Detective Comics
Encyclopedia
Detective Comics is an American comic book
series published monthly by DC Comics
since 1937, best known for introducing the iconic superhero
Batman
in Detective Comics #27 (cover-dated May 1939). It is, along with Action Comics
, the book that launched with the debut of Superman
, one of the medium's signature series, and the source of its company's name. With 881 monthly issues published as of August 2011 (the last issue before a new #1), it is the longest continuously published comic book in the United States.
Detective Comics was the final publication of the entrepreneur Major
Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson
, whose comics company, National Allied Publications, would evolve into DC Comics
, one of the world's two largest comic book publishers, though long after its founder had left it. Wheeler-Nicholson's first two titles were the landmark New Fun: The Big Comic Magazine #1 (cover-dated Feb. 1935), colloquially called New Fun Comics #1 and the first such early comic book to contain all-original content, rather than a mix of newspaper
comic strips and comic-strip-style new material. His second effort, New Comics #1, would be retitled twice to become Adventure Comics
, another seminal series that ran for decades until issue #503 in 1983, and was later revived in 2009.
The third and final title published under his aegis would be Detective Comics, advertised with a cover illustration dated Dec. 1936, but eventually premiering three months late, with a March 1937 cover date. In 1937, however, Wheeler-Nicholson was in debt to printing-plant owner and magazine distributor Harry Donenfeld
, who was as well a pulp-magazine
publisher and a principal in the magazine distributorship Independent News
. Wheeler-Nicholson took Donenfeld on as a partner in order to publish Detective Comics #1 through the newly formed Detective Comics, Inc., with Wheeler-Nicholson and Jack S. Liebowitz
, Donenfeld's accountant
, listed as owners. Wheeler-Nicholson was forced out a year later.
Originally an anthology comic, in the manner of the times, Detective Comics #1 (March 1937) featured stories in the "hard-boiled detective" genre, with such stars as Ching Lung (a Fu Manchu
-style "yellow peril
" villain); Slam Bradley
(created by Jerry Siegel
and Joe Shuster
before their character Superman saw print two years later); and Speed Saunders
, among others. Its first editor, Vin Sullivan
, also drew the debut issue's cover.
of Batman
(as "The Bat-Man"). That superhero
would eventually become the star of the title, the cover logo of which is often written as "Detective Comics featuring Batman". Because of its significance, issue #27 is widely considered one of the most valuable comic books in existence, with one copy selling for $1,075,000 in a February 2010 auction.
Issue #38 (April 1940) introduced Batman's sidekick
Robin
(billed as "The Sensational Character Find of 1940" on the cover). Robin's appearance and the subsequent increase in sales of the book soon led to the trend of superheroes and young sidekicks that characterize the era fans and historians call the Golden Age of Comic Books
.
In addition to the Batman stories, the comic also had numerous back up strips such as "The Strange Experiment of Dr. Erdel" in Detective Comics #225, the story which introduced Martian Manhunter
.
After publishing on a monthly schedule throughout its run, Detective Comics became a bi-monthly book from issues #435–#445 (June/July 1973 – Feb./Mar. 1975). In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the magazine adopted the expanded format used by the canceled Batman Family
, adding solo features including "Robin: the Teen Wonder", "Batgirl
", the "Human Target
" and the anthology "Tales of Gotham City", which featured the stories of the ordinary people of Gotham City
. Also used during the 1980s was the use of serialization of the main Batman story, with stories from Detective Comics and Batman directly flowing from one book to another, with cliffhangers at the end of each book's monthly story that would be resolved in the other title of that month. A single writer handled both books during that time beginning with Gerry Conway
and followed up by Doug Moench
.
and Final Crisis
, Detective Comics went on hiatus for three months while DC Comics published the Battle for the Cowl miniseries. Upon its return, the series featured the newly reintroduced (in 52
) Batwoman
as the new star of the book, as well as a 10-page back-up feature starring Renee Montoya
as the new Question. The series returned Batman to a starring role in early 2010.
. The series is being written and drawn by Tony Daniel
. DC Comics is referring to Detective Comics as its new "flagship title". In the first arc of the series, Batman, while in pursuit of the Joker
, encounters a new enemy known only as the "Dollmaker".
and Walt Simonson
.
