ow pgs
3rd appearance of Catwoman, and 1st appearance in costume; classic Bob Kane/Jerry Robinson cover/art
Batman #3 features vital moments in the Caped Crusader's early career, beginning with a classic cover that would be saluted in the '60s with the
Batman television show. There's also a major first appearance of the
Catwoman as a supervillain. Her earlier appearances had portrayed her as an anonymous Mistress of Disguise known as The Cat. Here, the mysterious thief begins wearing a red cape, plus a proper cat mask completely covering her head. Meanwhile, the DC editors can't decide between the text calling her Cat-Woman, The Cat, or The Cat Woman. You can still be sure that giant cat head comes off long enough for her to steal a kiss before once again escaping Batman's clutches.
By any name, "The Batman vs. the Cat-Woman" is a vital early story featuring one of DC's most enduring characters. The issue also boasts the bizarre (and homicide-filled) "The Ugliest Man in the World," "The Crime School for Boys," and "The Strange Case of the Diabolical Puppet Master." This book is also the only showcase for the bumbling Detective McGonigle, who appears in two stories as a planned comic foil for Batman before never being seen again. Early
Batman comics are notoriously difficult to procure, and this issue truly earns its valued place among collectors.
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The solid black background wash typically reveals any and all imperfections on this cover, while there are some expected signs of wear, the overall appeal of this book comes across quite powerfully. The Caped Crusaders stand out in impressive fashion as their costumes are as clean and bright as the day they rolled off the presses, and the iconic logo is solid and clear, with powerful reds and blues that draw the eye magnetically. The structural integrity is sound, and the copy is quite handsome, with the forthcoming “The Batman” film due out next year, this book should see a nice bump up in value.
Overstreet Guide 2019 NM- (9.2) value = $3,900.