Last Thursday morning, The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced that Bob Kane, the creator of Batman, was selected to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2015 alongside director Peter Jackson, television producer James L. Brooks, and actors Will Ferrell, Daniel Radcliffe and Chris O’Donnell (who played Robin in two 1990’s Batman films).
He is the second man in the comic book industry to get a name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the first being Stan Lee, the man behind Marvel, back in 2011.
Bob Kane with Micheal Keaton on the first Batman Film
Bob Kane has been credited as the sole creator behind the famous bat-mask, bringing one of the most iconic and popular characters to life back in 1939 in the magazine “Detective Comics”. Kane has earned his right to be enshrined on a star due to his huge contribution the character has made to pop culture. Batman has gone from the page to the small screen as a cartoon in various series’, and soon the new series ‘Gotham’, to the big screen with many actor portrayals since the 1980’s. Additionally, many video games have been launched with his name and continue to receive attention and respect as they build up the mythos that is Batman. (Let’s not forget the mounds of merchandise created in his honor, like my very cool Batman earrings).
Needless to say, out of the entire DC Universe, Batman is the most popular superhero out there.
This is not Kane’s only reward in life from his wonderful creation. Kane has previously been inducted into the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame and the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame.
While I would to extent my congratulations to Bob Kane, someone should remember that it takes two to create a superhero and that Bill Finger is the man responsible for the cape, cowl and Batmobile. While one gets the Star, so should the other as they did work hand in hand to create this iconic character.
However, Kane seems to be getting all the credit, but I guess that’s just how it works so congratulations Bob Kane! Someone should make this man a Batman shaped iron press so that he can add it to his star below his name. Honestly, how cool would that be.
Source: DC Comics Press Blog, Examiner
