Batman #1 - Atop the Fourth Wall

Welcome to Atop the Fourth Wall, where bad comics burn. In this episode, Linkara finishes Secret Origins Month with the first appearance of Catwoman... and the Joker!
Check out more AT4W shirts at Shark Robot: sharkrobot.com/collections/at...
Title Card Art by Viga: / vigasartroom
atopthefourthwall.com
/ at4w
Originally released November 24th, 2021.
ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION: The first appearance of an essential part of Batman lore: the infrared flashlight!
#batman #at4w

[@katherinealvarez9216]

Batman: I’ll do everything I can to rehabilitate you. Cat woman: Marry me. Batman: Everything except that. A wife, no matter how beauteous, or affectionate would severely impair my crime fighting. Catwoman: Bruce. Bruce: Yes? Cat woman: You have eight children.

[@jamesadamsfl]

Congratulations, you understand Batman better than most modern writers.

[@doggosho3044]

Batman:Well you see uh......I AM THE NIGHT! *out the window he goes*

[@wwb16]

i always loved adam west's seriousness in that moment

[@kanebravo953]

"Bob Kane, spokesman for Activision." Holy shit Linkara, that was amazing.

[@Cdr2002]

Would also have been accurate to say Netherrealm Studios

[@pulsarstargrave256]

Actually, what Kane was describing others have called "The Power of Nookie" and it has been mesmerizing a LOT of Men and Lesbians ever since Adam met Eve (or Lilith met Eve) for CENTURIES! Look at how often it has helped Catwoman escape Batman!

[@pulsarstargrave256]

@@jlev1028 From what I heard about one and saw with the second BOTH of Kane's wives were beautiful so, are you sure you know what that "incel" stuff is about? And the quote is from his fanciful autobio! Sorry, not everybody hates Bob Kane, I always thought he was a riot! I save my ire for the "Galahad Hypocrites" who really are closet "incel" types!

[@daelen.cclark]

@@Cdr2002 It would be accurate for many many things, unfortunately.

[@CJPV1701]

Ah, Bob Kane. The only person in history with a tombstone that makes you think "God what a douche."

[@jamesadamsfl]

I just looked it up. If the guy wanted to thank God for this inspiration, I can go with that, but yeah the thing really seems like the guy thought he was greatest thing since sliced bread. Yeesh.

[@dawnofapril3055]

"Quiet or papa spank." is a phrase I would have expected more from Crazy Steve.

[@chwenhoou]

Well, you're not wrong.

[@Drakespawn85]

And I'm pretty sure they intentionally reused the line (or ratherr the "papa spank"-half) for the Joker in Batman Beyonds "Return of the Joker"-movie - and for the Joker (the aged criminal mocking a "kid") it fit just perfectly.

[@Jim4815162342]

It was actually a fairly common expression at the time. Thankfully, it has gone out of fashion. (If you ever listen to the song "Bianca" from Kiss Me Kate, they use it there too.)

[@michaelramon2411]

I presume Crazy Steve's version is "Quiet AND papa spank".

[@daelen.cclark]

@@Jim4815162342 Some things are best left in the past, I suppose.

[@thomaspalazzolo5902]

I really like to think that, "quiet, or papa spank" was just one of Batman's go-to lines at that time, and he'd usually yell it at confused and terrified mob goons.

[@Ellthom]

That was funny, they ask Bob Kane about the creation of Cat Woman and he goes on a tangent about how jaded his love life is. xD

[@mycontentcreation5264]

When I was hearing those quotes i started to think that Bob is secretly gay but doesn’t know it

[@themaskedmysadaean8885]

"Um... why're you telling us all this information?" - The Interviewer

[@thegayghost872]

That makes too much sense

[@sebastianevangelista4921]

Imagine him and Frank Miller in a room together. We would get all kinds of yikes out of that.

[@keijijohnson9754]

Okay I would’ve LOVED to see the transcript of THAT interview!🤣

[@LiliumSnow]

*Batman:* You see, kids of America?! Criminals are yellow without their guns! Don't go around admiring them, and always stop crime! *Also Batman:* _(lets a criminal escape because she's hot)_

[@plantainsame2049]

She's got booba

[@JaelinBezel]

How is her beauty relevant???

[@dashietheytpproductions2521]

This episode: *starts with Linkara petting a pretty kitty* Everyone liked that :)

[@BATCHARRO]

I can't believe Joker's been doing the "we interrupt this broadcast" bit since the 40s. If you think about it he does that a looooot.

[@daelen.cclark]

Why mess with a classic, right?

