Batman producer gets doctorate in comics

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J., Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Michael Uslan, the producer behind every Batman movie since 1988, was awarded an honorary doctorate in comic books by New Jersey's Monmouth University.

Uslan, 61, who attended the West Long Branch school when it was Monmouth College, gave the convocation address Wednesday at the university's annual Founders' Day ceremony and was awarded an honorary doctorate in Fine Arts with a special emphasis on the comic book genre, NJ.com reported Thursday.

Uslan said he purchased the film rights to the DC Comics character in 1979 due to his distaste for the 1960's television series, which he felt made a mockery of the character. He served as producer on every Batman movie from Tim Burton's 1988 "Batman" to Chris Nolan's "The Dark Knight Rises" this year.

"I can now say to anyone ailing out there: Read two comics and call me in the morning," Uslan quipped about his doctorate.