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Batman Decades
Batman in the Fifties
The most memorable Batman stories from the 1950s are collected in this new title.
The 1950s was a decade of change for the Dark Knight Detective, one that introduced new friends--and foes! These tales include the debuts of Deadshot, future member of the Suicide Squad; the original Batwoman, Kathy Kane; Mr. Zero, who would go on to greater fame as the nefarious Mr. Freeze; the original Red Hood; and the pesky interdimensional pixie known as Bat-Mite. This was also an era of great inventiveness, with tales that revealed how Batman's own father, Thomas Wayne, was once a Batman himself; how Batman became a Superman-like hero on the distant planet Zur-En-Arrh; the secrets of Batman's utility belt; and the introduction of an all-new Batmobile.
Collects Batman #59, #62, #63, #81, #92, #105, #113, #114, #121, #122, and #128, Detective Comics #156, #168, #185, #187, #215, #216, #233, #235, #236, #241, #244, #252, #267, and #269, and World's Finest Comics #81 and #89.
The 1950s was a decade of change for the Dark Knight Detective, one that introduced new friends--and foes! These tales include the debuts of Deadshot, future member of the Suicide Squad; the original Batwoman, Kathy Kane; Mr. Zero, who would go on to greater fame as the nefarious Mr. Freeze; the original Red Hood; and the pesky interdimensional pixie known as Bat-Mite. This was also an era of great inventiveness, with tales that revealed how Batman's own father, Thomas Wayne, was once a Batman himself; how Batman became a Superman-like hero on the distant planet Zur-En-Arrh; the secrets of Batman's utility belt; and the introduction of an all-new Batmobile.
Collects Batman #59, #62, #63, #81, #92, #105, #113, #114, #121, #122, and #128, Detective Comics #156, #168, #185, #187, #215, #216, #233, #235, #236, #241, #244, #252, #267, and #269, and World's Finest Comics #81 and #89.
336 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2002
52 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Bill Finger
647 books105 followersWilliam "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
Film and television credits include scripting The Green Slime (1969), Track of the Moon Beast (1976), and three episodes of 77 Sunset Strip.
-Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 25, 2021
Regardless of what era his adventures take place in, Batman is timeless. Just look at how many people were clamoring to have the original sixties Adam West series on DVD for years before its release! Whether light-hearted and campy or dark and serious, the Caped Crusader's adventures have been bringing action and fun to readers and viewers worldwide for decades.
Those who are used to the Dark Knight as portrayed in any of the films since Michael Keaton put on the suit, or who were raised on The Animated Series, may find the tone of this to be a bit light; however, I like it better that way. The comic stories were fun, and I was glad to see that Batman creator Bob Kane had a hand in these issues. If you're looking for a different take on the Caped Crusader than the Nolanverse, you should try these comics; they're different...but great! Here's hoping DC releases more old-school Dark Knight omnibuses.
Those who are used to the Dark Knight as portrayed in any of the films since Michael Keaton put on the suit, or who were raised on The Animated Series, may find the tone of this to be a bit light; however, I like it better that way. The comic stories were fun, and I was glad to see that Batman creator Bob Kane had a hand in these issues. If you're looking for a different take on the Caped Crusader than the Nolanverse, you should try these comics; they're different...but great! Here's hoping DC releases more old-school Dark Knight omnibuses.
March 8, 2022
Batman in the Fifties collects around 30 stories from the 1950s, pulled from Batman, Detective Comics, and World's Finest.
Batman has been pretty grim since Frank Miller took the wheel in the mid 1980s. This collection shows a different Batman, a funny guy who had a lot of zany adventures. People talk about the 1966 TV show making Batman campy but he was campy long before.
The stories are geared toward an audience 30+ years younger than me so simplicity is the order of the day. It's a lot easier for kids to lean into a fun, goofy story than it is adults. Some of Batman's rogues gallery have their origins told, like Mr. Zero, Killer Moth, and Two Face. Catwoman also gets some time. Bat-classics like Batwoman and Ace the Bat Hound are also introduced. Other stories seem to be included to illustrate how goofy Batman stories in the 1950s could be, like Batman wearing multiple costumes to distract from Robin's broken arm, or Batman and Robin going to the future via hypnosis.
Some of the stories in these pages made their way into The Untold Legend of the Batman in the 1970s, like Joker as Red Hood, or Thomas Wayne as the first Batman. Other stories, like the Super Batman of Planet X and the Club of Heroes, eventually made their way into Grant Morrison's run.
Dick Sprang is the highlight of the collection as far as art is concerned, as is Bill Finger on the writing. Why doesn't Batman fight villains on top of giant typewriters anymore?
Batman in the Fifties is a nifty collection of tales from a zany period in Batman's history. 3 out of 5 stars.
Batman has been pretty grim since Frank Miller took the wheel in the mid 1980s. This collection shows a different Batman, a funny guy who had a lot of zany adventures. People talk about the 1966 TV show making Batman campy but he was campy long before.
The stories are geared toward an audience 30+ years younger than me so simplicity is the order of the day. It's a lot easier for kids to lean into a fun, goofy story than it is adults. Some of Batman's rogues gallery have their origins told, like Mr. Zero, Killer Moth, and Two Face. Catwoman also gets some time. Bat-classics like Batwoman and Ace the Bat Hound are also introduced. Other stories seem to be included to illustrate how goofy Batman stories in the 1950s could be, like Batman wearing multiple costumes to distract from Robin's broken arm, or Batman and Robin going to the future via hypnosis.
Some of the stories in these pages made their way into The Untold Legend of the Batman in the 1970s, like Joker as Red Hood, or Thomas Wayne as the first Batman. Other stories, like the Super Batman of Planet X and the Club of Heroes, eventually made their way into Grant Morrison's run.