[@jadenbryant9283]

@@daelen.cclark somethings never change

[@jamesadamsfl]

This is why they say Joker is Batman's most egotistical enemy. The guy can't help but keep announcing his crimes during prime time broadcasting hours.

[@matityaloran9157]

@@jamesadamsflI thought The Riddler was considered Batman’s most egotistical enemy?

[@saidi7975]

​@@matityaloran9157 well when written right, Joker is a showman. His crimes have to be spectacles or the talk of the town. Riddler, while vain, makes them more of a game or a puzzle, preferably ones where he is full control so that he vaunts his superior intellect. Neither of them cares about collaterals though...

[@chasemaddigan9810]

So, interesting little fact about the Joker's debut here? He was originally going to die in this issue. There's a second story with the Joker in this comic where's he stabbed and apparently Bill Finger wanted him to die as he felt that Batman having a recurring nemesis would make him look incompetent. One of the editors overruled that decision, and the final panel of the story was hastily redrawn to show that the Joker had survived. It's just kind of nuts to think Batman's arch-nemesis was almost killed off in his first appearance. Maybe Hugo Strange really would've taken his place had that happened.

[@grantwinter-helms5410]

Somewhat similar to the fact Joker almost was almost a two and done villain, both Two-Face and Scarecrow both debuted in the Golden Age, but only had a handful of stories between them. Two-Face was only in three stories before he was cured with plastic surgery, and Scarecrow only made a scant two appearances. It took until the late '60s/early '70s for them to gain a consistant place in Batman's rogues gallery (although there were a few Two-Face impostors between the golden age trilogy and the real one's return.) I think your thought about Hugo Strange holds some water as he did have two appearances before the Joker was created (the Strange story in Batman #1 I think was made before Robin or Joker were created, since Robin wasn't in it and it had the darker tone of pre-Robin Batman), while pre-Strange villains were one and done or had two appearances like Doctor Death or the Mad Monk before dying. Once Joker was introduced though, Strange only had one more Golden Age appearnce before he was killed off until the Bronze Age.

[@daelen.cclark]

@@grantwinter-helms5410 Amazing how the most remembered villains appeared so briefly. Hugo Strange hasn’t been up to much, lately, has he?

[@jadenbryant9283]

@@daelen.cclark well he was in the Gotham series on fox but that's a different universe don't know about comics

[@skibot9974]

@@daelen.cclark well he was the main villian for most of Arkham City then again that game released in 2011

[@lancerutt9936]

What's extra weird about the "Papa Spank" thing is that Catwoman is usually the more sexually aggressive one in the relationship, at least going back to the 60s series

[@jamesadamsfl]

More than the 60s. Prior to the Adam West show, she had been absent from the comics for years on the grounds that she was considered too-sexualized (thus why the Kathy Kane version of Batwoman was invented to be a girlfriend for Batman).

[@ryanangelastro504]

@@jamesadamsfl so the 60s Batman series brought back everything we loved about Batman, and the comics brought them back later?

[@magicaltour1]

@@ryanangelastro504 The Adam West show did a lot to impress these characters on the cultural zeitgeist. While comic geeks may still denigrate it, many fans today seems to be coming around on it.

[@chrisdonovan9872]

Kill Robin bang bats was her og game plan (might be thinking about 60s batman show more but still)

[@jamesadamsfl]

That might have been the 60’s Catwoman’s plan, but not the original 30’s Catwoman. In her second appearance, she saved Robin from the Joker at the cost of a big score. She was a thief but not a murderer.

[@georgemiser]

*Video opens with cat being petted* Instant like. 10/10.

[@louthegiantcookie]

The Joker being a cold, methodical criminal who uses theatricality and showmanship to get away with his crimes is a lot more menacing than his modern "lol crazy" persona. I love that panel of him alone and glowering to himself, it's creepy because it shows us that his smile and antics are all a facade and he's a far different person when he's not "on".

[@louthegiantcookie]

@Mullerornis With respect, the issue isn't modern Joker being impulsive, it's how he's written. Writers want us to believe he's "crazy" but he acts like a sane person play acting. Every time he gives a monologue about how insane he is, it comes across like an edgy child who wants attention. Modern Joker is meant to be insane, but is written by people with no idea whatsoever about mental illness - so they just keep having him do grotesque things and keep having to up the ante. It's a real disservice to the character.

[@jamesadamsfl]

Joker's insanity has been written differently by different writers working under different editorial mandates. Often. it's just generic "craziness," or what the authors think is generic craziness. This version is similar to the way he appears in the "Man Who Laughs" graphic novel, which I enjoy because it gives Joker an actual diagnosis--extreme paranoia and narcissism. Joker blames the world for his fall into that acid, hates us for it, and wants to punish us. As Batman himself put it, Joker may be a genius, but that hate is all he knows.