:
American comic book
An American comic book is a small magazine originating in the United States and containing a narrative in the form of comics. Since 1975 the dimensions have standardized at 6 5/8" x 10 ¼" , down from 6 ¾" x 10 ¼" in the Silver Age, although larger formats appeared in the past...
series published monthly by DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
since 1937, best known for introducing the iconic superhero
Superhero
A superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
in Detective Comics #27 (cover-dated May 1939). It is, along with Action Comics
Action Comics
Action Comics is an American comic book series that introduced Superman, the first major superhero character as the term is popularly defined...
, the book that launched with the debut of Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
, one of the medium's signature series, and the source of its company's name. With 881 monthly issues published as of August 2011 (the last issue before a new #1), it is the longest continuously published comic book in the United States.
Publication history
Major
Major is a rank of commissioned officer, with corresponding ranks existing in almost every military in the world.When used unhyphenated, in conjunction with no other indicator of rank, the term refers to the rank just senior to that of an Army captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel. ...
Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson
Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson
Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson was an American pulp magazine writer and entrepreneur who pioneered the American comic book, publishing the first such periodical consisting solely of original material rather than reprints of newspaper comic strips...
, whose comics company, National Allied Publications, would evolve into DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
, one of the world's two largest comic book publishers, though long after its founder had left it. Wheeler-Nicholson's first two titles were the landmark New Fun: The Big Comic Magazine #1 (cover-dated Feb. 1935), colloquially called New Fun Comics #1 and the first such early comic book to contain all-original content, rather than a mix of newspaper
Newspaper
A newspaper is a scheduled publication containing news of current events, informative articles, diverse features and advertising. It usually is printed on relatively inexpensive, low-grade paper such as newsprint. By 2007, there were 6580 daily newspapers in the world selling 395 million copies a...
comic strips and comic-strip-style new material. His second effort, New Comics #1, would be retitled twice to become Adventure Comics
Adventure Comics
Adventure Comics was a comic book series published by DC Comics from 1935 to 1983 and then revamped from 2009 to 2011. In its first era, the series ran for 503 issues , making it the fifth-longest-running DC series, behind Detective Comics, Action Comics, Superman, and Batman...
, another seminal series that ran for decades until issue #503 in 1983, and was later revived in 2009.
The third and final title published under his aegis would be Detective Comics, advertised with a cover illustration dated Dec. 1936, but eventually premiering three months late, with a March 1937 cover date. In 1937, however, Wheeler-Nicholson was in debt to printing-plant owner and magazine distributor Harry Donenfeld
Harry Donenfeld
Harry Donenfeld was an American publisher who is known primarily for being the owner of National Allied Publications, which distributed Detective Comics and Action Comics, the originator publications for the superhero characters Batman and Superman...
, who was as well a pulp-magazine
Pulp magazine
Pulp magazines , also collectively known as pulp fiction, refers to inexpensive fiction magazines published from 1896 through the 1950s. The typical pulp magazine was seven inches wide by ten inches high, half an inch thick, and 128 pages long...
publisher and a principal in the magazine distributorship Independent News
Independent News
Independent News Co. was a magazine and comic book distribution business owned by National Periodical Publications, the parent company of DC Comics. Independent News distributed all DC publications, as well as those of a few rival publishers, in addition to pulp and popular magazines. The company...
. Wheeler-Nicholson took Donenfeld on as a partner in order to publish Detective Comics #1 through the newly formed Detective Comics, Inc., with Wheeler-Nicholson and Jack S. Liebowitz
Jack Liebowitz
Jacob "Jack" S. Liebowitz , was an American accountant and publisher, known primarily as the co-owner with Harry Donenfeld of National Allied Publications .-Early life:...
, Donenfeld's accountant
Accountant
An accountant is a practitioner of accountancy or accounting , which is the measurement, disclosure or provision of assurance about financial information that helps managers, investors, tax authorities and others make decisions about allocating resources.The Big Four auditors are the largest...
, listed as owners. Wheeler-Nicholson was forced out a year later.
Originally an anthology comic, in the manner of the times, Detective Comics #1 (March 1937) featured stories in the "hard-boiled detective" genre, with such stars as Ching Lung (a Fu Manchu
Fu Manchu
Dr. Fu Manchu is a fictional character introduced in a series of novels by British author Sax Rohmer during the first half of the 20th century...
-style "yellow peril
Yellow Peril
Yellow Peril was a colour metaphor for race that originated in the late nineteenth century with immigration of Chinese laborers to various Western countries, notably the United States, and later associated with the Japanese during the mid 20th century, due to Japanese military expansion.The term...
