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Issue: Batman #1
Publication Date: January 1940
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Disclose Detail
Issues: #1 of 715 Issues (1343 Printings)
Title:
Variant: Cover Number with Period
Rating: [no rating]
Publisher: FlagDC
Brand: A DC PublicationView Brand Images2
Indicia Publisher: Detective Comics, Inc.
On Sale Date: 04/24/1940
Volume: none
Pages: 68
ISBN: none
UPC/EAN: none
Price: $0.10 USD
Indicia Frequency:
Content Items: 17 (9 stories, 1 cover)
Editor(s): Whitney Ellsworth (uncredited)
Disclose Notes: The on-sale date is the publication date reported in the U. S. Copyright Office filing found at the Catalog of Copyright Entries, Part 2, Periodicals, New Series, Volume 35, 1940, Number 2. Class B periodical. Copyright number B 455005. On-sale on April 25th per house ad in Detective Comics #39.

Indicia: Batman No. 1 * Spring 1940 Issue
Published quarterly by DETECTIVE COMICS, INC. 480 Lexington Avenue, New York, N. Y.
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Disclose Format
Publication Type: Comic Book
Color: color
Dimensions: standard Golden Age, then Silver Age, then standard Modern Age U.S.
Paper Stock:  
Binding: saddle-stitched
Publishing Format: was ongoing series
Format Notes:  
Disclose Variants2
Disclose Reprinted In64
Disclose Reprinted From2
Disclose Images4
Cover, Front
Original Artwork
Digital Edition
Adult Image
Title Page
Indicia on this Page
Notation
Needs Cropping
 
 
Cover, Front
Original Artwork
Digital Edition
Adult Image
Title Page
Indicia on this Page
 
 
Cover, Front
Original Artwork
Digital Edition
Adult Image
Title Page
Indicia on this Page
 
 
Cover, Front
Original Artwork
Digital Edition
Adult Image
Title Page
Indicia on this Page
 
 
Assets1
Indicia
 
 
spacer
Disclose Content Items (17 total)
Disclose Issue Images
[untitled]

Illustration  on  Cover, Front
Credits
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): typeset
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
Character(s): Batman [Bruce Wayne]; Robin [Dick Grayson]
First Line: All brand new adventures of The Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder!
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagBatman from the Thirties to the Seventies #73-168329 published October 1971
as Batman No. 1 Spring 1940 [Cover Reprint (on Interior Page) on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #F-6 (F-5) published December 1974
as [untitled] [Illustration on Cover, Front]
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #F-6 (F-5) published December 1974
as [untitled] [Cover Reprint (on Interior Page) on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told #[1] published August 1988
as Our Darkest Knight [Foreword, Introduction, Preface, Afterword on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told #[nn] published June 1989
as Our Darkest Knight [Foreword, Introduction, Preface, Afterword on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagBatman: The Dark Knight Archives #1 [unnamed variant] published July 1992
as Batman #1 [Cover Reprint (on Interior Page) on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagBatman: The Dark Knight Archives #1 [unnamed variant] published July 1992
as Cover reprints [Illustration on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Batman No. 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published February 2001
as The Debut Issue of Batman [Illustration on Cover, Front]
In Content Item: FlagThe Batman Chronicles #1 [First Printing] published May 2005
as Batman #1 [Cover Reprint (on Interior Page) on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose
Boys! G-Man Outfit