[@Bezaliel13]

True. Back then he did the crime the previous night, but now he *will have done* the crime the previous year.

[@ToHoldNothing]

@Mullerornis BAtwoman's doing a decent attempt given in that universe, Joker's dead and this is the best they can manage given basic limitations where Joker can't appear in CW stuff, only in whatever WB permits. So...black character, son of a billionaire (half brother of the current Batwoman in show), shocked with Joker's joy buzzer on the forehead as a child and it affected him neurologically and psychologically. Not bad, though I've heard the Gotham version is quite well liked and takes its own route

[@ZipplyZane]

I find it interesting that he's strong enough to beat Batman in a fair fight.

[@MichaelSmith-fq6hz]

18:40 If the criminal is unarmed, you can take him, kids! I give this comic the "Home Alone Award" for giving kids terrible advice for dealing with criminals.

[@RaphBlade7]

I'm kinda surprised Linkara didn't say Joker was planning on challenging Batman or Robin to a children's card game.

[@RaphBlade7]

Eh, guess I'll take the Exodia Deck reference as a "well its close enough".

[@MrMaxHauser]

So you can add misogynist along with liar and thief to the list of adjectives to describe Bob Kane

[@vixterisk]

Not that surprising really.

[@joeberryman3563]

I don't know who'd sound funnier saying the "papa spank" line. Kevin Conroy or Adam West.

[@Caernath]

Linkara: "All the women I've ever met try to climb on top of me when I'm trying to do a review." Me: "Well, that explains why your videos rarely come out on time lately."

[@wstine79]

I never knew Vee was like that.

[@Pikachu2Ash]

@@grantmoore8228 Ya no that's just wrong. I would thread carefully with what you joke about.......

[@svartfrasr9755]

It's almost eerily fitting that the Joker's actual creative origins are so muddled given that his in universe origin would be changed so often and eventually be turned into its own kind of mystery with the Three Jokers story.

[@sarafontanini7051]

Three Jokers is pretty good in my opinion. The Jason Todd X Batgirl romance was...out of place and suden, but other than that it was pretty good

[@Mister-Thirteen]

@@sarafontanini7051 Agreed but let's be fair here...They don't know what to do with Barbra at DC. She's a semi-popular character but also a divisive one because fans are all attached to different versions of her. Classic Barbra and Dick Greyson, the will they won't they Archie couple of batman comics, Independent Vigilantly 90s Barbra, tech-savvy guardian of the family Oracle and most recently "Greetings fellow kids" pop 2010's Batgirl. Heck I'm actually one of the few that likes the TAS version that hooked up with Bruce for a time. **Shrug** So I don't think it should shock anyone when they try to pair her with new romances or attempt to reinvent the character's personality every couple of years.

[@thegayghost872]

@@sarafontanini7051 better than pairing her with Bruce

[@jamesadamsfl]

Three Jokers was really good, though I will agree that the JasonxBarbara romance was weird (and so was Dick not being there), and I'm annoyed the ending gave us a definitive answer on Joker's identity (though I loved how it turns out the "nice guy who had a bad day" story from Killing Joke is revealed to be a lie and that Bruce always knew who Joker was but realized it didn't matter).

[@sarafontanini7051]

@@thegayghost872 true but still

[@mrroboshadow]

To quote the character himself "If i'm going to have a past, I prefer it to be multiple choice!"

[@daelen.cclark]

Which makes “All of the above” take on a whole new meaning.

[@jacobg130productions]

Best bits of the video were the NFT Jab (was waiting for that) and the “I AM THE NIGHT!” Fall to the floor. Seriously, that shit had me in stitches.

[@TheZipding]

I had to pause the video at the "I AM THE NIGHT!" joke I was laughing too much.

[@nakenmil]

This makes me wonder if the Joker dressing up as a cop in The Dark Knight movie was a deliberate callback to this. That would be impressive. They even look kinda similar.

[@daelen.cclark]

Perhaps, but who can say?

[@skibot9974]

@@daelen.cclark Christopher Nolan probably could

[@wstine79]

This video is the Tur-duck-en of AT4W episodes. The origins of Catwoman, The Joker, and a look at an original Batman comic book. All while being taken under the control of his kitty cats and Vee, the Catwoman.

[@Jygerthe2nd]

OMG, it totally IS, too. XD

[@catalinamelo9932]

all while quick cameo of Fat Grandma

[@TheDood95]

Plus a jab at NFTs 👏👏👏

[@mightyfilm]

DC Comics: "Batman does not go down on Catwoman." Also DC Comics: "Papa spank Catwoman."

