The first comic completely devoted to Batman was called, naturally, “Batman,” was published four times a year, and had a cover date of “Spring !940.” Chances are it was on sale in March of that year. By the time the first issue of Batman was published, Batman had gained an origin, a boy partner (Robin was the first costumed boy partner and set the standard for many more such characters who followed), a fiance, a bat-cave, a mansion on the outskirts of town, a batgyro (forerunner of the batplane), and a few reoccuring foes (Batman #1 introduced two such foes who are still well known, the Joker and the Cat (who soon became known as Catwoman).