Dick Sprang is the highlight of the collection as far as art is concerned, as is Bill Finger on the writing. Why doesn't Batman fight villains on top of giant typewriters anymore?
Batman in the Fifties is a nifty collection of tales from a zany period in Batman's history. 3 out of 5 stars.
September 20, 2021
This Batman volume of DC's "IN THE FIFTIES" series has the titular heroes in some pretty weird situations, especially in the final section of the book (sci-fi Batman), yet he still remains true to the character somehow. I guess the fact that I can lump pretty much everything from Bat-Ape to Bat-Mite to adventures on other planets and in other times as a hallucinogenic dream caused by Scarecrow or the Joker helps. I hope that DC continues with volumes published in other decades, particularly the 1970s and '80s.
December 7, 2016
Upon wishing to delve a bit deeper into the history of Batman, I asked for some recommendations from friends who were more well-versed in the Caped Crusader than I.
Getting into a long-running character like Batman based solely off the recommendations of trusted friends, of course means you're getting snippets in a decades-long continuity, especially with collections like "Batman in the Fifties", from the "Decades" series where DC had a curator lay out some of their favorite stories from said decade.
In this, Batman's late Golden-early Silver age, the continuity was still fairly sparse, so jumping around in time is not really detrimental to being able to follow any of the stories.
The collected issues are divided into the four categories of "Allies", "Villains", "Gadgets" and "Sci-fi" (as the 50s were the age where Batman got its most outlandish and out-of-this-world).
In the "Allies" section, we get to see the first appearance of Ace the Bathound, a happy pupper eager to solve the case of his master's kidnapping -- outfitted with an appropriate cowl by Robin, of course. Here also the first appearance of Bat...woman? That's right, preceding the more famous Batgirl by a good half-decade, trapeze artist/heiress (!) Kathy Kane is the first woman to take up the Batmantle. In a hilarious/infuriating display of patriarchy, Batman and Robin are constantly chasing her to make sure she "doesn't hurt herself" even though the story goes out of its way to show she is better and more adept at crime-fighting than even Batman. This is doubly insulting since Bruce doesn't seem too mind a little boy "hurting himself" by joining in on the fight against crime. Even the dog gets said goodbye to with a sincere wish expressed that he may join in on their adventures sometime soon. But when it comes to Kathy? "I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of her..." Baman ominously say
This particular collection makes the chauvinism in the stories carry extra weight, since the introduction by movie producer Michael Uslan actually features an excerpt of DC's in-house comics code (an apparently even more stringent version of the Comics Code Authority) proclaiming in their subheader "Sex" that the "inclusion of females in stories is specifically discouraged. Women, when used in plot structure, should be of secondary importance, and should be drawn realistically, without exaggeration of feminine physical qualities." This was in response to a senate subcommittee at the time that deemed violent comic books to be linked to a rise in juvenile delinquency, a movement spearheaded by Dr. Fredric Wertham in his book "Seduction of the Innocent".
I honestly feel that the male-dominated pop culture in our western society is at least partially traceable to this particular moral outrage, which led to a period of self-censorship in comics that set mainstream pop culture back decades -- when Hollywood jumped on superheroes as the new mode for an international four-quadrant hittin' style of blockbusters, they adapted media that essentially still had its roots in 50s morality. These popular icons have been selling everything from jammies to lunchboxes to toilet paper, and, say, gender-flipping a major character would just be too costly an enterprise after almost a century.
Anyway, this doesn't rob the stories of their wide-eyed delight, and, if anything, adds even more interest in reading them. For those that only know Batman from a post-1990s, or hell, even just a post-Nolan, POV, you'll be delighted to find stuff like Mr. Freeze (here called "Mr. Zero") introduced, origin told, defeated and CURED in a single issue. Batman and Robin meet an alien by the side of the road one day and are arrested by the space cops looking for him. The meeting occurs in literally the first panel of the issue.
Nice: in the "Mystery of the Red Hood!", one of the young sleuths in the detective class Batman (not Bruce Wayne!) teaches at a local college is called Paul Wong. No China jokes!
Oh noooo: the local Sioux tribe is honoring Bruce Wayne by making him honorary chieftain
I was familiar with the art of Dick Sprang, so not much to say about his lovely work, but this (and it's predecessor "in the Forties") also gave me a newfound appreciation for Bob Kane ghoster Lew Sayre Schwartz. Vibrant and expressive work.
Give it a go if you wanna discover some old Baman!
Getting into a long-running character like Batman based solely off the recommendations of trusted friends, of course means you're getting snippets in a decades-long continuity, especially with collections like "Batman in the Fifties", from the "Decades" series where DC had a curator lay out some of their favorite stories from said decade.
In this, Batman's late Golden-early Silver age, the continuity was still fairly sparse, so jumping around in time is not really detrimental to being able to follow any of the stories.
The collected issues are divided into the four categories of "Allies", "Villains", "Gadgets" and "Sci-fi" (as the 50s were the age where Batman got its most outlandish and out-of-this-world).
In the "Allies" section, we get to see the first appearance of Ace the Bathound, a happy pupper eager to solve the case of his master's kidnapping -- outfitted with an appropriate cowl by Robin, of course. Here also the first appearance of Bat...woman? That's right, preceding the more famous Batgirl by a good half-decade, trapeze artist/heiress (!) Kathy Kane is the first woman to take up the Batmantle. In a hilarious/infuriating display of patriarchy, Batman and Robin are constantly chasing her to make sure she "doesn't hurt herself" even though the story goes out of its way to show she is better and more adept at crime-fighting than even Batman. This is doubly insulting since Bruce doesn't seem too mind a little boy "hurting himself" by joining in on the fight against crime. Even the dog gets said goodbye to with a sincere wish expressed that he may join in on their adventures sometime soon. But when it comes to Kathy? "I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of her..." Baman ominously say
This particular collection makes the chauvinism in the stories carry extra weight, since the introduction by movie producer Michael Uslan actually features an excerpt of DC's in-house comics code (an apparently even more stringent version of the Comics Code Authority) proclaiming in their subheader "Sex" that the "inclusion of females in stories is specifically discouraged. Women, when used in plot structure, should be of secondary importance, and should be drawn realistically, without exaggeration of feminine physical qualities." This was in response to a senate subcommittee at the time that deemed violent comic books to be linked to a rise in juvenile delinquency, a movement spearheaded by Dr. Fredric Wertham in his book "Seduction of the Innocent".