[@daelen.cclark]

There IS a context between the two phrases.

[@jakeproven256]

@@daelen.cclark Not to mention the people who run DC now, are not the same people who ran DC back in 1940.

[@AndrewBullXandrew]

Okay can we PLEASE give an applause to ZeroRyoko999 for these opening animations!? They're AWESOME!!!

[@Savagewolver]

It’s kinda cool that Robin got time to shine in the Catwoman story. Kinda rare in the old stories.

[@daelen.cclark]

It’s a team-up that you’d think would happen more often.

[@mesektet5776]

Ah, the origin of two of Batman’s long term criminal love interests, if this issue also had Talia Al Ghul we’d be three for three. By the was, neat design for the opening card.

[@YourUncleBenis]

You know, Batman forcing Robin to fight 4 captured criminals on his own just for the hell of it feels like a very ASBAR move.

[@Martynde]

Linkara's Batman voice makes the Batman episodes more popular.

[@mightyfilm]

I want Warner Bros to hire him to voice Batman in some future cartoon series of some sort.

[@RandomAllen]

" I AM THE NIGHT" (falls)

[@daelen.cclark]

@@mightyfilm Given WB’s idiocy, I wouldn’t hold my breath. Though they could work it in as a parody video.

[@firefly4f4]

"... and try to climb on top of me while I'm doing a review." Wow, I didn't realize Viga was that aggressive! ... I'll show myself out.

[@sebastianevangelista4921]

"I AM THE NIGHT!" *splat* Also Kane's remarks about women were just all kinds of painful and it's hilarious how little self-awareness he had when making them. Thanks for calling him out.

[@daelen.cclark]

As he deserves. Bill Finger is honestly much better.

[@sebastianevangelista4921]

@@daelen.cclark Indeed

[@kylejones8289]

I was also pretty surprised when I first read it just how well the Joker's first appearance has held up. It's still an entertaining read, much of the Joker's iconography and modus operandi are pretty consistent with modern depictions, the art has held up pretty well, and it's surprisingly still pretty creepy. You quickly realize why the Joker became Batman's most iconic foe. There's something here that's really compelling.

[@anjetto1]

Sometimes, though rarely, you get it right on the first try

[@Bezaliel13]

OK, this Batman is a delight. Batman: "I am the King of Clubs!" He made more jokes than the Joker. Batman: "Quiet or papa spank." That's just kinky.

[@emilyz4104]

Linkara, just want to say that you do a pretty good Mark Hamill Joker voice.

[@johnathonhaney8291]

Note-perfect, let's not mince any words.

[@Heavenlyhounds96]

Even outside of Lego Batman, you KNOW Batman and Joker would work on Batman's punchlines. :P Its not like they havent shared a laugh before.

[@nawf4372]

I love how Linkara says, "I'm not doing a Villian for Secret Origins Month, no way no how. But I better have an opening ready for when i DO do it." And I know that opening was there last episode, I just forgot to comment on it after watching.

[@bthsr7113]

There is excessive fixation on villains, but you can't deny that some of them are integral to the history, and seeing where they started is still fascinating to learn.

[@jadenbryant9283]

Late but agreed especially seeing how lot of old sliver age villains that were very goofy and hard to take seriously are now the pure definition of evil and sadism

[@matthewtrujillo7228]

I like that the idea of costumed Villains messing with Gotham's crime families has been a consistent thing since the Joker's first appearance. That's some serious character consistency.

[@shadowlinkbds]

These stories are a real "laughing matter" and are just "purrrrfect".

[@jeremytung1632]

I don’t know about you but the “has anyone seen the joker?” Meme still makes me laugh.

[@laurenceodell2718]

"CAN'T IMAGINE WHY THAT WOULD BE TRUE, BOB!!"- Linkara

[@mikethegrunty5968]

“Bob Kane: spokesman for activision” *standing ovation *

[@POLE7645]

- Quiet or Papa spank! - Ooooh, Batman. You managed to guess my kinks. -... *cue a beet-red Batman and a laughing Robin*

[@myriadmediamusings]

Oh neat so The Joker’s movie inspiration explains why there’s a storyline called “The Batman Who Laughs”.

[@darkhero-3097]

It’s also why an origin retelling that combined the Batman #1 story, the “poisoning the water supply” reference from Batman Year One, and a bit of the Killing Joke origin, was named “The Man Who Laughs”

[@taipansghost]

"Bob Kane; spokesman for Activision" Ok that one made me shoot Pepsi out my nose

[@BronyDanProductions]

11:16, Ok, that’s is now my new favourite Linkara moment.

