Bill the Boy Wonder

August 1, 2012

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, OH

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 15, 2012
It turns out that Batman--the orphaned, shadowy, well-heeled defender of an embattled Gotham--had another embarrassment of riches: two fathers. Spend any time with Batman in DC Comics and you will have seen it: "Created by Bob Kane." Only half true. Cartoonist Bob did come up with a prototype, but it was writer Bill Finger who fashioned Batman into the night-tripping, class-and-trash, hero-and-villain intimidator in the pointy-eared cowl whom we have come to love, the superhero without superpowers. This testament to credit due from Nobleman is seriously researched--as the six-page author's note attests--yet light on its feet, and the artwork from Templeton has all the lush, emotive brushwork one expects from Batman. But what makes this sketch of Finger so memorable is its intimacy with the characters, the way in which it coaxes out an engaging vulnerability in Finger and, by association, with Batman. "Bob's greatest talent may have been the ability to recognize other talent. His greatest flaw may have been the inability to honor that talent. Bill's greatest flaw may have been the inability to defend his talent. His greatest talent was the ability to forge legends." Though Finger has been a known commodity to comics cognoscenti for years, this salute in his own format will make the lasting impression he deserves. (Graphic biography. 8 & up)

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August 1, 2012
Grades 4-7 Bill Finger is not a household name, but he embodied many of the traits of the superheroes he had a hand in creatingsecret identity, modest personality that eschewed the limelight, and extraordinary talents and abilities. Finger met Bill Kane, who is widely credited as Batman's creator, at a party, and the two began an informal collaboration on creating DC Comics' newest superhero. Nobleman asserts that Finger not only conceived of Batman's appearance but that he also wrote the hero's entire backstory and independently created Robin, the Riddler, the Joker, and Catwoman. Yet Finger never received any public acknowledgment for his contributions during his lifetime. The claims that Nobleman makes are bold, but he carefully documents his research, which included examining documents and interviewing members of Finger's family and well-respected DC employees. Big, colorful, comics-style illustration makes Nobleman's assertions even more dynamic. A fitting tribute to a largely overlooked comic-book hero.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2013
Writer Bill Finger is the unsung champion in the creation of the Batman character. Through Finger's own hardships, readers can witness the development of Batman's history. The illustrations add an appropriate comic-book tone and atmosphere to the story. A six-page author's note contains valuable information about Nobleman's research. Bib.

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)