On March 30, 1939, a new superhero made his debut on newsstands across the nation, forever changing the world of comic books. Detective Comics No. 27, dated May 1939, introduced readers to the Batman, a mysterious figure dressed in a cape and cowl, swinging through the air on a rope, holding a criminal in a headlock. The cover boldly declared, “Starting this issue, the amazing and unique adventures of the Batman!”
 
 
 
 
The first six-page story, penned by Bill Finger and illustrated by Bob Kane, also revealed Batman’s alter ego, millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne. As the series progressed, the creators would equip the Dark Knight with an array of groundbreaking gadgets that would become synonymous with his crime-fighting persona: the Batarang boomerang, the Batgyro one-man helicopter, and the Batplane, each introduced in subsequent issues.
In April 1940, Batman’s dynamic partnership with his young sidekick, Robin, the Boy Wonder (Dick Grayson), was unveiled in Detective Comics No. 38. This marked the beginning of the duo’s fight against Gotham City’s most dangerous criminals. Not long after, Batman got his own title with Batman No. 1, released on April 25, 1940. The cover featured both Batman and Robin, and the issue also introduced two of Gotham’s most infamous villains—The Joker and Catwoman (then known simply as the Cat).
 
 
 
 
Batman’s appeal quickly transcended the pages of comics. By the 1960s, the Caped Crusader made his way to television with a campy, lighthearted TV show, followed by numerous movie adaptations. Over the decades, Batman’s presence in popular culture only grew stronger, cementing his place as one of the most beloved superheroes of all time.
The enduring popularity of Batman has driven the value of original copies of Detective Comics No. 27 to astronomical heights. In April 2024, a pristine copy of the iconic comic sold at auction for a record-breaking $1.825 million. Batman’s legacy continues to thrive, proving that the Dark Knight will always have a place in the hearts of fans, old and new.
 
The video below is from Comicbook.com – That Collectibles Show – showcasing every Batman comic. 
 

 
 
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