I honestly feel that the male-dominated pop culture in our western society is at least partially traceable to this particular moral outrage, which led to a period of self-censorship in comics that set mainstream pop culture back decades -- when Hollywood jumped on superheroes as the new mode for an international four-quadrant hittin' style of blockbusters, they adapted media that essentially still had its roots in 50s morality. These popular icons have been selling everything from jammies to lunchboxes to toilet paper, and, say, gender-flipping a major character would just be too costly an enterprise after almost a century.
Anyway, this doesn't rob the stories of their wide-eyed delight, and, if anything, adds even more interest in reading them. For those that only know Batman from a post-1990s, or hell, even just a post-Nolan, POV, you'll be delighted to find stuff like Mr. Freeze (here called "Mr. Zero") introduced, origin told, defeated and CURED in a single issue. Batman and Robin meet an alien by the side of the road one day and are arrested by the space cops looking for him. The meeting occurs in literally the first panel of the issue.
Nice: in the "Mystery of the Red Hood!", one of the young sleuths in the detective class Batman (not Bruce Wayne!) teaches at a local college is called Paul Wong. No China jokes!
Oh noooo: the local Sioux tribe is honoring Bruce Wayne by making him honorary chieftain
I was familiar with the art of Dick Sprang, so not much to say about his lovely work, but this (and it's predecessor "in the Forties") also gave me a newfound appreciation for Bob Kane ghoster Lew Sayre Schwartz. Vibrant and expressive work.
Give it a go if you wanna discover some old Baman!
April 23, 2022
A delightful collection of the silliest bullshit you could ever hope for. Love the way that many of the comics are structured around a cover/title page tease of "Why is Batman in this completely ludicrous situation?!" and then the explanation is always like 20-times more insane than the already goofy setup.
Sure, this is a lot less sophisticated in terms of its writing/storytelling and art than where these sorts of comics would end up by the 70s/80s, but I'd argue no less imaginative (which is what I'm here for), and really not any stupider, when you get down to it.
Rainbow Batman should be a gay icon.
A-
Sure, this is a lot less sophisticated in terms of its writing/storytelling and art than where these sorts of comics would end up by the 70s/80s, but I'd argue no less imaginative (which is what I'm here for), and really not any stupider, when you get down to it.
Rainbow Batman should be a gay icon.
A-
Read
April 9, 2019Look! The robot trackers! They’ve developed our scent! They’ll easily overtake us and return us to the prison!
Robots, eh? Quick… grab some of those honey melons – and throw them at the trackers!
The 1950s were an interesting time for Batman comics. He retained his detective persona, his trusty sidekick, Robin, and still fought crime in Gotham City. But America’s growing fascination with science fiction couldn’t help but influence Batman. DC Comics’ top selling hero, Superman, had a winning sci-fi formula, so why not adapt it to their second most popular character? As a result, the stories collected in Batman in the Fifties are decidedly more fluffy and zany than his 1940s comics. But as with the latter, I was surprised at how much fun I had reading them.
The issues here straddle two eras in comic history. Michael Uslan writes in the introductions that the Golden Age of Comics is retrospectively defined as beginning in 1938 with the debut of Superman and ending in the 1950s. Specifically, October 1956 when Barry Allen (the second Flash) debuted in Showcase 4. Superheroes were falling in popularity in the early fifties and DC sought to revitalize them, debuting several science fiction-influenced heroes. Thus began the Silver Age.
Another major shift was the moral panic that arose during the 1950s linking comic books to juvenile delinquency. This outcry brought about the Comics Code Authority in 1954, which severely regulated comic book content. For Batman and many others, gone were the street brawls, murder cases, gun crimes, and supernatural and horror elements of the Golden Age. And definitely no sex. We want our readers to grow up as wholesome individuals, and if they must read comics then we can’t have any hint of violence or seduction tainting their worldview!
This collection, then, collects 16 late Golden Age and early Silver Age issues, separated into four categories: Batman lore, the Batman family, old and new villains, and science fiction. I liked the science fiction ones the best, just because they were so wacky.
Case in point: “Batman – The Superman of Planet X”. Batman goes to another planet, Zur-En-Arrh, where he gains superpowers much like Superman to ward off invaders and their army of invisible robots. Yep! He’s recruited by scientist Tlano who dresses like Batman because he has observed The Caped Crusader’s actions and takes inspiration from him. Tlano has a batcave, atomic-powered batmobile, advanced batplane, and bat-radia, a sort of transistor that comes in handy with the robots, and that he gives to Batman as a parting gift. I loved this story for the sheer absurdness of it. And Tlano’s admiration of Batman was oddly touching; it’s nice to know that Batman’s influence is wide-ranging.
My favorite non-sc-fi story is “The Second Boy Wonder” from Batman 105 which, to me, defines Batman and Robin’s relationship for the era. A kid named Fred Lloyd appears in the Batcave dressed as Robin after Dick Grayson is injured. He proves himself just as resourceful and acrobatic as Dick, with Batman saying so. Fred then reveals that he was Dick all along, as he was trying to prove he’s just as good at disguising himself as his partner. But he admits irritation that Bruce would sell out his best friend for a newcomer so quickly. Bruce, in the final page, says he knew it was Dick all along because he saw “Fred” immediately turn on the light switch in the Batcave, something only Dick would know the location of. But he let Dick continue his game to teach him a lesson. Dick replies, “And I sure did! You can’t beat the master of disguise at his own game – eh, Batman?”
