Superman #76

Published in March 1952 by DC Comics, Superman #76 is a significant landmark in comic book history, as it features the first meeting between Superman and Batman within the pages of a single story. The narrative, titled 'The Mightiest Team in the World,' was written by Edmond Hamilton and illustrated by Curt Swan and Stan Kaye. The plot centers on a cruise ship encounter where Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne are forced to share a cabin, leading to the accidental discovery of each other’s secret identities and the subsequent teaming up to defeat a common threat.

The decision to pair the two most popular characters in the DC stable was a strategic effort to boost circulation and capitalize on their individual commercial success. Curt Swan’s clean, expressive linework helped solidify the visual dynamic of the pair, establishing a template for their future collaborations. The issue was well-received by readers at the time, setting a precedent for the 'World's Finest' team-up format that would become a staple of DC Comics publishing for decades to follow.