The History of Batman Comic Books
The first Batman comic book was issued by DC comics in the spring of 1940. Issue number one retailed for the pricey sum of 10c. Today that same issue may be worth as much as $227,600.00 in mint condition; even a very poor copy may fetch as much as $1800.00. Children were amazed with Batman comic books back then. Nothing has changed, those same children are still amazed with Batman comic books, they just may be a little older, and their children also share in the love of Batman comic books, and their children too. In fact Batman comics books are so phenomenally popular Comic Buyers Guide conducted a survey to determine the best of what the last hundred years had to offer. Batman won the votes as the most popular comic book character of the last century. This in no small feat considering the competition includes Superman, Spiderman, and so many more. Batman himself made an appearance in Detective Comics issue 27. Today this issue is valued between $2,840.00 and an astounding $606,400.00. It was May 1939 when 22 year old Bob Kane, who had been creating fill-in cartoons for DC Comics, was asked to create a superhero as enduring as Superman. Kane claims inspiration from a Leonardo da Vinci sketch of a man attempting flight, a 1930s silent movie, “the bat whisperer” and the masked heroes from “The Shadow of Zorro”. Batman's scripts were inspired from popular pulp fiction of the 1930s. Bob Kane, a gifted cartoon writer and drawer indicated that he did not have the time to completely develop the character and scripts, collaborated with Bill Finger who wrote the scripts from shared ideas. It was in fact Bill Finger that suggested the famous Batman cowl as opposed to an original dominoes mask Kane had earlier considered glove, and a cape instead of Kanes bat wings. It is interesting that Batman’s costume today is often filled with red designs in agreement alterations were made to Bob Kanes original costume design to change red sections he had imagined to the steel grey that was symbolic as Batman for most of Batman’s history. Batman enduring success has been attributed to the fact that unlike other superheroes Batman possesses no super powers. In Bob Kane’s own words Batman is Mr. Average, “he could bleed and die...he fights for the oppressed. He battles for everybody”. No superpowers! Batman makes use of his wealth, advanced intellect and keen detective skills. Certainly much of the interest in batman comic books is due to the popularity of the inspired 1960’s Batman television series, and later motion pictures. The first Batman story in Detective Comics #27 was called “The case of the Chemical Syndicate”, and showed Batman as a strong willed character with no remorse in maiming or killing criminals, and certainly the lack of super powers saw Batman using firearms from time to time. Batman’s character did develop in later strips, his character was revealed by issue #33, and he was also given a utility bet in which to hold other interesting crime fighting devices in detective Comics issue #29.The unforgettable bat mobile was introduced in issue #31. Batman’s loyal sidekick Robin was introduced in Detective Comics issue #38. Well batman did need Robin for someone to talk to, just like Sherlock needed his Watson. The first issue of Batman’s own comic book series saw the introduction of the Joker and CatWoman, and significantly the end of cold hearted gun slinging Batman. It was due to the social environment that Batman began to really mellow and the establishment of the Comics Code Authority saw a sweeter Batman character relying on science fiction to do the KerPows, and Bams. In 1964, Batman almost came to real grief when sales plummeted, thankfully intervention instead presented a whole new look and contemporary Batman. The debut of the Batman television series in 1966 ensured Batman’s continued growth, but eventual waning when bright Batman wore thin. Batman was saved again in 1969 by Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams who deliberately defied the bright new looks for a return of the dark side. While fans were thrilled with the return of the original intention comic book sales however did not do so well with a steady decline until the 1980s The Dark night Returns in 1986 with modern batman. Soon to follow were more movies and box office hits. For a character whose popularity is attributed to the fact that he can bleed and die, Batman certainly has a way of suggesting life just keeps on going, when the chips are down and Batman is almost out, you can be sure that is not the end. Gavin Roberts has grown up with comic books and has compiled a massive comic book collection. He has also created an Online Comic Book Store that showcases thousands of constantly updated comic books. Check out some "Batman Comics or any other of your favorite comics at http://onlinecomicbookstore.net Source: www.isnare.com
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