Elsewhere, Joker’s origin is revealed in “The Man Behind the Red Hood”. It’s a good origin, one that fans of The Killing Joke know well. I’m of the mind that the less we know about the Joker’s past the better, but the Red Hood origin is solid enough. We also get the introduction of Mr. Zero, later Mr. Freeze, who is wonderfully ludicrous here (his mode of transpiration is an ice cream truck). I also loved the introduction of Bat-Mite, a troublesome imp from another dimension who adores Batman and just wants to see him fight crime.
The rest of the stories were fine, if less memorable. “Creature from the Green Lagoon”, a sort of mashup of The Creature from the Black Lagoon and King Kong, fell flat for me. In it, Batman and Robin are summoned to track down a fabled monster causing trouble for a film crew. It was wacky, but not wacky enough, unlike Bat-Mite, Mr. Zero, or the Batman of Zur-En-Arrh.
Similarly, the Catwoman story didn’t do much for me. It’s too similar to her early 1940s appearances, and forgettable as a result. We do get a ridiculous origin, which was later retconed. There’s also Two-Face, who has a decent issue. He subjects Batman and Robin to a pretty vicious act that I’m surprised made it past editorial at the time. Then again, the issue was published several months before the Comics Code went into effect, so it just sneaked by.
Batman and Robin themselves are characterized similarly to how they were in the Golden Age stories. Generally upbeat, cordial, and always out to stop crime. We get to see a new batmobile, the origin of the baterang, and a clearer look at the batcave. The art is a step up from the 1940s comics I read, especially with the sci-fi stuff. I think there is more risk-taking art-wise, with noticeably brighter colors and designs.
I’m learning that each era of Batman is unique, and appropriate for contemporary audiences. Reading this collection after early Golden Age stories, I can definitely see differences in tone. The stories are more lighthearted, the threats less grave and violent, and there’e a deliberate sense of fun. I’ve got more Silver Age collections lined up, so I’m curious to see if this tone remains. And of course, I’m excited to read more madcap sci-fi adventures.
Stray observations:
Batwoman, also know as Kathy Kane, appears on the book cover, and her story is not exactly a high point for feminism. She’s armed with stereotypical feminine items: powder puff, charm bracelets (handcuffs), a compact mirror, hairnet, perfume flask (tear gas), and a purse (“shoulder-bag utility case”). Men, including Batman, consistently dismiss her. I understand that she was created to give Batman a love interest and detract from homosexual allegations between him and Robin. Yeah… it was definitely the fifties.
The new batmobile looks suspiciously like a Cadillac.
Among the contents in Batman’s utility belt: a tiny microscope, mini camera, smoke pellets, gas pellets, and an identity disk that reveals his secret identity only when Batman pours a secret chemical on it. The latter is a major plot point of “The Secret of Batman’s Utility Belt”.
I saw Alfred Pennyworth for the first time here, in “The Second Boy Wonder”. He first appeared in the 1940s, but I haven’t read his first issues. He looks pretty much like we know him to look today.
In a Batman-Superman team up story, Batman projects a Superman-signal in the sky with what a appears to be a Superman action figure. Good thinking, Bruce.
“The Batman of Tomorrow” sees Brane Taylor, a Batman of the 31st century, going back in time to recruit the original Batman and Robin. Brane predates the Legion of Superheroes by several years.
Michael Uslan in his introduction mentions a few crazy Silver Age things that I wish were in this book: Mogo the Bat-Ape, Batman’s rainbow costumes, and the Giant Batman.
Robots, eh? Quick… grab some of those honey melons – and throw them at the trackers!
The 1950s were an interesting time for Batman comics. He retained his detective persona, his trusty sidekick, Robin, and still fought crime in Gotham City. But America’s growing fascination with science fiction couldn’t help but influence Batman. DC Comics’ top selling hero, Superman, had a winning sci-fi formula, so why not adapt it to their second most popular character? As a result, the stories collected in Batman in the Fifties are decidedly more fluffy and zany than his 1940s comics. But as with the latter, I was surprised at how much fun I had reading them.
The issues here straddle two eras in comic history. Michael Uslan writes in the introductions that the Golden Age of Comics is retrospectively defined as beginning in 1938 with the debut of Superman and ending in the 1950s. Specifically, October 1956 when Barry Allen (the second Flash) debuted in Showcase 4. Superheroes were falling in popularity in the early fifties and DC sought to revitalize them, debuting several science fiction-influenced heroes. Thus began the Silver Age.
Another major shift was the moral panic that arose during the 1950s linking comic books to juvenile delinquency. This outcry brought about the Comics Code Authority in 1954, which severely regulated comic book content. For Batman and many others, gone were the street brawls, murder cases, gun crimes, and supernatural and horror elements of the Golden Age. And definitely no sex. We want our readers to grow up as wholesome individuals, and if they must read comics then we can’t have any hint of violence or seduction tainting their worldview!
This collection, then, collects 16 late Golden Age and early Silver Age issues, separated into four categories: Batman lore, the Batman family, old and new villains, and science fiction. I liked the science fiction ones the best, just because they were so wacky.
Case in point: “Batman – The Superman of Planet X”. Batman goes to another planet, Zur-En-Arrh, where he gains superpowers much like Superman to ward off invaders and their army of invisible robots. Yep! He’s recruited by scientist Tlano who dresses like Batman because he has observed The Caped Crusader’s actions and takes inspiration from him. Tlano has a batcave, atomic-powered batmobile, advanced batplane, and bat-radia, a sort of transistor that comes in handy with the robots, and that he gives to Batman as a parting gift. I loved this story for the sheer absurdness of it. And Tlano’s admiration of Batman was oddly touching; it’s nice to know that Batman’s influence is wide-ranging.
