In May 1939, Detective Comics #27 introduced a new kind of hero to the world - not a brightly costumed Superman or even a trenchcoated investigator like the Spirit; this hero stalked the night, using his frightening appearance, supreme physical training and incomparable detective skills to bring criminals to justice - and he called himself the Bat-Man! This handsome new trade paperback collects the very first adventures of one of the world's greatest superheroes, reprinting his stories sequentially beginning with Detective Comics #27. Incredibly rare and near-impossible to find in their original format, these stories are sure to thrill a whole new generation of readers, much as they caused a sensation originally. Get ready to see Batman begin!