Before superhero movies dominated theaters, Adam West’s Batman turned living rooms into thrill rides. Capes flapped, villains schemed, and every “Same Bat-time, same Bat-channel” felt electric.

In the 21st century, superhero stories are often judged on how realistic they are — how “gritty,” how dark, how “adult.” It’s never been more visible than with Batman. Between Christopher Nolan’s take ...