My favorite non-sc-fi story is “The Second Boy Wonder” from Batman 105 which, to me, defines Batman and Robin’s relationship for the era. A kid named Fred Lloyd appears in the Batcave dressed as Robin after Dick Grayson is injured. He proves himself just as resourceful and acrobatic as Dick, with Batman saying so. Fred then reveals that he was Dick all along, as he was trying to prove he’s just as good at disguising himself as his partner. But he admits irritation that Bruce would sell out his best friend for a newcomer so quickly. Bruce, in the final page, says he knew it was Dick all along because he saw “Fred” immediately turn on the light switch in the Batcave, something only Dick would know the location of. But he let Dick continue his game to teach him a lesson. Dick replies, “And I sure did! You can’t beat the master of disguise at his own game – eh, Batman?”
Elsewhere, Joker’s origin is revealed in “The Man Behind the Red Hood”. It’s a good origin, one that fans of The Killing Joke know well. I’m of the mind that the less we know about the Joker’s past the better, but the Red Hood origin is solid enough. We also get the introduction of Mr. Zero, later Mr. Freeze, who is wonderfully ludicrous here (his mode of transpiration is an ice cream truck). I also loved the introduction of Bat-Mite, a troublesome imp from another dimension who adores Batman and just wants to see him fight crime.
The rest of the stories were fine, if less memorable. “Creature from the Green Lagoon”, a sort of mashup of The Creature from the Black Lagoon and King Kong, fell flat for me. In it, Batman and Robin are summoned to track down a fabled monster causing trouble for a film crew. It was wacky, but not wacky enough, unlike Bat-Mite, Mr. Zero, or the Batman of Zur-En-Arrh.
Similarly, the Catwoman story didn’t do much for me. It’s too similar to her early 1940s appearances, and forgettable as a result. We do get a ridiculous origin, which was later retconed. There’s also Two-Face, who has a decent issue. He subjects Batman and Robin to a pretty vicious act that I’m surprised made it past editorial at the time. Then again, the issue was published several months before the Comics Code went into effect, so it just sneaked by.
Batman and Robin themselves are characterized similarly to how they were in the Golden Age stories. Generally upbeat, cordial, and always out to stop crime. We get to see a new batmobile, the origin of the baterang, and a clearer look at the batcave. The art is a step up from the 1940s comics I read, especially with the sci-fi stuff. I think there is more risk-taking art-wise, with noticeably brighter colors and designs.
I’m learning that each era of Batman is unique, and appropriate for contemporary audiences. Reading this collection after early Golden Age stories, I can definitely see differences in tone. The stories are more lighthearted, the threats less grave and violent, and there’e a deliberate sense of fun. I’ve got more Silver Age collections lined up, so I’m curious to see if this tone remains. And of course, I’m excited to read more madcap sci-fi adventures.
Stray observations:
Batwoman, also know as Kathy Kane, appears on the book cover, and her story is not exactly a high point for feminism. She’s armed with stereotypical feminine items: powder puff, charm bracelets (handcuffs), a compact mirror, hairnet, perfume flask (tear gas), and a purse (“shoulder-bag utility case”). Men, including Batman, consistently dismiss her. I understand that she was created to give Batman a love interest and detract from homosexual allegations between him and Robin. Yeah… it was definitely the fifties.
The new batmobile looks suspiciously like a Cadillac.
Among the contents in Batman’s utility belt: a tiny microscope, mini camera, smoke pellets, gas pellets, and an identity disk that reveals his secret identity only when Batman pours a secret chemical on it. The latter is a major plot point of “The Secret of Batman’s Utility Belt”.
I saw Alfred Pennyworth for the first time here, in “The Second Boy Wonder”. He first appeared in the 1940s, but I haven’t read his first issues. He looks pretty much like we know him to look today.
In a Batman-Superman team up story, Batman projects a Superman-signal in the sky with what a appears to be a Superman action figure. Good thinking, Bruce.
“The Batman of Tomorrow” sees Brane Taylor, a Batman of the 31st century, going back in time to recruit the original Batman and Robin. Brane predates the Legion of Superheroes by several years.
Michael Uslan in his introduction mentions a few crazy Silver Age things that I wish were in this book: Mogo the Bat-Ape, Batman’s rainbow costumes, and the Giant Batman.
June 22, 2022
Batman in the Fifties
This is a collection of various Batman stories from the fifties. The book is separated into a four sections. At first there are the "classic tales" which are actually mostly stories about Batman's gadgets. After that, there's the "Bat-Family" section, which includes various stories with different friends and associates of Batman, like the well known Batwoman, or lesser known characters like the Bat-Ape. Then there's the "Villains" section, which consists of stories with Batman's villains and finally, there are the "Tales from Beyond", which are sci-fi stories. In the fifties the sci-fi genre became immensely popular and the Batman stories of the time reflect that.
This is a fun collection. This is probably the word that can most accurately describe the stories of this collection, fun. They certainly aren't particularly smart, or deep, but they are enjoyable. Of course, it takes a while to get used to the writing style of that period, because every panel has either meaningless dialogue that describes exactly what's happening, or narration boxes that do the same thing, or in some very unfortunate occasions, both. The writing style, as well as the artwork, are consistent throughout the book, even though the writers and the artists change between stories. The stories are almost always interesting and it was nice to see early appearances (or, in some occasions, the first appearances) of some of Batman's well known enemies and friends. For instance, both Batwoman's and Mr. Freeze's first appearances are included in this collection and while they both evolved through the years into much more interesting and deep characters, it was nice to see how they started. The vilain stories were probably the most interesting ones, with the most interesting being the classic "The Man Behind the Red Hood", which gave the readers a first glimpse at Joker's origin. The least good stories were the ones involving Batman's gadgets. I found these ones unbelievably boring. I know many people love Batman's gadgets and his utility belt etc, but I never cared for any of that stuff. Other than that, something else that I enjoyed was how silly most of the stories are. Even stories that don't include apes and dogs dressed as Batman were pretty silly, but always in a fun way. Furthermore, many of these stories inspired Grant Morrison for their incredible Batman run and I particularly enjoyed seeing where they drew their inspiration from.
