Batman V Superman To Credit The Forgotten Creator Of Batman

When Batman burst onto the comics scene in 1939, sole credit was given to Bob Kane, thanks to a deal struck with DC Comics, but while he did come up with the idea of a hero called ‘the Bat-Man’, his creation would have looked a lot different, sporting red tights, a domino mask, and a two stiff wings on his back resembling bat wings. It was artist Bill Finger who helped shape Batman to the icon we know today, suggesting the change in costume to what it is now, and contributing many major elements of the Batman mythos, including the Bruce Wayne alter ego and Gotham City, as well as co-creating characters like the Joker and Robin. But it was always Bob Kane (who called the artist a “contributing force” who “never received the recognition he deserved" on the series in his 1989 autobiography) who would be credited with creating the Batman universe, even after Finger’s death in 1974.

It was only in recent years that Finger’s contribution came to light, thanks in part to Marc Taylor Nobleman’s biography of the artist, Bill the Boy Wonder. This led to him be recognised for his work last year with the reissue of Batman’s first appearance for the characters 75th anniversary. But now, courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. have announced that this will reach even further with Bill Finger receiving recognition for his vital work on the small screen, staring with the second season of Gotham, and on the big screen with next year’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (and presumably the rest of The Dark Knight’s big screen endeavours). Finally, the man is getting the credit he deserves for his hand in creating one of the most enduring icons the world has ever known.

You can read Warner Bros. full press release below:

DC Entertainment and the family of Bill Finger are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement that recognizes Mr. Finger’s significant contributions to the Batman family of characters. "Bill Finger was instrumental in developing many of the key creative elements that enrich the Batman universe, and we look forward to building on our acknowledgement of his significant role in DC Comics’ history," stated Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment. "As part of our acknowledgement of those contributions," Nelson continued, "we are pleased to confirm today that Bill Finger will be receiving credit in the Warner Bros. television series Gotham beginning later this season, and in the forthcoming motion picture Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice."