The show’s archives will remain online until for at least the next few months, so please feel free to re-listen and re-enjoy the Bat-magic. You can also still catch Michael B. regularly on The Thrilling Adventures of Superman and Green Lantern’s Light, and we hope you’ll check those out, as well as the many fine shows linked on the right.

Once more, a huge thank you to everyone who downloaded the show, plugged us, wrote in, left reviews and comments, and, most importantly, listened week after week. You folks are the greatest!

This week, Michael Bradley and Michael Kaiser take a break from their normal monthly coverage format to look back at their first completed year, going over the pros and cons, the ups and downs, the lefts and rights of all the Batman material released in 1940. And at the end of the show, the two give their votes for the bests and worsts of the year!

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!

Michael Bradley and Michael Kaiser tackle part 2 of December 1940, and wrap up another year in the process!  This time Batman investigates “The Secret Cavern” when he takes on criminals with an overly convoluted scheme to rob a gold vault in Kentucky in Detective Comics #48.

Things We Learned:

• Only criminals care about secret ways to get into gold vaults;
• Batman does not work in New York City;
• If a woman stands up Bruce Wayne, something is wrong;
• Total Bat-Fails are really really funny;
• Drilling through cave walls is really easy. And quiet.

Images from Coverage:

How to Get this Episode

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The Batman’s crusade on crime must be going pretty good because, this time out, he tackles a new problem: Family relations! Michael K. and Michael B. take a look at DETECTIVE COMICS #47 where the Dark Knight tries to teach parents the valuable lesson that money can’t buy happiness!

Things We Learned:

• Sometimes Batman is cool; other times, he’s a creepy stalker.
• Batman doesn’t care if you run over newsboys.
• Laying on top of a car is a great hiding spot.
• Breaking through a door is easier than it looks.
• Money can’t buy happiness.

Images from Coverage:

How to Get this Episode

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The two Michaels move forward in their quest to cover all things Batman by taking a look at his adventures in November of 1940, which is back to one book, Detective Comics #46, where Batman and Robin face the return of a thought dead villain, Hugo Strange, who tries to infect their city with a deadly fear toxin in the case of “Professor Strange’s Fear Dust.”

Things We Learned:

• Batman’s a sucker for grieving mothers;
• You should probably lock the door, even if Batman is unconscious;
• Criminals do physics homework while on the job;
• Dr. H. Robinson has a successful dentistry chain; and
• Crazy rage always gets the better of Batman skill.

Images from Coverage:

How to Get this Episode

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That felonious female fiend, the Cat, returns to vex the Dynamic Duo as Michael K. and Michael B. put the finishing touches on their look at BATMAN #3. A daring jewel heist gets the Batman on the trail of the Cat and a much larger conspiracy in “The Batman vs. the Cat-woman!” Plus, because you demanded it, this episode features a special return of Legends of the Batman Theatre with “The Batman Says!”

Things We Learned:

• Batman’s town has two kinds of people: Rich and insane
• Always do a totally awesome jump over the table before going out to fight crime.
• In 1940, New York City was a really small city.
• Dick and Bruce both need to be on “What Not to Wear.”
• Batman talks a lot more than Robin.

Images from Coverage:

How to Get this Episode

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Michael B. and Michael K. continue their coverage of BATMAN #3, as Batman and Robin take on the seedy underbelly of a criminal organization composed of…children? That’s right, it’s their most juvenile adventure yet as the Dynamic Duo tackle the case of “The Crime School for Boys!”

Things We Learned:

• The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.
• Teach kids to be honest…by lying to them.
• Dick Grayson’s gun show is more impressive than Batman’s.
• Batman should go back to the “Bat-in-a-box” idea.
• Criminals that don’t use guns are okay.

Images from Coverage:

How to Get this Episode

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Michael K. and Michael B. continue their coverage of BATMAN #3, which finds the Batman falling head-first into action and mystery when a strange plague newspapers dub “the Ghastly Change” pours over the city. The Dynamic Duo of the Batman and Robin must them go into action and confront the crafty brain behind the sinister sickness: “The Ugliest Man in the World!”

Things We Learned:

• Dick Tracy is really a bad guy.
• Newspapers cause more problems than villains.
• Batman is not very stealthy when it comes to hiding his transportation. But, luckily, neither are the villains.
• Speaking of, though… the proto-Batmobile: Free cancer whether you ride or follow
• Apparently, it is okay to try to kill someone if they accidentally stabbed you 15 years ago.

