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March 08, 2022 10 min read

Introduction

Batman is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC comics. The character was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger and first appeared in Detective Comics #27(May 1939). The character is referred by titles such as Caped Crusader,The Dark Knight and The World's Greatest Detective.

Batman's secret identity is Bruce Wayne, a billionaire,playboy,philanthropist and the owner of Wayne Enterprises. After witnessing the gruesome murder of his parents as a child, he swore to take revenge on criminals and bring justice. Wayne trains himself to achieve both physical and mental perfection and crafts the bat-inspired persona and fights crime. Batman fights crime in the fictional city of Gotham with the assistance of various characters like his butler Alfred Pennyworth and other vigilantes such as Batgirl, Robin, Nightwing and the police commissioner Jim Gordon.

Batman does not possess any superpowers and relies on his various skills such as genius intellect, physical prowess, martial arts abilities, detective skills, science and technology, vast wealth, intimidation, and indomitable will. Batman was trained by Ra's Al Ghul and the League Of Assasins(League of Shadows in Nolan's trilogy).

Publication History

In 1939,after the success of Action Comics,the editors at National Comics Publications(future DC comics) wanted more superheroes in titles, in response to this, Bob Kane created "the Bat-Man",Collaborator Bill Finger recalled that "Kane had an idea for a character called 'Batman,' and he'd like me to see the drawings. I went over to Kane's, and he had drawn a character who looked very much like Superman with kind of ... reddish tights, I believe, with boots ... no gloves, no gauntlets ... with a small domino mask, swinging on a rope. He had two stiff wings that were sticking out, looking like bat wings. And under it was a big sign ... BATMAN" (1). After that Batman got his own comic book title in 1940.

Fictional Character Biography

As a young boy, Bruce Wayne was horrified and traumatized when he watched his parents, the physician Dr. Thomas Wayne and his wife Martha Wayne, murdered by a mugger with a gun. Batman refuses to utilize any sort of gun on the principle that a gun was used to murder his parents. This event drove him to train his body to physical perfection and fight crime in Gotham City as Batman.

Skills and Abilities

Batman has trained himself to mental and physical perfection,he is known as one of the best martial artist in the DC Universe,he has indomitable will,detective skills,advanced gadgets,intellect and is very intimidating. He is also trained in the art of escapology to criminology, stealth, fencing and disguise and numerous other combat/non combat disciplines.Batman has trained extensively in various martial arts, mastering over 127 different types, making him one of the best hand-to-hand fighters in the DC Universe. Superman describes Batman as "the most dangerous man on Earth", able to defeat an entire team of superpowered extraterrestrials by himself in order to rescue his imprisoned teammates in Grant Morrison's first storyline in JLA.(2)

Batman has the ability to function under great physical pain and to withstand telepathy and mind control. He is a master of disguise, multilingual, and an expert in espionage, often gathering information under the identity of Matches Malone, a notorious gangster. He is a master of stealth and escapology, which allows him to appear and disappear at will and to break free of nearly inescapable deathtraps with little to no harm.(3)

He uses numerous gadgets like Batarangs, Batclaw, Grapnel Gun,Smoke pellets, EMP, Explosive gel, Remote Hacker and his Batmobile which is armed with many weapons. His suit is also armoured and has many functions.

Supporting Characters

Robin

The first Robin,Dick Grayson was introduced in 1940. In the 1970s he finally grew up, went off to college and became the hero Nightwing. A second Robin, Jason Todd, appeared in the 1980s. In the stories he was eventually badly beaten and then killed in an explosion set by the Joker, but was later revived. He used the Joker's old persona, the Red Hood, and became an antihero vigilante with no qualms about using firearms or deadly force. Carrie Kelly, the first female Robin to appear in Batman stories, was the final Robin in the continuity of Frank Miller's graphic novels The Dark Knight Returns and The Dark Knight Strikes Again, fighting alongside an aging Batman in stories set out of the mainstream continuity. (4)

The third Robin in mainstream comics is Tim Drake, who first appeared in 1989. He went on to star in his own comic series, and currently goes by Red Robin, a variation on the traditional Robin persona. In the first decade of the new millennium, Stephanie Brown served as the fourth in-universe Robin between stints as her self-made costumed identity The Spoiler, and later as Batgirl. After Stephanie Brown's apparent death, Drake resumed the role of Robin for a time. The role eventually passed to Damian Wayne, the ten-year-old son of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul, in the late 2000s. Damian's tenure as du jour Robin ended when the character was killed off in the pages of Batman Incorporated in 2013. Batman's next young sidekick is Harper Row, a streetwise young woman who avoids the name Robin but followed the ornithological theme nonetheless; she debuted the codename and identity of Bluebird in 2014. Unlike the Robins, Bluebird is willing and permitted to use a gun, albeit non-lethal; her weapon of choice is a modified rifle that fires taser rounds. (5).