Overall, this is a very enjoyable collection. Not all stories are great, but it was fun to read a more carefree and not so dark and brooding version of Batman.
8/10
This is a collection of various Batman stories from the fifties. The book is separated into a four sections. At first there are the "classic tales" which are actually mostly stories about Batman's gadgets. After that, there's the "Bat-Family" section, which includes various stories with different friends and associates of Batman, like the well known Batwoman, or lesser known characters like the Bat-Ape. Then there's the "Villains" section, which consists of stories with Batman's villains and finally, there are the "Tales from Beyond", which are sci-fi stories. In the fifties the sci-fi genre became immensely popular and the Batman stories of the time reflect that.
This is a fun collection. This is probably the word that can most accurately describe the stories of this collection, fun. They certainly aren't particularly smart, or deep, but they are enjoyable. Of course, it takes a while to get used to the writing style of that period, because every panel has either meaningless dialogue that describes exactly what's happening, or narration boxes that do the same thing, or in some very unfortunate occasions, both. The writing style, as well as the artwork, are consistent throughout the book, even though the writers and the artists change between stories. The stories are almost always interesting and it was nice to see early appearances (or, in some occasions, the first appearances) of some of Batman's well known enemies and friends. For instance, both Batwoman's and Mr. Freeze's first appearances are included in this collection and while they both evolved through the years into much more interesting and deep characters, it was nice to see how they started. The vilain stories were probably the most interesting ones, with the most interesting being the classic "The Man Behind the Red Hood", which gave the readers a first glimpse at Joker's origin. The least good stories were the ones involving Batman's gadgets. I found these ones unbelievably boring. I know many people love Batman's gadgets and his utility belt etc, but I never cared for any of that stuff. Other than that, something else that I enjoyed was how silly most of the stories are. Even stories that don't include apes and dogs dressed as Batman were pretty silly, but always in a fun way. Furthermore, many of these stories inspired Grant Morrison for their incredible Batman run and I particularly enjoyed seeing where they drew their inspiration from.
Overall, this is a very enjoyable collection. Not all stories are great, but it was fun to read a more carefree and not so dark and brooding version of Batman.
8/10
December 10, 2024
The wackiest Batman.
July 16, 2023
Weird but wonderful. I was consistently impressed by the writing. Sure, the stories are goofy, but the plots are well constructed and enjoyable.
February 19, 2022
Some may find 50s Batman cheesy and...he is. But I personally like the fun side of Batman more than the dark and gritty. These stories, though, campy, have their own wit and charm to them. Fans of Adam West's take on the Caped Crusader should find this collection worthwhile.
April 16, 2022
I enjoyed this! I actually purchased it to read to my grandchildren, because I was certain that Batman of the 50s would be a much brighter, "happier" Batman than the Batman of more recent decades. That was true and there are plenty of stories that I can read to my grandchildren. I may not read the ones about Batwoman, whose "weaponry" all relates to cosmetics, though!
Batman was introduced in 1939 and all his big foes (Joker, Riddler, Penguin, Two Face and Mr. Zero*) were already around. Some other interesting characters, such as the Bat-Ape, Ace the Bat-Hound and Bat-Mite, make appearances as well. This collection is enjoyable, with plenty of "futuristic" illustrations and amazing amounts of exposition by the characters (Robin says, "Great Scott! The beast is breaking down the wall gates, Batman!" as we see the beast breaking down the wall gates). In general, it's great stuff for young boys or old men who are nostalgic for the Batman and Robin of the 1960s TV series.
*Later renamed Mr. Freeze
Batman was introduced in 1939 and all his big foes (Joker, Riddler, Penguin, Two Face and Mr. Zero*) were already around. Some other interesting characters, such as the Bat-Ape, Ace the Bat-Hound and Bat-Mite, make appearances as well. This collection is enjoyable, with plenty of "futuristic" illustrations and amazing amounts of exposition by the characters (Robin says, "Great Scott! The beast is breaking down the wall gates, Batman!" as we see the beast breaking down the wall gates). In general, it's great stuff for young boys or old men who are nostalgic for the Batman and Robin of the 1960s TV series.
*Later renamed Mr. Freeze
October 6, 2021
DC has been reissuing some of their historical reprint books. In the early 2000s, they did a series of Superman and Batman books by decade, including the Forties, Fifties, Sixties, and Seventies. So far in 2021, they’ve re-released Superman in the Fifties and Batman in the Fifties, and published the first-ever (to my knowledge) similar Wonder Woman book, Wonder Woman in the Fifties.
But don’t think you already have this book, if you own the original version. This new edition has 336 pages compared to the original’s 192. While DC has chosen to keep the original introduction by Batman movie executive producer Michael Uslan, some more stories have been added, and the layout has changed a bit. Also both the Superman and Batman books have spiffy covers by Michael Cho, originally created for Action Comics 1000 and Detective Comics 1000.
The Fifties are a bizarre decade for the Caped Crusader, and this volume features that. There’s some great work by writer Bill Finger and artists Dick Sprang, Lew Sayre Schwartz, and Sheldon Moldoff, that include key Batman villains such as Joker, Catwoman, Two-Face, and Mr. Zero (Mr. Freeze). There’s also new members of the Bat-Family, like Batwoman, Bat-Mite, and Ace the Bat-Hound. And—for better or worse—this volume includes a concise look at the “sci-fi” era of Batman, something attempted by editor Jack Schiff to try and stem the tide of falling sales. Batman would be saved in the 1960s by the campy TV show and the title would be reinvented by the likes of editor Julius Schwartz, writer Denny O’Neill and artist Neal Adams, into the 1970s, but Batman in the Fifties remains a charming showcase of a very different era in a slickly-produced book.