[@Xaviernisan]

I have seen him do a lot of goofy stuff over 10 years but that one made me laugh until I had a headache!😆

[@jordanhunter3375]

Would you consider it sacrilegious if someone put the GIBBY sound clip over it?

[@nirast2561]

"IamTHEnight!"

[@bionicbezerker1304]

I 100% agree.

[@bluespaceman7937]

IAMTHENIGHT

[@rhymebeat1142]

I love you giving your kitties cameos, especially with it being referenced in dialogue.

[@sebastianevangelista4921]

CAT!!!

[@SageofStars]

Always lovely to see Linkara having a guest host, and one that is really taking to the Cat-Theme this episode should have...need more kitties.

[@daghettoghost5539]

Ok linkara is officially a legend for the kitty being in the opening much respect brother

[@TheHeroOfTomorrow]

Just saying, there's a reason they call her 'Ms. Peggs.'

[@jakeproven256]

And what would that be?

[@SlimeBeast-xp7xf]

Lol Lmao

[@badman3000]

I think one of the reasons why Batman does so well on your channel other than the fact that he's really popular. Is that he's such an easy character to make fun of he's so overly serious that you just have to take the piss out of him sometimes.

[@magicaltour1]

I swear, the darker the comics get, the funnier the Adam West series becomes! It’s like it actually is mocking the dark and serious Batman.

[@EmperorSeth]

You mentioned Hugo Strange introduced before the Joker, but honestly I'm just as surprised as Robin being introduced so soon into the Batman Mythos.

[@jamesadamsfl]

People tend to forget that since most modern stories present the idea that Batman was on his own for a long while, but yeah Robin was introduced a year after Bruce himself. He was there before Alfred!

[@daelen.cclark]

@@jamesadamsfl Amazing how history happens, isn’t it?

[@pronkb000]

@@jamesadamsfl Bill Finger created Robin because Batman needed a Watson to talk to and explain/exposit things. In more modern comics, Alfred fulfills that role, but of course he wasn't an option then.

[@jamesadamsfl]

Yeah, as much as I, like Linkara’s, dislike modern Frank Miller, he did do a GREAT job expanding Bruce and Alfred’s relationship and fleshing out Mr. Pennyworth’s character.

[@DawnOfTheOzz]

*Batman flying down the stairs* Batman: Learning to fly. But I ain't got wings. *THUD*

[@alimowla3204]

14:20 i mean, it happens, spider-man's first villain was the chameleon and he's not as popular as green goblin or the like.

[@alexandrefrauches132]

Considering how the Joker first apperance had a modern version in the post crisis era, "the man who laughs", I kind wish DC did the same thing with Catwoman. The whole story involving a necklace being stolen is a great mystery story, fitting for a detective like Batman, and if the focus was on him instead of Robin , with Batman trying to find the necklace while developing his attraction for Selina, this would be a good modern version of classic Batman story.

[@jamesadamsfl]

That'd be fun. Hopefully, Catwoman would get an actual costume, and they could have a chase scene instead of Batman breaking the fourth wall and wasting time having Robin beat up criminals they'd already beaten. Oh, and it would definitely cut out that bizarre "Papa spank" line.

[@alexandrefrauches132]

​@@jamesadamsfl Yes, although I would keep the plot with gangster. The modern version of this story could have Batman capturing Catwoman early. However, as he is about to take her to the authorities, the gangsters arrive at the iate and take the guests hostages, wanting to steal the necklace (and also kill Catwoman, because they don't like competition). So the story could have Batman saving the guest and reciving the help from Catwoman, since Batman would had saved her from her treacherous partner. In the end, Batman still arrests Selina but, instead of letting her in the boat with the mobsters, he takes her in the bat boat so he can deliver her to the authorities in person. During this travel, theyu could have a dialogue which ends with Batman and Catwoman sharing their first kiss, only for the thief to press the eject button and escapes, with Batman deciding to let her go. That way, it keeps the elements of the previous story but also gives new moments of suspense, drama and better development of Batman iconic love/hate relationship with Catwoman.

[@jamesadamsfl]

@@alexandrefrauches132 That's AWESOME!

[@Bezaliel13]

I want that "Papa Spank" line to be referenced. I get that it was sexist, but it is just hilariously awkward. The Cat: "Will 'Papa spank?'" Batman: "What?" Catwoman: "WHAT?"

[@alexandrefrauches132]

@@Bezaliel13 As long is not Batman who says this, I can see this iconic line being referenced.

