Batman & Bill

Batman & Bill is a Hulu Original documentary that debuted in 2017, bringing to light a significant, yet largely forgotten, figure from the infamous Batman legacy. Directed by Don Argott and Sheena M. Joyce, the documentary is a loving ode to an unsung hero and an exposé of a decades-long oversight that the majority of Batman's vast fanbase is unaware of.

For many years, Bob Kane was recognized as the sole creator of Batman, the famed Dark Knight character that struck a chord with millions of comic book fans across the globe. Batman's popularity surpassed comics, seeping into TV shows, movies, and even, computer games over the years. Kane became an emblem of success in comic book history. However, Bill Finger, the uncredited co-creator of Batman who contributed significantly to the character's development, remained in the shadows until recently.

Batman & Bill is as much a detective story as it is a documentary, unmasking the mystery of Bill Finger and his paramount contributions to Batman's origin. The hero we know - the tortured billionaire Bruce Wayne who doubles as a crime-fighting vigilante in Gotham - is largely Finger's brainchild. His ideas gave life to the essence of Batman, from its iconic costume and gadgets to its brooding character and even its universe, including the creation of Gotham City and notable characters like Robin and the Joker.

The documentary offers a meticulous and compelling insight into the question of authorship and the complexities of intellectual property in the realm of comics. Taking audiences on a journey through the underbelly of the comic book industry, Batman & Bill democratises the narrative of Batman's creation through multiple perspectives. It weaves a fascinating reminder that creative credit is powerful and should be equally distributed, especially when the creation becomes a world-renowned phenomenon.

The detective element of this documentary shines through in the character of Marc Tyler Nobleman, an author and comic book detective. He plays a significant role by dedicating years of his life to establish justice for Bill Finger. Nobleman's relentless advocacy for Finger does not stop until Finger’s contributions are officially acknowledged. This tenacity reflects the true essence of investigative journalism and gives Batman & Bill a unique edge amongst other superhero documentaries.

Batman & Bill’s visual narrative unfolds like a comic strip, with its scenes transitioning like comic panels, heightening the drama and intrigue of this real-world story. It manages to stir a sense of nostalgia for die-hard fans and also navigate the unacquainted viewer through the extensive universe of Batman.

The documentary offers plenty of interviews, archival footage, comic book imagery, and compelling narration. These elements come together in a seamless blend, revealing an injustice that took place behind the colourful pages of comic books and ornate grandeur of Hollywood studios. Still retaining the inherent appeal of a comic book, it brings out the ineffable charm that superhero stories hold, while introducing audiences to the realities of their creation.

As an origin story of the creators rather than the superhero, Batman & Bill adds layers of humanity to Batman. This documentary illuminates the often overlooked and underappreciated side of creativity and pays tribute to the man who significantly shaped the character of Batman but received little recognition in his lifetime. It's a potent mix of history, mystery, and justice.

Batman & Bill is an intriguing viewing option not only for Batman aficionados but for anyone with an interest in intellectual property rights, the creative process, and the battle of an underdog. It contextualizes the highly popular domain of comic book creations in economic and legal frameworks. The documentary offers an uncensored look at the injustices of the comic book industry, marking an important turning point towards honouring behind-the-scenes contributors who largely shape the characters enjoyed by readers and viewers.

Whether you're a die-hard Batman fan, a comic book enthusiast, or someone who appreciates a well-crafted investigative documentary, Batman & Bill is an engaging, enlightening, and poignant journey through the untold story of Batman's inception. It pays long overdue homage to a forgotten genius, reminding viewers that every superhero has a lot more human minds behind its creation than they can imagine. It's a heartfelt dialogue about attribution, justice, and the human side of comic books, resonating long after the credits roll. Dive deep into this heroic journey of acknowledging the unacknowledged, starting with a simple question: who truly created Batman? The answer might surprise you.