Welcome to episode 14 of Legends of the Batman, the show covering everything Batman — from the beginning! The show’s premise is a simple one. Each episode, we cover a month of Batman, be it comic books, television, movies, whatever, starting with his first appearance in 1939.
This episode, your hosts Michael Bradley and Michael Kaiser take on the first issue of Batman’s very own book, as they examine Batman material released in April of 1940. And to help celebrate this important “first” in bat-history, the guys do a “first” for the show and bring in some guest hosts, Joshua Bertone, Donovan Grant and Jon Wilson, from Amazing Spider-Man Classics, to help then discuss DETECTIVE COMICS #39 and BATMAN #1!
Things We Learned:
- Hatchet shenanigans are way too dangerous for Robin.
- The Joker likes to collect pretty shiny things.
- The Kill Count went out with a hang.
- Batman wages war on all criminals, except girls.
- Jazzercise is a great way to stay in superhero shape.
Images from Coverage:
Reference Links:
- Conrad Viedt, the inspiration for the Joker.
- Steeplechase Park ad, another inspiration for the Joker, or possibly his victims.
- “The Batcave Companion” by Michael Eury and Michael Kronenberg – recommended reading for all Bat-fans
- Homages to the cover of the historic BATMAN #1 include the covers to BATMAN: A LONELY PLACE OF DYING trade paperback by George Perez, FANBOY #5 by Sergio Aragones, BATMAN #686 by Andy Kubert, DARKWING DUCK #7 by James Silvani, and an interior panel from DC UNIVERSE: LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT by Adam Kubert and John Dell!
- Jean Harlow, inspiration for The Cat.
About the Guests
Thanks again to Jon, Donovan and Josh for coming on for this special episode. Be sure to catch the guys on Amazing Spider-Man Classics! You can also find Jon solo on Golden Age Superman as well as on The Mighty Shield: A Captain America Podcast with Legends of the Batman co-host Michael Kaiser and Teenage Wasteland: An Ultimate Spider-Man Podcast. You can find Donovan and Josh regularly on The Batman Universe podcast as well as Clone Saga Chronicles. And don’t miss Donovan’s reviews at the Spider-Man Crawlspace and Josh’s podcasts, Marvel Star Wars and Bertone Beatle Bonanza!
How to Get this Episode
There are a few ways you can get this episode. You can listen immediately by clicking on the player below. You can also download the episode directly or subscribe to the show via iTunes or the RSS feed! Questions or comments? Additions or corrections? Drop us a line! You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter, to send us your thoughts, as well! And don’t forget to check out our partners, Batman: Yesterday, Today and Beyond for all sorts of Batman goodness in non-podcast form.
Hey guys! That was a great episode! Though almost 4 hours, the time went by fast while listening. I was wondering when you’d get to the Harlequin of Hate, since you guys have been adding his unique laugh to the end of your episodes for a while. By the way, I found ALL of the Question comics, so once I’m out of my lazy daze(?) I’ll start that up. Fantastic episode all around!
Great episode! Was a nice change. All 3 of the guest hosts did a great job and made me laugh pretty hard at times. I listen to the podcast at work and I was cracking up and some of the stuff that was being said and people were walking by staring ’cause I just had this dumb grin on my face from laughing. Love the show… as I mentioned in an email I sent a few days ago the concept of the podcats is just great. There’s nothing out there like this for Batman so you guys are giving Batman the credit he deserves. Enjoyed every episode so far. Oh! And I LOVE what you guys do with the intros to each episode. The one for #14 was awesome. Keep up the great work! -Garrey
I’ve picked up the podcast and I’ve enjoyed it. Michael squared, you gentlemen strike just about the right tone; it’s informative and entertaining and generally provides enough to keep you wanting more without a lot wasted. Please do not sacrifice your voice to others. The guests on this episode have their own podcast on which they can jabber and caper and make nonsense noises: please do not become Amazing Spider-man Classics!
A few notes:
* I’m torn between your usual two-person format and episodes like this with many guests. On the one hand, it allows for wider experiences to provide pertinent comment. On the other, when experience is lacking, it allows for too many joking asides.
* Explosive teeth, like gadgets hidden in clothing and form-fitting bullet-proof vests, comes from the Doc Savage pulps. Finger was a fan of more than just The Shadow.
* Hugo Strange’s monster plot comes from a Doc Savage adventure, as well: “The Monsters”.
* Batman tricks out a plane, but not a car nor a boat, because bats fly, not run or swim.
* My guess is they were planning to introduce Robin in Batman #1, but Ellsworth decided to give Robin an earlier debut. That led to the story-shuffling. In that case, the cover of the next Detective, might have been meant for Batman #1, as Robin is prominent in its design. Sheer speculation, though.
* It’s really sad listening to these episodes, knowing your days are numbered. I hope circumstances permit the podcast to return.