" villain); Slam Bradley
Slam Bradley
Samuel Emerson "Slam" Bradley is a fictional character that has appeared in various comic book series published by DC Comics. He is a private detective who exists in DC's main shared universe, known as the DC Universe...
(created by Jerry Siegel
Jerry Siegel
Jerome "Jerry" Siegel , who also used pseudonyms including Joe Carter, Jerry Ess, and Herbert S...
and Joe Shuster
Joe Shuster
Joseph "Joe" Shuster was a Canadian-born American comic book artist. He was best known for co-creating the DC Comics character Superman, with writer Jerry Siegel, first published in Action Comics #1...
before their character Superman saw print two years later); and Speed Saunders
Speed Saunders
Cyrill "Speed" Saunders is a DC Comics character who first appeared in Detective Comics #1 . He was an adventurer and detective whose occupation was for a long time never specified. He seemed not to report to anyone, but was able to order people around. Eventually, it was revealed that he was a...
, among others. Its first editor, Vin Sullivan
Vin Sullivan
Vincent "Vin" Sullivan was a pioneering American comic book editor, artist and publisher.As an editor for National Allied Publications, the future DC Comics, he was responsible for buying Superman from creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and edited that archetypcal superhero in his first...
, also drew the debut issue's cover.
Batman
Detective Comics #27 (May 1939) featured the first appearanceFirst appearance
In comic books and other stories with a long history, first appearance refers to the first occurrence to feature a fictional character.-Monetary value of first appearance issues:...
of Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
(as "The Bat-Man"). That superhero
Superhero
A superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
would eventually become the star of the title, the cover logo of which is often written as "Detective Comics featuring Batman". Because of its significance, issue #27 is widely considered one of the most valuable comic books in existence, with one copy selling for $1,075,000 in a February 2010 auction.
Issue #38 (April 1940) introduced Batman's sidekick
Sidekick
A sidekick is a close companion who is generally regarded as subordinate to the one he accompanies. Some well-known fictional sidekicks are Don Quixote's Sancho Panza, Sherlock Holmes' Doctor Watson, The Lone Ranger's Tonto, The Green Hornet's Kato and Batman's Robin.-Origins:The origin of the...
Robin
Robin (comics)
Robin is the name of several fictional characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, originally created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson, as a junior counterpart to DC Comics superhero Batman...
(billed as "The Sensational Character Find of 1940" on the cover). Robin's appearance and the subsequent increase in sales of the book soon led to the trend of superheroes and young sidekicks that characterize the era fans and historians call the Golden Age of Comic Books
Golden Age of Comic Books
The Golden Age of Comic Books was a period in the history of American comic books, generally thought of as lasting from the late 1930s until the late 1940s or early 1950s...
.
In addition to the Batman stories, the comic also had numerous back up strips such as "The Strange Experiment of Dr. Erdel" in Detective Comics #225, the story which introduced Martian Manhunter
Martian Manhunter
The Martian Manhunter is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in publications published by DC Comics. Created by writer Joseph Samachson and artist Joe Certa, the character first appeared in Detective Comics #225...
.
After publishing on a monthly schedule throughout its run, Detective Comics became a bi-monthly book from issues #435–#445 (June/July 1973 – Feb./Mar. 1975). In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the magazine adopted the expanded format used by the canceled Batman Family
Batman Family
The Batman Family was a DC Comics comic book series which ran from 1975 to 1978, primarily featuring stories starring supporting characters in the Batman comics...
, adding solo features including "Robin: the Teen Wonder", "Batgirl
Batgirl
Batgirl is the name of several fictional characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, frequently depicted as female counterparts to the superhero Batman...
", the "Human Target
Human Target
The Human Target is the name of two fictional comic book characters that have appeared in books published by DC Comics. The first is Fred Venable, who appears in Detective Comics #201 , by Edmond Hamilton and Sheldon Moldoff....
" and the anthology "Tales of Gotham City", which featured the stories of the ordinary people of Gotham City
Gotham City
Gotham City is a fictional U.S. city appearing in DC Comics, best known as the home of Batman. Batman's place of residence was first identified as Gotham City in Batman #4 . Gotham City is strongly inspired by Trenton, Ontario's history, location, atmosphere, and various architectural styles...