Advertisement  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Penciller(s): ?
Inker(s): ?
Letterer(s): typeset
Subject Matter
Feature(s): The Crowell-Collier Publishing Co.
First Line: Earn this thrilling prize or any of 300 others and make spending money every week, besides!
Synopsis: Ad for winning prizes from the Crowell-Collier Publishing Co., Springfield Ohio.
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Inside front cover. Also includes indicia.
Disclose
The Legend of the Batman--Who He Is and How He Came to Be!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Colorist(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
Character(s): Batman [Bruce Wayne] (origin); Thomas Wayne (Bruce's father, death, flashback); Martha Wayne (Bruce's mother, death, flashback); Joe Chill (villain, un-named)
First Line: One night some fifteen years ago, Thomas Wayne, his wife and his son were walking home from a movie...
Synopsis: Bruce Wayne's parents are murdered by a cheap crook, and young Bruce vows to avenge their deaths by warring on all criminals.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagThe Great Comic Book Heroes #[nn] published January 1965
as The Legend of the Batman -- Who He Is and How He Came to Be [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagBatman #D2939 published March 1966
as The Legend of the Batman [Story on Interior Page(s)]first 2 pages, as modified for Batman #1
In Content Item: FlagBatman from the Thirties to the Seventies #73-168329 published October 1971
as The Legend of the Batman--Who He Is and How He Came to Be! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #F-6 (F-5) published December 1974
as The Legend of the Batman - Who He Is and How He Came to Be! [Story on Interior Page(s)]in this form
In Content Item: FlagSecret Origins of the Super DC Heroes #[nn] published January 1976
as The Legend of the Batman--Who He Is and How He Came to Be! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagLynvingen #6/1976 published June 1976
as Legenden om Lynvingen [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagCaped Crusader Classics! #1 published August 1988
as The Legend of the Batman - Who He Is And How He Came To Be! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagBatman: The Dark Knight Archives #1 [unnamed variant] published July 1992
as The Legend of the Batman - Who He Is and How He Came to Be! [Story on Interior Page(s)]story in this form
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Batman No. 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published February 2001
as The Legend of the Batman--Who He Is and How He Came to Be! [Story on Interior Page(s)]story in this form
In Content Item: FlagKlassiker der Comic-Literatur #7 published January 2005
as Die Legende von Batman - wer er ist und wie er entstand [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Batman Chronicles #1 [First Printing] published May 2005
as The Legend of Batman--Who He Is and How He Came To Be [Story on Interior Page(s)]
From Content Item: FlagDetective Comics #33 published November 1939
was The Batman Wars against the Dirigible of Doom [Story on Interior Page(s)]first two pages only
From Content Item: FlagDetective Comics #34 published December 1939
was Peril in Paris [Story on Interior Page(s)]splash panel
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 2
Disclose
The Joker

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Colorist(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
Character(s): Batman [Bruce Wayne]; Robin [Dick Grayson]; Henry (radio listener); Henry Claridge (millionaire, death); Mrs. Claridge (Henry's wife); un-named Police Chief; Jay Wilde (death); Judge Drake (death); Otto Drexel (mention only); The Joker (villain, introduction); Brute Nelson (villain, death)
First Line: Once again a master criminal stalks the city streets -- a criminal weaving a web of death about him...
Synopsis: Batman faces a new criminal who succeeds in killing famous men and stealing their prized possessions, leaving them all with a smile on their face.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagThe Great Comic Book Heroes #[nn] published January 1965
as Batman Meets the Joker [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagBatman from the Thirties to the Seventies #73-168329 published October 1971
as The Joker [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #F-6 (F-5) published December 1974
as The Joker [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Greatest Joker Stories Ever Told #[nn] published February 1988
as Batman vs. the Joker [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Greatest Joker Stories Ever Told #[nn] published January 1989
as Batman vs. the Joker [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagStacked Deck: The Greatest Joker Stories Ever Told #[nn] published November 1990
as Batman Versus the Joker [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagBatman: The Dark Knight Archives #1 [unnamed variant] published July 1992
as The Joker [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Batman No. 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published February 2001
as The Joker [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagKlassiker der Comic-Literatur #7 published January 2005
as Der Joker [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Batman Chronicles #1 [First Printing] published May 2005
as The Joker [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Joker: The Greatest Stories Ever Told #[nn] published August 2008
as Batman Versus the Joker [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 13
Disclose Notes: First line: "Once again a master criminal stalks the city streets -- a criminal weaving a web of death about him..."

There is an earlier chronological appearance (and origin) of the Joker in Detective Comics #168.
Disclose
[untitled]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): Paul Gustavson (signed)
Penciller(s): Paul Gustavson (signed)
Inker(s): Paul Gustavson (signed)
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): Paul Gustavson
Subject Matter
Genres: humorous, western
Feature(s): Major Bigsbe an' Botts
Character(s): Major Bigsbe; Botts; unnamed Sheriff
First Line: Yippe-e!" "Hey-cut that out!" "Waho-o-o!
Synopsis: Having bought the Bar Q Ranch, Major Bigsbe decides to celebrate by shootin' off his pistols and lands in jail.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #F-6 (F-5) published December 1974
as [untitled] [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Batman No. 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published February 2001
as [untitled] [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 2
Disclose
The Giants of Hugo Strange

