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An 85th ANNIVERSARY look at one of the most important comics of all time!
Last year, I wrote about the 85th anniversary of 1939’s Superman #1 and its significance in the Man of Steel’s canon for 13 things that were introduced in it.
This year, it’s the Caped Crusader’s turn because April 24 marks the 85th anniversary of 1940’s Batman #1.
House ad for Batman #1 (Spring 1940) from Detective Comics #39 (May 1940).
This monumental issue opened with a two-page reprinting of Batman’s origin from Detective Comics #33 (Nov. 1939). (In the 1991 Millennium Edition reprint of the issue, DC credited Gardner Fox as writer for the origin, but it is believed that Bill Finger was the author. The confusion likely occurred due to the origin in Detective Comics #33 being attached to the front of the Batman story in that issue, which had been written by Fox.)
Batman #1 (Spring 1940) cover art by Bob Kane, with backgrounds by Jerry Robinson.
Art by Kane. Backgrounds by Shelly Moldoff.
Art by Kane. Backgrounds by Shelly Moldoff.
While there were not 13 new things introduced in Batman #1, there were six — and two of them were characters making their first appearance who would go on to become his greatest enemy and his greatest love. Of course, I am speaking about the Joker and Catwoman.
Script by Finger. Pencilling and inking were by Kane and Robinson. Can there be any doubt the visage of the Joker was inspired by actor Conrad Veidt’s macabre makeup in the 1928 movie The Man Who Laughs?
The Joker had not only one story in this issue, but two. Like many great villains of the day, he gave warnings over the radio to his intended victims that he would murder them at a precise time. And he succeeded each time, leaving them wearing the dreaded Joker grin.
Script by Finger. Pencilling and inking by Kane and Robinson.
In the second story, the Joker escaped from jail and started a new murderous spree. (By the way check out our 85th anniversary JOKER WEEK festivities!)
Script by Finger. Art by Kane, with backgrounds by Robinson.
In the case of Catwoman, she started out in this issue as a jewel thief named “The Cat.” She would be called “Cat-woman” in the next issue. (The true identity of Selina Kyle, however, would not be revealed until Batman #62 in 1950.)
Script by Finger. Art by Kane, with backgrounds by Robinson.
It was also here that readers saw the first signs of a forthcoming relationship between the Caped Crusader and the Princess of Plunder. (Make sure you also check out our recent 85th anniversary CATWOMAN WEEK celebration!)
Script by Finger. Art by Kane, with backgrounds by Robinson.
Other firsts in this issue included the introduction of the Batplane (prior to this he had a Bat-Gyro to fly around in)…
Script by Finger. Art by Kane, with backgrounds by Robinson.
…the first biography of Bob Kane…
Not exactly truthful.
…and the back cover had the first pin-up of Batman and Robin.
Art by Kane.
The issue also carried an in-house ad picturing Detective Comics #40 (June 1940), with a cover by Kane and Robinson that was a different angle of the splash page pictured above for the second Joker tale, leading one to believe that is where the story was originally scheduled to appear.
All that for just 10 cents!
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MORE
— Dig the All-New BATMAN’S HOT-LINE! Click here.
— UNMASKED! 13 Times BATMAN Flipped His Lid. Click here.
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13th Dimension contributor-at-large PETER BOSCH’s first book, American TV Comic Books: 1940s-1980s – From the Small Screen to the Printed Page, was published by TwoMorrows. (You can buy it here.) A sequel, American Movie Comic Books: 1930s-1970s — From the Silver Screen to the Printed Page, is due in 2025. (You can pre-order here.) Peter has written articles and conducted celebrity interviews for various magazines and newspapers. He lives in Hollywood.
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