. Also used during the 1980s was the use of serialization of the main Batman story, with stories from Detective Comics and Batman directly flowing from one book to another, with cliffhangers at the end of each book's monthly story that would be resolved in the other title of that month. A single writer handled both books during that time beginning with Gerry Conway
Gerry Conway
Gerard F. "Gerry" Conway is an American writer of comic books and television shows. He is known for co-creating the Marvel Comics vigilante The Punisher and scripting the death of the character Gwen Stacy during his long run on The Amazing Spider-Man...
and followed up by Doug Moench
Doug Moench
Douglas Moench , better known as Doug Moench, is an American comic book writer notable for his Batman work and as the creator of Black Mask, Moon Knight and Deathlok.-Biography:...
.
Batwoman
In 2009, as part of planned reorganization of the Batman universe due to the events shown in Batman R.I.P.Batman R.I.P.
Batman R.I.P. is a comic book story arc published in Batman #676-681 by DC Comics. Written by Grant Morrison, penciled by Tony Daniel, and with covers by Alex Ross, the story pits the superhero Batman against the Black Glove organization as they attempt to destroy everything for which he stands...
and Final Crisis
Final Crisis
Final Crisis is a crossover storyline that appeared in comic books published by DC Comics in 2008, primarily the seven-issue miniseries of the same name written by Grant Morrison. Originally DC announced the project as being illustrated solely by J. G. Jones; artists Carlos Pacheco, Marco Rudy and...
, Detective Comics went on hiatus for three months while DC Comics published the Battle for the Cowl miniseries. Upon its return, the series featured the newly reintroduced (in 52
52 (comics)
52 was a weekly American comic book limited series published by DC Comics that debuted on May 10, 2006, one week after the conclusion of the seven-issue Infinite Crisis. The series was written by Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, and Mark Waid with layouts by Keith Giffen...
) Batwoman
Batwoman
Batwoman is the name of several fictional characters, female counterparts to the superhero Batman. The original version was created by Bob Kane and Sheldon Moldoff. Her alter ego is Kathy Kane. This character appears in publications produced by DC Comics and related media beginning in Detective...
as the new star of the book, as well as a 10-page back-up feature starring Renee Montoya
Renee Montoya
Renee Montoya is a fictional comic book character published by DC Comics. The character was initially created for Batman: The Animated Series, and was preemptively introduced into mainstream comics before the airing of her animated debut in 1992....
as the new Question. The series returned Batman to a starring role in early 2010.
Relaunch
DC Comics relaunched Detective Comics with issue #1 in September 2011, as part of the 2011 DC Universe rebootThe New 52
The New 52 is a 2011 revamp and relaunch by DC Comics of its entire line of ongoing monthly superhero books, in which all of its existing titles were cancelled, and 52 new series debuted in September 2011 with new #1 issues. Among the series being renumbered are Action Comics and Detective Comics,...
. The series is being written and drawn by Tony Daniel
Tony Daniel
Antonio Salvador Daniel AKA Tony S. Daniel is an American comic book writer and artist, known for his work on various books for DC Comics, including Teen Titans, Flash: The Fastest Man Alive and Batman.-Career:...
. DC Comics is referring to Detective Comics as its new "flagship title". In the first arc of the series, Batman, while in pursuit of the Joker
Joker (comics)
The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics. He is the archenemy of Batman, having been directly responsible for numerous tragedies in Batman's life, including the paralysis of Barbara Gordon and the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin...
, encounters a new enemy known only as the "Dollmaker".
Awards
The "Manhunter" series that ran as a backup in Detective Comics from 1973 to 1974 won the Shazam Award for Best Individual Short Story (Dramatic) in 1974 for the story "Cathedral Perilous" in issue #441, written by Archie GoodwinArchie Goodwin (comics)
Archie Goodwin was an American comic book writer, editor, and artist. He worked on a number of comic strips in addition to comic books, and is best known for his Warren and Marvel Comics work...
and Walt Simonson
Walt Simonson
Walter "Walt" Simonson is an American comic book writer and artist. After studying geology at Amherst College, he transferred to the Rhode Island School of Design, graduating in 1972. His thesis project there was The Star Slammers, which was published as a black and white promotional comic book...
.