Alfred

Batman gained a butler named Alfred Pennyworth in Batman #16 (1943). He serves as Bruce Wayne's loyal father figure and is one of the few persons to know his secret identity. Having practically raised Bruce since his parents' death, Alfred knows him on a very personal level. He is sometimes portrayed as the only other resident of Wayne Manor aside from Bruce. The character "[lends] a homey touch to Batman's environs and ever ready to provide a steadying and reassuring hand" to the hero and his sidekick.(6)

GCPD

Commissioner James "Jim" Gordon, Batman's ally in the Gotham City police, debuted along with Batman in Detective Comics #27. Gordon has been a consistent presence ever since. As a crime-fighting everyman, he shares the Batman's goals.(7)

Justice League

Batman is at times a member of superhero teams such as the Justice League of America and the Outsiders. Batman has often been paired in adventures with his Justice League teammate Superman, notably as the co-stars of World's Finest and Superman/Batman series. In pre-Crisis continuity, the two are depicted as close friends; however, in current continuity, they have a mutually respectful but uneasy relationship, with an emphasis on their differing views on crime-fighting and justice. In Superman/Batman #3 (December 2003), Superman observes, "Sometimes, I admit, I think of Bruce as a man in a costume. Then, with some gadget from his utility belt, he reminds me that he has an extraordinarily inventive mind. And how lucky I am to be able to call on him."(8)

Villains

Batman faces a variety of foes ranging from common criminals to outlandish supervillains. Many of them mirror aspects of the Batman's character and development, often having tragic origin stories that lead them to a life of crime. These foes are commonly referred to as Batman's "rogues gallery". Batman's "most implacable foe" is the Joker, a homicidal maniac with a clown-like appearance. The Joker is considered by critics to be his perfect adversary, since he is the antithesis of Batman in personality and appearance; the Joker has a maniacal demeanor with a colorful appearance, while Batman has a serious and resolute demeanor with a dark appearance. As a "personification of the irrational", the Joker represents "everything Batman [opposes]". Other long time recurring foes that are part of Batman's rogues gallery include Catwoman (a cat burglar antiheroine who is an occasional ally), the Penguin, Ra's al Ghul, Two-Face, the Riddler, the Scarecrow, Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Bane, Clayface, and Talia al Ghul among others.(9)

Batmobile

The Batmobile is a wheeled, self-powered, armoured fighting motor vehicle, frequently used by Batman for vehicular hot pursuit, prisoner transportation, anti-tank warfare, riot control and as a mobile crime lab. Kept in the Batcave, which it accesses through a hidden entrance, the heavily armoured, gadget-laden vehicle is used by Batman in his crime-fighting activities.(10)

Batcave

The Batcave is the secret headquarters, command center and safe house of Batman, consisting of a series of subterranean caves beneath his residence, Wayne Manor.(11)

^Movies

Batman Tv Series(1966)

Batman: The Movie is a film adaptation of the popular Batman television series, and was the first full-length theatrical adaptation of the character. The 20th Century Fox release starred Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin, as well as Cesar Romero as the Joker, Burgess Meredith as the Penguin, Lee Meriwether as Catwoman, and Frank Gorshin as the Riddler.The film was directed by Leslie H. Martinson, who also directed a pair of Batman episodes.(12)

You can check out the trailer below.

Batman(1989)

Tim Burton took over as director of Batman in 1986. Many actors were considered for the role and finally Micheal Keaton was selected,which caused a lot of controversy since by that time he had established himself as a comedic actor and since he was 5'10" and the height of Batman is 6'2" he was considered short,but when the movie released,it had a positive response and were happy with Keaton's acting. The basic premise of the movie is that The Joker is causing mayhem and Batman has to stop him.

You can check out the trailer here.

Batman Returns (1992)

Batman Returns is the sequel to the 1989 Batman. Batman returns is also directed by Tim Burton and Micheal Keaton reprises his role as Batman. In this movie Batman has to stop penguin played by Danny DeVito. This movie also introduced Catwoman played by Michelle Pfeiffer.

Check out the trailer here:

Batman Forever (1997)

Batman Forever(1995)Although Batman Returns was a financial success, Warner Bros. felt the film should have made more money. The studio decided to change the direction of the Batman film series to be more mainstream. Joel Schumacher replaced Tim Burton as director, while Burton decided to stay on as producer. However, Michael Keaton did not like the new direction the film series was heading in,and was replaced by Val Kilmer as Batman. Chris O'Donnell was introduced as Robin, Jim Carrey starred as The Riddler, while Tommy Lee Jones starred as Two-Face. Filming started in September 1994, and Schumacher encountered problems communicating with Kilmer and Jones. Batman Forever was released on June 16, 1995 with financial success, earning over $350 million worldwide and three Academy Award nominations, but the film was met with mixed reviews from critics.(13)

You can check out the trailer here

Batman and Robin(1997)

