I think my first realization of comic book continuity came from reading Batman: From the 30s to the 70s from the Roselle Public Library. I loved that book, reading it a number of times until it vanished from the shelves. In all my years of buying and collecting comics, I never managed to snag a copy of that book. Now, however, I have the next best thing. The Batman Archives reprints all of the Batman stories from Detective Comics, starting from his first appearance. In perusing this book, I read a number of tales I had fondly remembered from my youth. The stories are simplistic, and the dynamic duo spends time fighting gangsters rather than costumed villains, but it's still a great read. The best part about it is that since it's on my shelf, I don't have to worry about losing it to a dishonest library patron.
--J. ( )

I have always found Batman a more compelling figure than Superman. After all, he relies only on the skills he has developed through long years of practice and dedication. He is a "normal" man, driven by the vision of his parents' murders when he was a boy. And in these archives, as through much of his history, the artwork and writing is superior to that of "Superman" comics, although still pretty dated. ( )

This beautiful hardcover includes the Batman stories and covers from Detective Comics #27-50. Under the dust cover is a blue leatherish cover with a silver Bat logo imprinted into it. Required reading for batfans. ( )