Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman

Author: Marc Tyler Nobleman

Color: Multicolor

Edition: 1st

Number Of Pages: 48

Details:

Discover the surprising origins of the legendary caped crusader in this entertaining picture book biography for young fans of Batman and superheroes Batman’s biggest secret is not Bruce Wayne . . . Every Batman story is marked with the words, “Batman created by Bob Kane.” But that isn’t the whole truth. A struggling writer named Bill Finger was involved from the beginning. Bill helped invent Batman, from concept to costume to character. He dreamed up Batman’s haunting origins and his colorful nemeses. Despite his brilliance, Bill worked in obscurity. It was only after his death that fans went to bat for Bill, calling for acknowledgment that he was co-creator of Batman.  Cartoonist and popular Batman artist Ty Templeton brings Marc Tyler Nobleman’s exhaustive research to life. Perfect for reluctant readers and those bridging from easy readers to longer narratives, this classic underdog story will inspire all readers to take ownership of, and pride in, their work. From School Library Journal Gr 3-5-This eye-catching biography of Bill Finger is quite unique. It's the first picture book written about the co-creator of the comic-book character Batman. And until quite recently, Finger wasn't recognized, as Bob Kane accepted full credit. From the cover depicting a bust of Finger set against the backdrop of Batman, and the end pages that include the shadow, quotes, and teasers to the story, to the engagingly told story, this biography will be a hit. The illustrations are done in colorful, classic comic-book style, with text offset in boxes. The story begins with a young Jewish man, Milton Finger, changing his first name to Bill because of discrimination. It proceeds to his chance meeting with Kane and his uncredited collaboration. After 25 years of writing increasingly creative adventures for Batman, his contribution was discovered, though Kane was still reluctant to share credit. Finger died rather poor and largely unrecognized. After his death, a comic-writing award was named in his honor. The easy-to-read text is short and interesting. An author's note presents more detailed information on Finger and Nobleman's complex and thorough research. This title will appeal to children because of their interest in superheroes and their creators, and will be a draw for teachers as a read-aloud for language arts or social studies as an engaging look at a pop art icon. Source notes, a selected bibliography, and three photos round out the book.-Christina Dorr, Hilliard City School District, OHα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

About the Author:

Marc Tyler Nobleman is the author of Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman, which received multiple starred reviews and was named an American Library Association Notable Book. Due to discoveries Marc made in his research, the book also landed on the front page of USA Today. Marc never dressed as Batman for Halloween, but he was Robin twice (and Superman three times). Today, he lives with his family in Maryland. He reveals his research secrets and promotional gambles at noblemania.blogspot.com. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Bill figured a character named after a bat should look menacing—even though he would be a good guy.          The red union suit struck Bill as too cheery. He proposed colors that could better fade into the shadows.          He recommended replacing the wisp of a mask with a cowl that covered all but Bat-Man’s chin. Pointing out an illustration of a bat in a dictionary, he said, “Why don’t we duplicate the ears?”          He felt that the wings were awkward. “I suggest you make a cape and scallop the edges,” Bill said. “It would flow out behind him when he runs and look like bat wings.”          He thought Bat-Man would be more intimidating if it seemed that he had no pupils—just white slits for eyes.   ...

EAN: 9781580892896

Release Date: 01-07-2012

Languages: English

Item Note: Great shape- pages are unmarked and sharp.Has a remainder mark. Hardcover Used - Like New Ships fast! 20121st

Item Condition: UsedLikeNew

Binding: Hardcover