Character debuts
| Character | Issue | Publication date |
|---|---|---|
| Slam Bradley Slam Bradley Samuel Emerson "Slam" Bradley is a fictional character that has appeared in various comic book series published by DC Comics. He is a private detective who exists in DC's main shared universe, known as the DC Universe... |
#1 | March 1937 |
| Crimson Avenger | #20 | October 1938 |
| Batman Batman Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics... |
#27 | May 1939 |
| Commissioner James Gordon James Gordon (comics) James Worthington Gordon, Sr. is a fictional character, an ally of Batman that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane... |
#27 | May 1939 |
| Joe Chill Joe Chill Joe Chill is a fictional character in the DC Comics Batman series. He is best known for murdering young Bruce Wayne's parents , thus making him indirectly responsible for Batman's existence.... |
#33 | November 1939 |
| Hugo Strange Hugo Strange Professor Hugo Strange is a fictional comic book supervillain appearing in books published by DC Comics, as an adversary of Batman. He first appeared in Detective Comics #36 , and is one of Batman's first recurring villains, preceding the Joker and Catwoman by several months... |
#36 | February 1940 |
| Robin Dick Grayson Dick Grayson is a fictional superhero that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger and illustrator Jerry Robinson, he first appeared in Detective Comics #38 in April 1940.... |
#38 | April 1940 |
| Clayface Clayface Clayface is an alias used by several DC Comics fictional characters, most of them possessing claylike bodies and shape-shifting abilities. All of them have been enemies of Batman.-Publication history:... (Basil Karlo) |
#40 | June 1940 |
| Penguin Penguin (comics) Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot III is a DC Comics supervillain and one of Batman's oldest, most persistent enemies. The Penguin was introduced by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, making his debut in Detective Comics #58 .The Penguin is a short, rotund man known for his love of birds and his... |
#58 | December 1941 |
| Two-Face Two-Face Two-Face is a fictional comic book supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. and is an enemy of Batman. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #66 , and was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger.... |
#66 | August 1942 |
| Tweedledum and Tweedledee | #74 | April 1943 |
| Riddler Riddler The Riddler is a fictional character, a comic book character and supervillain published by DC Comics, and an enemy of Batman. Created by Bill Finger and Dick Sprang, the character first appeared in Detective Comics #140 .... |
#140 | October 1948 |
| Red Hood Red Hood Red Hood is the alias used by several fictional characters, usually antagonists for Batman in the DC Universe.-Joker:The Red Hood first appeared in Detective Comics #168 "The Man Behind the Red Hood" . In the original continuity, the man later known as the Joker was a master criminal going by the... |
#168 | February 1951 |
| Firefly | #184 | June 1952 |
| Batmen of All Nations Batmen of All Nations Batmen of All Nations were a group of superheroes who were inspired by Batman to fight crime in their countries. The group first appeared in Detective Comics #215. Later the Batmen of All Nations were renamed the International Club of Heroes, often known as just the Club of Heroes... |
#215 | January 1955 |
| Martian Manhunter Martian Manhunter The Martian Manhunter is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in publications published by DC Comics. Created by writer Joseph Samachson and artist Joe Certa, the character first appeared in Detective Comics #225... |
#225 | November 1955 |
| Batwoman Batwoman Batwoman is the name of several fictional characters, female counterparts to the superhero Batman. The original version was created by Bob Kane and Sheldon Moldoff. Her alter ego is Kathy Kane. This character appears in publications produced by DC Comics and related media beginning in Detective... |
#233 | July 1956 |
| Calendar Man Calendar Man Calendar Man is a fictional comic book supervillain, and an enemy of Batman, who appeared in books published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Detective Comics #259... |
#259 | September 1958 |
| Bat-Mite Bat-Mite Bat-Mite is a fictional character appearing in stories published by DC Comics. Bat-Mite is an Imp similar to the Superman villain Mister Mxyzptlk... |
#267 | May 1959 |
| Clayface (Matt Hagen) | #298 | December 1961 |
| Catman Catman (comics) Catman is a modern version of a fictional character in comic books published by DC Comics, initially a supervillain and foe of Batman, although in recent years has developed into a more capable and antiheroic figure. He first appeared in Detective Comics #311... |
