DID YOU KNOW? Bat-Man was originally conceived in 1939 by creator Bob Kane as a Super-Man knockoff complete with bright red suit, black trunks, domino mask, and blonde hair. It wasn’t until the input of writer Bill Finger that the character would become recognizable today. Finger’s suggestions include the black/grey color scheme, cape, gloves and hooded cowl.

After the initial success, Finger continued to add to the Bat-Man legend creating the Bat-Cave, Batmobile, and many of the early bat villains. He even developed Bat-Man’s origin story as an orphaned child to gun violence. Sadly, Finger never received public recognition as co-creator of Bat-Man during his lifetime.

After his death in 1974, early Bat-Man collaborator Jerry Robinson (creator of Joker and co-creator of Robin) raised awareness of Finger’s contributions. As of 2016, DC Comics officially credits Bill Finger as co-creator.