It comes as both a surprise and a relief to learn that Bill Finger, co-creator of Batman, will finally be credited as such in all future film and television works based on the character, including Gotham and Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.
For some, it will probably feel like too little too late. This change comes over seventy years since the creation of Batman and over forty years since the death of Bill Finger in 1974.
Still, it’s important for all writers, artists and creatives to see people rightfully credited for their work. This slowly began last year, when a trade collecting Batman’s first appearances gave Finger cover credit.
DC Entertainment released a statement on the matter to The Hollywood Reporter, which reads:
“DC Entertainment and the family of Bill Finger are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement that recognizes Mr. Finger’s significant contributions to the Batman family of characters. “Bill Finger was instrumental in developing many of the key creative elements that enrich the Batman universe, and we look forward to building on our acknowledgement of his significant role in DC Comics’ history,” stated Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment. “As part of our acknowledgement of those contributions,” Nelson continued, “we are pleased to confirm today that Bill Finger will be receiving credit in the Warner Bros. television series Gotham beginning later this season, and in the forthcoming motion picture Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.”
Gotham returns September 21st. Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice opens in theaters on March 23rd, 2016.