#311 | January 1963 |
| Blockbuster | #345 | November 1965 |
| Cluemaster Cluemaster The Cluemaster is a fictional character, a DC Comics supervillain and enemy of Batman. A failed game show host, he became a criminal who left clues to his crimes, though unlike the Riddler's, they were not riddles.... |
#351 | May 1966 |
| Batgirl Batgirl Batgirl is the name of several fictional characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, frequently depicted as female counterparts to the superhero Batman... (Barbara Gordon Barbara Gordon Barbara Gordon is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics and in related media, created by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino... ) |
#359 | January 1967 |
| Jason Bard Jason Bard Jason Bard is a fictional character in the DC Universe. He first appeared in Detective Comics #392, which was published in 1969. He appeared in several back-up stories throughout the 1970s and 1980s in Detective Comics.-Pre-Crisis:... |
#392 | October 1969 |
| Man-Bat Man-Bat Man-Bat is a fictional comic book character appearing in books published by DC Comics, usually as a supervillain and adversary of Batman, though occasionally depicted as a heroic character. He first appeared in Detective Comics #400 and was created by Frank Robbins and Neal Adams... |
#400 | June 1970 |
| Talia al Ghul Talia al Ghul Talia al Ghul is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe, the now-estranged daughter of the supervillain Ra's al Ghul, a love interest of Batman, and the mother of his son Damian Wayne, the fifth Robin... |
#411 | May 1971 |
| Harvey Bullock Harvey Bullock (comics) Harvey Bullock is a fictional character from DC Comics' Batman titles.-Fictional character biography:Prior to the 1984-85 DC maxi-series Crisis on Infinite Earths, Bullock is a crooked police detective under instructions from Gotham City's Mayor Hamilton Hill to sabotage Commissioner Gordon's career... |
#441 | July 1974 |
| Leslie Thompkins Leslie Thompkins Dr. Leslie Thompkins is a fictional character from the Batman mythos. Created by writer Dennis O'Neil and artist Dick Giordano, she first appeared in Detective Comics #457... |
#457 | March 1976 |
| The Calculator Calculator (comics) The Calculator is a fictional supervillain published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Detective Comics #463 , and he was created by Bob Rozakis and Mike Grell.-Publication history:... |
#463 | September 1976 |
| Rupert Thorne Rupert Thorne Rupert Thorne is a fictional character, a crime boss and enemy of Batman in the DC Comics universe. Created by Steve Englehart and Walter Simonson, the character first appeared in Detective Comics #469.-Fictional character biography:... |
#469 | May 1977 |
| Silver St. Cloud Silver St. Cloud Silver St. Cloud is a fictional character who appears in Batman comics set in the . She is a recurring love interest of Batman/Bruce Wayne, debuting in Detective Comics #470, written by Steve Englehart. The issues featuring her earlier appearances have been collected in trade paperback form as... |
#470 | June 1977 |
| Clayface (Preston Payne) | #478 | July 1978 |
| Maxie Zeus Maxie Zeus Maximillian "Maxie" Zeus is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. He is a criminal mastermind who believes that he is the god Zeus from Greek mythology. He is an occasional enemy of Batman... |
#483 | May 1979 |
| Killer Croc Killer Croc Killer Croc is a comic book supervillain in the DC Universe, an enemy of Batman. Created by writer Gerry Conway and artist Gene Colan, while there was a shadowy cameo in Detective Comics #523 , his actual first appearance is credited to Batman #357 , which is also the first appearance of Jason... |
#523 | February 1983 |
| Jason Todd Jason Todd Jason Peter Todd is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Jason first appeared in Batman #357 and became the second Robin, sidekick to the superhero Batman, when the previous Robin went on to star in The New Teen Titans under the moniker of Nightwing.Though... |
#524 | March 1983 |
| Onyx Onyx (comics) Onyx is a DC Comics fictional character. She is a superhero based in Gotham City and an ally of Batman. She is highly trained in martial arts and serves as a member of the League of Assassins before reforming and becoming a vigilante.... |
#546 | January 1985 |
| Ventriloquist Ventriloquist (comics) The Ventriloquist is a fictional character, a supervillain and enemy of Batman in the . The Ventriloquist first appeared in Detective Comics #583 and was created by Alan Grant, John Wagner and Norm Breyfogle... (Arnold Wesker) |
#583 | February 1988 |
