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Holy 50 Years, Batman!

Posted over 4 years ago by Rebecca S

Batman, one of DC Comics flagship Superheroes, has lived through many incarnations. The character, along with his sidekick Robin, first appeared on the small screen in the 1940s Batman and Batman and Robin. However, in 1966 Batman staring Adam West as the Cape Crusader made his Hollywood debut; ushering in the good, the bad, and the ugly of Batman cinematic history.

On October 8, 2016 from 2-4:30 p.m., Sanger Branch will celebrate 50 years of Batman in film with a special showing of the 1966 movie. Local comic expert, Ed Katschke from Monarch Comics, will be on hand to share his knowledge and introduce the film. Feel free to dress in your best superhero attire and hang around after the movie to get your photo with The Dark Knight and some of his superhero friends. There will also be cake, popcorn, and some super-powered giveaways!

So join us as we revel in the comedy and simplicity of this early Batman; the Batman who was not as self-destructive as Christian Bales’, who didn’t look like he spent every waking hour of his horribly broody life in a gym like Ben Affleck’s’, and who is—although hard to believe—campier then Michael Keaton’s and George Clooney’s (it wasn’t a nightmare, it actually happened).

This event is free and open to the public and we would like to offer a big thank you to Monarch Comics and Sanger Friends of the Library for sponsoring.

Need to load up on Batman knowledge? Check out these fantastic resources from your Library!

Batman: the movie (1966)

Formats Available: Blu-ray

When Batman and Robin get a tip that Commodore Schmidlapp is in danger aboard his yacht, they launch a rescue mission. But the tip is a set-up by four of the most powerful villains ever. Directed by Leslie H. Martinson. Starring Adam West and Burt Ward.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Formats Available: DVD | Blu-ray

When the actions of Superman are called into question, Batman takes on the Man of Steel, while the world ponders what kind of a hero it really needs. Directed by Zack Snyder. Starring Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg and Diane Lane.

If you like this movie, you may enjoy the soundtrack available via hoopla.

Batman: A Visual History written by Matthew K. Manning; additional text by Matt Forbeck

Formats Available: Print

Batman: A Visual History follows the DC Comics Super Hero from his 1939 beginnings as a crime-fighting vigilante to his present status as a worldwide cultural icon approaching his 75th anniversary. The book celebrates Batman's greatest stories and the writers and artists who created them. It also charts the careers of the Super Heroes and super-villains--Robin, the Justice League, the Joker, Catwoman--associated with Gotham City's Dark Knight. The debuts of every key Batman character are featured, as well as some details of Batman movie and TV series, both live-action and animated.

Batman Character Encyclopedia written by Matthew K. Manning; Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger

Formats Available: Print

A compact guide to more than 200 heroes and villains from Gotham City draws on more than 75 years of comics history and is comprised of alphabetically organized profiles complemented by stats, annotations and comic book illustrations by leading artists. By the author of Batman: A Visual History. Movie tie-in.

Batman Origami: Amazing Folding Projects Featuring the Dark Knight by John Montroll; Batman created by Bob Kane

Formats Available: Print

What happens when you combine the Dark Knight with the art of origami? You get a stunning collection of paper-folding projects. These models, designed by internationally renowned origami master John Montroll, are guaranteed to amaze. With clear, step-by-step diagrams and instructions, a simple square of paper transforms into the Bat-symbol, the Penguin's Umbrella, the Batplane, and so much more. When you fold these models, your friends will believe you're the one with super powers.

How to Draw Batman and His Friends and Foes by Aaron Sautter; illustrated by Erik Doescher

Formats Available: Print

Batman has been fighting crime and stopping villains' evil plans for more than 70 years. Now fans of the caped crusader can discover their inner artist by learning to draw their favorite hero! Simple, step-by-step instructions teach readers how to draw Batman, his friends, and his main enemies.

Batman: Earth One written by Geoff Johns; pencils by Gary Frank; inks by Jonathan Sibal; color by Brad Anderson; lettered by Rob Leigh

Formats Available: Print | eComic

A reimagined new mythology for the Dark Knight, where the familiar is no longer the expected in this long-awaited original graphic novel from DC Comics.

If you like this graphic novel, you may enjoy Batman Earth One, Vol. 2 available via hoopla.

Bedtime For Batman words by Michael Dahl; pictures by Ethen Beavers; Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger'

Formats Available: Print

Ages 4-7

A little boy makes his bedtime an exciting adventure, as he imagines Batman preparing to fight crime in Gotham City.

If you like Comics and Superheroes, you may also like the following selections:

Batgirl - Volume 1, Batgirl of Burnside written by Cameron Stewart & Brenden Fletcher ; art by Babs Tarr ; color by Maris Wicks ; letters by Jared K. Fletcher

Formats Available: Print | eComic

Barbara Gordon’s ready for a fresh start. She’s packing her bags, crossing the bridge, and heading to Gotham’s coolest neighborhood: Burnside. And when a freak fire burns up her costume and gear, Babs has the chance to become a whole new Batgirl! But she barely slips on her new DIY costume before Batgirl starts trending as Gotham’s first viral vigilante — and attracting a new wave of enemies who want her social-media spotlight for themselves.

The Secret history of Wonder Woman by Jill Lepore

Formats Available: Print | eBook | eAudiobook

A cultural history of Wonder Woman traces the character's creation and enduring popularity, drawing on interviews and archival research to reveal the pivotal role of feminism in shaping her seven-decade story.

The Bronze Age of DC Comics, 1970-1984 by Paul Levitz; art direction and design by Josh Baker

Formats Available: Print

A history of DC Comics during the Bronze Age of comic books—a period from 1970 to 1985 when comic books tackled the tough social issues of the day—features insightful essays; hundreds of full-color illustrations, photos, film stills and collectibles; and an original interview with Green Lantern/Green Arrow writer Denny O'Neil.

Comics Confidential: Thirteen Graphic Novelists Talk Story, Craft, and Life Outside the Box compiled and edited by Leonard S. Marcus

Formats Available: Print

Thirteen prominent cartoonists discuss their creative processes and the experiences and influences that led to their success in one of today's most vibrant art forms. Each interview is followed by an original graphic short on the common theme of "the city."

Complete Guide to Self-Publishing Comics: How to Create and Sell Comics, Manga, and Webcomics by Comfort Love and Adam Withers

Formats Available: Print

Creating your own comic is easier than ever before. With advances in technology, the increased connectivity of social media, and the ever-increasing popularity of the comics medium, successful DIY comics publishing is within your reach. With The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing Comics, creators/instructors Comfort Love and Adam Withers provide a step-by-step breakdown of the comics-making process, perfect for any aspiring comics creator. This unprecedented, in-depth coverage gives you expert analysis on each step—writing, drawing, coloring, lettering, publishing, and marketing. Along the way, luminaries in the fields of comics, manga, and webcomics — like Mark Waid, Adam Warren, Scott Kurtz, and Jill Thompson — lend a hand, providing “Pro Tips” on essential topics for achieving your comics-making dreams. With the insights and expertise contained within these pages, you’ll have everything you need and no excuses left: It’s time to make your comics!

Featured Image Credit: Batman Signal (Pixabay Image 312342, Creative Commons license).