[@camerondodge2070]

12:10 Look at that, it's gorgeously terrifying! The art back then just made Joker and his victims look so much creepier. He was a horror character through and through.

[@daelen.cclark]

He really was. (Real horror, not the edgy kind.)

[@darkhero-3097]

Kind of surprised that you didn’t mention the second Joker story in this book, where he was supposed to die because Bob Kane (apparently) “didn’t want the police or Batman to look incompetent”, but then an editor made them change it because he saw potential in Joker, leading to a hastily drawn panel of a doctor being shocked Joker’s alive. Still, love these reviews!

[@ghidorah15]

Oh, wow. Now there's a prophetic remark, given how laughably horrific Gotham has become in modern comics.

[@adonis7626]

Bill Finger was for the Batman’s no kill rule..

[@jacklovejoy5290]

@@adonis7626 He was meant to die from a fall from a great height into a dumpster, but the editor added panels of him crawling out a hobbling away

[@skibot9974]

Yeah it’s pretty crazy to think the most iconic villian in comic book history was going to be a one-off

[@daelen.cclark]

@@skibot9974 Comic history is fun.

[@zexalbrony4799]

Pretty good introductions for the Joker and Catwoman, showing them as competent and good threats and leaving room for later stories to see where they are taken and how we learn more about them. It was also nice that they didn't want Catwoman to be a full evil person and only a thief, and as Sly Copper has taught us you can be a thief and still be a good person.

[@zerogee768]

Bob's words at the start has a Gary Brodsky twang to it

[@jamesfirecat6652]

I think it is more General Ripper from Doctor Strangelove, and how he denies women his essence….

[@roguebritgravy1]

I have the first Joker story from the 80 year anniversary. I love the design. Its simplistic compared to later designs but memorable. Guy is like Dracula or the phantom of the opera

[@darkhero-3097]

It’s funny you mention that, because Alex Ross, in one of his big design books, talks about his designs and ideas with the Joker. He mentions how in the original comics Joker’s suits were more black with a purple highlights, and how with his white skin contrasted that, and with how he never seems to die, he’s very much comparable to the undead!

[@roguebritgravy1]

@@darkhero-3097 I noticed that the Kingdom Come Joker looked a lot like the classic Golden Age version. That could be a homage Unless I'm mistaken.

[@darkhero-3097]

@@roguebritgravy1 Oh it most likely is, as Ross is a big fan of using more Golden Age inspired looks for characters. Also, on the “undead” part, there’s a scene in the Justice Mini-series that Ross did work on where Joker shows up in a full vampire outfit, adding to it

[@roguebritgravy1]

@@darkhero-3097 I think I know what outfit you're on about. If so. All the more reason to like Alex Ross and check out Kingdom Come

[@JMDarkly1]

"I don't have time to deal with this 'Joker'. I have real super villains to deal with." Can you imagine what Joker would do if he ever found out Batman said that about him? Gotham would be so screwed.

[@LaNoLaCola]

A twofer for the finale? And at 4 in the morning? Very well. And jeez, those Bob Kane sexist quotes. That Activision rib doesn't feel out of place.

[@TheFrugalVideoGamer]

I'd kind of like to see your reaction to some of the early Batman comic strips, as one particular arc - involving a crime boss who was so evil that he punished his goon by *breaking his pet kitten's neck* - still sticks in my head to this day.

[@randyripoff]

At the time this comic came out, Kevlar wasn't a thing. There were fabric based bulletproof vests, but it's more likely Batman would have been wearing hard body armor, which is designed to take more than one hit, at the expense of being significantly heavier.

[@bencebotye3904]

I really enjoy this! "The Laughing Fish" is one of my favorite BTAS. Nice to see how they keep many elements from the original story.

[@AT4W]

Funny you mention that - this is NOT the original Laughing Fish story! That actually is a completely different story that indeed has the titular fish as part of it.

[@bencebotye3904]

@@AT4W yes, I found that now! However I still like how over these decades Batman stories and characters transformed.

[@benreilly9513]

@@bencebotye3904 That's always my meter stick for a good Joker. When you're creating a version or adaptation of the Joker, will your Joker do Joker Fish? If they will do Joker Fish, you have the Joker, well done, A+. If they won't do Joker Fish, you do not have the Joker, just have a nihilistic murder clown. Go back an do it again.

[@SpedeVesku]

@@benreilly9513 In your opinion, putting aside the more "realistic" nature of the movie he comes from, would Heath Ledger do Joker fish? Just curious.

