In which issue of Detective Comics did Batman first appear in 1939?

Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27, published in May 1939.

The character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger for National Allied Publications, the company that later became DC Comics. Batman’s debut story, “The Case of the Chemical Syndicate,” introduced him as a mysterious, non-superpowered crime fighter operating in Gotham City.

Detective Comics #27 was an anthology comic rather than a Batman-only title. Batman shared the issue with other detective and adventure features, but his debut quickly made him one of the publisher’s most important characters. The issue is now regarded as a landmark in comic-book history and is among the most valuable comics ever sold.

A common mix-up is Batman #1, which did not introduce Batman. That comic was published in 1940 and was the first issue of his self-titled series. It expanded his supporting cast by introducing characters including the Joker and Catwoman, while Detective Comics remained Batman’s original home title.