In "When We First Met", we spotlight the various characters, phrases, objects or events that eventually became notable parts of comic lore, like the first time someone said, "Avengers Assemble!" or the first appearance of Batman's giant penny or the first appearance of Alfred Pennyworth or the first time Spider-Man's face was shown half-Spidey/half-Peter. Stuff like that.

Today, based on a suggestion from reader Nicole K., we look at the first time that Batman and Robin had to ditch out on a home-cooked meal by Alfred to go deal with some crime fighting.

Alfred debuted in Batman #16 (by Don C. Cameron, Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson and George Roussos), as the new butler of the Wayne household...

He soon discovered the secret behind his new employer's nighttime hobbies...

And soon dedicated himself to serving Bruce Wayne AND Batman...

Detective Comics #75 (by Cameron, Jack Burnley and Roussos) was the first time that Alfred served a meal at ALL to the Dynamic Duo...

Batman #36 (by Alvin Schwartz, Paul Cooper and Ray Burnley) has Alfred interrupt Dick and Bruce eating dinner to let them know that the Penguin has opened up a restaurant...

It doesn't count when it's Alfred interrupting them, right?

The first real example is Batman #87 (by an unknown writer, Bob Kane and Stan Kaye), which shows you how long it took for this idea to actually show up in the comics, where Bruce and Dick have to head out before dessert is served...

Now, I think people don't really count "skipping dessert" as a meal being interrupted, so let's keep going.

In Batman #94 (by Edmond Hamilton, Sheldon Moldoff and Stan Kaye), the idea is now already set up enough that they're parodying it, as Alfred has convinced himself that he is Batman and so Bruce serves him dinner and it is interrupted by "Batman" needing to go fight some crime...

Finally, 1956's Detective Comics #234 (by Hamilton, Moldoff and Kaye) have the first clear cut example of Batman and Robin having to ditch out in the middle of an Alfred-cooked meal to go fight crime...

There ya go, Nicole! Thanks for the suggestion!

If anyone has a suggestion for a notable comic book first that they'd like to learn, please drop me a line at brianc@cbr.com!