Long over due doesn’t begin to cut it. Bill Finger was instrumental in creating the Dark Knight and his world but never got the credit for it. Since Batman’s inception Bob Kane was the only creator associated with the character. Even Kane admired on a few occasions that Bill finger had a hand in Batman’s creation.
I can’t help but feel lukewarm about this news. On the one hand, it’s good that current and future generations see the name Bill Finger attached to , arguably the most popular superhero of all time. On the other hand, it feels much too late. Bill Finger passed away in the seventies with not a lot of money to his name. This would become the case for, the even more ripped off, Jack Kirby. There was even a time when Superman’s creators ,Siegel and Shuster ended up the same as Jack Kirby. It wasn’t until ” Superman: The Motion Picture”, came out in the Seventies that DC awarded both men some money and their name as creators. However, that is still a legal mess to this day.I’m not even to clear on what the official terms are. Siegel and Shuster both passed away, but their families continue the battle in their name.
It seems a normal occurrence, historically speaking. Reward the creators when they are either dead or too old and sick to really benefit from the money. At the very least Bill Finger’s family will be compensated. Here is DC’s official statement.
DC Entertainment and the family of Bill Finger are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement that recognizes Mr. Finger’s significant contributions to the Batman family of characters. “Bill Finger was instrumental in developing many of the key creative elements that enrich the Batman universe, and we look forward to building on our acknowledgement of his significant role in DC Comics’ history,” stated Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment. “As part of our acknowledgement of those contributions,” Nelson continued, “we are pleased to confirm today that Bill Finger will be receiving credit in the Warner Bros. television series Gotham beginning later this season, and in the forthcoming motion picture Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.”
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
I can’t help but wonder if this will help to shed some light on Spider-Man and Steve Ditko’s situation. It’s not entirely to late. For those unfamiliar with this story, it parallels Bill Fingers quite a bit.
Stan Lee is the face of Marvel and often referred to as. the creator of Spider-man. Throughout the years much has been made as to, how much Stan Lee was even involved in the creation of Spidey. Rumors began years ago, along with many sources stating that artist, Steve Ditko was the main mind behind Spider-Man. No legal source, mind you. Considered more, opinion rather than actual fact. As fate would have it, Steve Ditko faded into obscurity without the issue ever being resolved. Fairly destitute as I’ve heard. Not exactly the kind of destiny you want for a legendary artist. The point is that Steve Ditko can still have his chance to be given his due, but how long can the powers that be, afford to wait?
Regardless of what happens with Mr. Ditko, when Batman day comes this year ( Sept 26th) raise a glass for Bill Finger.