Images from Coverage:

How to Get this Episode

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Michael B. and Michael K. continue their coverage of Batman material released in October of 1940, this time taking a look at the first story from BATMAN #3, where the Caped Crusader finds his strings being pulled as he is manipulated and mind controlled in “The Strange Case of the Diabolical Puppet Master!”

Things We Learned:

• Bruce Wayne has a supernatural “Cossack finding” power.
• You’re not a puppeteer if you don’t actually hold the puppets.
• Electric shock therapy is always the first choice.
• That seemingly deserted abandoned barn?  Not abandoned.
• Don’t let Robin punch you in the throat.

Images from Coverage:

How to Get this Episode

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The show is back and, with this episode, so is the awesome! Michael K. and Michael B. look at the Batman story from DETECTIVE COMICS #45, which features an old school (mostly solo) Batman story that finds the Dark Knight taking on the returning menace of that Harlequin of Hate the Joker as he tries to solve “The Case of the Laughing Death!”

Things We Learned:

• Bruce Wayne pole vaulted in college.
• A rekoj is not what you think it is.
• Batman knows a lot of dance moves.
• Never trust the Joker.
• Old school solo Batman is pretty awesome.

Images from Coverage:

How to Get this Episode

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“Guess who just got back today… them wild-eyed boys that had been away. Haven’t changed, haven’t much to say. But man, I still think them cats are crazy.” That’s right, folks! Michael Kaiser and Michael Bradley are back with a brand new episode! After catching up on why they left, where they’ve been and all the news that’s happened in the interim, the guys dive into DETECTIVE COMICS #44, which find the Batman and Robin crossing paths with giants and elves as they enter “The Land Behind the Light!”

Things We Learned:

• Robin doesn’t have a bedtime.
• Dick always addresses Bruce as the Batman.
• Bob Kane had perspective issues.
• We took our hiatus one story too soon.
• Sometimes, stories don’t teach you five things.

Images from Coverage:

Reference Links:

• The Superman Fan Podcast, hosted by Billy Hogan
• “Slipstream,” a web comic illustrated by Billy Hogan and written by Jeffrey Taylor
• The cover to “Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman,” a forthcoming book on Bill Finger by Marc Tyler Nobleman
• The New 52 Adventures of Superman, a new podcast hosted by Michael Kaiser along with Jon M. Wilson and J. David Weter
• Green Lantern’s Light, a new podcast hosted by Michael Bradley along with J. David Weter and Jeffrey Taylor

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, Gotham Knights Online, an excellent site for current Batman news and reviews.

That’s right, folks. You’ve heard the whispers. You’ve heard the rumors. And now, the truth can be unveiled! Legends of the Batman is returning!

Take a listen to the new promo for the podcast covering everything Batman from the beginning! Hosted by the Dynamic Duo of Michael Kaiser and Michael Bradley.

Legends of the Batman returns on March 1.

Download via iTunes!
Download via the RSS feed!
Download directly or use the player below!

This episode Michael Kaiser and Michael Bradley take on all Batman material released in August of 1940, where they find Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson attempting to take a much needed vacation, but instead are forced to rescue a town from corruption in DETECTIVE COMICS #43.

Things We Learned:

• It’s easy to figure out who the most respected man in town is, just ask.
• Bat-in-the-Box is a more effective calling card than Dead-Dart-Bat.
• Bad guys often live next door to each other.
• Robin doesn’t gamble, so neither should you!
• Batman’s menace is far less effective when preceded by bad puns.

Images from Coverage:

How to Get this Episode

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This episode Michael Kaiser and Michael Bradley join the Batman and Robin as they encounter a cornucopia of villainy! First up is DETECTIVE COMICS #42 where our heroes unravel a mystery presented when owners of paintings by an upcoming artist wind up dead. Then it’s over to BATMAN #2, which sees Batman and Robin squaring off against the Joker, the Cat, unwitting masters of crime, gangsters, neanderthal giants and more!

Things We Learned:

• Is your life in danger? Take a cruise.
• Always have a wearable, lifelike, to-scale dummy of yourself on hand, just in case.
• Sometimes, random ladies selling gum are important.
• Police in New York have very poor memory.
• African Pygmies walking on top of a railroad car means something queer is going on.

Images from Coverage:

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, Gotham Knights Online, an excellent site for current Batman news and reviews.

