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Billion Dollar Batman
Since his creation in 1939, Batman has become one of the most popular characters in fiction. From his humble roots in dime comic books, he grew to become a serial hero, a frequent guest star on the Superman radio show, and then the star of his own explosively successful TV series, spawning a nationwide epidemic of Batmania. After Batman became a movie star, his thrilling exploits were no longer kid stuff-he was now a multinational conglomerate's biggest corporate asset. Billion Dollar Batman reveals the stories behind the story of one of the most lucrative and profitable media creations in history. Includes profiles of the people who guided Batman from Bright Knight to Dark Knight and revealing behind-the-scenes information about Batman serials, TV shows and films. Illustrated with photos of the actors who have brought Batman to life for seven decades.
- GenresNonfictionBatmanComics
446 pages, Paperback
First published December 2, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 19, 2016
Despite my unequivocal love of all things Batman, my knowledge on the character, the universe in which he delivers his signature brand of justice we have all fallen for, and the history of his conception leave a little to be desired. So, upon hearing mention of Scivally's history of the IP on Kevin Smith's Fatman on Batman podcast, I knew I had to pick it up.
I'm not a great reader of non-fiction, I must admit, so I did wonder whether close-on 500 pages would sustain my interest despite my professed love for the character. To his credit, though, Scivally's upbeat and rather light-hearted form of writing ensured that it wasn't overly dense.
Despite Scivally’s enjoyable narrative, I couldn't help but feel that the structure of the book became somewhat formulaic as we reached the latter stages. While it makes perfect sense to present each film's landmarks with linearity (pre-production, filming, post-production, reception, and merchandising are the predominant stages outlined), it gets to the stage where I felt that I was just checking boxes until I got to the next movie. This made ‘wildcard’ sections, such as the ones which deal with the failed Batman vs. Superman and Batman Beyond films, feel hugely refreshing but altogether too short.
If I did have one overriding criticism of the book, it would be that of poor editing. There were a number of errors from grammatical (it’s/its, and the superfluous apostrophe) to factual (referring to Batman Beyond’s Terry McGinnis as Tim McGinnis, and listing Cillian Murphy among the British cast of Batman Begins) that took me out of my historical immersion. Also, on a number of occasions, the font became italicised inexplicably, lasting up to an entire paragraph.
I don’t wish to go overboard with these reservations, because all told I really did enjoy this book. I would have loved a section on Batman: The Animated Series as it dominated my childhood fandom of the character, but I understand the writer’s reluctance to go down that road given the sheer length it would have necessitated. I would recommend it to anyone who, like me, feel like they could stand to bolster their own knowledge. It isn't best suited for anyone looking for an extensive history on the comics; after the opening chapters dealing with the creation of Batman, discourse on the comics is somewhat relegated to passing references as the feature films and the fallout surrounding them begin to dominate. Still, a thoroughly enjoyable read; and one which elicits respect for an historian’s sheer encyclopaedic knowledge of his subject matter.
I'm not a great reader of non-fiction, I must admit, so I did wonder whether close-on 500 pages would sustain my interest despite my professed love for the character. To his credit, though, Scivally's upbeat and rather light-hearted form of writing ensured that it wasn't overly dense.
Despite Scivally’s enjoyable narrative, I couldn't help but feel that the structure of the book became somewhat formulaic as we reached the latter stages. While it makes perfect sense to present each film's landmarks with linearity (pre-production, filming, post-production, reception, and merchandising are the predominant stages outlined), it gets to the stage where I felt that I was just checking boxes until I got to the next movie. This made ‘wildcard’ sections, such as the ones which deal with the failed Batman vs. Superman and Batman Beyond films, feel hugely refreshing but altogether too short.
If I did have one overriding criticism of the book, it would be that of poor editing. There were a number of errors from grammatical (it’s/its, and the superfluous apostrophe) to factual (referring to Batman Beyond’s Terry McGinnis as Tim McGinnis, and listing Cillian Murphy among the British cast of Batman Begins) that took me out of my historical immersion. Also, on a number of occasions, the font became italicised inexplicably, lasting up to an entire paragraph.
I don’t wish to go overboard with these reservations, because all told I really did enjoy this book. I would have loved a section on Batman: The Animated Series as it dominated my childhood fandom of the character, but I understand the writer’s reluctance to go down that road given the sheer length it would have necessitated. I would recommend it to anyone who, like me, feel like they could stand to bolster their own knowledge. It isn't best suited for anyone looking for an extensive history on the comics; after the opening chapters dealing with the creation of Batman, discourse on the comics is somewhat relegated to passing references as the feature films and the fallout surrounding them begin to dominate. Still, a thoroughly enjoyable read; and one which elicits respect for an historian’s sheer encyclopaedic knowledge of his subject matter.