[@eugenideddis]

@@SpedeVesku Ledger is THE Nihilistic Murder Clown. Although I could see him doing a more realistic version of Joker Fish

[@GeneralKenobi75]

I share your frustration with people wanting to constantly talk about villains all the time. Especially the Joker. With how much overexposure the Joker has had, I'm really glad you kept the focus on Catwoman in this even though this is the Joker's first appearance as well.

[@makutas-v261]

MAKE JOKER/HARLEY QUINN CONTENT SLUDGE STOOOP

[@JMDarkly1]

I have to say, for a first run of The Joker, it was really good. His origin is spotty at best, but they got his personality right from the start.

[@IbunWest]

7:40 You joke; but given how heavily Hasbro has leaned into IP crossovers I wouldn’t be surprised to see a DC Comics crossover in MTG at some point.

[@Wreckur4203]

New secret lair alert !!!

[@daelen.cclark]

Now I’m just picturing the Teen Titans or the JLI teaming up with the mane six.

[@Meme_Lor]

The first thing that popped into my head while your reading out that quite from Bob Kane was "is Bob Kane a misogynist, a closeted homosexual or both?"

[@ladyaceina]

fun fact cats want to get in the bathroom when you use it to keep you safe as their instinct say when a person usest he bathroom they are most vulnerable

[@Bezaliel13]

Batman: "Robin, use tackle!" Robin: "Robin, Robin!"

[@Irish_Ian17]

Starting December with clone Saga.. *deep breath* Its the gift that keeps on giving.

[@jankarieben1071]

Love how you foreshadowed the Joker in disguise reveal with the Joker voice! Chefs kiss! XD

[@melainakiss]

I just love the corniness of old comics.

[@Hardman5509]

There's a second Joker story in Batman#1...that involves him dying. Or would have, if not for a last-second panel that revealed him to somehow survive being stabbed. Even back in the day, Joker Immunity was in full effect. Also, pretty sure that Doctor Hugo Strange story is the one in which he creates an army of super giants and Batman guns them down in a biplane.

[@grantwinter-helms5410]

Batman #4: "Robin, we don't kill and we don't use guns Batman #1: Batman kills with a gun. Really, I think the introduction of Robin is when they decided to start lightening Batman, considering the Hugo Strange story in #1 was, I think, produced before Robin's debut in 'Tec #38 was.

[@wolfmantheimpaler]

To be fair Linkara, both this and your first Secret Origins Month review this year were Batman related, so I think the X-Men review will fall to the wayside compared to both of these

[@kanebravo953]

And as of right now, Batgirl has 31k views while scarlet witch only has 23k views. Batman is all powerful.

[@tannerprice2018]

Who’da thought Catwoman’s first costume was DC’s original fursona?

[@Materminds187]

Bob, you’re only digging your grave further and further.

[@darknessrising2453]

I mean... WOW...

[@CyberPhoenix001]

Now I'm just imagining, at the end of the Bob Kane quote, him breaking out into a rendition of "I'm An Ordinary Man" from My Fair Lady. Gods, what an asshat. :)

[@devlinburgess2463]

Man, you know it's a Golden Age comic when the normal people actually look weirder and more deformed than the Joker. Seriously, they all look like Clayface.

[@lancerutt9936]

actual clayface during this period was pretty nightmarish tbh

[@christopherb501]

For me it's not a question of "Villains! Villains!! VILLAINS!!!", it's more a case of taking care of origins when they're right there, in the same issue you're already looking at anyway.

[@PolarPhantom]

Huh. I thought The Dark Knight Rises made up "The Cat" because it didn't want to say Catwoman. Nice to know it was what she was originally called. Dunno if that was intentional, but if so, props to TDKR.

[@ghidorah15]

Given the filmmakers' investment, it was almost certainly intentional.

[@andyetnobananas]

According to comic books, women want your soul while the devil wants your marriage. Neat.

[@daelen.cclark]

But what do non binary people want?

[@joserobertosolismerlin5527]

@@daelen.cclark acording to Norse mithology, great magical power

[@daelen.cclark]

@@joserobertosolismerlin5527 As they deserve.

[@Dynaman21]

“Quiet or Papa Spank!” I’d pay good money to hear Pattinson say that in the new movie.

[@Bezaliel13]

Joker: "I know I said I prefer multiple choice, but this is ridiculous."

[@TOSkwar22]

"As proof that these guys are cowards, I'm going to have my highly trained and skilled sidekick beat the crap out of them!" "But, uh, Batman, doesn't that only prove that Robin is more capable in a fight tha-" "SHUT UP I'M BATMAN." ... Like, if the guys were actually cowards and backed off when faced with a fistfight, this would make sense. But Batman has basically just told every child reading to go punch the mafia.

[@JaelinBezel]

Excellent idea! (Flies to Japan to pick fights with random yakuza)

[@Rixec2]

I am vengeance! I am the night! I! AM! THE KING OF CLUBS!

[@Kaltagstar96]

The "I am the night" fall to the floor had me fucking dying!

[@Syurtpiutha]

I love how blase you are about Joker also being in this. I'm so damned tired of the joker-worship. He's a great villain, yes. Now let the others have their due for a decade or two so that he can become compelling and original again instead of being involved in everything ever. And thanks for dragging Kane's comments there. Especially the Activision remark had me cackle like a certain over exposed monsterclown.

[@daelen.cclark]

Hugo Strange is due for a comeback.

[@lorddrayvon1426]

Funniest thing to me about the Joker is what he became. Besides being a very recurring prankster in the books, especially during the Golden Age and a good chunk of the Silver Age, he was just that. Hell, during the 60's, he stopped appearing altogether since then Batman editor Julius Schwartz strongly disliked him for reasons we've never really discovered to my knowledge. Maybe they were running out of ways to make him compelling whilst also not making him too violent for the CCA? Maybe he was bored of him altogether? I dunno. It wasn't until Death in The Family that he really became Batman's nemesis.

[@TheAllSeeingEye2468]

oh boy linkara at 4 am!

[@i_just_got_here]

Laughs in different time zone

[@ericb9252]

Dang it Bob. I love your art style and version of Batman best, but good lord man. Can you not be DC's first Chad?

[@kimifw58]

Wouldn't that be "incel"?

[@thegayghost872]

You’re thinking of an incel. Chads actually get laid

[@gregorymelissinos337]

Bad news his art style and versions of Batman were created by other people. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5SamJWqgctrqsU

[@daelen.cclark]

@@kimifw58 I’d go with “ass”.

[@Goatcha_M]

One-Face, still makes me laugh every time. I can't even remember which episode introduced him.

[@cheezemonkeyeater]

"I am the night!" *comically soft thud I'm so glad you didn't add a sound effect to that moment, because the comically soft thud sells it.

[@cadman02]

11:15 best joke of the review. Linkara doesn’t do a whole lot of slapstick but when he does it is hilarious.

[@Kaze31731]

Gotta say the humor in this one was on point, especially with the cutaway sketches

[@ivane5110]

I love that Roy Thomas and gang (sorry I forget which comics legend did her section) kept her 1st costume when she appeared in one of the All-Star Squadron annuals. Most times such continuity is lost in translation. I do recall that Jerry Ordway did a great-looking Golden Age Batman, Joker, Robin and Superman during his stint on the series. I really wish Ordway had done an Earth-Two World's Finest set throughout the pre- Crisis years. A story arc per decade? It's also cool to think that the Hugo Strange storyline/arc wasn't concluded until the early 80's when Earth-1 Batman & a grown Earth-2 Robin teamed up in Brave & the Bold #182. Though I wonder how many of those original readers ever saw it?

[@joshuaingobo1559]

I agree that Jerry Ordway and Roy Thomas should’ve done an Earth-Two World’s Finest series. That way, we can see the Golden Age Superman, Batman, and Robin interacting with each other and team up to fight some villains over the course of a few decades. That series would last five issues, each set from the ‘40s to the 80s just like Spider-Man: Life Story, Fantastic Four: Life Story, and Flash and Green Lantern: The Brave and the Bold.

[@joshuaingobo1559]

I agree that Jerry Ordway and Roy Thomas should’ve done an Earth-Two World’s Finest series. That way, we can see the Golden Age Superman, Batman, and Robin interacting with each other and team up to fight some villains over the course of a few decades. That series would last five issues, each set from the ‘40s to the 80s just like Spider-Man: Life Story, Fantastic Four: Life Story, and Flash and Green Lantern: The Brave and the Bold.

[@HolyGoddessMotherAnne]

I love Linkara just sat there petting his cat.

[@johnathonhaney8291]

4:09 Conrad Veidt also had two other iconic performances to his name. Before The Man Who Laughs, the sleepwalking menace Cesare in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. In the sound era, the Nazi officer Major Strasser (probably based on more than a few of his jailers when ACTUAL Nazis imprisoned him in the 1930s) in Casablanca.

[@Alex_DC413]

I've read these stories periodically (obviously through reprints I own) and I'm amazed at the gulf in how these stories have aged The Catwoman story has its problems (tho it is an entertaining read), but the Joker stories hold up remarkably well.