Eliciting Justice for Batmans Creators: The Journey to Credit Bob Kane and Bill Finger
Eliciting Justice for Batman's Creators: The Journey to Credit Bob Kane and Bill Finger
For decades, the official credit for 'Batman' simply read 'Created by Bob Kane.' This overlooked the significant contributions of Bill Finger, Kane's long-time collaborator. The recognition of these creators is intertwined with the history of one of the most iconic characters in comic book history, and the evolvement of credit has been a journey filled with revelations and newfound respect.
The Initial Credit and Its Inaccuracy
From 1939 to 2015, Batman was officially credited to only one person: Bob Kane. However, this was just half the truth. Bob Kane's concept for 'The Bat-Man' was a character with bright colors and a small domino mask with bat wings, which later evolved into the iconic costume we recognize today. His friend Bill Finger played a critical role in defining the Batman we know, and his input was so significant that Kane himself admitted in his autobiography, “Now that my long-time friend and collaborator is gone, I must admit that Bill never received the fame and recognition he deserved. He was an unsung hero.”
Bill Finger's Contributions
Bill Finger's contributions were numerous and impactful. He made the colors black and grey, changed the mask to a cowl with bat ears, and introduced a scalloped cape with a bat-wing shape. These changes are now synonymous with the modern depiction of Batman. Additionally, it was Finger who developed Batman's secret identity as Bruce Wayne, the city of Gotham, as the setting, and the origin story for the character. Moreover, Finger wrote most of the scripts for the first several years of Batman's existence, introducing Robin, Commissioner Gordon, and the Joker.
Contract and Lack of Credit
Bob Kane had a contract with what is now DC Comics, which guaranteed him sole credit for the creation of the character and the individual stories. When DC editors realized there was a writing partner, they hired Finger to contribute to other characters, such as Green Lantern, but did not grant him credit for those stories. Finger only received official recognition for one Batman story, a two-part episode of the classic TV show, until his death in 1974. It was believed his family line ended with his son Fred, who passed away in 1992.
The Revelation and the Battle for Credit
Now, the story takes an interesting turn. In the book "Bill the Boy Wonder" by Marc Tyler Nobleman and illustrated by Ty Templeton, the author discovered that Bill Finger had a granddaughter named Athena. This revelation opened the path to finally give the credit where it was long overdue, beyond what Kane's contract offered. Athena approached Warner Bros., the parent company of DC Comics, with the help of an attorney. They managed to negotiate a deal that provided both financial compensation to Athena and credit for Bill Finger in both comic stories and in the film 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.'
Conclusion and Acknowledgment
It is strongly recommended to pick up 'Bill the Boy Wonder' for the detailed story and to watch the documentary 'Batman: Bill' on Hulu for a comprehensive view of the journey to correct the omission of this literary figure. The recognition of Bill Finger's contributions not only rectifies a historical injustice but also underscores the importance of acknowledging the diverse voices that shape our cultural icons.