In the vibrant world of 1960s television, few shows captured the imagination of audiences quite like Batman ’66. With its colorful villains, campy dialogue, and iconic “Bam! Pow!” fight scenes, the show quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Decades later, its legacy remains intact, thanks in no small part to the meticulous work of TV historian Joel Eisner and his definitive guide, The Official Batman Batbook.
But how did this labor of love come to be? What challenges did Eisner face in documenting the history of a show as beloved and complex as Batman ’66? This post explores the fascinating journey behind the creation of the Batbook, delving into the research, obstacles, and dedication that made it a must-have for fans of the Caped Crusader.
The Birth of an Idea: A Batman series TV book
Joel Eisner’s passion for Batman ’66 began like many others—watching the show during its original run. The series, starring Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin, offered a mix of action, humor, and adventure that appealed to children and adults. As Eisner grew older, his fascination with the show only deepened, prompting him to explore its behind-the-scenes stories and the people who brought Gotham City to life.
The idea for The Official Batman Batbook was born out of this fascination. In the early 1980s, Eisner realized that while the show remained popular in reruns, there was little comprehensive documentation. Fans knew the episodes, the villains, and the iconic Bat-gadgets, but no single resource pulled it all together. Eisner saw an opportunity to fill this gap, not just as a fan, but as a historian.
“I wanted to create something that would stand the test of time,” Eisner explained in interviews. “A book that wouldn’t just rehash what everyone already knew, but would provide real insights into the making of the show, the people involved, and the impact it had on television history.”
The Research: Unearthing Gotham’s Secrets
Creating a definitive guide to Batman ’66 was no small task. Eisner began by watching every episode of the series, taking detailed notes on everything from the plotlines and guest stars to the production design and costumes. But this was just the beginning. To truly capture the essence of the show, Eisner knew he needed to dig deeper—much deeper.
The first major challenge was securing interviews with the cast and crew. While some, like Yvonne Craig (Batgirl) and Alan Napier (Alfred), were eager to share their stories, others were more difficult to reach. Adam West and Burt Ward, the show’s stars, were initially hesitant to participate. West, in particular, had become somewhat disillusioned with the Batman persona, feeling it had typecast him and limited his career opportunities. Burt Ward’s involvement was also complicated by his manager, who demanded creative control over the content of his interview.
Despite these challenges, Eisner persisted. He sent letters, made phone calls, and even traveled to meet some of the show’s creators in person. His perseverance paid off, resulting in a collection of candid interviews that provided unique insights into the production of Batman ’66. These interviews became the backbone of the Batbook, offering readers a glimpse into the minds of those who made Gotham City come alive on screen.
In addition to interviews, Eisner combed through archival materials, including production notes, scripts, and promotional materials from the era. He also reached out to television historians and other authors who had written about the show or its era. This extensive research process allowed him to uncover details that had been lost to time, from the financial struggles behind the scenes to the creative decisions that shaped the show’s direction.
Legal Battles and Licensing Hurdles with Batman ’66
While the research phase was challenging, it was the legal aspect of creating the Batbook that nearly derailed the project. As Eisner began to compile his research into a manuscript, he realized that securing the rights to publish a book about Batman ’66 was far more complicated than he had anticipated.
At the time, the rights to the Batman character were split between several entities, including DC Comics, 20th Century Fox (which produced the TV show), and ABC (the network that aired it). Each of these companies had their legal teams and interests, making it difficult to determine who held the rights to certain aspects of the show. Additionally, there was confusion over the licensing of the Batman character itself, with DC Comics unsure of their rights to the TV version of Batman.
Eisner spent months navigating this legal maze, writing letters, making phone calls, and meeting with lawyers. He learned that a fire at ABC in the 1970s had destroyed many of the network’s records, making it even more difficult to trace the ownership of the Batman TV show. In one instance, he was told that the rights might still belong to ABC, but there was no way to be certain.
Finally, after many setbacks, Eisner managed to secure the necessary permissions from all parties involved. However, this process delayed the publication of the Batbook and added significant stress to an already complex project. But for Eisner, the struggle was worth it. “I wasn’t just writing a book,” he recalled. “I was preserving a piece of television history.”
The Batbook’s Impact: A Staple for Batman Fans
When The Official Batman Batbook was finally published in 1986, it was met with enthusiasm from fans and critics alike. The book’s detailed episode guide, coupled with behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews, made it an instant classic. It wasn’t just a book; it was a treasure trove of information for anyone who had ever been captivated by the campy charm of Batman ’66.
Over the years, the Batbook has become a staple for Batman fans, often cited as one of the most comprehensive resources on the show. Its influence extends beyond the world of Batman, setting a new standard for TV show guides. The success of the Batbook inspired other authors to take a similar approach to documenting classic television, ensuring that the legacies of other beloved shows were preserved with the same level of care and attention.
But perhaps the greatest testament to the Batbook’s impact is its enduring popularity. Even decades after its initial publication, the book continues to be a favorite among collectors and fans of Batman ’66. Its combination of thorough research, exclusive content, and Eisner’s clear passion for the subject matter makes it a must-have for anyone interested in the history of television.
Batman Batbook: A Legacy Preserved
Joel Eisner’s journey to create The Official Batman Batbook was not an easy one. It was a journey marked by challenges—both expected and unexpected—that required persistence, creativity, and a deep love for the subject. But in the end, Eisner’s dedication paid off, resulting in a book that not only captured the spirit of Batman ’66 but also secured its place in television history.
For fans of the Caped Crusader, the Batbook is more than just a guide; it’s a celebration of a show that has brought joy to millions. It’s a reminder that with passion and determination, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. And it’s a testament to the lasting legacy of Batman ’66, a show that continues to inspire and entertain audiences more than 50 years after it first aired.