TODAY   IN   HISTORY . . . . . . 

Any comic book aficionado worth his salt
knows that Bruce Wayne - aka The Caped
Crusader, The Dark Knight - first appeared
in DC Comics in the May, 1939, issue.

Widely considered the most valuable comic
book ever published, an original copy of the
'39 debut of Batman sold for over $1,000,000
at auction in 2010.  Yikes.

     BUT the world of Super Hero Duos changed
     forever on February 20, 1944, with the
     introduction of Batman's sidekick, Dick
     Grayson - aka Robin, The Boy Wonder.
     The groundbreaking issue was released in
     May of 1944.

Some speculate that Robin's character was created in an attempt to reinvigorate the sagging American moral as World War II drug on. 

Patriotism was a prevailing theme in many of the war-years issues and those are some of the most popular of collectible comics.

Marketing executives quickly latched on to the popularity

of the Dynamic Duo and the rest is collecting history.

This movie ad for the pairs' weekly matinee serial

was found in a pile of old, discarded newspapers.

If you're thinking of starting a collection for a young child, consider

Batman and Robin memorabilia.  It's relatively common at flea

markets and on line and the prices for later merchandise from the

1960s and 1970s are quite affordable.

                    

 

These McCall's and Simplicity patterns were

actually found at thrift shops for less than $1!

Keep a sharp eye out at yard sales for 'pre-vintage'

items that will increase in value in the coming years.

When not battling despicable characters, Batman and

Robin continue to make readers out of their young fans.

Naive to some, they represent the black-and-white difference

between good and evil.  And, to quote the Winged Warrior,

"They  may be drinkers, Robin, but they're still human beings."

So true. . . . giggle. . . . hiccup. . . . . 

UPDATE:  After posting this article I dropped by one of the no-kill animal shelter thrift shops I often frequent and found a box of vintage comic books.  Although they were marked $1 all books were 1/2 price so I picked up several DC Comics from the early 80s for 50 cents each.   Score!