August 15, 2012
At times, Bruce Scivally can run dry, but this book is superbly informative about many of the aspects behind the Batman films, Batman's creation, radio attempts and television spots. It's well-researched, and it's obviously written from the perspective of a fan.
Though Scivally tries to incorporate jokes and humor when available, he tries to stay objective when talking about some of the films that are generally frowned upon (Batman and Robin, anybody?). Is he completely objective? No. Sometimes he can't help but let loose a tongue-in-cheek comment, but this is a good thing. It keeps the writing fresh while we delve into everything Batman.
I personally found some of the information regarding the development of the Batmobiles a bit of a bore, particularly in the Nolan chapters, but I still applaud the great lengths the author went to make this book. It feels complete (even though it was published before The Dark Knight Rises hit theaters). It also introduced me to some facets I hadn't already known (like the failed live-action Batman Beyond project).
Those looking for information on the cartoon series should avoid this book. It's stated in the beginning that the cartoon history is a whole different, much larger animal that would take another book to complete. I was a little saddened to see that left out, as I grew up with Batman: The Animated Series, but I can understand the daunting task that avenue would require.
All in all, I applaud this effort. I'd definitely read another one of his books, as this is the first of Scivally I've ever encountered, and he seems to do his homework. For any Batfan looking to know more about the business of milking one of DC's greatest characters, this is the one-stop shop.
Though Scivally tries to incorporate jokes and humor when available, he tries to stay objective when talking about some of the films that are generally frowned upon (Batman and Robin, anybody?). Is he completely objective? No. Sometimes he can't help but let loose a tongue-in-cheek comment, but this is a good thing. It keeps the writing fresh while we delve into everything Batman.
I personally found some of the information regarding the development of the Batmobiles a bit of a bore, particularly in the Nolan chapters, but I still applaud the great lengths the author went to make this book. It feels complete (even though it was published before The Dark Knight Rises hit theaters). It also introduced me to some facets I hadn't already known (like the failed live-action Batman Beyond project).
Those looking for information on the cartoon series should avoid this book. It's stated in the beginning that the cartoon history is a whole different, much larger animal that would take another book to complete. I was a little saddened to see that left out, as I grew up with Batman: The Animated Series, but I can understand the daunting task that avenue would require.
All in all, I applaud this effort. I'd definitely read another one of his books, as this is the first of Scivally I've ever encountered, and he seems to do his homework. For any Batfan looking to know more about the business of milking one of DC's greatest characters, this is the one-stop shop.
March 1, 2014
This is not a book about Batman in the comics, nor does it consist of original interviews.
It's a work of scholarship, gathering together quotations from a variety of sources to support a history of (primarily) the movie adaptations (and live-action, but not animated series) of Batman, spanning from the original 1943 serial to 2008's The Dark Knight.
Scivally does an excellent job giving you the context of the time. What did it take to get the Batman movies made? What studio politics affected what you see on the screen...or in some cases, never saw?
I found the style of doing what amounted to an oral history effective. Every quotation was sourced, which I appreciated.
Fans may also be intrigued to read the discussion of the Batman vs. Superman movie...and to see how that might play into the upcoming big screen dual appearance (since that title originally swirled around the announcement).
Buyers need to be aware that this is a book focused on the business: this isn't the place to find a listing of what's in the utility belt, for example.
It's a work of scholarship, gathering together quotations from a variety of sources to support a history of (primarily) the movie adaptations (and live-action, but not animated series) of Batman, spanning from the original 1943 serial to 2008's The Dark Knight.
Scivally does an excellent job giving you the context of the time. What did it take to get the Batman movies made? What studio politics affected what you see on the screen...or in some cases, never saw?
I found the style of doing what amounted to an oral history effective. Every quotation was sourced, which I appreciated.
Fans may also be intrigued to read the discussion of the Batman vs. Superman movie...and to see how that might play into the upcoming big screen dual appearance (since that title originally swirled around the announcement).
Buyers need to be aware that this is a book focused on the business: this isn't the place to find a listing of what's in the utility belt, for example.
May 8, 2014
This book is well researched and . . . well, that's about it. It strikes me as a series of facts tracing the mostly cinematic history of Batman without much in the way of a compelling narrative. It is kind of like reading an extended Wikipedia entry. On the plus side, it is chock full of interesting factual detail.
June 4, 2014
Informative look at Batman's history outside of comic books: radio, TV, animation, and movies. A longer review is here: http://eyesandearsblog.blogspot.com/2...
July 30, 2013
Anyone who is a Batman fan will love this book. Highly recommended!
June 6, 2014
This is a goo book that any Batman fan should get. It is a great behind the scenes story of Batman through history and you should definitely get it if you are. Great book and well written.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews