It’s the Caped Crusader’s 86th anniversary! By CHRIS FRANKLIN Batman. The Caped Crusader. The Darknight Detective. The creation of Bob Kane and Bill Finger has conquered all media, from the original comics to comic strips, movie serials, TV series, animation, and of course theatrical films. But perhaps the biggest testament to his eternal staying power is his ability to move merchandise. From the boom of his epoch-making TV series debut in 1966, the Masked Manhunter has rarely been absent from toy shelves. Bruce Wayne’s own in-universe proclivity for bat-branding makes his alter ego the perfect choice for licensees to produce untold products bearing his likeness, and all his wonderful toys. It’s Batman’s 86th anniversary — Detective Comics #27 came out March 30, 1939 — and since we celebrated his crimefighting partner Robin in similar fashion, it’s only fitting that we shine the Batsignal on 13 fun examples of Batman in figural form over the course of his storied legend. Some are instantly recognizable, and others more obscure, but they capture the ever-evolving essence of one of fiction’s greatest and most enduring creations. — Hand Puppet (Ideal, 1966). While not as colorful as the accompanying Robin model, Ideal’s Batman hand puppet still captures the Silver Age Caped Crusader well. There’s the slightest hint of Adam West to the sculpt too, which just makes it pitch-perfect for the era. — Ceramic Bank (Lego, 1966). This bank from Lego (not that one) has Batman in a more traditional stance than his partner, with the Cowled Crimebuster triumphantly posing with hands on hips. Note the circular bat-symbol on his chest, before it evolved into the more recognizable oval. — Captain Action (Ideal 1966). Perhaps THE piece of ’60s Batmania merchandise, two years after Hasbro introduced the world to the first action figure G.I. Joe, Ideal countered with the first superhero in that toy genre, Captain Action. Outfit and equipment sets were offered to change the somewhat militaristic Captain into popular comic, TV and comic strip heroes, but the best-seller by far was Batman. It was 1966, after all! While Ideal made some strange choices with the suit, such as the odd printed diagonal black stripes and blue utility belt, kids of the 1960s didn’t care. They could act out their favorite adventures with this pioneering figure/outfit combo. — World’s Greatest Super Heroes/Pocket Super...