Golden and Silver Age Discrepencies

Recently, I bid on (and lost) an auction for the "First Silver Age Batman" which was an auction for Batman #103. Since losing it, I've been trying to research it more and find another copy. I figured finding the first Silver Age issue is a good starting point for a Batman run, since most of the Golden Age stuff is never going to be in my price range.

But while digging around online, I've found that not everyone agrees on which issue is the first Silver Age issue. For instance, ComicsPriceGuide lists issue 97 as the "First Silver Age Issue." Which is in February of 1956.

Others consider the first Silver Age Batman to not appear until Detective #327, which wasn't until May of 1964!

So which is it? And do other titles have debatable starts to their "Silver Age?" I kind of always thought that the "Ages" were clearly defined. Since the Silver Age started with Showcase #4 in 1956, I figured the first issue of each comic after that would be considered it's first Silver Age book.

I guess I'm kind of particular, and want clear-cut definitions of the "Ages."

Batmans first appearance was in Detective Comics #27, May 1937. But the "New look" for Batman was Detective #327, May 1964, since interest in him was waning. That was when the costume was changed and the Batmobile was re-vamped for more modern times.

Right, but the Silver Age technically started in 1956. So the Silver Age for Batman didn't start until 8 years later?

And wasn't Detective 27 in 1939? Or am I totally mixed up now?

Silver Age did start in 1956, but the new look which would be the first Silver age appearance for Batman wasnt until 1964. That was when the chest emblem changed, the 300th issue of when Batman first appeared and the 25th anniversary of his creation.

As for when #27 came out. it was in 1937. It was the first appearance of Batman and Commissioner Gordan. And that was May 1st.

Just to be clear. Detective Comics started in 1937. But Detective #27 was cover dated May 1939.

kisstour03 wrote:

Just to be clear. Detective Comics started in 1937. But Detective #27 was cover dated May 1939.

Oops. I even looked at the dates 6 times and still put it down wrong.

This is totally fascinating to me. I've been doing more digging, and the consensus story-wise is that Detective 327 IS the first SIlver Age Batman story, while Batman 97 is the first Silver Age book, chronologically.

I found this cool blog that explained a lot.

http://www.therealbatmanchronologyproject.com/the-silver-age/

What I gather from it, is that while 97 was the first Silver Age appearance, year-wise, they mostly just retold Golden Age Batman stories until Detective 327 in 1964, when there was an actual change to Batman himself, and new stories being told.

If that's the case, I'm kind of stoked about it, because I actually already own Detective #327.



I wonder if the same debate exists for the other Golden Age DC titles? (Action, Superman, Wonder Woman, etc.)

That's sweet you already have the issue Tad. Awesome stuff.

This all got me thinking of Batmans different looks over the years. And I dug up this pic form my small Batman collection. This is the look I think of when Batman comes to mind. It's the one I grew up with.

Paul, thats the silver age look. Before that, he didnt have the yellow around the bat on his chest. By the way, thats a killer issue.

As for others being this complicated, I really dont think so. The others costumes really didnt change much until recently I believe, so I dont think theres much going on for them.