeah, dead.

Bruce Wayne and Commissioner Gordon (whose hair has not turned white yet) talk. Bruce thinks jewels might lure the Joker They decide to publicize a fire ruby.

The Joker suspects a trap but must have the fire ruby. He announces his theft over the radio.

But the police are waiting at the ruby owner’s house with gas masks on! So Joker shoots them and runs for the roof. Robin is waiting and chases him, but Joker pushes him off the roof. Robin catch’s a flag pole on the way down.

Joker climbs down the fire escape and sees Robin. He takes aim when Batman springs out to draw attention away from Robin. The Joker knows Batman wears a bullet-proof vest, so he aims for his head.

But Robin falls and lands on Joker The Batman and the Joker fight. The Joker pulls a knife, which during the fight goes into the Joker’s own chest. The Joker laughs and falls.

When the police come around Batman & Robin take off running, leaving the body to them.

But in the ambulance the doctor discovers that the Joker is going to live!

The last panel has the Golden Rules for “Robin’s Regulars” Be a Robin Regulars by being regular!

Their first motto is “Always be helpful to those who need help.”

Robin’s Code: Readiness, Obedience, Brotherhood, Industriousness and Nationalism.

Not too keen on the Nationalism part, though. I wonder if this was ever brought up again?

Anyway the Joker story was pretty good and I think we now know why Joker stopped broadcasting when he was going to strike over the radio!

4 stars

With four above average stories this is a 5 star book. I’m going deep in the vault but I think I’ll enjoy these.

[Mayi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me gusto mucho la entrada de Catwoman. Es genial cuando se crea la caracterización del personaje en situaciones divertidas, y este número es uno de esos momentos, justo cuando descubren a Catwoman.

[John Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHOAH! Amazing writing for 1940...it sets a tone and pace for later batman for sure. He's this cocky playah with snarky comments all around. And a total ladies man with "The Cat"...what's totally rad is how creepy the joker was from day one. While he was more of this low brow thug rather than the psychotic man who killed for the love and art, he was still sick and demented. I see where the Jack Nicholson version got its inspiration...from the origins :)

[Radi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It begins...

[Lser · Rating 5 out of 5]

First appearance of catwoman, joker, another appearance of Hugo Strange and Robin.

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I hold the winning card"

"But I am the King of Clubs"

The Joker's first appearance in comic books cemented this comic's place in history while also launching the 'Batman' line of comics. This being the case, the Joker plays a significant role in this and is the main attraction for this book, and was he a delight to watch. The Joker was portrayed as a maniacal schemer who is unrelenting while also displaying his trickster side. The reactions of the characters to his actions are a sight to see as he continues to cause havoc to everyone. While there is much to like about this issue, it is still riddled with technical issues that can be attributed to the different time period but for what it's worth, it is a fun read. You can clearly see the various elements presented in this book that contributed to the modern adaptations of these characters. Because of their histories, I find it ironic that Robin was the one who delivered the kick that turned the odds in their favor. Overall, the issue succeeds in providing readers with the history of the characters for long-time fans as well as a great character introduction for newer fans.

[HatBett23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a few years from this issue, Batman and Robin stories (and all comics) will be subject to the Comics Code (thank you very much, Seduction of the Innocents). Those stories are the campy inspiration of the Adam West Batman. A lot of the Batman of the era is boring. The stakes are really low, Batman is relegated to the Gotham City loss prevention.

That's not the case in this volume. First, there are two Joker stories, one Catwoman, and one Hugo Strange. Except the Catwoman story, these other stories actually have a life-and-death competent driving the action.



Also, Batman kills. And it's grim. Maybe, Seduction of the Innocents had a point.



I appreciate Batman empowering kids to fight crime.



See! Known-kid givin' a little chin music to a crook.

In context, Batman #1 is good. Especially recommended for those readers who enjoy the writing and vocabulary of the era.

[Gultakin Guliyeva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Özüm də bu komiksi oxuduğuma inana bilmirəm:Ddd Normalda komiks oxumuram. Ən axırıncı,yəqin ki, uşaqlıqda "Elli" jurnalında falan oxumuşam. Amma Joker və Batman mənim üçün maraqlı obrazlar olduğu üçün oxumaq istədim. Xüsusilə, Jokerin 2019 filmindən sonra bu obraz mənə maraqlı gəldi. Bəli, filmlərə baxıb sonra komiks oxuyan kateqoriyaya daxiləm:) Bilirəm ki, çox insanda tərsinədir:)

Gələk, bu komiksə. Məncə, maraqlı idi. Əvvəldən, Joker və Batman haqqında az da olsa məlumatımın olması bu komiksi oxumağımı daha rahatlaşdırdı. Komiksdə də detektiv bir hava var idi. (Hansı ki sevdiyim janrlardan biridir:))

Bruce Wayne. Bizim Batmanimiz. Uşaqlıqda valideynlərinin gözünün qabağında öldürülməsi onu gələcəyin qəhrəmanı edir. Super gücü olmasa da, varlı bir ailənin uşağı olması,əzmi, insanlara kömək etmə istəyi onu "Batman" edən xüsusiyyətlərdir. Düşmənlərə qarşı Gotham sakinlərini qoruyan Batman...

