Michael Uslan

Michael Uslan serves as a Professor of Practice at Indiana University Media School, where he pioneered the first accredited college course on comic books and co-developed The Smithsonian Institution's EdX course on superhero history with Stan Lee. As the originator and Executive Producer of the Batman film franchise—from 1989's BATMAN to 2022's THE BATMAN—he has shaped superhero cinema through productions including THE DARK KNIGHT trilogy, THE LEGO MOVIE series, and BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM.

His research centers on classical Hollywood cinema traditions and producing methodologies, with specialized focus on comic book adaptations and superhero narratives. Uslan's work bridges academic media studies and industry practice, examining how comic book source material translates to cinematic storytelling while preserving cultural authenticity.

Uslan's honors include:

• Emmy Award for WHERE ON EARTH IS CARMEN SANDIEGO?
• World’s first Doctorate of Comic Books (Monmouth University, 2012)
• Inkpot Award for lifetime achievement (San Diego Comic Con)
• West Point’s Cadet’s Choice Award
• Montclair Art Museum Award for artistic contributions to American comics
• Top Ten Commencement Address recognition by USA Today
• PBS designation among 300 Greatest U.S. Commencement Speeches since 1775

As an educator, Uslan has mentored students through Indiana University's comic book curriculum and spoken globally at institutions including the United Nations, TED, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He currently oversees The Stan Lee Universe for Genius Brands and authors memoirs exploring his career, including THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN and its sequel BATMAN'S BATMAN.