The Secret Origin of... THE BATMAN

Though there were other comics series with similar names before and after, the longest-running Secret Origins comic book was published by DC Comics from April 1986 to August 1990.  It included 50 regular issues, three annuals, one special edition... and one trade paperback.

The Secret Origin of... THE BATMAN

While we are still waiting for a hefty Secret Origins omnibus reprinting the entire classic anthology in one or more volumes, DC did publish a trade paperback of a number of stories from the series in 1989.  Officially titled Secret Origins of The World's Greatest Super-Heroes, the trade paperback reprinted the origin of the Justice League of America from issue #32 as well as some of the JLA members, including Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) from issue #32, The Martian Manhunter (J'onn J'onnz) from issue #35, and The Flash (Barry Allen) from Annual #2.  Since Secret Origins told the stories of the Golden Age Superman (issue #1) and Batman (issue #6), but not their post-Crisis counterparts, the trade paperback included the origin of the post-Crisis Superman titled "The Haunting" from The Man of Steel #6 and a brand-new Batman origin story titled "The Man Who Falls" written by Dennis O'Neil with art by Dick Giordano.  The story has been reprinted in a number of other collections as well, but I have not found it in any digital collections.  The title of the story refers to Bruce Wayne falling into a bat-filled cave on the Wayne Manor estate as a child before his parents' deaths.  Following their deaths, Wayne sets out on a worldwide quest beginning at age 14 to gain knowledge and skills that he would eventually employ as The Batman. 

In addition to the new Batman story, the trade paperback also includes a new cover with artwork by Brian Bolland.  Clark Kent, Barry Allen, Hal Jordan, John Jones and Bruce Wayne gather at a circular table while a poster featuring their heroic identities hangs on the wall.   


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