BATMAN ’66 WEEK: How it might have been — whether you were there or not… — Welcome to BATMAN ’66 WEEK, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the beloved TV show starring Adam West! All week, we’ll be presenting daily tributes and features, leading up to Jan. 12 — the premiere date itself — when we’ll roll out a brand-new TOP 13 BATMAN ’66 EPISODE COUNTDOWN, voted upon by a panel of the most knowledgeable Bat-experts around. Click here for the COMPLETE INDEX. — Dan — By CHRIS FRANKLIN I have always felt I was born 10 to 15 years later than I should have been. I gravitate toward music, TV, and movies a decade older than me. Being born in late 1974, I wasn’t around when Batmania 1.0 hit in 1966 after the explosive debut of the Batman television series on Jan. 12 of that year. In the ’70s Batman was everywhere, as if he always had been. He was a part of everyday life for me and many of my generation, appearing on hundreds of products thanks to never-ending reruns of the TV series, as well as old and new animation offerings featuring the character also available on the old boob tube. In 1989, I would get a taste of what the kids of the 1960s felt when the second wave of Batmania hit in earnest, thanks to the release of the blockbuster film from Tim Burton. By then, I was a teenager, and a dedicated collector, picking up old and new Batman merchandise of all shapes and sizes. But despite that, I have always felt a kinship to the kids of the ’60s and wondered how exciting it must have been to live in THAT moment. When the entire world seemed to love your favorite character just as much as you and saw fit to festoon your every waking moment with Bat-paraphernalia. With that in mind, I will join in the celebration of BATMAN ’66 WEEK by looking at a variety of Bat-merchandise released in that epochal year of 1966 and imagine a typical day in the life of a Batman fan, and all the products that may have been part of their routine. If I don’t get things quite right, my apologies to readers and fellow contributors who actually lived this. But please indulge my fantasy...
Scott and Dan hit up the comics racks from 34 years ago… Hey, dig that banner by Walt Grogan — new for 2026! We’ve got four of them — on each for the Golden, Silver, Bronze and Modern Ages. You’ll see them all in the weeks ahead. This week for RETRO HOT PICKS, Scott and I are selecting comics that came out the week of Jan. 7, 1992. Last time for RETRO HOT PICKS, it was the week of Dec. 31, 1968. Click here to check it out. (Keep in mind that comics came out on multiple days, so these are the comics that went on sale between Jan. 4 and Jan. 10.) — So, let’s set the scene: THE CHUNKS BLOWN ‘ROUND THE WORLD! On Jan. 8, during a swing through Asia and the Pacific, President George H.W. Bush — or, just George Bush back then — passed out and vomited on Japanese Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa during a state dinner in Tokyo. Bush, who was supposed to speak at the dinner for 135 diplomats and officials, went sideways between the second and third courses. First lady Barbara Bush jumped into action, holding a napkin to her husband’s mouth. The Secret Service came to her assuredly blessed relief and, while still on the floor, the president told his doctor, “Roll me under the table until the dinner’s over.” The next day, White House spokesman Marlin Fitzwater said Bush had a mild case of gastroenteritis and the president held a news conference with Emperor Akihito. Video of the incident went viral in 1992 terms — constant replaying on cable news and a nearly bottomless source of amusement for late-night comedians. Weirdly, the moment presaged Bush’s vulnerability at the polls: 1992 was an election year and Bush was widely expected to win a second term, as a field of Democrats battled among themselves, including former California Gov. Jerry Brown, Nebraska Sen. Bob Kerrey; Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin; and former Massachusetts Sen. Paul Tsongas. Oh, and Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton. IN OTHER NEWS — On Jan. 7, AT&T released the VideoPhone 2500 — only $1,599.99 in the Sears catalogue! — On Jan. 6, the feds urged doctors to stop using silicone breast implants because of adverse health effects. — On Jan. 7, retired pitcher Tom Seaver — one of the best to ever do it...
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