I mentioned creators and creations, in a blog post. Now I’d like to talk Batman.
As you might know, it says Bob Kane created him. Yet, researching the history. It really was a co-creation and a guy named Bill Finger, who wrote the stories and gave ideas, co-created him. And how much influence did Bill Finger have? Well, without him. There would be No Batman as we know him.
And in my opinion Batman, a version only by Bob Kane, would have been a failed concept of a character, long forgotten decades ago as nothing special.
Here is what Bill Finger suggested and helped make in terms of Batman’s creation.
-He suggested the colors for his costume. Such as a gray suit. Kane, had a red suit.
-He suggested the cowl. Kane had a Zorro type mask covering the eyes only.
-Suggested the Scalloped cape. Kane had awkward wings instead.
-Named the Bruce Wayne character
-Made Batman a detective
-Co-created the origin story
-Named the city as, Gotham City
-Helped co-create Robin, Joker, and a bunch of villains
Reading that list: It sure sounds like a co-creation. In fact, most of the creative ideas that you know of as Batman were Bill Finger ideas.
Yet, here is the sad part. He died all but penniless. While his co-creation Batman made millions for Bob Kane.
But while I read, Bob Kane was arrogant and shrewed. I hear remarks from comic professionals, that he was stupid and had no ideas. And he fluked his way into a fortune.
I think it’s wrong to say that. Whatever he lacked, Bob Kane knew his financial situation. And you can’t fluke your way into that many good financial contracts. And as shrewd as he was, it was a good think in a way, cause he was going up against sharks. But he made sure, he got his financial just do in contract. And lived well financially, cause of it. (It’s a shame the Silver Age Marvel creators, did not think in terms of Business Finance. If anything, this case proves creators could have had a financial contract.)
And while some may say: Look, Kane didn’t contribute much to Batman. He didn’t deserve his millions. I disagree, to all of them I say this one important question: Without Bob Kane, would there have been the Batman? Think the situation over and answer honestly. For me, the answer is a resounding No.
His presence, and being there is what helped make Batman. Without him there, there would be no Batman as we know him.
While Kane didn’t create much. He did create. And without him reaching out to Bill Finger, and working together, there would be no Batman.
So he deserves his money. And better him, a co-creator get a financial benefit. Then a corporation to get it all.
But the sad part is, like the companies screwing over the talent and not giving them their financial just due. Bob Kane, never gave his co-creator his just due. He acted like a corporation, and gave his partner nothing financially, in terms of a royalty.
In fact Kane was so business smart, or shrewd, by contract all Batman work has his creators name on it. That of Bob Kane only, and not Bill Finger. So even now, the legacy of Bill Finger is not given its respect and due.
I can only guess why he never gave Bill Finger credit. Maybe it’s cause in him mind, he truly feels he was the sole creator of Batman? And at the least, the initial idea was his. And he approached Bill later. Maybe it was a case of pure Ego, and wanting all the credit? Why have only a co-credit. I’m sure a financial incentive was also there. If he was listed only as a co-creator. Half his income would have to go to Bill Finger, and why share?
I’m not saying it’s right. I can see from the above arguments, especially the financial one, why Bob Kane would resist sharing Batman as a co-creative work.
I can see that. But in terms of living with yourself, I can’t agree.
To do the right thing, cause it’s right, is Important and it matters.
If it were a just world, Bill Finger would have received his financial share and credit of the Batman’s Legacy.
That’s the right think to do, and if your a person of honor, it is what you would do.
But that’s what happened. One of Batman’s creators, got compensated and another of his creators died penniless.
If you are in creative media: If you are creating something, get Legal Advice, read Contracts carefully, and understand your rights before you sign over anything. Also don’t be too forthcoming with creative ideas, without first signing a contract. Or at least, knowing your Legal Rights.
It’s important to think long term and about your rights when creating, especially now, I don’t think there is an excuse. Times back then were different, and most people were not informed about finances and creative media rights. But now it’s different, and you should know. Cause your lack of financial knowledge can end up costing you a possible fortune. And as the saying goes, Always get a contract in writing.