Watch Batman & Bill

Batman & Bill is a 2017 documentary film that follows the journey of comic book writer Marc Tyler Nobleman as he attempts to uncover the true identity of the uncredited co-creator of Batman, Bill Finger. The film explores how Finger, despite being the mastermind behind the iconic superhero, was largely uncredited for his work and subsequently forgotten by history.

Through interviews with industry experts such as Thomas Andrae, Jerry Bails, and Otto Binder, as well as Finger's surviving family members, Nobleman pieces together a compelling argument for Finger's rightful place in comic book history. The film also features archival footage and illustrations that help to bring the story to life.

The documentary is structured around Nobleman's investigation into Finger's life and work, recounting the often frustrating and fruitless search for information about the elusive comic book writer. Along the way, Nobleman delves into the history of comic book publishing and the often murky world of copyright law in the 20th century.

One of the key themes of the film is the importance of credit and recognition for creative work. Nobleman argues that Finger's contributions to the Batman mythos were substantial and far-reaching, and that he deserves to be acknowledged for his work. In one particularly poignant moment, Nobleman arranges for Finger's name to be added to the credits of the Batman TV series, decades after his death.

The film also examines the relationship between art and commerce, highlighting the tension between creative vision and commercial success. Finger's story is a powerful reminder of how easy it is for the contributions of artists and writers to be overlooked or co-opted by those with more power and influence.

Overall, Batman & Bill is a thought-provoking and engaging documentary that sheds light on an important but often neglected figure in comic book history. Its focus on the importance of creative credit and recognition is relevant not just to the comic book industry, but to anyone involved in creative work. Whether you're a fan of Batman or simply interested in the history of pop culture, this film is well worth a watch.

Batman & Bill is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.