After the release of Batman Forever, Warner Bros. started development on Batman & Robin, commissioning it on fast track for an adamant June 1997 release Val Kilmer did not return, because of scheduling conflicts with The Saint, and was replaced by George Clooney. Arnold Schwarzenegger starred as Mr. Freeze, while Uma Thurman starred as Poison Ivy and Alicia Silverstone starred as Batgirl. Chris O'Donnell reprised his role as Robin. Principal photography began in September 1996 and finished in January 1997, two weeks ahead of the shooting schedule. Batman & Robin was released on June 20, 1997, and received primarily negative reviews. Observers criticized the film for its toyetic and campy approach, and for homosexual innuendos added by Schumacher.Still, the film was a financial success,but remains to be the least commercially successful live-action Batman film ever. Batman & Robin received numerous nominations at the Razzie Awards and ranks among the worst rated superhero films of all time.(14)

You can check out the trailer below

Batman Begins (2005)

Batman Begins was directed by Christopher Nolan and starred Christian Bale as Batman,Liam Neeson as Rah's Al Ghul,Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes,Cillian Murphy as Scarecrow,Micheal Caine as Alfred Pennyworth and Gary Oldman as Jim Gordon . Nolan went for a more dark and realistic approach with the movie and used scale models and props with minimum CGI. The movie had a good response and performed well at the box office.

You can check out the trailer here

The Dark Knight (2008)

This was the sequel to Batman Begins which was also directed by Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale reprised his role as Batman, Heath Ledger played the Joker and Aaron Eckhart was cast as Two-Face. The movie got extremely positive reviews and performed amazingly at the box office and was nominated for the Oscars. Heath Ledger won the award for best supporting actor.

The Dark Knight (2012)

The Dark Knight Rises was the third and final movie of The Dark Knight trilogy. Christopher Nolan was the director again as the movie featured Christian bale reprising his role as Batman,Tom Hardy as Bane and Anne Hathaway as Catwoman. The movie had positive reviews and performed well at the box office but was not as much enjoyed as The Dark Knight.

Check out the trailer here

Batman Vs Superman (2016)

Batman VS Superman was the second movie in the DC Extended Universe. It was directed by Zack Snyder and featured Ben Affleck as Batman,Henry Cavill as Superman,Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman,Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth and Amy Adams as Lois Lane. Ben Affleck as Batman was received negatively. The movie had mixed reviews,but Ben Affleck's portrayal of Batman was enjoyed by audiences around the world. Ben Affleck is the most ripped and buff Batman ever and uses two suits in the movie.You can check out the trailer here

Suicide Squad (2016)

This movie is an upcoming movie directed by David Ayer starring Jared Leto as The Joker,Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn,Will Smith as Deadshot and many other actors such as Cara Delvinge as Enchantress,etc. Ben Affleck will star as Batman in a cameo role.This will be the third ,movie in the DCEU.

You can check out the trailer below

Batman (2022)

Robert Pattinson will play a younger and grittier version of Batman set in 1980s in Matt Reeves' Batman film. The film is amongst one of the most anticipated films of 2022.

You can check the trailer here:

Animation

Batman: The Animated Series(1992)

In 1992 Warner Bros. started Batman: The Animated Series. the show was produced by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski. The series was a big hit and was praised for its darker tone, thematic complexity, artistic quality and modernization of the character. The show aired from 1992 to 1995 and throughout this period, the show won 12 Emmy Awards and was nominated for 12.The series starred Kevin Conroy as Batman/Bruce Wayne, Mark Hamill as The Joker, Loren Lester as Robin/Dick Grayson, Efrem Zimbalist Jr. as Alfred Pennyworth, Bob Hastings as Jim Gordon, Richard Moll as Harvey Dent/Two Face, Arleen Sorkin as Harley Quinn and Adrian Barbeau as Catwoman.

You can check out the volume 1 DVD trailer below

Notable Comics (15)

The Dark Knight Returns. (Writer:Frank Miller/Artists:Frank Miller,Klaus Janson,Lynn Varley )
Batman Hush. (Writer:Jeph Loeb/Artists:Jim Lee,Scott Williams,Alex Sinclair)
Batman: The Cult. (Writer:Jim Starlin/Artists:Bernie Wrightson,Bill Ray)
Batman: A Death In The Family. (Writer:Jim Starlin/Artists:Jim Aparo,Mike DeCarlo,Adrienne Roy)
Arkham Asylum:A Serious House On Serious Earth. (Writer:Grant Morrison/Artist:Dave McKean)
Batman:Knightfall (Writer:Doug Moench/Artists:Jim Aparo,Dick Giordano)
Batman: Dark Victory (Writer:Jeph Loeb/Artist:Tim Sale)
Batman:The Long Halloween (Writer:Jeph Loeb/Artists:Tim Sale,Gregory Wright)
Batman:Year One (Writer:Frank Miller/Artists:David Mazzucchelli,Richmond Lewis)
Batman:The Killing Joke (Writer:Alan Moore/Artists:Brian Bolland,john Higgins)
Batman:The Man Who Laughs (Writer:Ed Brubaker/Artists:Doug Mahnke,David Baron)
Batman:The Court Of Owls (Writer:Scott Snyder/Artists:Greg Capullo,Jonathan Glapion)
Batman:Year 100 (Writer:Paul Pope/Artist:Paul Pope,Jose Villarrubia)
Batman:Black Mirror (Writer:Scott Snyder/Artists:Francesco Francavilla,Jock,David Baron)