| Ratcatcher Ratcatcher (comics) The Ratcatcher is a fictional character, a supervillain in the DC Comics universe, primarily as an enemy of Batman. First appearing in Detective Comics #585 , the Ratcatcher was created by Alan Grant, John Wagner and Norm Breyfogle.-Fictional character biography:At one time an actual rat catcher... |
#585 | April 1988 |
| Anarky Anarky Anarky is a fictional character appearing in books published by DC Comics. Co-created by Alan Grant and Norm Breyfogle, he first appeared in Detective Comics No.608 , as an adversary of Batman... |
#608 | November 1989 |
| Renee Montoya Renee Montoya Renee Montoya is a fictional comic book character published by DC Comics. The character was initially created for Batman: The Animated Series, and was preemptively introduced into mainstream comics before the airing of her animated debut in 1992.... |
#642 | March 1992 |
| Stephanie Brown | #647 | August 1992 |
| Crispus Allen Crispus Allen Crispus Allen is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. Greg Rucka and Shawn Martinbrough created the character in Detective Comics #742 . Allen later went on to be one of the main characters in Gotham Central... |
#742 | March 2000 |
| Sasha Bordeaux Sasha Bordeaux Sasha Bordeaux is a fictional character in the DC Universe. She was at first primarily associated with Batman, and has subsequently evolved an association with Checkmate in two of its incarnations... |
#751 | December 2000 |
| Nyssa Raatko Nyssa Raatko Nyssa Raatko is a fictional character, an assassin and terrorist created by Greg Rucka and Klaus Janson for the Batman series of comic books.-Fictional character biography:... |
#783 | August 2003 |
| Ventriloquist (Peyton) | #827 | March 2007 |
| Dollmaker | #2 | October 2011 |
Collected editions
The Detective Comics series has been collected into a number of trade paperbacksTrade paperback (comics)
In comics, a trade paperback is a collection of stories originally published in comic books, reprinted in book format, usually capturing one story arc from a single title or a series of stories with a connected story arc or common theme from one or more titles...
:
- Batman ArchivesDC Archive EditionsDC Archive Editions, collect early, sometimes rare, comic books published by DC and other publishers into a permanent hardcover series. With more than 100 titles, this series began in 1989 with Superman Archives Vol. 1...
(seven volumes):- Vol. 1, collects #27-50, November 1997, ISBN 978-0930289607
- Vol. 2, collects #51-70, November 1997, ISBN 978-1563890000
- Vol. 3, collects #71-86, November 1997, ISBN 978-1563890994
- Vol. 4, collects #87-102, December 1998, ISBN 978-1563894145
- Vol. 5, collects #103-119, April 2001, ISBN 978-1563897252
- Vol. 6, collects #120-135, August 2005, ISBN 978-1401204099
- Vol. 7, collects #136-154, November 2007, ISBN 978-1401214937
- The Batman ChroniclesThe Batman Chronicles (trade paperback)The Batman Chronicles is a series of trade paperbacks published by DC Comics, intended to reprint all Batman stories from Detective Comics, Batman, World's Finest Comics, and other titles throughout the character's history, chronologically , starting with his earliest appearances...
(ten volumes):- Vol. 1, collects #27-38 and Batman #1, April 2005, ISBN 978-1401204457
- Vol. 2, collects #39-45, Batman #2-3, and The New York World's Fair Comics #2, September 2006, ISBN 978-1401207908
- Vol. 3, collects #46-50, Batman #4-5, and World's Finest Comics #1, May 2007, ISBN 978-1401213473
- Vol. 4, collects #51-56, Batman #6-5, and World's Finest Comics" #2-3, October 2007, ISBN 978-1401214623
- Vol. 5, collects #57-61, Batman #8-9, and World's Finest Comics #4, April 2008, ISBN 978-1401216825
- Vol. 6, collects #62-65, Batman #10-11, and World's Finest Comics #5-6, October 2008, ISBN 978-1401219611
- Vol. 7, collects #66-70, Batman #12-13, and World's Finest Comics #7, March 2009, ISBN 978-1401221348
- Vol. 8, collects #71-74, Batman #14-15, and World's Finest Comics #8-9, October 2009, ISBN 978-1401224844
- Vol. 9, collects #75-77, Batman #16-17, and World's Finest Comics #10, March 2010, ISBN 978-1401226459
- Vol. 10, collects #78-81, Batman #18-19, and World's Finest Comics #11, December 2010
- Batman: The Dynamic Duo Archives (two volumes):
- Vol. 1, collects #327-333 and Batman #164-167, March 2003, ISBN 978-1563899324
- Vol. 2, collects #334-339 and Batman #168-171, June 2006, ISBN 978-1401207724
- Showcase PresentsShowcase presentsShowcase Presents is a line of black-and-white paperback books published by DC Comics at an average rate of two per month. Created to effectively be DC's version of Marvel Comics' Essential Marvel volumes, each book includes over 500 pages of reprints, primarily from the Silver Age...