Michael Bradley and Michael Kaiser return to cover all Batman material released in June of 1940, which drops back down to one comic again, DETECTIVE COMICS #41, where Robin must go undercover to solve a kidnapping, a murder and the mystery of the Masked Man!

Things We Learned:

• The escaped maniac isn’t always the villain.
• Bruce is always in the right place at the wrong time.
• Batman’s costume apparently attracts way more attention than Robin’s.
• Verizon Wireless ain’t got nothing on utility belt buckles.
• Do not enroll your children into Blake’s School for Boys.

Images from Coverage:

Reference Links:

• Michael B. referenced THE ALL-NEW BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #7, containing a flashback to the first meeting between Alan Scott and a brand new Batman, who very much resembles the Batman from 1939.
• Michael K. used to have to cover his school books with paper bags.  Here’s a how-to for those who want to try it.

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, Gotham Knights Online, an excellent site for current Batman news and reviews.

Michael Kaiser and Michael Bradley are back with a double-hit of awesomeness starring Batman and Robin! First up is DETECTIVE COMICS #40 where Batman and Robin attempt to stop a vicious killer who’s target is Julie Madison (aspiring actress) and learn to beware of Clayface! (Yes, we said actress.) Then it’s a bit of a lighter story, but the threat is no less dangerous, in NEW YORK WORLD’S FAIR COMICS as “Batman and Robin Visit the 1940 New York World’s Fair”! You’ll never believe what happens in that one!

Things We Learned:

• Becoming an actress is very easy.
• Bruce Wayne is way too busy for petty crimes like murder.
• Robin is not as cool as he wants you to think.
• Nobody can destroy a bridge.
• The World’s Fair educates and has (well, had) as many thrills as one of Batman and Robin’s adventures.

Images from Coverage:

Reference Links:

• Towards the end of the episode, Michael B. references THE BIG ALL-AMERICAN COMIC BOOK as the third book in the DC RARITIES ARCHIVE EDITION. And, yes, he said it included a Green Arrow story, when he meant the much cooler Green Lantern. But, he talks about Green Lantern a little later, so it’s all good.
• Michael K. referenced a two-part story called, “Made of Wood” that involved the original Green Lantern, Alan Scott, teaming up with Batman to solve a murder from the past in DETECTIVE COMICS #784 and #785. In the story, it is revealed that Bruce Wayne’s father, Thomas was a member of the Green Lantern fan club.

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, Gotham Knights Online, an excellent site for current Batman news and reviews.

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.

Ever say to yourself, “Hey… you know what Batman needs? A kid sidekick!” If so, you’re in luck, because this episode Michael Kaiser and Michael Bradley look at DETECTIVE COMICS #38, which features the historic debut of the sensational character find of 1940… “Robin, the Boy Wonder!” Hear… of the tragedy that strikes a young man! Cheer… as the laughing young dare-devil is born! Thrill to his amazing exploits! Realize… the Batman will never be the same again!

Things We Learned:

• Sometimes a paper-covered hoop is just a paper-covered hoop.
• Who Robin the Boy Wonder is and how he became an ally of the Batman.
• Gangers, see. They have weird speech patterns, see. Anyone that talks like this, see, has to be a gangster, see.
• Robin is unusually strong for a kid.
• Always bring a camera, “just in case.”

Images from Coverage:

Reference Links:

• The cover to Robin’s historic debut has been paid homage to on BLUE DEVIL #14 from 1985 by Paris Cullins and Gary Martin, DEADPOOL #51 from 2001 by Darick Robertson, HERO SQUARED #6 from 2007 by Joe Abraham, SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #38 from 1999 by Mike Manley and Terry Austin (Michael B’s favorite, for obvious reasons), a scene from “Teen Titans” and likely many others.

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.

This episode, your hosts Michael Bradley and Michael Kaiser take on DETECTIVE COMICS #37 where Batman takes a left when he should have went right, and ends up cowl deep in a foreign spy plot to frame the United States and start an international crisis. Prepare for hijinks and one ticked-off Batman.

Things We Learned:

• Batman’s specially built high-powered auto does not include GPS.
• Joking with a guy who’s been stabbed by a hot poker isn’t cool.
• Bruce Wayne likes sugar by the pound.
• Batman can see in the dark, just like real bats (which can’t).
• Elias Turg is really…who cares?

