I have to admit - Batman #1 has got some of the best stories in it of all time. I love Batman #1. The whole book is incredible, you are correct! My personal favorite part is the end of the last story where Joker "dies." The classic line by Batman. Batman to Robin when Joker "dies." - "he delt his last hand and lost. And when the flesh rots from the bones the smile on his face will still echo on into eternity."
Don't think I have the wording just right. But man that last line gave me chills when I first read it. An absolute classic book with stories that deserve to be in Batman #1.
I also love the story in Batman #1 that was meant originally for Tec #38 but got bumped. I like that its the final GA solo Batman and he kills giants in it!
Man I need to get myself a real copy of Batman #1 someday and stop reading my DC archives reprints!
Obviously sir, you are a man of taste and distinction. Your stock is soaring in my eyes right now!!
As you've learned, I read my GA comics, and Batman #1 is the best read of the GA. You get so much more bang for your buck than with Tec 27, Action 1, AA 16, Adventure 40, etc
First appearance of the most important villain in comics history, Joker. First appearance of, in all likelihood, the most important female villain in comics history, Catwoman.
Add that to the fact that it is the #1 issue of one of the three most recognized superhero characters in the world and you have quite a bit of comic book and pop culture history all rolled into one issue!
The Timely equivalent is Cap #1, a book I am very, very fond of. But Cap is Cap. We all love him, but most people in the world have no idea who he is. Everyone knows who Batman is.
Superman #1? Not even close. Only new ground mined there was the single superhero theme in one comic (inevitable with the sales on Action Comics), and pin-up back cover. Otherwise it is pretty much a reprint with a couple new pages tossed in for ballast.
So while I love Tec 27 - 40 very much and hope to have most of them again one day, my grail is, and always will be Batman #1
you ought to just cut and paste from one of your CBG articles