One of the best collections for Batman fans, mostly for the introduction of classic characters, and the eras that they were introduced in, the racism, sexism and homophobia can be as draining as they are just laugh out loud awful. However the introduction of Robin, Two-Face, Batwoman at all makes for a good introduction to the Batman canon.

In Detective Comics: 80 Years of Batman, DC pays good tribute to its namesake title. We certainly see here the breadth of characters that have appeared in Detective, its variety of tones, and some of the creative teams for which it's best known. Collected within this book are the first historical appearances of Batman, Robin, Batwoman, Batgirl, Leslie Thompkins, Two-Face, Riddler, Clayface, Man-Bat, and Bat-Mite, as well as Martian Manhunter.

Among gems reprinted here are pieces of Archie Goodwin and Walt Simonson's Paul Kirk Manhunter backups. Neal Adams and Dick Giordano draw Man-Bat's first appearance spookily well. Interesting too is Steve Englehart and Marshall Rogers' "Deadshot Riochet," particularly the classic interplay between Bruce Wayne and Silver St. Cloud. Harlan Ellison's got a funny tale; Brad Meltzer and Bryan Hitch's rewrite of the original Detective Comics #27 is a particularly good bookend toward the end of the book. I was glad Greg Rucka and Shawn Martinbrough's "New Gotham" Detective run also got a nod.

On the whole the book makes me nostalgic for the Bat-costume with the yellow circle on the chest.

This includes classic stories from Batman’s greatest adventures . You will revisit stories you grew up with with all the fabulous artwork . This is a must for Batman fans

The protected PDF file was corrupted and so the overwhelming majority of this book could not be read. Based on what little content that was readable, I would give it at least three stars.

About a year after the 80th Anniversary of Superman's birth into comicdom, DC's tribute its other favorite son will be released. Much like The Man of Steel's anthology, The Caped Crusader's collection includes a series of comics from over the years and short essays by the writers and artists who have helped create the mythos over the decades. These short pieces share personal memories and overall thoughts on Batman's legacy and his connections to American culture.

#27, 30, 38, 66, 140. The introduction of The Batman, Robin, Two-Face, and The Riddler. These examples from The Golden Age serve to introduce the reader to a character who at this point is mostly a sleuth and do-gooder. I found this section a great look back at the origins of the art style, the allies, and the villains. My grandmother did not keep a huge stash of my father's comics, but I remember one book from the early 50s that contained a Riddler story. I have great memories of stealing away in the sunroom to read through these books growing up.

The turning point of this collection in design and content is at #400, "Challenge of the Man-Bat." We see a break away from standard panelling and a real evolution of the motivations of the villains and the mission of The Batman himself. At this point the writers start to turn the camera both inward to Batman's own psychological issues and outward to comment on social issues in America. From here, the franchise grows and with it the audience.

This collection forced me to reflect on my relationship with The Dark Knight. Why has he retained his popularity for so many years? Why do I follow him more closely than Superman? I believe I am like most people in that I appreciate his humanity, his pain, and his dark and brooding demeanor. This won't be a debate on Superman vs Batman because there have been just too many of those over the years, but I do find myself drawn to Batman, and this book helps to verify that.

Like Superman's anniversary edition last year, this is another awesome tribute to one of the titans of the comic world.

I was hoping this edition would give me a better view of the transition comic books have gone through to the graphic novels of today. It has, sort of. The writing and atristry must really reflect the times and the demographics of the audience. I fondle remeber the comics of my youth and have tried to connect with the novels of today. Both are not what I hoped for. This edition includes biographies of writers and artists along with short descriptions of whar DC was going for in the way stories were presented. This edition does show that Batman is merely human, albeit with great stregnth and cunning.