Batman in the Forties

    (DC, 2004)
™ and © DC Comics, Inc.

This priced-to-move trade paperback reprints tales of the Dark Night Detective from his first generation. Aside from his ubiquitous debut, the editors have avoided oft-reprinted stories, leaving plenty of material that is new to all but the most die-hard bat-fans.

The first appearances of The Joker and The Catwoman from Batman #1 are not included, but they each have a tale. (Catwoman is Elva Barr, rather than Selina Kyle.) The Mad Hatter, Clayface, and Two-Face also make appearances. Conspicuously absent are The Riddler (a minor villain in the Golden Age) and The Penguin.

There’s quite a lot to recommend this volume, from Batman being officially deputized to the first appearance of snoopy journalist Lois Lane—excuse me, Vicki Vale. Solo tales of Robin and Alfred add to the flavor of the era. If nothing else, you can learn where that giant penny came from!

If you’ve only read the many reprints from Detective #27 and Batman #1, you’ll discover here how much more the Golden Age has to offer!

— Jack Abramowitz
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  • 1
    #1
    May 2004
    Cover: $19.95
    W: Bill Finger, Gardner Fox, Jack Schiff  ·  A: Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson, Jim Mooney, Win Mortimer, Jack Burnley
    Batman #15; Batman #20; Batman #31; Batman #37; Batman #47; Batman #48; Batman #49; Batman #7; Detective Comics #27; Detective Comics #33; Detective Comics #38; Detective Comics #49; Detective Comics #80; Newspapers Jun23-Aug 18 1946; Real Fact Comics #5; Star-Spangled Comics #70; World’s Finest Comics #30
    1 copy for $15.50