Images from Coverage:

Reference Links:

• Michael K. reminisced about a novel he read as a kid consisting of Batman short stories, and after some research, we’re pretty sure he was referring to THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF BATMAN anthology. Couldn’t find any references to a guy with heads for feet, but the story “Subway Jack” by Joe Lansdale involves Batman going up against a demon from another world, so maybe that’s what he’s thinking of (or he just has a bad memory).
• Here’s a look at the climactic scene from “Batman Forever” which Michael B. was reminded of during a scene from this episode’s story.
• The official web site of Batman artist Jerry Robinson.

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.

This episode, your hosts Michael Kaiser and Michael Bradley dive into 1940 with a look at the Batman story from DETECTIVE COMICS #36. The year kicks off in style as a mysterious fog and a dying man’s last words lead the Batman to uncover a mystery and into the clutches of a dastardly new villain: Professor Hugo Strange! Plus, the strip gets a new editor, a new inker and the guys read listener mail!

Things We Learned:

• Never touch a dead man.
• The stopping of murder, theft, crime and looting can wait.
• Be suspicious of night watchmen in giant overcoats and Panama hats.
• That we still don’t know what “condensed lightning” is.
• The Batman is a great man, son. A great man!

Images from Coverage:

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.

Like hearing Mike and Mike talk about comics? Well, you’re in luck! Because Michael Kaiser joined Michael Bradley for an awesome episode of The Thrilling Adventures of Superman, where they talked about some great comics starring the other half of the World’s Finest heroes!

The adventures begin with ACTION COMICS #13 where Superman unravels the mystery of a taxi cab racket and finds something — or someone — far more sinister is behind it: The wheelchair-bound madman known as the Ultra-Humanite! They then move on to the historic SUPERMAN #1, which unveils never-before-told details about Superman’s origin, his first prose story, our hero’s very own fan club and more! They then wrap things up with ACTION COMICS #14, where Superman investigates a suspicious subway collapse and faces off against a strangely familiar foe with a thirst for world domination!

Click here to see the post at GreatKrypton.com, the site’s home base, download the episode or subscribe to the show.

This week, Michael Bradley and Michael Kaiser take a break from their normal monthly coverage format to look back at their first completed year, going over the pros and cons, the ups and downs, the lefts and rights of all the Batman material released in 1939. And at the end of the show, the two give their votes for the bests and worsts of the year!

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.

The guys are back with a look at DETECTIVE COMICS #35… and not only that, but the issue also sees the return of writer Bill Finger! Batman’s co-creator returns in style pitting our hero against Hindus, Mongols and death traps galore — all while trying to unravel the mystery of a ruby idol’s curse!

Things We Learned:

• If you see a group of Hindus driving around in a convertible downtown, they might be up to something.
• Sometimes Batman actually does ask questions first.
• Always remove all protruding pipes from bottomless pit death traps.
• Fake gloves and a Halloween makeup kid make for a surprisingly effective disguise.
• Who needs Baterangs when you can use a ruby carving of a Hindu idol?

Images from Coverage:

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.

This week your hosts, Michael Bradley and Michael Kaiser tackle all things Batman released in November of 1939, which again only consists of one issue, DETECTIVE COMICS #34, where Batman takes on the mysterious, pointy eared, magic wand wielding, wheel of chance owning, horticulturist known as the Duc D’orterre!

Things We Learned:

• A faceless man? Bruce Wayne has better things to worry about!
• Never burn the face off your future brother-in-law.
• Drunk people in Paris often dress up like Batman.
• Sentient flowers with female human faces will never make sense.
• Taking a Batplane is faster than taking a taxi.

Images from Coverage:

Reference Links:

• About Les Apaches
  • The Dirty Tricks of the French Apaches by Craig Gemeiner
  • The Apaches of Paris from Neatorama

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.

After six episodes of being shrouded in mystery, the epic tale of the Batman and how he came to be is at at long-last revealed as Michael Kaiser and Michael Bradley look at DETECTIVE COMICS #33!! The guys spend quite a bit of time discussing the tragic circumstances that lead to the creation of our legendary hero and various aspects thereof.

They then move on to the rest of the issue, where a would-be world dictator attacks the city, causing mass damage and the Batman to go into action. There’s excitement and explosions aplenty as “The Batman Wars Against the Dirigible of Doom!” Also, this episode: Listener emails and a follow-up on the merciless and mystifying Monk!

Things We Learned:

• How the Batman came to be;
• The public is rather accepting of death ray machines;
• Napoleon impersonators garner a large fan following;
• Batman has magical gas;
• Neither Michael B or Michael K will win Oscars this year.

