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Author: [Esoterica] Dunning, Paul
Title: Archive of Drawings, Notes and Schematics by a BATMAN-Obsessed Fan
Place Published:
Publisher:[No Publisher]
Date Published: c.1968
Description:

Lot comprises a notebook and loose pages written and illustrated in pencil and ink. The notebook is bound in plain tan cardstock wrappers with cloth backing at spine, with front panel decorated with the Batman emblem and inscribed: "Science / Paul Dunning / Room Two." Some toning, chips, tears and age-wear; notebook pages are detached from binding but still bound together as a unit.

It's been observed that homemade comics from the early days of fandom are perhaps the purest form of comic-related collectibles. Such items embody the obsessive passion bordering on mania that gripped early comics enthusiasts with an unbreakable hold, blurring the line between fans and creators and paving the way for organized fandom.

This strange and wonderful archive was created by a 1960s schoolboy named Paul Dunning. This lad's Bat-mania compelled him to create schematics of the Batcave, Batmobile, Batplane, Batboat, and Bruce Wayne himself, and to compile a notebook full of Bat-stats and factoids. See the online entry for a full description of contents.

NOTEBOOK: 8 ½" x 7"; plain tan card wraps with cloth backing at spine; "Science / Paul Dunning / Room Two" in ink to front. Crude felt tip drawing of batman logo below. 12 ruled leaves with manuscript entries in ink and pencil. Headings to sections below: Batmans every day or dress up clothes Robin costumes Batman equipment Bruce Wayne House Batman and Robin know how to: [Followed by a list of the Dynamic Duo's abilities] Criminals story Crime detection Odd laws Utility belt has: [Followed by a list of Bat-belt accessories] Batmans handwriting LOOSE: 10 loose sheets of hand-drawings including a detailed map of the Batcave, floor plans of Wayne Manor, contraptions and vehicles, etc. 6pp. (rectos and versos of three 8" x 11" ruled leaves) manuscript glossary of terms 4pp. clipped from an issue of TV GUIDE (stations noted seem to be in Youngstown, Ohio and Pittsburgh) 4pp. clipped from an unnamed issue of TEEN LIFE magazine.