1966 Topps Batman Blue Bat (also known as B Series), is the third and final set of illustrated trading cards based on the superhero. At first glance, it’s similar to the earlier Black Bat and Red Bat releases, complete with Norman Saunders artwork. It’s also extremely goofy, which is appropriate given its connection to the Adam West TV series that was all the rage at the time.
1966 Topps Batman Blue Bat B Series Checklist
Like the Red Bat series that preceded it, the checklist is a modest 44 cards. It gets its “B Series” label for having the letter with the number for quick identification — in case the blue bat on the front wasn’t enough.
The pulp-style renderings by Saunders lean into the West version of the hero more than his comic counterpart. However, like Red Bat, it’s not all familiar foes that he and Robin face off against. The Joker, Catwoman, Penguin and The Riddler all appear but so does the likes of Fiendish Fakir, a snake charmer, and The Grim Gladiator. A billboard of Robin drinking milk, Robin jumping down a rainbow and some dastardly mermen add to the bizarre spins on many of the cards.
All 44 cards have two different variations, Puzzle Backs and blue Cowl Backs. The reverse on Puzzle Backs is a mix of a puzzle piece plus a short write-up. Cowl Backs (or Blue Backs) go with an alternate puzzle-less layout that has the text inside of the Batman logo.
An uncut sheet containing three full sets sold for almost $1,800 in 2013 through Robert Edward Auctions.
While this is the last illustrated set of Batman trading cards from Topps in 1966, additional Bat Laffs and Riddler Back sets use live action images.
1966 Topps Batman Blue Bat B Series Checklist
Click on the links to shop for cards on eBay or to check current market values.
Set size: 44 cards
Cards per pack: ?
Packs per box: 24
Shop for 1966 Topps Batman Blue Bat boxes and packs on eBay.
Cowl Back Checklist
44 cards.
Buy on eBay:
1B The Joker’s Icy Jest
2B The Penguin Prevails
3B Hydrofoil Hotspot
4B Branded Boy Wonder
5B Caged by the Catwoman
6B Canape for a Cobra
7B The Grim Gladiator
8B Snaring the Sheik
9B Bashed on a Billboard
10B Amphibious Attackers
11B To Robin’s Rescue
12B Renegade Roulette
13B Batman’s Coffin
14B Neanderthal Nemesis
15B The Joker Wishes Robin Well
16B Penned by the Penguin
17B Prehistoric Peril
18B The Penguin’s Prey
19B Cornered on a Cliff
20B Distorted Dynamic Duo
21B Toll of Torture
22B Routing the Riddler
23B The Joker’s Juggernaut
24B Fangs of the Phantom
25B Dragged from Death’s Door
26B Jack Frost’s Jinx
27B Pasting the Painter
28B Concrete Conquest
29B A Wretched Riddle
30B Jostled by the Joker
31B Batman Bucks Badman
32B Frozen by Frost
33B Gassed by a Geranium
34B A Fatal Joust
35B Holy Rodents
36B A Pressing Position
37B Riddler on the Roof
38B Beware the Batarang
39B Caught in a Cavern
40B Batman Bails Out!
41B Aquatic Attack!
42B Inhospitable Hatter!
43B The Perilous Penny
44B Riddler Robs a Rainbow!
Puzzle Back Checklist
44 cards.
Buy on eBay:
1B The Joker’s Icy Jest
2B The Penguin Prevails
3B Hydrofoil Hotspot
4B Branded Boy Wonder
5B Caged by the Catwoman
6B Canape for a Cobra
7B The Grim Gladiator
8B Snaring the Sheik
9B Bashed on a Billboard
10B Amphibious Attackers
11B To Robin’s Rescue
12B Renegade Roulette
13B Batman’s Coffin
14B Neanderthal Nemesis
15B The Joker Wishes Robin Well
16B Penned by the Penguin
17B Prehistoric Peril
18B The Penguin’s Prey
19B Cornered on a Cliff
20B Distorted Dynamic Duo
21B Toll of Torture
22B Routing the Riddler
23B The Joker’s Juggernaut
24B Fangs of the Phantom
25B Dragged from Death’s Door
26B Jack Frost’s Jinx
27B Pasting the Painter
28B Concrete Conquest
29B A Wretched Riddle
30B Jostled by the Joker
31B Batman Bucks Badman
32B Frozen by Frost
33B Gassed by a Geranium
34B A Fatal Joust
35B Holy Rodents
36B A Pressing Position
37B Riddler on the Roof
38B Beware the Batarang
39B Caught in a Cavern
40B Batman Bails Out!
41B Aquatic Attack!
42B Inhospitable Hatter!
43B The Perilous Penny
44B Riddler Robs a Rainbow!
