[From 2014]

“Happy Birthday, Batman”

Just a little over a year ago, I came out of the closet.  I admitted it to the world and without reservations.  

I was and remain a Batman devotee.  Much to my surprise, a lot of The Imaginative Conservative readers are also rather fond of Batman.  So, in my weirdness (at least in this particular one), I’m not alone.

[http://www.theimaginativeconservative.org/2013/08/batman.html]  

Even more, I’m a Batman snob.  No “pows”or “ka-pows,” no silly side kicks in Disney-lite costumes, no Bat dances, and no Bat “shark repellants.”  I don’t want Adam West, Michael Keaton, or George Clooney as Batman.  I don’t want the Batmobile driving up to the Burger King drive thru window to order something.

I want my Batman dark, serious, dedicated, persevering, swift, and, when necessary, brutal.  

Happy 75^th Birthday, Batman!

As you might very well know, today is Batman’s 75^th birthday.  On this day, three quarters of a century ago, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics 27 (cover date: May 1939).  Here’s the official write up from the company, DC (Time-Warner) that owns the Batman name:

In celebration of Batman’s 75th anniversary, DC Entertainment is partnering with thousands of comic book retailers and bookstores across the nation to celebrate “Batman Day” on Wednesday, July 23. As part of the festivities, fans who visit participating retailers receive a free, special edition of DETECTIVE COMICS #27, featuring a reimagining of Batman’s 1939 comic book debut, designed by Chip Kidd with a script by The New York Times #1 bestselling author Brad Meltzer.

In addition to the comic book, DC Entertainment is providing retailers access to an assortment of other collectibles to help in the celebration of “Batman Day” including a Batman 75th anniversary cape, bookmarks featuring essential Batman graphic novels and four Batman masks designed by comic book artist Ryan Sook spotlighting a variety of the character’s iconic looks from his 75-year history.

[Please continue to read on page 2]