WATERVILLE — It may be hard to believe, but the Caped Crusader has turned 75 years old.

The first comic book featuring Batman came out in 1939, and to commemorate the launch of the iconic superhero, libraries and community groups across the country took part in Batman Day, an event highlighting all things Batman.

At the Waterville Public Library, dozens of fans gathered in the early evening and made their own masks and ate Batman-themed snacks.

“The idea of Batman Day is really cool,” said Sarah Taylor, a library assistant in Waterville who helped organize the event. “Libraries throughout the state were getting involved and we have a phenomenal turnout.”

While admitting to being a fan of Marvel comics, a rival to Batman’s DC comics, with its own stable of superheroes, Taylor was caught up in the spirit of the day.

“It’s a fun day for superheros,” Taylor said.

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Leslie Wright, of Benton, was there with her four children, including 4-year-old Bowen, who was decked out in an Adam West-era Batman costume, complete with mask.

“I love him,” Bowen said. “I love all heroes.”

Bowen’s sister, 6-year-old Bianca, had her own version of a Batman costume, complete with a cape and matching skirt.

“It’s like I’m Batgirl,” Bianca said.

Wright had heard about the event on the radio and saw it as an interesting way to spend a hot and stuffy July day.

“At this point in the day we’d probably be at home with the air conditioner, so it’s nice to get out,” Wright said. “My daughter has kept track of this day and kept saying ‘It’s almost Batman Day!'”

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In addition to the mask making and pictures to color, there was the Pin the Logo on the Batman game — a Gotham twist on Pin the Tail on the Donkey — and food inspired by Batman and his cast of characters: black licorice were Catwoman Whips, chocolate-filled chocolate cookies were Batmobile Wheels, pretzels were Batman Masks and baby carrots were Penguin Toes. There was even a Wayne Enterprise root beer.

The four-hour event ended with a viewing of the critically acclaimed “Dark Knight,” starring Christian Bale in the title role and Heath Ledger in an Oscar-winning performance as The Joker.

Jesse Scardina — 861-9239

jscardina@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @jessescardina


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