Detective Comics

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Detective140

3.27.19PeterTomasiByLuigiNovi25

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Detective Comics is an American comic book series published by DC Comics. The first volume, published from 1937 to 2011 (with a hiatus in 2010), is best known for introducing the superhero Batman in Detective Comics #27 (cover-dated May 1939). It is the source of its publishing company's name, and—along with Action Comics, the series that launched Superman—one of the medium's signature series.

Publication history[edit | edit source]

Detective Comics was first published in 1937 by Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson's National Allied Publications. The series was an anthology, featuring a variety of detective stories, and was the first comic book to feature the word "detective" in its title. The series became a monthly publication with issue #2.

In 1939, Bob Kane and Bill Finger introduced Batman in issue #27. Batman's debut was a significant turning point for the series, which began to focus more on superhero stories. Over the years, the series has featured numerous notable characters and storylines, including the introduction of Robin, Batgirl, and The Riddler.

Notable storylines and characters[edit | edit source]

Batman: Introduced in Detective Comics #27, Batman is one of the most iconic superheroes in comic book history.
Robin: The first Robin, Dick Grayson, was introduced in Detective Comics #38.
Batgirl: The original Batgirl, Barbara Gordon, made her first appearance in Detective Comics #359.
The Riddler: One of Batman's most enduring foes, The Riddler, first appeared in Detective Comics #140.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Detective Comics has had a profound impact on the comic book industry and popular culture. The series' success helped establish DC Comics as a major publisher and contributed to the rise of the superhero genre. Batman, in particular, has become a cultural icon, appearing in numerous adaptations across various media.

Relaunches and reboots[edit | edit source]

The series has undergone several relaunches and reboots over the years. In 2011, as part of The New 52 initiative, DC Comics restarted Detective Comics with a new #1 issue. In 2016, the series was again relaunched with a new #1 issue as part of the DC Rebirth initiative.