Batman

Where, oh where to begin with this franchise? Batman has been going since the 1940’s and that covers a lot of time. Batman has always been a fan favorite of mine and in fact I grew up watching and reading about the character in its many forms.

COMIC ORIGINS:  Batman was created by Bob Kane in Detective Comics #27 (DC is the brand name).  In Detectives Comics #30 Robin was introduced.  Because Batman was so successful they launched a Batman comic book series where the familiar baddies were gradually introduced. Kane wanted a solo detective type character, but due to pressure added Robin as a “Watson” figure to aid and abet our hero. Soon people knew about Catwoman, Joker, Penguin and Riddler were household names.

BATMAN ON SCREEN: From the comics two movies were produced in the ‘40s (with a much meaner detective Batman) and in the ‘60s a very popular TV show was aired.  For some time after the TV show Batman took a well-earned rest.  During this time the comics continued – that was until 1989 when Tim Burton reprised Batman for the Big Screen with an adaptation of “The Killing Joke”.  From that time onward there have been various Batman characters. There was Tim Burton’s take on Batman, Batman and Batman Returns; then there were other films – Batman Forever and Batman and Robin (which failed miserably and they stopped making movies after this representation.)  People now were expecting a less cartoon like Batman and someone who was mean like Burton’s take one the franchise. 

WHO IS THE BEST BATMAN?: Now for the $60,000,000 question: which Batman is better than the other? For me, it’s always been the 60’s “Silver Age” TV hero.  I believe the franchise was at its best in its family friendly prime at that time. I grew up watching the reruns of Batman, the TV series, and always idolized Adam West and Burt Ward – totally child friendly and always proper and moral.  The bad guys were not too scary and many silver screen heroes made guest appearances just for fun as the baddies.  Vincent Price (horror king), John Astin (Gomez Addams), George Sanders, Burgess Meredith (Rocky), Julie Newmar & Ertha Kitt both played Catwoman, Chad and Jeremy (British pop singers) and the list goes on.

BATMAN ACCESSORIES:  Of course considering that Batman has been so popular in the last 50 years, there have been many books, toys and games produced. There were Batman gifts in cereal boxes and McDonalds “Happy Meal” toys.  When I was small I wore Batman Tee Shirts, underwear and pajamas – that’s pretty well as good as it gets for the franchise gang. And that is not touching on the original comics as well as graphic novels and regular books which have since been produced.

RECOMMENDATIONS: My recommendation for Batman goodies, from someone who grew up with the franchise is “just take the plunge”.  Depending on whether you watch TV or movies there is something for you, and as mentioned – comics and graphic books are available.  Do I have a suggestion where to start with this brand?  I’d suggest you think about whether you like a light or dark hero – as I said before, the oldest version of Batman was simply a gumshoe.  Christopher Nolan continued the tradition of Batman when he brought back the Dark Knight.  His version is probably the most successful that Batman has been film-wise.  However, this is not like the TV series; Batman is far more deep and realistically violent.  Burton’s take used a “comic” interpretation but the realism and darkness of Nolan is stark.  The ’97 version of Batman with Uma Thurman and Arnold Schwarzenegger was a bomb, however I quite enjoyed it – but it really is a case that you, yourself, should take the plunge and jump into the deep dark franchise – check out some of the TV shows or old movies on line and then you can make up your own opinions… I’m sure you’ll figure it out … it’s just a personal preference and what suits one may not suit another.  Whichever way, Batman is still around and likely to be so in the future – so hold on to your hats, kids will be watching again … and then they’ll be producing their own franchises on our old friend too.

Batman Films:

Batman (1943)

Batman and Robin (1949)

Batman (1966)

Batman (1989)

Batman Returns (1992)

Batman Forever (1995)

Batman & Robin (1997)

Batman Begins (2005)

The Dark Knight (2008)

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)