Batman #1 - Story 3
April 25, 1940
(The Cat)
Every one always points out how the first issue of Batman features the premiere of the Joker, but I am surprised at how Catwoman's premiere is not as lauded. Perhaps it's because as she is presented here, she barely resembles the character we all have come to know.
The story opens in progress as Dick is on board the cruise ship, the Dolphin, acting as a steward. Through a brief flashback, we learn that he is there because a wealthy socialite is throwing a well-publicized party and plans to wear a valuable necklace - the perfect prize for any crook.
At the party, the woman's nephew introduces his aunt to his travelling companion, an elderly woman named Miss Peggs. She walks with a limp thanks to a sprained ankle. Based on scuttlebutt from one of the other stewards, the nephew will most likely hit up his aunt for money as will many on board the ship.
Dick then sees the nephew toss a piece of paper overboard, but a wind catches it, sending it to Dick. It has instructions to keep the son busy while "The Cat" robs the safe of the necklace. Dick is too late to prevent the theft.
It looks as though the Coast Guard arrives in the nick of time to investigate, but it turns out they are a gang of thieves who steal from the guests when they cannot get the necklace. Dick tries to stop them and then dives overboard, giving him a chance to ditch his outfit and become Robin. The criminals take off in their speedboat, but are intercepted by Batman who quickly disarms them with the aid of Robin.
And then the story takes a weird turn as Batman breaks the fourth wall and decides to teach the kids of America how a thug with a gun is nothing but a coward. He lets the four thieves take on Robin alone without their weapons. The entire sequence takes up two pages and Robin mops the floor with them. It is so strange.
After dropping off the criminals, the two return to the ship where a costume party is in progress. Batman returns the stolen goods to the passengers and has a fake fire alarm ring. He is surprised at the speed of the injured Miss Peggs. Robin tackles her and Batman removes her makeup (urging her to stay still or "Papa spank") to reveal a much younger and very attractive woman. She has the necklace bandaged to her sprained ankle.
The nephew makes a failed attempt to take the necklace, but Batman takes him out. It's funny, the nephew is left behind, locked up in his quarters on the ship until it returns to port while Batman escorts the Cat back in his boat. He is clearly smitten with her as he clumsily stops Robin from catching her as she makes her escape once they reach shore.
