By now, most of us have become accustomed to being inundated by scores of different Batman collectibles every time we go to a toy store. But it was less than 60 years ago when things were quite different.

In it's early beginnings, very few examples of Batman merchandising was offered during the character's first 25 years. Batman was only known through comic books and as he was about to enter the world of daily comic strips, the newspapers felt that they needed to give him a boost. Thus, born more out of a necessity to drum up reader interest for the fledgling new character, Both DC Comics and local newspapers offered several different premiums and give-a-ways in an effort to introduce the Batman to their readership. From masks to planes to postcards: all have become increasingly difficult to obtain and as a result command premium prices when offered.

Perhaps the earliest piece offered was the 5 1/2" X 8 1/2" mask, given away by the Philadelphia Record in 1943. As part of their publicity for the new Batman comic strip, the Record had "25,000 masks ...specially designed and made to order by a Philadelphia costuming firm" (according to a press release). They were distributed by dealers and newspaper carriers throughout the greater Philadelphia area. The newspaper also staged a Halloween party at their office building in 1943 where the masks were given away to guests. As part of the same campaign, a Bat-plane was later offered, although the number created was far less than that of the mask.

DC comics also got into the act by creating a Batman and Robin postcard as part of their contribution to the March of Dimes charity campaign. The four color, 3 1/4" X 5 X 1/4" card was given out to children when they made a donation to the charity.

Yet of all the early examples of Batman memorabilia, certainly the most ambitious piece was the set of 21 decals from 1944. Using familiar poses from the comic books and comic strips, each envelope came with two 4 1/4" X 7 1/4" sheets of four color decals. They were priced the same as a new comic book (10 cents) and were available in stores. Most of the art was drawn by Jack Burnley. Decal sets were also made for Superman, the Boy Commando's, and several other comic characters not published by DC Comics including Dick Tracy, Roy Rodgers, Terry & The Pirates, Don Winslow, Blue Beetle and Captain Midnight. Fawcett Publications issued similar decal sets for Captain Marvel and Hoppy the Marvel Bunny although these apparently were only available through mail-order.