Superman #76

SUPERMAN 76 (1952)
by Edmond Hamilton & Curt Swan
cover by Win Mortimer

With the conclusion of both the Supergirl and Jimmy Olsen retrospectives, the next one is going to be “World’s Finest”, the series that in 1954 became known as the Superman-Batman team-up book. But before we can tackle that, we definitely have to look at this one.

And it’s a true milestone: this is a strong contender for being the first Earth-1 appearance of both Superman AND Batman.

That warrants some explaining. The first story retroactively considered to be part of Earth-1 is probably More Fun Comics #101, the first appearance of Superboy.
That’s the easy part. But when it comes to the Superman and Batman series (the second in particular), there really isn’t a clear cut division between the Golden Age and Silver Age version.
So this story is particularly useful for a historical analysis: the Golden Age (and therefore Earth-2) versions of Superman and Batman knew each other because the were members of the Justice Society of America.
And since in-story this is supposed to be the first time the two heroes meet, it’s been retroactively considered the beginning of their Silver Age careers and the first story firmly set on Earth-1… despite the fact that the multiverse won’t be properly introduced until 1961.

But enough about the historical perspective: what exactly is the story about?
Well, we begin with Batman having captured the last wanted criminal in Gotham City.

So… the first time we see Earth-1 Batman and Robin they’re going on vacation. Just in case you had any doubts this was not planned in advance.

Also Superman is on vacation, and he has a date with Lois as Clark Kent, no less!!!

Here’s something that wouldn’t happen with later versions of the characters: Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne happening to share a cabin. At the time it was believable, since Bruce Wayne was a public figure but wasn’t universally known as one of the richest men on the planet. So him taking a normal cruse wouldn’t attract that much attention.

But before the cruise ship can even leave the dock, someone tries a robbery with incendiary bullets and an asbestos suit! What is this, a Human Torch story!?

And there you have it: the moment when Superman and Batman learn each other’s identity!
So, uhm, I understand Batman, but… Superman sure took his time to get changed instead of using super-speed, didn’t he?

With Superman dealing with the fire, it’s up to Batman to save Lois Lane! Now that’s something you don’t see every day.

Considering the length those two guys will go through to defend their secret identities, it’s quite refreshing to see they don’t make it a big deal this time.

And then the whole thing turns into a sitcom, with both heroes needing to show up on the boat AND prevent Lois from learning who they really are.

However this is 1952, so Lois Lane is not a complete moron yet!

She IS still Lois Lane, though.

You better get used to Batman being more popular than you, Superman. Things are going to be pretty harsh for you in a couple of decades.

But things turn out for the worst when Batman proves to be correct (shocking, I know): his suspect is indeed the thief, who sabotaged the ship AND kidnaps Lois.

Yeah it’s a bit of a stretch that Superman can’t tow the both AND catch the thief’s helicopter on his own. He probably wants Batman to feel useful.

Little known fact, Superman actually invented the Fastball Special™.

The case is closed: the thief was able to hide the stolen gems inside his bullets, in order to block Superman’s X-Ray vision. How small are those gems!?

Just to confirm that Superman didn’t really need Batman: in order to preserve his identity he’s able to fly back to Gotham City AND back to the ship before it returns to Metropolis.

Yet another first: Batman disguising himself as Clark Kent.
While it MIGHT have happened before, considering the two heroes basically never interacted in the Golden Age, I highly doubt it.

And so we end with Lois deciding to go out on a date with… Robin.
Isn’t he like fourteen at this point!? Fifteen tops!?

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Bonus: there’s also another Superman story (written by William Woolfolk and with art by Al Plastino) which includes a truly hilarious reaction.

Sometimes I truly wonder how we survived the 50s.

Superman in the main story is actually pretty great. But never forget his worst side.

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Historical significance: 10/10
I think I’ve rambled enough about the reasons why.

Silver Age-ness: 2/10
For what is effectively the start of the proto-Silver Age, this is surprisingly light on the tropes we associate with the times!

Does it stand the test of time? 8/10
A pleasant surprise. The only real complain is that Superman really should’ve been able to deal with everything by himself, but I guess he finds it refreshing to have some help for once.
Even the sitcom shenanigans are kept to a minimum.