We had thought that producing some matter on paperback books would be an impossibility. However, once we started, there was no turning back.

Today's paperback books Article
Comic Books - The Batman Beginnings

In this article we're going to take a brief look at one of the longest running and popular comic books of our time, Batman.

Batman was first introduced to the world of comics in May of 1939. But he wasn't featured in his own comic book. He was a part of Detective Comics issue number 27. The thing about Batman that was unique for his time and even today is that he was a super hero with no super powers. He couldn't fly like Superman or run fast like Flash, nor was he strong like The Hulk. He was just a flesh and blood crime fighter out to rid the world of the kind of vermin responsible for the death of his parents.

Also, unlike many other super heroes, Batman was a very dark character who has a lot of his own personal demons that he had to keep in check. Every day was a battle to keep his anger from getting the best of him. Many times he came close to crossing the line between good and evil.

Batman lives in Gothem City in the guise of playboy millionaire Bruce Wayne. Only his trusty butler Alfred knew of his secret identity as Batman. He decided to fashion his crime fighting outfit after that of a bat because of the dark nature of crime itself. He wanted to be seen in something that would strike fear in the hearts of criminals, not make them laugh.

The first detailed origin of Batman was not told until the June issue of Detective Comics, number 47. His actual origin, as was true with so many comic book heroes, changed many times as the years went on. However, the basic facts of his character have remained unchanged through the years.

Batman had a number of gadgets that have become very familiar and popular over the years such as his utility belt which could pretty much do everything but make scrambled eggs. In addition to this he had the ever popular batmobile, bat copter, bat cycle, bat plane and bat boat. All these vehicles in some manner, shape or form resembled the appearance of a bat.

It wasn't until April 1940 that Batman would get his trusty sidekick, Robin, the Boy Wonder. In many ways, especially with teenagers, Robin was an even more popular character than Batman because he was somebody who kids could relate to.

Over the years Batman battled a number of diabolical criminals. Some of the more famous ones were The Riddler, The Joker, The Penguin, Catwoman and Mr. Freeze. Each issue of the comic, especially in the early years would usually feature a different foe for Batman to do battle with. The only twist to this was the occasional time that Catwoman would try to seduce Batman with her womanly charms. While often tempted, Batman never gave in to her unless it was to gain some important information from her.

Over the years Batman has evolved into a hit TV show and a number of movies that were closer to the darker side of Batman than the Adam West character. But no matter what the portrayal or medium, Batman has, and will always be one of our most beloved super heroes.

About the Author

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Comic Books

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The store Magorium runs is indeed magical, and we are given abundant evidence of it. However, it understands Magorium's secret, as do some of the toys, and none are happy about it. Magorium intends to give the store to Molly, who doesn't want it because she wants Magorium to stay. He can't or won't. The store turns entirely black after he goes and Molly intends to sell it. But Eric and the Mutant want her to keep it. The climax of the story, which is about the power of being aware of the magic that is your life and the power of believing in yourself, is whether or not Molly can bring the store to its former glory or whether she lets it slip away. Take a big guess.



So, some of the things in the story didn't work for me. I didn't like that no one has an actual complete family. Magorium's history is largely never discussed nor is how he lived to be a couple of hundred years old. We do learn about his delight in the kind of shoes wears. Molly is alone except for the store (no boyfriend, fiancé, mother, or father), Eric has a Mom but only because he is nine. She doesn't do much except fret. The Mutant is as alone and as detached Molly. And the issue surrounding Magorium's decision actually makes no sense and has nothing of the weight such events have in real life.



Yet, my opinion of the movie changed when my five year old granddaughter watched it. She was delighted and mesmerized and demanded to see it again immediately. And she has watched it twice more since. So, there is obviously something about the movie that is compelling to a small child that escapes me as an adult, deeply into the realities of life. Hmmmm... take that for what you will and I added a star because of my grandchild's enthusiasm. It is not a bad movie. The special effects are a bit much. However, it is successful for the kids. Go with them, I guess.



Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Ann Arbor, MI

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