I’ve talked a bit about crazy fantastical Batman and Robin storylines before. In Batman #41 (April 1947), we get the first truly far-out-there storyline, “Batman, Interplanetary Policeman”. Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson are identified as Batman and Robin by Martian alien scientists visiting Earth. These scientists have observed Batman and Robin for years with their […]
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In Detective Comics #122 (February 1947), the Catwoman returns again to plague Gotham City with her “black cat” crimes. Her “Kitty Car” is introduced which seems to have more power and gadgetry than the Batmobile… how?!? The story also brings back her black hair, I guess she got tired of being a blonde while in […]
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Robin replaces the Guardian and the Newsboy Legion in Star-Spangled Comics #65 (December 1946) as the main feature. The story itself is an uninspired affair in which Robin has to outwit a corrupt reform school.
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In World’s Finest #24 (July 1946), Bruce Wayne full-hand slaps Dick Grayson for spilling a cup of water on him, publicly denouncing him, and sending him back to an orphanage. Batman is Dick-less again! Of course this is so that Dick can infiltrate an orphanage and spoil some crooks’ plans. Of course all is better […]
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Bruce and Dick pay Professor Carter Nichols another visit in Batman #32 (October 1945). Prof. Nichols was introduced the previous year. He has the astounding ability to use hypnosis to send our two heroes into the past. This time they visit France in the 1600s and get involved with the Three Musketeers. I always disliked […]
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For the first time in five years, the origin story of Robin the Boy Wonder, is re-told in Batman #32 (October 1945). The story recounts how his parents were murdered and the criminals brought to justice, but it also focuses on how Dick Grayson worked hard to transform himself from circus acrobat into detective sidekick.
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Although Batman #5 (April 1941), features another tale of Bat-silliness with dragons, giants and flying carpets, it also features a separate story in which Batman finds the near-lifeless body of Robin, beaten up by criminals. He experiences terrible feelings of rage and vengeance; a dramatic departure from his silent, mysterious, and almost dispassionate first year […]
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By Detective Comics #48 (December 1940), Bob Kane and Bill Finger are starting to develop the Batman back-story a bit, giving the dynamic duo a secret tunnel leading to a seemingly abandoned barn with their “supercharged” car, called for the first time: the Bat-Mobile!
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Robin’s dream story in Detective Comics #44 (September 1940), foreshadows what I consider to be the worst era of Batman story-telling. With the introduction of Robin to the Bat-mythos, the character deviated from his noir, grim and gritty feel towards silly, fantasy stories and stayed that way for the next 25 years.
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In Detective Comics #38 (March 1940), Batman gains a youthful sidekick as he rescues the newly orphaned Dick Grayson and trains him to become Robin, the Boy Wonder. Robin was co-created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger and inker Jerry Robinson. This issue marks the start of shift to a lighter tone for Batman, one in […]
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