25 Weird Batman Comic-Book Covers
Happy birthday to Batman! This week marks the 75th anniversary of the debut of Gotham’s grimmest vigilante, in the pages of 1939’s Detective Comics #27. And that means 75 years of dark, gritty superhero tales, right? Not exactly! Here’s a little-known fact: A surprisingly large portion of Batman’s publication history has featured truly ridiculous stories with even more ridiculous cover images. In honor of the Caped Crusader’s diamond anniversary, we’ve gathered together a bouquet of the oddest Batman comic-book covers, so get ready for Bat-Baby, Zebra Batman, and more stuff from beyond your wildest technicolor fever dreams!
It's a good thing Batman made that mask to hide the Bat-Ape's secret identity.
First off: The image of Batman in a purple blazer and green tie is the kind of thing you simply can't un-see. Second: How on earth does this whole &qu...
First off: The image of Batman in a purple blazer and green tie is the kind of thing you simply can't un-see. Second: How on earth does this whole "making a full-size Batmobile from a tiny toy model" plan work? Do you drop it in water and let it expand?
Shout-out to this one for explicitly acknowledging that it's "bizarre"! Also, shout-out to that building on the bottom left for installing a...
Shout-out to this one for explicitly acknowledging that it's "bizarre"! Also, shout-out to that building on the bottom left for installing a 60-foot diamond ring on its roof. It doesn't even look like a business! I think it's an apartment building?
Robin seems very casual about the term "negative man," like that's just a concept we're supposed to know about. Robin has problems of his ow...
Robin seems very casual about the term "negative man," like that's just a concept we're supposed to know about. Robin has problems of his own, though: Look at his itty-bitty little baby hand!
That criminal may want to know why Bats and the Boy Wonder are dressed like mummies, but isn't it better to just let the wonderful mystery be? Why rui...
That criminal may want to know why Bats and the Boy Wonder are dressed like mummies, but isn't it better to just let the wonderful mystery be? Why ruin it through explanation?
Even with the cowl's bat-ears, that alien's real ears have got to be cramped with it on.
This one is just a total classic. It's almost not worth trying to make jokes about it. That said, you've gotta love Robin's bemused smile here. There'...
This one is just a total classic. It's almost not worth trying to make jokes about it. That said, you've gotta love Robin's bemused smile here. There's no way he doesn't think this is hilarious.
Quick, let's play word-association! When I say "zebra," what's the first thing that comes to mind? "Menace," right? Either that or...
Quick, let's play word-association! When I say "zebra," what's the first thing that comes to mind? "Menace," right? Either that or "magnetic powers that knock over street lamps and fedoras."
Gotta love how Batman added a five-o'clock shadow to his self-portrait.
And what parents wouldn't be delighted by legless people wobbling in the direction of their children?
"A new boy" just sounds gross, somehow.
That headline speaks the truth: Whatever else was in competition for Story of the Year in 1962 definitely didn't stand a chance.
This one came out right around V-J Day in 1945, so I guess we can forgive the artist for being a little loopy from wartime rationing fatigue.
Sure, if you're some kind of wolf-clawed creature that likes tearing up large dolls, why not call yourself the Wringer? It's just common-sense persona...
Sure, if you're some kind of wolf-clawed creature that likes tearing up large dolls, why not call yourself the Wringer? It's just common-sense personal branding, honestly.
There's a LOT to dwell on here, but here are two especially salient details. First, this totally accurate statement about plastic bags: "Talk abo...
There's a LOT to dwell on here, but here are two especially salient details. First, this totally accurate statement about plastic bags: "Talk about treacherous traps! There's never been one to match the airtight plastic bag." Second: "The Off-Again On-Again Lightbulbs" has got to be the most thrilling mystery title I've ever heard of.
Are they doing a tip-off to start a basketball game? Or just high-fiving because they're so stoked to be playing B-ball? Either way, I'm totally shari...
Are they doing a tip-off to start a basketball game? Or just high-fiving because they're so stoked to be playing B-ball? Either way, I'm totally sharing Robin's unbridled "hell yeah" enthusiasm for what's going on.
Batman and Robin are having a great time, but Superman's facial expression conveys nothing but total focus. The things we do for friendship.
Another country stroll ruined.
Maybe this was scarier when pay phones were still a thing?
Did Superman just hit that poor bunny rabbit with his skis? And why are Batman and Robin just staring at the poor little creature in its moment of cri...
Did Superman just hit that poor bunny rabbit with his skis? And why are Batman and Robin just staring at the poor little creature in its moment of crisis?
I love how the bolding and italicizing of Batman's dialogue bubble makes his response to Robin sound super-sassy.
I'm pretty sure the siren isn't necessary in order to make people get out of Giant Batman's way.
This story came out less than 50 issues after the previous tale of the Giant Batman! I like to think there were fan letters pouring into the DC office...
This story came out less than 50 issues after the previous tale of the Giant Batman! I like to think there were fan letters pouring into the DC offices, demanding more of that sweet Giant Batman action. But he's not wearing his siren! How will people know to get out of his way?
The worst part? I'm sure the Batman Creature put the Bat-Ape out of a job.
Calcium would be bad enough, but SOFT calcium?