Signed Batman Memorabilia: What Collectors Look For

The 1966 television series

The camp, colourful 1960s series made Adam West and Burt Ward household names, alongside villains such as Cesar Romero's Joker and Julie Newmar's Catwoman. Adam West died in 2017 and Cesar Romero in 1994, so genuine signatures from them are finite. Cast-signed pieces from this era are especially prized because they gather several names from a show that ended decades ago.

The film Batmen and their villains

Since 1989 the role has passed through several actors, and signed items for each tend to come from convention appearances or private signings. Pairings such as Ben Affleck with Henry Cavill come from the Batman v Superman period. When two stars appear on one piece, ask whether both signed together or separately; either is fine, but the answer should be clear.

• Montages usually combine one or two signed photos with printed stills
• Check the signed element is the one the title promises
• Villain signatures (Joker, Catwoman, Penguin) are collectable in their own right
• Deceased cast members make earlier pieces scarcer

The Only Fools and Horses crossover

One of the best-loved moments in British comedy sees Del Boy and Rodney run through a dark street dressed as Batman and Robin. Signed montages from that scene, carrying David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst's signatures, sit happily in both a comedy collection and a Batman one, which is why they are often searched for as Batman memorabilia.

Judging a Batman montage

Look closely at the signed photograph. Real marker sits on top of the photo surface and often shows slight sheen or indentation, while a printed signature is flat and part of the image. The description should name who signed, and the certificate should match that description.

Whatever you buy from us arrives with the WDW Certificate of Authenticity, signed by Derek Warwick, and it remains valid for as long as you own the item.

Display and care

Montages are best hung away from windows and radiators. Ultraviolet-filtering glazing slows fading of both the signature and the printed stills. If a frame comes loose, have it repaired by a framer rather than opening it at home.

Starting a Batman collection

Many collectors begin with a single era rather than trying to cover the whole history. The 1966 series suits fans who love the colour and humour, while the film era suits those who grew up with a particular Batman. Villains make a good second theme, because the Joker in particular has been played by several memorable actors.

Whichever route you choose, keep a simple record of each purchase: the seller, the date, the price and the certificate. It takes minutes and makes a collection far easier to insure, pass on or display with confidence.