Batman

The influence of the Adam West BATMAN TV series really shows up in this volume of BATMAN comics originally published between 1967-1968. We see the debut of Barbara Gordon as Batgirl, Mr. Freeze's first use of that name (formerly Mr. Zero in the comics) and plenty of "Holy this" or "Holy that" exclamations from The Boy Wonder. Alfred, Commissioner Gordon and Aunt Harriet feature prominently as supporting characters just as you would expect. The art really evolves into a more modern look: larger panels, border-breaking figures and faster paced stories. Some great names in comics history offer up work in this volume: Carmine Infantino, Murphy Anderson, Neal Adams, Garder Fox, Sheldon Moldoff, Joe Giella, Gil Kane and plenty more.

I learned how to read by reading these comics. Now I'm 50 and reading them again for the first time in 40 years, I realize how much I missed the first time. These comics are rich in entertainment value!

I recently sold all of my Batman collection that survived the flood of 2008, as I'm fairly much out of collecting (a flood will do that to you), but I still pined for copies of those great comics I read during my growth as a comics enthusiast. Fortunately, both Marvel and DC are helping me out with this, first with Marvel's ESSENTIALS softbounds and now with DC's SHOWCASE series, reprinting many of their Silver Age books. Absolutely recommended reading, though some folks have wondered why I would sell off my full-colored comics for blasck-and-white editions. To them I reply, "Well, that's why God made crayons."

What has the first Batgirl story, the first Catwoman story to appear in a Batman title in the 60s (Lois Lane 70-71 not withstanding), and the first story to feature Mr. Freeze (not as Mr. Zero)? Answer- Showcase Presents: Batman, Vol 3. This volume reflects the Bat Family from the 1960s and if you're a fan, you won't be disappointed. These stories are not as grim as later stories but are just plain fun. If you enjoyed volumes 1 and 2, don't hesitate to get this volume. The Riddler, the Joker, and the Penguin also appear in stories.