Local comics shop hosts event for National Batman Day

From left, Al Steffens is shown with “Batman,” “Robin,” and several local fans at his comic book shop, Chautauqua Comics, on Saturday during the national Batman Day celebration.
P-J photos by Christopher Blakeslee

Al Steffens talks with customers during the National Batman Day celebration, held at his shop, Chautauqua Comics, located at 214 Fairmount Ave., recently.

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Comic book fans around the country recently celebrated National Batman Day – including here in Chautauqua County.

Batman/Batgirl Day is an annual event that celebrates and promotes everything related to Batman a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery

Chautauqua Comics, located at 214 Fairmount Ave., and its owner, Al Steffens, a comic enthusiast and aficionado, was excited to support this comic-related event and did so with his usual gusto.

“It’s the annual Batman National Day,” he said. “We’re raffling off a Batman Cowl; giving away free comic books; selling the new Batman of Two Worlds comic book; we have a live Batman and Robin, and it’s just turning out to be a wonderful day of fun.”

Steffens explained that the comic book world has seen a seismic shift with the release of the Absolute Batman and Batman of Two Worlds.

“When the comic book industry issues a second or third printing of a book or storyline, it indicates they believe they have a successful product–something that people want,” he said. “This latest Batman line is currently in its 12th printing, and I can’t keep it on the shelf.”

Additionally, Steffens admits that while he has an online presence to sell his wares, he was surprised by the number of inquiries he’s received for these books, including some as far as the West Coast of the United States.

“I got a call the other day from California looking for a first printing of the book,” he said.

Steffens believes much of the excitement around the latest Batman offerings stems from a storyline that explores two alternate universes–where different versions of Batman encounter each other.

“One Batman is reminiscent of the Justice League version; Bruce Wayne is his alter ego. He’s wealthy, self-funded, wears a cape, and exhibits some restraint. He lost both of his parents at a young age, which drives his mission,” he explained. “In contrast, the Absolute version of Batman is much younger; his mother is still alive, and he is utterly ruthless. The ‘Bat’ symbol on his costume can be detached, and he uses it like an axe. In one comic book, he even nails Scarecrow, one of his enemies, to a cross. I would recommend this comic book for readers aged 16 and older – it’s just that violent.”

However, Steffens also says he comes for the ‘old-school’ era, where some of the more campy storylines and actors still have a spot in his heart.

“I grew up with the 1966 version of Batman – you know, Adam West and Burt Ward were the actors,” he said. “I do like the modern version of Batman where Robert Pattinson plays him too. However, my favorite Batman actor is still Michael Keaton from the 1989 Batman film.”

Chautauqua Comics has hosted several superhero-themed events in the past and plans to continue doing so, said Steffens.

“We celebrate or have hosted several superhero-themed events in the past, such as Superman Day, Wonder Woman Day, and Free Comic Day, and we will continue to support other comic book-related events as they arise,” he said.

Batman Day was first celebrated on July 23, 2014. DC Comics and Warner Bros. Inc. selected this date to honor Batman’s 75th anniversary, as it coincided with San Diego Comic-Con 2014. Since then, Batman Day has been observed on either the third or fourth Saturday in September each year.

“While I’m more of a Superman fan, this is still a lot of fun,” said Steffens. “Batman has an interesting history and allure about him – fans go nuts for him, and we sell a lot of Batman-related merchandise.”

American comic book writer, animator, and artist Robert “Bob” Kane created Batman in 1939 with co-creator Bill Finger. Batman debuted in Detective Comics #27 that same year. Since then, the Batman intellectual property has inspired numerous comic books and graphic novels; movie franchises and reboots; cartoon series (both in a group such as the Justice League and as standalone features); toys, action figures, and accessories. – www.dc.com .