Character Relationship Map: Batman & Bill

Characters

• Self (played by Michael Uslan) — protagonist
• Self (played by Roy Thomas) — supporting
• Self (played by Marc Tyler Nobleman) — supporting
• Self (played by Athena Finger) — supporting
• Self (played by Benjamin Zaido Cruz) — supporting
• Self (played by Thomas Andrae) — supporting
• Self (archive footage) (played by Bob Kane) — supporting
• Self (played by Althea Mariotta) — supporting
• Self (played by Travis Langley) — supporting
• Self (played by Todd McFarlane) — supporting
• Self (archive footage) (played by Bill Finger) — supporting
• Self (played by Lyn Simmons) — minor
• Self (archive Footage) (played by Jerry Robinson) — minor
• Self (played by Charles Sinclair) — minor
• Self (archive Footage) (played by Adam West) — minor
• Self (archive Footage) (played by Jerry Siegel) — minor
• Self (played by Kevin Smith) — minor
• Self (archive Footage) (played by Stan Lee) — minor

Story Analysis

The documentary investigates an overlooked writer's role in shaping a famous superhero and follows a campaign for fairer recognition through his granddaughter and comic fans.

Plot Progression

1. The Credit Behind the Symbol — The documentary questions the accepted creator credit and argues that an unrecognized writer helped shape the hero and its world. It places the claim within an industry where ghostwriting helped meet...
2. Tracing the Writer's Past — The filmmaker undertakes a years-long investigation using records and locations connected to the writer. A Bronx park recalls where the collaborators once discussed stories, while the lasting credit l...
3. The Missing Heir — The prospect of a legal challenge depends on finding an heir. Learning that the writer's only child has died appears to end the search, until a relative reveals that the child had a daughter.
4. A Family Voice Emerges — The granddaughter is reluctant to discuss a legacy that has been uncomfortable for her family. Encouraged to attend comic conventions, she learns more about her grandfather's contributions and gains a...
5. Recognition Still Sought — The granddaughter speaks about her grandfather and father, while supporters argue that the writer deserves recognition. The account ends with an ongoing campaign and does not establish the credit disp...