Images from Coverage:

“…and how he came to be!”:
Batman’s origin has been told in various media dozens of times. Here’s a small sampling of different takes on the story from various incarnations.

• BATMAN #47 – No scans from this one, but we’ll be covering it soon.
• “The Fear,” an episode of “The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians” (1985) – This is said to be the first time Batman’s origin was told in any media outside of the comic books!
• “Batman,” directed by Tim Burton (1989)
• A two-page spread by Paul Dini and Alex Ross from BATMAN: WAR ON CRIME (1999)
• A two-page spread by Jeph Loeb and Alex Ross, originally posted at DCComics.com and later included in the collections of the “Hush” storyline (2003?)
• “Batman Begins,” directed by Christopher Nolan (2005)
• “Batman: Arkham Asylum,” the video game (2009)
• “Chill of the Night!,” an episode of “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” (2010) – This version uses dialogue lifted nearly verbatim from DETECTIVE COMICS #33!

Reference Links:

• SECRET ORIGINS OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST SUPER-HEROES, a trade paperback containing “The Man Who Falls” by Dennis O’Neil and Dick Giordano. The story reveals information about Bruce Wayne’s childhood and the creation of Batman.
• “The Mark of Zorro” starring Douglas Fairbanks traditionally is the movie that the Waynes saw on that fateful night. Also, according to Bob Kane, the movie’s swashbuckling star served as an inspiration in the creation of the Batman.
• Mark Tyler Nobleman, author of the excellent “Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman” (a biography on Superman’s co-creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster) is currently working on a similar book about Batman’s co-creator, Bill Finger! The book is to be illustrated by Ty Templeton. Michael B. is a big fan of “Boys of Steel,” so we’ll keep you posted on updates about Nobleman’s book on Finger.
• We didn’t mention it in the episode, but this advertisement promoting BATMAN: YEAR ONE echoes a critical panel in the origin of the Batman.

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.

The head-butting is at a minimum this episode, as Michael Bradley is swayed towards the Dark Side and begins sharing Michael Kaiser’s opinion  of “The Batman vs. the Vampire” two-parter, which features Batman taking on the nefarious villain known as The Monk in the pages of DETECTIVE COMICS #32.

Things We Learned:

• Proper ventilation holds no power over Batman’s gas pellets;
• Batman doesn’t believe in female villains;
• Using “The Tough Guy Handbook” for retorts doesn’t always work;
• Vampires are quick, strong, immortal and can control magic nets;
• Melting silver is way easier than you’d think.

Images from Coverage:

Reference Links:

• While it’s impossible to improve on this story, Matt Wagner tried in 2006 with the Batman: Mad Monk mini-series.
• The rap. Listen to the episode, you’ll understand.

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.

It was bound to happen! After four episodes of peace, hosts Michael Kaiser and Michael Bradley butt heads over a story in an epic clash sure to go down in history, like those of Ali vs. Frazier, Montagues vs. Capulets and Red Sox vs. Yankees! The story in question comes from DETECTIVE COMICS #31 and finds the Batman battling on land, sea and air to save the life of Bruce Wayne’s fiancée when he meets a nefarious new menace in the form of The Monk! Will such a mammoth confrontation mean the end of the Batman — or the show?! Tune-in, Bat-fans, and find out!

Things We Learned:

• Bruce Wayne has a fiancée;
• Bat-aviation vehicles are extremely technologically advanced;
• Military-grade smoke grendades? Check. Chemical knock-out gas pellets? Check. Custom-made Baterangs? Check. Simple pocket knife? D’oh;
• Mutant were-apes grow quickly;
• No, really. He’s engaged.

Images from Coverage:

Reference Links:

• Homages to the cover of this episode’s issue appeared on BATMAN #227 by Neal Adams and BATMAN AND THE MAD MONK #1 by Matt Wagner. The latter is the first issue of six-issue series, written and illustrated by Wagner, based on the story told in the issues covered this episode and next.
• Speaking of recreations, check out this one by Bob Kane, done in the early ’80s for someone named Ike. Also, this stained glass version by Brandon Michael Barker is pretty cool, as well.
• Vicki Vale’s ride in the Batmobile from Tim Burton’s “Batman.”

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.