[Salomé · Rating 4 out of 5]

Si no me equivoco este es el primer Batman que se publicó.
Teniendo en cuenta todas las películas que has podido ver de Batman o del Joker se te puede quedar un poquito corto o sin mucha profundidad.

Pero es importante tener en cuenta el contexto, y la creación de cero un superhéroe me imagino que no será fácil, además que estos cómics están dirigidos a jóvenes o niños que no buscaban más que entretenimiento.

Lo mejor de este cómic es su dinamismo, Bill Finger sabía darle intriga aún siendo historias de poquitas páginas. Bruce Wayne aún no tenía su batseñal y se enteraba de los futuros robos a través de su radio o el periódico, el joker sólo era un ladrón de joyas que dejaba a sus víctimas con una sonrisa de oreja a oreja y poco se sabe de la historia que hay detrás de Robin.



8/10

[Paxton Holley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good Golden Age comic. I had just read Three Jokers by Geoff Johns and I was interested in reading Joker’s first appearance. This issue has the first two appearances of the Joker, as well as the first appearance of Catwoman, but in this issue, she's named The Cat.

The Joker is a lot of fun in his two stories. He’s breaking into radio shows and announcing who he’s killing and what he’s stealing. And despite a bunch of cops showing up to protect the people and their possessions, the Joker still kills them and steals the objects. Batman and Robin have to figure out how he’s doing it and stop him. Really good.

The Cat story is pretty similar, but it’s on a boat and involves a necklace of diamonds. The final story is one featuring Professor Hugo Strange, who I believed debuted before this issue.

I had a lot of fun with this issue.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do I like about these old stories? The pure dose simplicity of the plot, which is so typical of these 40s comics. The whole story of Bruce Wayne and how he turns out to become Batman is told on a single page, without any unnecessary drama.
The next 50 plus pages of this first issue contain four interesting crime mystery stories, which introduced us with three of the most exciting villains of DC Universe - The Joker, The Catwoman and Professor Hugo Strange.
This is not the best Batman story ever written, but it's the first one and that makes it one of the most valuable and definitely worth the time to reading it .

[TrashKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Batman #1 really delivers where the Detective Comics were lacking -- great villains. It's surprising to see so many iconic characters debuting in one single issue. The Joker and the Cat. Also -- to my knowledge -- our first look at Commissioner Gordon. This is a great issue. 100% Batman. Even though he may be a little more callous with loss of life than what we're used to seeing in the later versions. This was going to drop it down to 4 stars for me until Batman unveiled the Cat and said "Quiet or papa spank". This is his first interaction with Catwoman?! What else have I been missing in these old gems?!

[Jeff Swystun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up in the seventies, Batman was my go-to hero. Superman was too super and I found The Marvel universe baffling, though Spidey and The Daredevil occupied me on rainy summer days. I gravitated to heroes and villains that had grit and couldn’t change time or fly through the sun.

That is why I liked early Batman, when he was a detective, not necessarily when he killed bad guys. This is his first dedicated comic. It introduces both Catwoman and The Joker. If you are looking for great stories here, look elsewhere. The Catwoman tale is confusing and outright sexist. For sure things are dated, the vintage aspect is why I awarded 4 stars but you have to gloss over glaring defects.

[Agustin Amaya Escamilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

El primer cómic de Batman independiente donde además lo vemos acompañado de Robin, el chico maravilla. Además vemos por primera vez a algunos villanos como Joker, Catwoman ( que aquí solamente se le llama Cat y no porta ningún disfraz) y el Doctor Strange.

Historias algo “chessy” pero importantes para entender los orígenes y la evolución de los personajes a lo largo de las décadas. De lectura muy ágil y ampliamente recomendable.

[LyricTrotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comic 77 yrs old, and the smell of gotham
Christmas, sorted.
Honestly, I wanted to finish the series as early as possible but the font on my device is reaply hurting my eyes. It shall be done later.

Enjoyed this to the best.A good time spent.Changed a lot pf perceptions and almost intrigues me to undertake the task of reading the Development throughout the ages.
All in good time.

[Matthew Kelm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is amazingly dated, but also very interesting look at the time in which it was made. It has the first appearances of the Joker and the Catwoman. The part that I always thought was a joke where Batman tells Catwoman "Quiet or papa spank". So the characters are timeless but the actions and attitudes are dated.