The first Batman Day was celebrated July 24, 2014, a little more than a year after the first Superman Day, because you know how those boys get.
Now it’s celebrated on the third Saturday of September. This year that’s Sept. 21, which means Batman Day celebrants will have an answer when Earth, Wind & Fire ask if they remember the 21st night of September.
Or they might not if they have a few too many Dark Nightcaps or any of the other drinks collected in Gotham City Cocktails: Official Handcrafted Food & Drinks From the World of Batman. That’s just one of a multitude of Batman products available for purchase this Batman Day and any other day too, I suppose. If you can’t find a tote bag, T-shirt or bomber jacket to your liking, go big and spring for the $3,500 desk clock in a scale model of the 1989 Batmobile. Just perfect for the wealthy executive who doesn’t have a watch or a cell phone.
Our idea of celebrating a comic book hero day would be going to a comic book shop to stock up on reading material, Batman and otherwise. Of course, many fans know the Caped Crusader primarily from the movies, and there are plenty of choices there. AMC Theaters is bringing three of those to the big screen: Batman (1989), the animated Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) and Batman Forever (1995). TNT will have a Batman movie marathon on Sept. 16, while Adult Swim will be showing a number of titles through Sept. 24.
We’re fine celebrating Batman Day on the couch, remote in hand, stack of comics within reach. But you should know AMC Theaters is offering a commemorative Batman popcorn bucket with a Bat Signal that lights up, and if that won’t get you off the couch, nothing will.
Here are a few other suggestions to get you started.
Listen to Bat Music
There are Danny Elfman’s scores, Neil Hefti’s TV show theme and even this curiosity: Batman and Robin by The Sensational Guitars of Dan and Dale. A cheap-o cash-in on the 1966 TV show’s popularity this may be, but it’s actually pretty great thanks to the musicians being most of The Blues Project plus Sun Ra and two members from his band.
Wear Bat Clothes
Go beyond T-shirts and hoodies and grab a top and pants in a sickly green color with question marks all over it. That’s right, you can look like Frank Gorshin on the Batman series. Or Jim Carrey in Batman Forever. They looked like children’s pajamas on him. They’ll look like children’s pajamas on you.
Learn About Bats
They’re quite interesting creatures, you know.
Buy tickets to The Boy Who Loved Batman
A major theatrical production is premiering in the Jaeb Theater running Oct. 1-Nov. 10. It’s the true story of how a determined Hollywood producer helped Batman get his groove back. See for yourself.
See Batman (1989)
… On the big screen and meet the man who got it there: Extend your Batman Day celebration through Oct. 2 when Tampa Theatre presents Tim Burton’s Batman. Following the screening will be a talkback and Q&A session with Michael Uslan, the aforementioned determined Hollywood producer and subject of The Boy Who Loved Batman.
However you celebrate, please do so safely. Follow all local ordinances regarding the operation of Bat Copters, Bat Boats, Batarangs and the like. And don’t flash that Bat Signal unless it’s serious.