Happy 86th, Batman

Happy Birthday, Batman here on what is officially Batman Day.

Gotta admit he’s still looking good as an octogenarian, but he’s had some help over the years.

Of course none as helpful as the men who made him. Maybe none as influential as co-creator and almost unknown father figure Bill Finger.

Long thought of as his soul creative source, Bob Kane had out-and-out lied to remain in the spotlight. When Superman first inaugurated the men in tights genre, DC Comics rushed to populate the field. Kane was offered a substantial financial reward for the creation of a follow up hero.

His initial offering more resembled Superman than Batman. Kane would admit privately Finger provided 50 to 75 percent of the Dark Knight’s finishing touches. He would also christen his alter ego as Bruce Wayne.

Finger would pen the first script for Detective Comics 27 as well as Batman issue one.

Conducting many of the early writing chores, Finger would be instrumental in the creation of the Joker, Penguin, Scarecrow,  Riddler and many other villains.

He was also a force behind Batman’s second-in-command, Robin. Finger gave life to the Boy Wonder allowing Batman someone to talk to rather than have panels cluttered with thought balloons.

Finger would die in obscurity, alone, in January 1974. He was last seen alive January 14 and his body found January 18. Finger died of a heart attack.

Efforts by his granddaughter and fans finally allowed Finger to receive the recognition he was denied in his lifetime.

In September 2015 DC Entertainment announced Finger’s name would join Kane’s on the film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and the second season of Gotham. His first official recognition would come the following month on both Batman and Robin Eternal issue three and Batman: Arkham Knight Genesis three.

Happy birthday, Batman, and welcome to your much deserved day in the sun Bill Finger.