Watch Batman & Bill

Batman & Bill is a Hulu Originals documentary that follows the story of a man named Bill Finger, who co-created the iconic character of Batman but never received the credit he deserved for his contributions. The documentary sheds light on the injustice done to Finger and attempts to rectify it by bringing his name to the forefront of popular culture.

The documentary is directed by Don Argott and Sheena M. Joyce and features interviews with some of the most prominent names in the comic book industry, including Thomas Andrae, Jerry Bails, and Otto Binder. These interviews are used to build a narrative that highlights Finger's contribution to the creation of Batman and how his contribution was practically erased from history.

The documentary opens with the introduction of Bill Finger, who worked as a writer and a designer for various comic book publishers in the 1930s and 1940s. Finger was hired by the publisher of Detective Comics, Bob Kane, to help create a new superhero character, which would later be known as Batman. The documentary then shows how Kane, who was the face of Batman's creation, took full credit for the character and pushed Finger into obscurity.

Throughout the documentary, Andrae, Bails, Binder, and other comic book historians talk about Finger's contribution to Batman. They explore how Finger developed the character's traits, the design of the costume, and the key elements that make up the story of Batman. The documentary also features interviews with Finger's descendants, who share their perspective on the injustice done to their ancestor.

The story of Bill Finger, and how he was mistreated, is juxtaposed with the rise of Batman as a cultural phenomenon. The documentary shows how the character became popular and how the Batman franchise evolved over the years. It also highlights how the name of Bill Finger became a footnote in history, while Bob Kane went on to become a millionaire.

The documentary is also an investigation into the cultural significance of comic books and their creators. It shows how comic books have influenced popular culture and how the people who created them were often mistreated by publishers who saw them as mere employees. It also addresses the issue of intellectual property rights and how they can be used to exclude creators from the benefits of their work.

The emotional core of the documentary is the effort made by Marc Tyler Nobleman, a children's book author, to bring the name of Bill Finger to the forefront of popular culture. Nobleman, who had been researching Finger's life for years, went on a mission to give Finger the recognition he deserved. He contacted DC Comics, the publisher of Batman, and asked them to give Finger credit for his contribution to Batman's creation.

The documentary follows Nobleman as he works tirelessly to gather evidence and present it to DC Comics. The story of Nobleman's mission is one of persistence and determination, and it highlights the power of individuals to bring about change. The tension in the documentary builds as Nobleman's mission gains traction, and the viewer is left wondering whether he will be successful in his efforts.

Overall, Batman & Bill is a heartwarming and informative documentary that sheds light on the untold story of Bill Finger, the co-creator of Batman. It highlights the injustice done to Finger and the importance of recognizing the contribution of creators in the entertainment industry. The documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in comic books, superheroes, and popular culture.