In a remarkable turn of events, Bernie Hicks, affectionately known as the "Batman of Amherst," experienced an unforgettable surprise when a Batmobile pulled up to his home in New Brunswick. While he knew this moment was on the horizon, nothing could prepare him for the thrill of seeing the iconic vehicle in person.

"That's not something you see up here very often," Hicks remarked with a look of childlike wonder. For Hicks, sitting in the Batmobile was a lifelong dream that finally came to fruition, thanks to the generosity of a stranger.

The impressive replica of the Batmobile was created by Donald McHugh, a dedicated fan from Bouctouche, N.B. He spent over two arduous years crafting this unique vehicle, which is built on the foundation of a 1979 Lincoln Town Car, discovered in New Jersey, with a chassis sourced from Saskatchewan. "It’s fun. It’s the dream of a lot of young boys," McHugh said enthusiastically. Inside the Batmobile, you'll find various custom-made parts that showcase McHugh's love and dedication to his craft.

McHugh first heard about Hicks and his passion for all things Batman about a year ago as he was working on the car. Once the project was complete, it only made sense to bring the Batmobile to its biggest fan. "I thought he’d be the perfect person to see this," shared McHugh, who was thrilled to fulfill Hicks's dream.

Hicks's love affair with Batman began in the 1960s when he watched the original TV series featuring Adam West. Now, his home resembles a dedicated shrine to the Dark Knight, showcasing hundreds of Batman collectibles that reflect decades of passion. "For him, Adam West is the original and only Batman," said Debbie, Hicks's wife, highlighting the deep emotional connection her husband has with the Caped Crusader.

Hicks did remember seeing a similar Batmobile replica at a car show in Moncton, but he left disappointed as he wasn't allowed to get inside. Therefore, when McHugh pulled into his driveway, the moment was nothing short of a dream realized. “It’s unbelievable that somebody takes the time to do something like that,” Hicks said, acknowledging the kind gesture.

After meeting McHugh and his wife Naomi, Hicks graciously invited them into his home, which he fondly describes as his "batcave." While he’s uncertain if his collection is the largest in the Maritimes, it would be a tough bet to find a more extensive one. "I’ve been collecting for close to 40 years," Hicks noted. Growing up in a small town, he didn’t have the means to collect toys as a child, but as he grew older, his passion only intensified. Friends often notify him about available Batman merchandise, and some even drop off collectibles as gifts, fueling his obsession.

When asked if Debbie ever gets upset about the extensive collection, Hicks chuckled, “Some people ask if my wife gets mad because of all the stuff I have. I just look at them and say, 'Who do you think buys half of it?'" It turns out Debbie is just as thrilled about his passion as he is.

The unexpected visit from McHugh and Naomi was deeply appreciated by both Hicks and his wife. McHugh, who traveled nearly two hours to make this special delivery possible, shared, “It’s been a dream of mine for about 55 years to have a Batmobile. It takes a long time to come up with the funds.” The Batmobile was not just a vehicle for him; it was a manifestation of a lifelong passion, encouraged by a supportive wife who enables his love for building cars.

The trip to visit Hicks was so rewarding that McHugh marveled at the plethora of memorabilia that filled their home, from coffee mugs and Christmas ornaments to autographed photos and Batman suits. "I always joke with people: I don’t smoke, I don’t drink, I’ve got to have a passion of some sort. Batman is it," Hicks said.

This incredible story not only highlights the bond formed between two passionate fans but also reminds us of the power of kindness and community in helping others achieve their dreams. If you’re a fan of the Dark Knight, you’ll want to keep an eye on local events—who knows what surprise might await you around the corner!