: Batman (four volumes):- Vol. 1, collects #327-342 and Batman #164-174, August 2006, ISBN 978-1401210861
- Vol. 2, collects #343-358 and Batman #175-186, June 2007, ISBN 978-1401213626
- Vol. 3, collects #359-375 and Batman #189-202, July 2008, ISBN 978-1401217198
- Vol. 4, collects #376-390 and Batman #202-215, July 2009, ISBN 978-1401223144
- Manhunter: The Special Edition, collects Manhunter backup stories from #437-442 and the Batman/Manhunter crossover in #443, Manhunter #1, and Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #100, June 1999, ISBN 978-1563893742
- Batman: Strange Apparitions, collects #469-476, #478-479, December 1999, ISBN 978-1563895005
- Batman: Year TwoBatman: Year Two"Year Two" is the title of a four-part story arc featuring Batman, written by Mike W. Barr and illustrated by Alan Davis, Paul Neary, Alfredo Alcala, Mark Farmer and Todd McFarlane...
, collects #575-578, January 1990, ISBN 978-0930289492 - Batman: Blind Justice, collects #598-600, May 2005, ISBN 978-1563890475
- Batman: AnarkyBatman: AnarkyBatman: Anarky is a 1999 trade paperback published by DC Comics. The book collects prominent appearances of Anarky, a comic book character created by Alan Grant and Norm Breyfogle. Although all of the collected stories were written by Alan Grant, various artists contributed to individual stories...
, collects #608-609, Batman Chronicles #1, Batman: Shadow of the Bat #40-41, and Anarky #1-4, February 1999, ISBN 978-1563894374 - Batman: Evolution, collects #743-750, August 2001, ISBN 978-1563897269
- Batman: The Man Who LaughsBatman: The Man Who LaughsBatman: The Man Who Laughs is a one-shot prestige format comic book by Ed Brubaker and Doug Mahnke, released in February 2005, and intended as a successor to Batman: Year One....
, collects #784-786 and Batman: The Man Who Laughs (one-shot), February 2009, ISBN 978-1401216269 (Hardcover: January 2008, ISBN 978-1401216221) - Batman: War Drums, collects #790-796 and Robin (vol. 2) #126-128, October 2004, ISBN 978-1401203412
- Batman: City of CrimeCity of CrimeCity of Crime is a Batman comic book story arc written by David Lapham, with art by Ramon Bachs and Nathan Massengill. It was originally published in twelve parts by DC Comics from January 2005 through February 2006 for Detective Comics, issues 800 through 808, then issues 811 through 814, and then...
, collects #800-808, #811-814, July 2006, ISBN 978-1401208974 - Batman: Face the FaceBatman: Face the Face"Face the Face" is an eight-issue Batman story arc written by James Robinson with art by Leonard Kirk, Andy Clarke, Don Kramer, Keith Champagne, Michael Bair, and Wayne Faucher. It was originally published in Detective Comics #817-820 and Batman #651-654 by DC Comics from May through August 2006...
, collects #817-820 and Batman #651-654, September 2006, ISBN 978-1401209100 - Batman: Detective, collects #821-826, April 2007, ISBN 978-1401212391
- Batman: Death and the City, collects #827-834, November 2007, ISBN 978-1401215750
- Batman: Private Casebook, collects #840-845 and DC Infinite Halloween Special, November 2009, ISBN 978-1401220150 (Hardcover: December 2008, ISBN 978-1401220099)
- Batman: Heart of Hush, collects #846-850, March 2010, ISBN 978-1401221249 (Hardcover: April 2009, ISBN 978-1401221232)
- Batwoman: ElegyBatwoman: Elegy"Elegy" is a 2009-2010 comic book story arc that ran in the main feature of DC Comics' flagship title, Detective Comics, from issues #854-860. It is written by Greg Rucka with artwork by J.H...
, collects #854-860, June 2011, ISBN 978-1401231460 (Hardcover: July 2010, ISBN 978-1401226923)
External links
- DC Comics official site
- Detective Comics at the Grand Comics Database
- Detective Comics at the Big Comic Book DataBaseBig Comic Book DataBaseThe Big Comic Book DataBase is a website containing information about comic books, and run by the maintainers of the Big Cartoon DataBase. , the database contains information on over 100,000 books in 5000+ series, including over 35,000 cover scans....
- Batman: Yesterday, Today, & Beyond - Comics
- Detective Comics cover gallery