Batman: The Golden Age Vol. 1 (Detective Comics (1937-2011)) Kindle & comiXology

The beginnings of the iconic characters Batman, Robin, Joker and more. Great edition. I was thrilled that they combined the Detective Comics stories with the Batman comic book stories and listed them chronologically. The archives' editions never made much sense to me as the Detectives Comics stories were in Batman Archives while the Batman comic book stories were in The Dark Knight Archives. You had to do some calculations as to the chronology. The essence of the book is first rate, printed on quality non-glossy paper with vibrant colors. If you had purchased those comic books on the news stands from 1939-1940 you would have had to pay a total of $2.35, which would be the equivalent to $41.50 in today's currency! So at $16.99 this is a bargain! I have been a Batman fan since I was a child in the 1960's and it's great to see these golden age stories made available for every generation to enjoy. My biggest desire for this series is that DC continue on through the 1950's and 1960's. I know very little about the Batman comics of the 1950's, but if they are close to the greatness that the Superman comics were in that decade, it would be a service to mankind (a little strong?) to make everything printed available.

If this is your first purchase of the original "Golden Age" Batman stories, you are in for a treat. These early stories are pure "pulp," pure Crime Noir! More like the Shadow in its grit and danger than the kinder, gentler "superhero" stories that come later. You'll find the early evolution of his costume, of the Bat-Mobile, Wayne Manor and the Batcave, the addition of Robin, and the introduction of iconic villains such as The Joker. This Joker isn't silly. His laugh is haunting, his crimes terrible.The book itself is arguably the best presentation of this material ever. The reproductions are clear, the colors vibrant, and on 'regular' paper not the slick pages of the expensive Archives hardbacks. If you've bought the Batman Chronicles volumes then you have what's in this book, but this book presents it better. I have most of the Chronicles volumes and this restart is of much better quality.If there is a negative here, it's that DC keeps reprinting the same material over and over again. This content has been released as "Archives," "Omnibuses," "Chronicles," and now the simply-titled "Golden Age." Long timers such as myself are desperate for DC to move out of the early 1940s and reprint--for the first time--the late '40s and 1950s material. Same for the "Silver Age" run: DC needs to get past the 1960s and into the 1970s and early 1980s. DC ended its Showcase Presents black-and-white line just as many runs were entering the 1970s (Batman, Superman, Justice League, Green Lantern). It's disappointing that they also ended the Chronicles line to start over with this one. I'm afraid I'm going to die of old age before they get around to the stuff I haven't already read before.

This is a comic different than the ones you are used to nowadays. If you judge it by today's standards it is naive, in some moments just plain stupid, illogical. Stories are full of artificial drama, exaggerated narration will leave you rolling on the floor laughing. But it is how it was then. It is how Batman was born - and for that - it is worth reading. I am not saying that in any time Batman comics were even close to a level I call "valuable" when it comes to a comic book. They were at most fun and dynamic. One exception could be "Arkham Asylum", but it is a special one.So - when you open that one - be prepared for something different. Be warned. I still think it was money well spend. And all thanks to Kindle edition that we can read it.

I had heard about the early stories of Batman in Detective Comics being violent and not so kid-friendly, and for the era it took place it was surprising how much DC supported Bob Kane's creative direction. Of course, the tone of being dark and mysterious lightened up when sidekicks were born with Robin.Never was a fan of sidekicks. But I understand why they were added to the lone hero for the younger kid aspect. It was great to see the introduction of classic villains like The Joker, The Cat (later Cat-Woman and finally Cat Woman) and Clay Face which out of all Batman's arch-enemies The Joker had the best recurring appearances which was understandable. The craziness was definitely seeded to develop into what he is today and has been for years now.Bob Kane's art before Robin entered was edgy, sometimes a bit distorted, playful in a devilish way and distinguished in detail. The versions of the Bat Plane were cheesy and generic looking, as well as realizing it was the first novelty brand of his character before the Batmobile.He actually drove in one of those common 40-Ford cars! Very funny when ya think about it because he's a rich guy and creates a Bat Plane but his ride bares no resemblance to his character of crime fighting. The stories with Robin are okay, but you can tell Batman's personality shifts from more "Dirty Harry" of the law to "Superfriends." Still I loved it all!