But don’t think you already have this book, if you own the original version. This new edition has 336 pages compared to the original’s 192. While DC has chosen to keep the original introduction by Batman movie executive producer Michael Uslan, some more stories have been added, and the layout has changed a bit. Also both the Superman and Batman books have spiffy covers by Michael Cho, originally created for Action Comics 1000 and Detective Comics 1000.
The Fifties are a bizarre decade for the Caped Crusader, and this volume features that. There’s some great work by writer Bill Finger and artists Dick Sprang, Lew Sayre Schwartz, and Sheldon Moldoff, that include key Batman villains such as Joker, Catwoman, Two-Face, and Mr. Zero (Mr. Freeze). There’s also new members of the Bat-Family, like Batwoman, Bat-Mite, and Ace the Bat-Hound. And—for better or worse—this volume includes a concise look at the “sci-fi” era of Batman, something attempted by editor Jack Schiff to try and stem the tide of falling sales. Batman would be saved in the 1960s by the campy TV show and the title would be reinvented by the likes of editor Julius Schwartz, writer Denny O’Neill and artist Neal Adams, into the 1970s, but Batman in the Fifties remains a charming showcase of a very different era in a slickly-produced book.
January 5, 2018
When the Batman television series burst into the entertainment world in the 1960s, the word most commonly used to describe it was “camp.” It had many silly, nonsensical visual aspects and the dialog was simplistic. Even the theme song was minimal, catchy tune with no real lyrics. Media critics panned it, but people that followed the character knew that what appeared in the show was in many ways a continuation of the aspects of the comic book.
That view is solidified when reading this collection of stories that appeared in the Batman comic of the 1950s. The characters, both good and evil, are shallow and the dialog shows little imagination. It is easy to see the continuous thread from these stories to the television show.
Some of the oddest characters in these stories are Bat-Mite, the Batman of the year 3054, the Batman of Planet X and Bat-Hound. People knowledgeable in the history of comics will understand that the taming down of the stories was a reaction to the national hysteria that blamed comics for the rise in juvenile delinquency. This book is a demonstration that censorship is often equivalent to a dumbing down of the quality.
That view is solidified when reading this collection of stories that appeared in the Batman comic of the 1950s. The characters, both good and evil, are shallow and the dialog shows little imagination. It is easy to see the continuous thread from these stories to the television show.
Some of the oddest characters in these stories are Bat-Mite, the Batman of the year 3054, the Batman of Planet X and Bat-Hound. People knowledgeable in the history of comics will understand that the taming down of the stories was a reaction to the national hysteria that blamed comics for the rise in juvenile delinquency. This book is a demonstration that censorship is often equivalent to a dumbing down of the quality.
February 20, 2016
The 1950s are not well thought of by most Batman fans, because of the explosion in the supporting cast (Batwoman, Bat-Hound, Batmite) and the SF adventures (the ones included in this book show Bats really didn't work well in that genre). Still, there's a lot to like—the quirky art, some interesting villains, the occasional straight mystery story, and I actually like the original Batwoman. However, like so much old comics material, YMMV.
November 10, 2020
Batman stories from the 1950s are gloriously insane. Especially when Dick Sprang gets the art pencil.
From time travelers to Bat Mite to a nifty little Two Face tale, this is just good fun.
From time travelers to Bat Mite to a nifty little Two Face tale, this is just good fun.
May 28, 2024
Were the stories ridiculous? Yep. But a lot of them were also lots of fun. Remember it is the 50s and the art is subpar at best. Remember it is the 50s and these were written for a young audience. Remember it was the 50s and the comic code was forcing Batman to be lighter and the space race made editors think Batman needed to be more sci fi (wrong). But putting all that aside - as someone who loves the history of comics - this collection contains a lot of classic tales that are must reads for people who like the history of Batman,
Some firsts: Bat mite, Bat woman, Mr. Zero (aka Mr. Freeze), international Batmen, Batman from ZUR-EN-ARRH, future Batman, future Joker Rekoj, Red Hood (one of the best tales in the collection), Killer Moth, Ace the Bat Hound, Mogo the Bat-Ape, Thomas Wayne the First Batman.
You also get: Two-face, Catwoman, 1000 Batarangs, the new Batmobile, Superman team ups and (the silliest) The Rainbow Batman. Why is Batman changing the colour of his uniform for every mission this week? For the stupidest reason ever! But still a fan favourite for its absurdity.
Even with all its silliness, I appreciated how many of these stories focus on Batman being a detective. It is nice to see his team work with Robin. Oddly (for me) there is little in the way of other supporting characters...Alfred is barely seen, Commissioner Gordon is rarely used.
So while these are by no means great Batman stories they are tonnes of fun and thrilled me from a historical perspective. Great collection.
Some firsts: Bat mite, Bat woman, Mr. Zero (aka Mr. Freeze), international Batmen, Batman from ZUR-EN-ARRH, future Batman, future Joker Rekoj, Red Hood (one of the best tales in the collection), Killer Moth, Ace the Bat Hound, Mogo the Bat-Ape, Thomas Wayne the First Batman.
You also get: Two-face, Catwoman, 1000 Batarangs, the new Batmobile, Superman team ups and (the silliest) The Rainbow Batman. Why is Batman changing the colour of his uniform for every mission this week? For the stupidest reason ever! But still a fan favourite for its absurdity.
Even with all its silliness, I appreciated how many of these stories focus on Batman being a detective. It is nice to see his team work with Robin. Oddly (for me) there is little in the way of other supporting characters...Alfred is barely seen, Commissioner Gordon is rarely used.