Go check it out:
The Mighty Shield: A Captain America Podcast

This week your hosts, Michael Bradley and Michael Kaiser, take a look at all things Batman released in July of 1939, which consisted of one comic book, DETECTIVE COMICS #30, where a certain arch-nemesis decides to make a very quick return, and Batman finds himself once again having to put a stop to the nefarious Doctor Death! Plus, the guys read their first listener email!

Things We Learned:

• Not eating by 6PM makes Bruce Wayne a very crank socialite;
• Batman’s rabbit ears lets him hear safe combinations;
• Cossacks make for some great henchmen;
• Doctor Death is just as ugly on the outside as he is on the inside;
• Batman is pretty good at doodling bats.

Images from Coverage:

Reference Links:

• Who Drew Batman?, that has a nice little entry about the writing credits for DETECTIVE COMICS #30 in the first Bob Kane section of the site.
• Grand Comics Database sites Sheldon Moldoff as art collaborator in their entry for DETECTIVE COMICS #30. It’s the first of many Bat-related credits for Moldoff. If you want to know more about this great Golden and Silver Age artist, head on over to his official web site!
• In the episode, Michael B. mentions Batman’s “I’ll get drive through line,” which he wrongly said came from a commercial. In fact, it’s actually from the opening scene of “Batman Forever.” Your hosts apologize for the flub… and for the fact that the line was in the movie, even though they had nothing to do with the latter.
• Lou Gehrig’s “Luckiest Man” farewell speech at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 1939, and the fictionalized version from PRIDE OF THE YANKEES, starring Gary Cooper.

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.

More excitement, more thrills, more pages! That’s what’s up when Michael Kaiser and Michael Bradley look at the Batman story from DETECTIVE COMICS #29…. where an arch criminal sets out to eliminate the only thing standing in the way of his dastardly plans: The Batman! Our hero faces his most dangerous foe yet when “The Batman Meets Doctor Death!”

Things We Learned:

• Batman has a horrible, horrible secret identity;
• Green and orange suits aren’t the fashion faux pas that you might think;
• Crimes are easier to solve when you see your villain’s henchman taking a casual stroll;
• Secret trap doors are surprisingly useful;
• Who needs Batarangs when you can use a fire extinguisher?

Images from Coverage:

Reference Links:

• An homage to the cover this episode’s issue appeared in an interior panel in BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #20 by Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs.
• The infamous Bat-credit card scene from “Batman and Robin”
• A lark on Doctor Death’s, er, death… courtesy of the web cartoon “Shortpacked!” by David Willis (another show notes bonus!)

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! And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter, as well!

This time out, Michael Bradley and Michael Kaiser take a look at all Batman material released in May of 1939, which consists of a single issue, DETECTIVE COMICS #28, where Batman takes on Frenchy Blake and his band of jewel thieves, and has way too much fun doing it!

Things We Learned:

• Super-ventriloquism has nothing on bat-voice-changing;
• Batman’s favorite killing move: “the bat-elevator”;
• Sometimes even the Batman thinks way too much;
• It’s always good to confess when being hung from a window;
• Batman delivers in 15 minutes, or your criminal mastermind is free!

Images from Coverage:

Reference Links:

• 1936 Cord 810, Batman’s first car.

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! And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter, as well!

As this is the first episode, your hosts Michael Kaiser and Michael Bradley talk a bit more in detail about the show’s premise and it’s origin, as well as their own history with the Dark Knight. They then get down to business with a look at Batman’s first appearance from DETECTIVE COMICS #27, which find Batman unraveling the mystery of murder and betrayal in “The Case of the Chemical Syndicate!”

Things We Learned:

• Batman is more important than homework;
• Commissioner Gordon likes to repeat things on the phone;
• Batman and Bruce Wayne have the same taste in cars;
• The basement isn’t always the basement;
• Batman is really… OMG!

Images from Coverage:

Reference Links:

• Homages to the historic cover of Batman’s first appearance have appeared on DETECTIVE COMICS #627 by Norm Breyfogle and DETECTIVE COMICS #853 by Andy Kubert and Scott Williams, as well as an interior panel from KINGDOM COME #2 by Alex Ross (a look at the full artwork can be seen on a card from the Kingdom Come Xtra trading card set). Michael Kaiser found the #853 cover after recording, so it’s a show notes bonus!
• From Crisis to Crisis: A Superman Podcast, hosted by Michael Bailey and Jeffrey Taylor. One of the earliest “comic casts” either of the Michaels heard (check the links in the sidebar for more great shows).

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! And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter, as well!

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The adventure begins March 31 right here at batmanlegends.com.