In 1939, he was a freelance artist with a small studio of artists to assist/ghost pencil his work. Among these young comic creators was the writer of the group, Bill Finger. They were hired by Kane, not National and all work to come out of the studio was credited to
Bob Kane. When National Comics (eventually DC Comics) editor Vin Sullivan asked him to create the next "Superman", he created "The Batman", who he drew in a red outfit, a mask in the style of Zorro, and a glider based on a sketch by Leonardo Da Vinci and the film
La Chauve-Souris (1930). He asked Finger for advice. It was Finger who suggested giving Batman a scalloped cape and an eared cowl, and he changed the costume from red to gray. He also introduced the detective aspect to Batman's character. He wrote the first Batman comic and many more. However, he died poor and uncredited. Years later, Kane expressed regret over this, yet he never allowed Finger to be credited as a co-creator.
