Batman Through the Years: Creator Rights
Here in The Dark Knight PH, we’ll provide a monthly feature called, “Batman: Through the Years,” that is intended to answer all those questions you have regarding the Batman mythos. So if you have any behind-the-scene-stories you’d like us to tackle, please don’t hesitate in messaging any of the admins. As these articles are published with a high degree of diligent research and interviews, we do not claim a 100% correctness of what really transpired. But this is us trying to paint a clearer picture of Batman’s history.
As our first feature, it is only fitting to put into conclusion as to who should get the credit for creating The “Bat-man”. For time immemorial, DC has given credit to BOB KANE as the sole creator of Batman. On the other hand, fans who believed that BILL FINGER should be given credit, grew in number. Over the years, Finger’s decendants fought this global capitalist that deprived their grandfather the title to be called a co-creator of The Bat-man. Or at least, that’s what they believed they were fighting for (royalties *ahem* *ahem*). So before answering who created who, or who contributed what, I think it is necessary to get to know these two persons. Bob Kane was lucky to begin with. During the 30s’, he was an animator who was climbing through the ranks. After a few projects, Eisner & Iger (a comic book publisher) gave Kane his spotlight by making him an editor of comic book stories. Afterwhich, DC gave Kane the opportunity to write “Oscar, The Gumshoe” which was published in Detective Comics #1. Bill Finger, on the hand, was self-made. He was a shoe salesman for his father’s shop who experienced hard times during the Great Depression. He had dreams of becoming a writer so he left the family business and applied for a job in Kane’s studio. In the beginning of his career, Kane mentored him and utilized most of his creativity by making him one of Kane's ghost writers. After Action Comics #1’s success, Vin Sullivan, editor at National Publications (the ancestor of DC Comics), asked Kane, who was already writing mini-stories for Detective Comics, to come up with a super hero that can imitate the success of the said book. The original idea was to come up with a character opposite of Superman. So Kane’s early incarnations of Bat-man was highly influenced by Flash Gordon and old drawings of Leonardo Da Vinci’s flying machine. Sullivan disapproved Kane’s ideas since he didn’t like the costumes he proposed. After repeated rejections, Kane went to his “good friend” Finger to ask few tips regarding Bat-man’s costume. I’m pretty sure you guys are aware of Kane’s design. But in case, his concept of Bat-man was a vigilante who wore red tights and a small mask that bearly hides his face. Finger redesigned everything from boot to cowl. Significant designs made by Finger were the scalloped cape and the gauntlets. He was also responsible for coming up with the name “Bruce Wayne!” After the approval and publication, Bat-man became a huge success that it became the series’ trademark. When Detective Comics #27 came out, Finger’s name was nowhere to be found on the pages. As a matter of fact, all it said was “ ‘The BAT-MAN’ by Bob Kane: The Case of the Chemical Syndicate”. So from character redesign to publication, how was Bill’s name left out? It is as simple as Sullivan wanted to publish it immediately that Kane wasn’t able to introduce Finger. I guess it is important to point out that Sullivan gave the job to Kane and that Finger was working for the latter as a dummy writer. According to rumors, it was Finger who came up with Bat-man’s first story. Kane’s contributions to The Chemical Syndicate were entirely layout designs and interior artwork. Finger took pride in his stories. It would usually take him two months to write a 10-page story. Because of this, Kane had to replace Finger since they were having a hard time reaching publication deadlines. During Finger’s absence, Kane discovered another emerging talent in Gardner Fox. It was said that Fox was the one responsible for the flexibility of the utility belt. But that’s a story for another day. Going back to Finger’s grandchildren fighting the “good fight” and all those law suits, they were merely asking the DC executives to give their grandfather a proper recognition. It is sad to think that Kane lived off Finger’s creation while the latter died without receiving his due recognition. While Kane did not speak of Finger’s contribution, he nevertheless paid him good money. Don’t get me wrong, we still believe that Bill Finger created Bat-man. But we, as fans, cannot deny the fact that Finger was working for Kane. Who, the latter, was given the job to imitate Action Comics #1’s success. But with the recent celebration of the 75th anniversary of Batman, DC Entertainment finally gave credit to Bill Finger. In fact, his name was included in the re-issued Detective Comics #27 which was given out during last year’s event (check out your copies, pretty cool right?). I believe that in lieu of humanitarian purposes, DCE finally gave due recognition and respect to the person who co-created Bat-man since everyone is aware of Finger’s contributions. So to answer the question as to who between the two created Bat-man, the answer is both. You cannot deny the fact that one is dependent on the other. Without Finger, there wouldn’t be a Bat-man. Without Kane, there wouldn’t be a project to begin with. Sullivan would’ve given the project to another writer. They, my friends, are the co-creators of Bat-man. Both Kane and Finger. Cheers to the both of them!
Paolo Ollero, 27, working law student, is a comicbook enthusiast who recently expanded his collection to action figures, memorabilia, movie posters, and statues. He is one of the admins for The Dark Knight Philippines -- the premier Batman group in the country. He also contributes reviews and write-ups in Geekend Gladiator.