So while these are by no means great Batman stories they are tonnes of fun and thrilled me from a historical perspective. Great collection.
June 29, 2022
This book collects 27 Batman stories from the 1950s. I enjoyed it for the nostalgia value, though some of the stories were fairly corny compared to some of the more modern incarnations. Though this was the era of the Comics Code Authority, and I did like the fact that the stories weren't as dark as some of the recent ones. A lot of the cutting-edge gadgets and scientific breakthroughs aren't cutting-edge anymore, but they must have been exciting for kids reading them in the 50s.
We find out the origins of some of Batman's enemies, like the Joker, Two-Face, Killer Moth and Catwoman. There are also a couple of stories featuring Batwoman, who foils crooks with trick powder compacts and perfume. There's no sign yet of Batgirl. There are also a few sci-fi tales that capitalised on trends of the times. Political correctness wasn't on the horizon, so Batwoman faces sexist remarks about what a woman can and can't do. Batman is given his first Batarang from an Australian ranger who throws boomerangs, and of course he's not an indigenous ranger.
Overall, some of the stories are pretty silly and the political incorrectness bothered me on occasion. But if you remember these stories were written in the 1950s and see them as a snapshot of pop culture at the time, there are some interesting moments.
We find out the origins of some of Batman's enemies, like the Joker, Two-Face, Killer Moth and Catwoman. There are also a couple of stories featuring Batwoman, who foils crooks with trick powder compacts and perfume. There's no sign yet of Batgirl. There are also a few sci-fi tales that capitalised on trends of the times. Political correctness wasn't on the horizon, so Batwoman faces sexist remarks about what a woman can and can't do. Batman is given his first Batarang from an Australian ranger who throws boomerangs, and of course he's not an indigenous ranger.
Overall, some of the stories are pretty silly and the political incorrectness bothered me on occasion. But if you remember these stories were written in the 1950s and see them as a snapshot of pop culture at the time, there are some interesting moments.
August 19, 2018
Published before my time, I mostly bought it as it was such a bargain at Ollie's. I am more of a DC fan over Marvel, and after I saw that the trade paperbacks were being sold at a deep discount, I bought up quite a few. The stories were childish, which has its own appeal. Not only are the stories formulaic, but they are improbable on their own terms. For example, someone creates a huge mechanical monster to protect a bed of oysters containing rare pearls ... I can't see the pearls really returning enough on that particular investment. This really doesn't matter for me - as an adult, you notice these things, but I discount the ridiculousness for the opportunity to glimpse a different era's art and interests as expressed in its stories. The fashions, cars, buildings, and popular culture of the fifties are all portrayed here, if in a sanitized form.
December 28, 2024
How long have we been waiting to look back on the Dark Knight Detective's past now? When I read this, I was happy to have waited. I wasn't really sure what to expect. I remember as a kid loving the old superhero comix from years and decades back before I even existed, but I read some of them again recently in this collection and, although there are still some moments of magic, they just weren't as great as anyone who lived in the fifties still remembers. It's like a mix of old Batman and the new style of Superman at the time.
May 13, 2022
I love the variations of batman and the innocence of the time as well. The crimes were bad of course and yet somewhat quirky.
Joker makes an appearance as does catwoman.
Batwoman was interesting, i do remember a keane but from the archie comics family.
I still winced when I read the bits where the women were on one hand elevated (considering the time) and stereotyped. Check out Batwoman's utility belt and you will know what I mean.
Joker makes an appearance as does catwoman.
Batwoman was interesting, i do remember a keane but from the archie comics family.
I still winced when I read the bits where the women were on one hand elevated (considering the time) and stereotyped. Check out Batwoman's utility belt and you will know what I mean.
August 17, 2022
Once the comics code went into effect there was no idea too outlandish (or ridiculously stupid) to turn into a Batman story. I was fine with this in the Superman Fifties collection, but some of these stories made very little sense. Still, I love this period of comics. It’s just hard to imagine there weren’t better selections than some of these.
March 4, 2024
Interesting
Not exactly what I usually read, but it was definitely different. And I was able to see what society was like before I was born. Want to know what society is like? Read the literature. Comics are the easiest and most fascinating. I would say much better than the TV program.
Not exactly what I usually read, but it was definitely different. And I was able to see what society was like before I was born. Want to know what society is like? Read the literature. Comics are the easiest and most fascinating. I would say much better than the TV program.
November 21, 2025
Simple; But UnExpected ( ! )
The stories are often simplistic & are filled with conveniences that succeed in driving The story forward, But they are also packed with unforeseeable bits of nonsense that only this format would allow for, plus The illustrations often betray any sense of composition that allow for all The information to be packed in, & remain intelligible ( ! )
The stories are often simplistic & are filled with conveniences that succeed in driving The story forward, But they are also packed with unforeseeable bits of nonsense that only this format would allow for, plus The illustrations often betray any sense of composition that allow for all The information to be packed in, & remain intelligible ( ! )
June 29, 2018
Although the 1950's wasn't the best time for comics once the comics code was in place, there were a few bright spots. For me, Ace the Bat Hound is one of them. Some of the stories here are beyond hokey, however, if you're in the right frame of mind they can be pretty entertaining.
February 6, 2018
Cheesy batman comics.
October 2, 2018
Interesting time in the fifties with Ace the Bat-Hound, Bat-Mite, Bat-Woman, Mr. Zero (later Mr. Freeze), traveling through space and time.
Read
April 4, 2022a great overview of what has to be the most ludicrous decade in Batman's entire history. none of these stories make any sense.
August 3, 2022
An interesting mix of silly, light-hearted stories.
December 17, 2022
Bonkers, brilliant stuff from a simpler time.
May 26, 2023
Still enjoy the laid-back Batman where anything can happen, and we are done in one issue.
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