Batman & Bill

Batman & Bill is a 2017 Hulu documentary that takes a deep dive into the long-forgotten, hidden history of Batman’s creation. The film features various contributors including comic creators, researchers, and historians such as Thomas Andrae, Jerry Bails, and Otto Binder.

At the heart of this documentary lies the hidden tale of Batman's unsung co-creator, Bill Finger. Bill Finger was a talented writer who contributed significantly to the creation of Batman, though his role was largely unrecognized by the general public for decades. His input went beyond just the creation of Batman, expanding to numerous iconic characters like the Joker and Robin, mythical Gotham City, Batmobile and even the notion of Batman being a detective.

The first part of the documentary uncovers the blatant injustice done to Bill Finger. It lays out the blatant imbalance of recognition, power, and money between Finger and Bob Kane, who was long recognized as the sole creator of the Batman universe. Despite Finger's major contributions, he sadly died in poverty, whereas Kane amassed incredible wealth and fame from the success of Batman.

The second part of the film follows the story of Marc Tyler Nobleman, a comic book author who made it his personal mission to investigate Batman's true origins and to seek justice for Finger. Nobleman’s relentless pursuit is highlighted throughout the film, as he worked diligently to unearth long-held secrets, combing through comic history and countering legal roadblocks.

This inspiring story unravels like a gripping detective story, making the documentary even more involving for the viewers. The film uses a combination of interviews, archival footage, and innovative animation sequences to narrate the long undervalued history of Batman and Bill Finger's often overlooked contributions.

Thomas Andrae, Jerry Bails, Otto Binder, among other voices featured in the film, lend their unique perspectives and insights. They further enrich the film's narrative by offering their expert knowledge and personal views on Finger's place in comic book history. Each contributor plays a vital role in fleshing out the intricate layers of the Batman saga.

The documentary stands strong on the pillars of historical validation, emotional depth, and a sense of justice. It bears a fair share of emotional punch, particularly when reflecting upon Finger's personal life, struggles, and frustrations. It also resonates deeply with the audience's sense of fair play and justice, drawing attention to the unfortunate and often exploitative practices prevalent in creative industries.

The film's narrative is effectively complemented by its intriguing visual style. The use of comic-book-style animations lends the film a visually engaging aspect which resonates perfectly with the subject matter. These aspects, coupled with the poignant narrative, give the documentary a sense of authenticity and immediacy, making it a fascinating watch for comic fans and general audiences alike.

While Batman & Bill is rooted in the world of comic books, it goes far beyond it. It explores themes of creative rights, fame, monetary gain, and the impact of these factors on personal relationships in a thoughtful and impactful manner. It blends a deep socio-economic analysis of the comic book industry with human drama, resulting in a narrative that bridges the gap between the past and the present.

Batman & Bill is a crucial watch for Batman fans, comic enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good underdog story. This documentary serves to correct historical wrongs, revealing a rich layer of comic book history that had hitherto been shrouded in shadows. It gives the larger-than-life superhero, Batman, an added dimension, connecting him to an era gone by and a story that needed to be told.

The documentary Batman & Bill from 2017 serves as a powerful reminder of the human stories and often unnoticed sacrifices that lies behind the world's most iconic superheroes. Its value lies not just in setting the historical record straight, but in highlighting the vital importance of acknowledging and rewarding creative contributions, no matter how late it may be.