Batman (1940-2011) #357

by Gerry Conway, Ed Hannigan (Cover Art), Adrienne Roy (Colorist)

Featuring the first appearance of Jason Todd and Killer Croc. The Squid arrives in Gotham City, intent on taking over its underworld and trap the Batman.

Genres: Comics, Dc Comics

24 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 2, 1983

About the author

Gerard Francis Conway (Gerard F. Conway) is an American writer of comic books and television shows. He is known for co-creating the Marvel Comics' vigilante the Punisher and scripting the death of the character Gwen Stacy during his long run on The Amazing Spider-Man. At DC Comics, he is known for co-creating the superhero Firestorm and others, and for writing the Justice League of America for eight years. Conway wrote the first major, modern-day intercompany crossover, Superman vs. the Amazing Spider-Man.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have decided to look up Batman (BM) villains and their first appearances. This is the first appearance of Killer Croc (KC). KC is just shown in a trench coat, collar up, wearing a hat. I can’t remember if I read this issue when it first came out, so I am just adding it now. This is also the first appearance of Jason Todd (JT)! As such I think this issue should be on the 'radar' of collectors and investors. BM villains are some of the best in comics!

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Teen Titans #33 showing Jason Todd, I felt the need to go back and read his introduction/first story line.

The first appearance of Jason Todd and his parents!
Plus not the first appearance but the second of (Killer) Croc! (His FA was in Detective Comics #523).

This ish really sets up Jason to become the next Robin.
I’m not a huge fan of the fact that they recycled Dick’s origins but I didn’t read Dick’s original appearance so I suppose I can handle it.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I am The Squid because my tentacles [r]each everywhere, even to the seats of power. I am The Squid because my appetite is insatiable. No matter how much I have, I want more - and more - and more - and I ask you gentleman, would you wish a leader who wanted less?”

I’m super grateful that resources like tumblr account @dailyjasontodd exists. I’ve always adored the idea of the batfamily, but I’ve read so little about them. Jason by far is the most intriguing to me at the moment, so I’m starting my delve into his existence in the comics with pre crisis Robin.

I’ve read much more Marvel comics than I have DC. The DC ones I have are so dark in color. This one is nice because the colors are dark shades but still vibrant and bright. Sunset is a nice vibrant purple. The Squid’s hair is the color of venous blood before the waste. Is it a theme that all the good guys are good looking as well? Dick Grayson, Olivia Ortega?

The story is enjoyable and leaves on a cliffhanger to keep you engaged longer. Jason is first introduced here, but he’s in the background and a flippant observation Dick has that causes a weird feeling in his gut.

I’d like more insight into Batman’s thought process through this story. He seems to be all knowing. I truly have no idea how he could predict what was going on and an explanation is missing.

[harley :D · Rating 4 out of 5]

red head jason ☹️

[lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

jason todd first appearance!!!!!!!

[nic · Rating 3 out of 5]

was promised jason no sign of him that i saw… apart from nightwing my love

[Julio Bonilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim, we have a problem...

[scribble · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was merely interested in it for Jason’s first appearance but that wasn’t even a big part of the issue. It felt like a lot and, at the same time, too little was going on.

[Philip · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the issue that introduces both Jason Todd and Killer Croc, however neither are mentioned by name or play a central roll.

[kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

pre-crisis jason!! weird how he got the same backstory as dick, much prefer his reboot introduction

[estela ✩ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ☆

[Noah Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

To awesome of a comic book! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !