NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Long before kids could find anything they wanted on social media, comic books were a popular pastime.
Superman, Captain Marvel, and a slew of other comic characters captured the imagination of generations of young people. But none was a match for Batman, a character marking its 85th anniversary this weekend.
The very first issue of the Batman series, published in 1939, sold for ten cents. Recently, the original copy sold for $1.74 million.
Batman is just as popular today as he was 85 years ago. Over the course of eight decades, Batman has endured as an iconic comic book character.
He has stood as a symbol of determination, courage, and justice to legions of fans. His staying power and longevity are testaments to the global attention his character has achieved.
“The thing that separates him from so many others is that he doesn't have any superpower; he's an average person,” Batman comic fan Jason Abrahamsen said.
Fans we found at Midtown Comics in Manhattan remember growing up clutching their Batman Comics. Tom Munzer is still enamored.
“I’ve always been a big fan, love the costumes. I had all his toys as a kid, and I still collect Batman material, actually,” Munzer said.
Bruce Wayne evolved as the Batman character, vowing to avenge the murder of his parents. He waged war on criminals as the Caped Crusader and the Dark Knight. New York inspired the home of Batman ---Gotham City.
The Batman franchise has earned millions of dollars over the years through merchandise and films that seemed to bring Batman to life. There is a Batman Day that is Observed every September. The price may have changed since 1939, but comic books are still popular.
"He's still number one. Batman outsells. It’s the best seller every month," Jerry Gladston, co-owner of Midtown Comics, said.
Matthew Manning has written a dozen books about the Batman phenomenon, which he believes will continue for generations to come.
“He's been re-invented all the time. Every generation has their Batman, so as long as he keeps getting re-invented, people will keep discovering him,” Manning said.
So Batman is alive and well at 85. As part of the celebration, DC Comics is distributing free copies of an anniversary edition of the very first Batman. They will be distributed this Saturday free of charge as long as supplies last at a number of stores throughout the city.
- Action City Comics – 570 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn
- Alex’s MVP Cards & Comics – 1590 York Avenue, Manhattan
- Bulletproof Comics and Games – 2178 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn
- Forbidden Planet NYC – 832 Broadway, Manhattan
- St. Mark’s Comics – 51 35th Street, Brooklyn
- Midtown Comics Times Square – 200 West 40th Street, Manhattan
- Midtown Comics Grand Central – 459 Lexington Avenue, Manhattan
- Midtown Comics Downtown – 64 Fulton Street, Manhattan
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