Inside the Guide: Collectibles from the Batman Serials
As comic books continued gaining popularity in the early 1940s, transitioning those superheroes to movies was a natural next step. The episodic nature of comic books was a perfect fit for movie serials, which told a larger story framed as clearly defined chapter arcs. The Caped Crusader made his film debut in The Batman in July 1943, then six years later, he returned to the big screen for New Adventures of Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder, more commonly known as Batman and Robin.
The pair of Batman serials were released well before movie tie-ins became the moneymakers they are now, which makes for limited collecting opportunities. Collectibles for the serials are predominately paper-related advertising material. There are several movie posters as well as other theatrical promotions.
One of the rarest items issued to promote The Batman is the movie theater giveaway mask. Two versions were made – one with the theater imprint on the front and one issued by the Philadelphia Record newspaper without the imprint.
Another piece that enticed kids back then and adult collectors now is the Batman “Wanted the Phantom” promo poster. In 1943 both Batman and the Phantom starred in movie serials, leading to this cross-promotional poster. It even features text stating that the Phantom is “a master of disguise” and that there is reward for his capture.
The pressbook contains serial details and promo suggestions for theaters. The 12-page pressbook from 1943 shows examples of the movie posters, a list of ads for national promotion, novelties, suggestions for lobby decoration, bios on the cast, and reviews.
Like the first serial, Batman and Robin issued more than one pressbook for theaters. The original 1949 version contained 15 pages of ad teasers, mockup of the movie posters, prerelease ad hype, details on newsstand tack cards and magazine inserts, theater lobby suggestions, prewritten copy for local newspapers, and info on film accessories.
A three-pack set of 8mm film reels contains movie footage for home viewing. Each portion is packaged individually, situated in a die-cut store card with clear plastic window that displays the chapter titles.
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Inside the Guide: Collectibles from the Batman Serials
As comic books continued gaining popularity in the early 1940s, transitioning those superheroes to movies was a natural next step. The episodic nature of comic books was a perfect fit for movie serials, which told a larger story framed as clearly defined chapter arcs. The Caped Crusader made his film debut in The Batman in July 1943, then six years later, he returned to the big screen for New Adventures of Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder, more commonly known as Batman and Robin.
The pair of Batman serials were released well before movie tie-ins became the moneymakers they are now, which makes for limited collecting opportunities. Collectibles for the serials are predominately paper-related advertising material. There are several movie posters as well as other theatrical promotions.
One of the rarest items issued to promote The Batman is the movie theater giveaway mask. Two versions were made – one with the theater imprint on the front and one issued by the Philadelphia Record newspaper without the imprint.
Another piece that enticed kids back then and adult collectors now is the Batman “Wanted the Phantom” promo poster. In 1943 both Batman and the Phantom starred in movie serials, leading to this cross-promotional poster. It even features text stating that the Phantom is “a master of disguise” and that there is reward for his capture.
The pressbook contains serial details and promo suggestions for theaters. The 12-page pressbook from 1943 shows examples of the movie posters, a list of ads for national promotion, novelties, suggestions for lobby decoration, bios on the cast, and reviews.
Like the first serial, Batman and Robin issued more than one pressbook for theaters. The original 1949 version contained 15 pages of ad teasers, mockup of the movie posters, prerelease ad hype, details on newsstand tack cards and magazine inserts, theater lobby suggestions, prewritten copy for local newspapers, and info on film accessories.
A three-pack set of 8mm film reels contains movie footage for home viewing. Each portion is packaged individually, situated in a die-cut store card with clear plastic window that displays the chapter titles.
Popular Topics
Overstreet Access Quick Links