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Colorist(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
Character(s): Batman [Bruce Wayne]; Professor Hugo Strange (villain); Monster Men (villains, all die)
First Line: While an innocent metropolis sleeps little does it realize that huge, terrifying man-monsters shall soon stalk the streets and bring to them havoc and destruction.
Synopsis: The Batman faces an arch criminal who has invented a serum to create a race of giant monsters and nearly becomes one of them himself.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #F-6 (F-5) published December 1974
as The Giants of Hugo Strange [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told #[1] published August 1988
as Dr. Hugo Strange and the Mutant Monsters [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told #[nn] published December 1988
as Dr. Hugo Strange and the Mutant Monsters [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told #[nn] published June 1989
as Dr. Hugo Strange and the Mutant Monsters [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagBatman: The Dark Knight Archives #1 [unnamed variant] published July 1992
as Professor Hugo Strange and the Monsters [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Batman No. 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published February 2001
as The Giants of Hugo Strange [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Batman Chronicles #1 [First Printing] published May 2005
as The Giants of Hugo Strange [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 12
Disclose Notes: First line: "While an innocent metropolis sleeps little does it realize that huge, terrifying man-monsters shall soon stalk the streets..."

This story was originally prepared for Detective Comics #38, but with the introduction of Robin in that issue, the story [sans Robin] was published here.

Oddity: Machine guns are mounted on the Batplane, which are used to kill.
Disclose
Strictly Publicity

Text Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): typeset
Subject Matter
Genres: crime
Character(s): The Chief; Terry Gallant
First Line: "It just isn't possible!" The Chief was saying.
Synopsis: Detective Terry Gallant proves to his Chief that the late Barton Barlow had killed himself with a gun in a most mysterious way.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #F-6 (F-5) published December 1974
as Strictly Publicity [Text Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Batman No. 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published February 2001
as Strictly Publicity [Text Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose
Meet the Artist!

Text Article  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Penciller(s): ? (photo)
Inker(s): ? (photo)
Colorist(s): ? (photo shaded in magenta)
Letterer(s): typeset
Subject Matter
Genres: informational
Character(s): Bob Kane (photo)
First Line: Readers, meet Bob Kane, creator of The Batman!
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #F-6 (F-5) published December 1974
as Meet the Artist! [Text Article on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Biography of Batman creator, Bob Kane.
Disclose
The Cat

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Colorist(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
Character(s): Batman [Bruce Wayne]; Robin [Dick Grayson]; John Travers; Martha Travers; Dr. Wallace; un-named ship steward; un-named Captain (of "The Dolphin"); The Cat [Selina Kyle, Miss Peggs] (villain, introduction, see notes); Denny (villain)
First Line: Among the guests walks a young steward... Dick Grayson who is in reality... Robin the Boy Wonder!
Synopsis: Batman and Robin take a trip aboard an exclusive yacht in order to prevent the theft of the Travers necklace at the hands of the Cat.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #F-6 (F-5) published December 1974
as The Cat [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told #2 published July 1992
as The Cat [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told #2 published July 1992
as The Cat [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagBatman: The Dark Knight Archives #1 [unnamed variant] published July 1992
as The Cat [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Batman No. 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published February 2001
as The Cat [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Batman Chronicles #1 [First Printing] published May 2005
as The Cat [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 13
Disclose Notes: First line: "Among the guests walks a young steward..."

The Cat was later renamed Cat-Woman or Catwoman in next issue; earlier chronological appearance was in issue #52 and in Brave and the Bold #197.
Disclose
The 'Big Six' Comics Magazines Still Lead the Field!

Promotional Material (from Publisher)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Penciller(s): ? (various)
Inker(s): ? (various)
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): typeset
Subject Matter
Genres: science fiction, superhero
Character(s): Superman [Clark Kent]; Sandman [Wesley Dodds]; Ultra-Man; Spectre [Jim Corrigan]; Flash [Jay Garrick]; Batman [Bruce Wayne]
First Line: Watch for these headline features every month!
Synopsis: Illustrated promotional ad for Action Comics, Adventure Comics, Detective Comics, More Fun Comics, Flash Comics, and All-American Comics, and their headline features.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #F-6 (F-5) published December 1974
as The 'Big Six' Comics Magazines Still Lead the Field! [Promotional Material (from Publisher) on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose
Two Aces

Text Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): typeset
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Character(s): Lt. Bill Wayne; Doctor Synce; von Berket (villain, death)
First Line: Visibility excellent; ceiling unlimited.
Synopsis: Inventor Doctor Synce gets Navy flier Wayne to fly secret plans from Pensacola, Florida to the coast, when the pilot runs up against an old adversary and ace from years before.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #F-6 (F-5) published December 1974
as Two Aces [Text Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Batman No. 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published February 2001
as Two Aces [Text Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 2
Disclose
[untitled]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): Bob Kane [as Ted Raye] (signed)
Penciller(s): Bob Kane [as Ted Raye] (signed)
Inker(s): Bob Kane [as Ted Raye] (signed)
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): Bob Kane ?
Subject Matter
Genres: humorous
Feature(s): Ginger Snap
Character(s): Ginger Snap; Uncle Zep; un-named soda jerk
First Line: Gosh! And only ten cents!
Synopsis: Uncle Zep takes Ginger to the soda shop for a soda, but ends up drinking way too many himself!
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #F-6 (F-5) published December 1974
as [untitled] [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Batman No. 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published February 2001
as [untitled] [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 2
Disclose
[untitled]

Cartoon  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): George Papp
Penciller(s): George Papp [as Geo. Papp] (signed)
Inker(s): George Papp [as Geo. Papp] (signed)
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: informational
Feature(s): Fantastic Facts
Character(s): Jack Dempsey
First Line: In Egypt they say "How are you sweating"? instead of "How is your health"?
Synopsis: Contains facts about boxer Jack Dempsey, kangaroos and "greetings and salutations."
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #F-6 (F-5) published December 1974
as [untitled] [Cartoon on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Batman No. 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published February 2001
as [untitled] [Cartoon on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose
The Joker Returns

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Colorist(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
Character(s): Batman [Bruce Wayne]; Robin [Dick Grayson]; Commissioner James Gordon; Chief of Police Chalmers (death); Edgar Martin (a political reformer, death); The Joker (villain)
First Line: Once again that harlequin of hate..the Joker..brings grinning death to a terrified people...
Synopsis: The Joker escapes from prison to continue his rampage of death and to steal the famed Cleopatra necklace and Fire Ruby.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #F-6 (F-5) published December 1974
as The Joker Returns [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagBatman: The Dark Knight Archives #1 [unnamed variant] published July 1992
as The Joker Returns [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Batman No. 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published February 2001
as The Joker Returns [Story on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Batman Chronicles #1 [First Printing] published May 2005
as The Joker Returns [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 13
Disclose Notes: First line: "Once again that harlequin of hate..the Joker..brings grinning death to a terrified people..."

As recounted in various sources, the Joker was supposed to die of his stab wound at the end of the story, but the editors decided this villain was too good to kill off, so the last panels were re-drawn to show him surviving. The last panel of the story, titled "Golden Rules for Robin's Regulars", introduces readers to "Robin's Code" of conduct.
Disclose
Detective Comics!

Promotional Material (from Publisher)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): typeset
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
Feature(s): Detective Comics
Character(s): Batman [Bruce Wayne]; Robin [Dick Grayson]; Clayface
First Line: The Batman appears in a complete episode every month in...
Synopsis: Promotional ad for Detective Comics #40, whose cover is reproduced.
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #F-6 (F-5) published December 1974
as Detective Comics [Promotional Material (from Publisher) on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose
Charlie Barnet Uses Home Recordo!

Advertisement  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Penciller(s): ?
Inker(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?; typeset
Subject Matter
Feature(s): Home Recording Co.
Character(s): Larry Taylor (photography); Charlie Barnet (photography); Bill May (photography); Bob
First Line: You, too, can make your own records if you sing or play an instrument
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Advertisement for making your own records at home, from Home Recording Company, New York, N.Y. Appears on the inside back cover.
Disclose
[untitled]

Illustration  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Colorist(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
Character(s): Batman [Bruce Wayne]; Robin [Dick Grayson]
First Line: Yours for bigger and better thrills, Batman
Reprinting
In Content Item: FlagFamous First Edition #F-6 (F-5) published December 1974
as [untitled] [Illustration on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagMillennium Edition: Batman No. 1 #[nn] [Direct Sales] published February 2001
as [untitled] [Illustration on Interior Page(s)]
In Content Item: FlagThe Batman Chronicles #2 published November 2006
as [untitled] [Illustration on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Pin-up of Batman and Robin, found on the back cover, made to cut out and frame.

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