Batfink is one of those cartoons that was only produced for a few years (1966-67 by Hal Seeger Productions), but it was such a unique and quirky cartoon that it quickly gained a cult following. Batfink was, as the name suggests, a Bat. However he was no ordinary bat, his wings were like a shield of steel. He could use his wings to deflect pretty much anything ( bullets, missiles etc.). Like all bats he also had the use of supersonic hearing, and could detect enemies etc. from miles off by issuing a supersonic ‘BEEP’. Batfink fought crime with his friend the huge, KARATE, his arch-enemy was a villain named Hugo a Go Go.

The studio originally released one hundred five-minute cartoons, which were played on television all through the 70’s and 80’s. However since then they have not been re-released on television, although in the UK a compilation DVD has recently been released.

 

As you might have guessed from the title, Batfink is the hero of the piece. Batfink was born in a plutonium mine and so gained his super-powers from over-exposure to the plutonium. We also find out in the final episode (Batfink - This is Your Life!) that he got his wings of steel, after he lost his natural wings, trying to save his mother form a gang of criminals. Leading to the show's best catchphrase - "Your bullets cannot harm me — my wings are like a shield of steel!"

In addition to his Wings of Steel, Batfink's key weapon is his super sonic radar, which appears in the cartoon as the words 'Beep Beep'. The radar can do everything from finding villains, to calling for help or opening doors, flicking switches - it's pretty useful to have in an emergency!

As the name might suggest, Karate is a great side-kick (excuse the pun!) for Batfink. Not only is he some very large muscle to have around, but he is also a karate master. Karate also owns and drives the Batillac (a bizarre pink looking car that gets them from A to B in style).

Karate's father was a black-smith and it was he that built the Wings of Steel for Batfink.

Batfink: Resources