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Batman is a fictional character, a comic book superhero created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #27 (May 1939), and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics. Originally referred to as "The Bat-Man" and still referred to at times as "The Batman", he is additionally known as "The Caped Crusader", "The Dark Knight", and "The World's Greatest Detective," among other titles. In the original version of the story and the vast majority of retellings, Batman's secret identity is Bruce Wayne, an American millionaire (later billionaire) playboy, industrialist, and philanthropist. Having witnessed the murder of his parents as a child, he swore revenge on criminals, an oath tempered with the greater ideal of justice. Wayne trains himself both physically and intellectually and dons a bat-themed costume in order to fight crime. Batman operates in the fictional American Gotham City, assisted by various supporting characters including his crime-fighting partner, Robin, his butler Alfred Pennyworth, the police commissioner Jim Gordon, and occasionally the heroine Batgirl. He fights an assortment of villains such as the Joker, the Penguin, the Riddler, Two-Face, Poison Ivy and Catwoman. Unlike most superheroes, he does not possess any superpowers; he makes use of intellect, detective skills, science and technology, wealth, physical prowess, martial arts skills, an indomitable will, fear, and intimidation in his continuous war on crime. Batman became a very popular character soon after his introduction and gained his own comic book title, Batman, in 1940. As the decades wore on, differing interpretations of the character emerged. The late 1960s Batman television series used a camp aesthetic which continued to be associated with the character for years after the show ended. Various creators worked to return the character to his dark roots, culminating in the 1986 miniseries The Dark Knight Returns, by Frank Miller, while the successes of Tim Burton's 1989 film Batman and Christopher Nolan's 2005 reboot Batman Begins also helped to reignite popular interest in the character. A cultural icon, Batman has been licensed and adapted into a variety of media, from radio to television and film, and appears on a variety of merchandise sold all over the world such as toys and video games. The character has also intrigued psychiatrists with many trying to understand the character's psyche and his true ego in society. In May 2011, Batman placed second on IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Heroes of All Time, after Superman. Empire magazine also listed him second in their 50 Greatest Comic Book Characters of All Time.
latest Batman Articles
10 Actors We’d Love to See as Alfred in the Next Batman Movie
The following actors have the appearance and experience needed to play Batman's butler and adviser, Alfred Pennyworth
How DC's Bane Has Been Misrepresented in Film So Far
Bane is Batman's ultimate nemesis, but he's been unfairly misrepresented in the media so far. We take a look at how to fix this in the new DCU.
10 Reasons Why Christian Bale Will Always be The Greatest Batman Ever
The Dark Knight trilogy saw Christian Bale achieve legendary status among comic fans. Most agree that he's the greatest Batman ever. Here's why.
10 Times Batman Killed Someone in Movies
Batman does not kill, but his moral code has been jeopardized in his movies and TV shows.
Every Batman Voice Actor In Chronological Order
There have been many actors who've brought Batman to life using only their voice.
James Gunn Reveals His Three Greatest Batman Comic Book Stories
James Gunn has previous expressed his love of comic books, and has now shared his ultimate Batman stories.
Ben Affleck's Batman Movie Would Have Pulled From "80 Years of Mythos"
We will never get to see what Ben Affleck's solo Batman movie would have looked like, but there is still a chance more details could be revealed.
Angel Manuel Soto Originally Wanted to Make a Bane Origin Film Before He Was Offered Blue Beetle
Blue Beetle's director wanted to explore the genesis of the infamous Batman villain.
George Clooney Returns as Batman in The Flash Fan Poster
George Clooney’s version of the Dark Knight is immortalized in new fan art.
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm Trailer Brings the Kevin Conroy DC Movie to 4K Blu-Ray
Animated classic Batman: Mask of the Phantasm has been remastered for 4K release to celebrate the movie's 30th anniversary.
The Flash Director Reveals Tragic Reason Why Michael Keaton’s Batman Retired
A new behind-the-scenes featurette, and a deleted scene from The Flash, reveal why Michael Keaton's Dark Knight walked away.
5 Reasons Why Micheal Keaton is Still the Best Batman
Michael Keaton's Batman is still so popular all these years later they brought him back for The Flash, and this is why he is still the best Batman.
Christopher Nolan Reveals Why Josh Hartnett Didn’t Play Batman in The Dark Knight Trilogy
Oppenheimer star Josh Hartnett was close to playing Batman in Christopher Nolan’s trilogy but was more interested in another project.
The Batman Met With Most Complaints to the BBFC in 2022 as Kids Take Aim at the Rating
The Batman received the most complaints to the BBFC, but perhaps not for the reasons you might think.
The Flash BTS Images Reveal Ben Affleck as Batman in Cut Post-Credit Scene
Ben Affleck sports a new Batman costume in behind-the-scenes images from The Flash.
Blue Beetle Star Addresses "Fascist Batman" Backlash; "People Who Have Their Batman Shrines at Home Can Keep Them."
Blue Beetle star Xolo Maridueña has given his reaction to backlash over a trailer moment that throws shade at Batman.
Danny DeVito Says He's 'Definitely' Open to a Penguin Return
Danny DeVito is ready to return as The Penguin in DC's multiverse.
DCU: Actors Who Should Star As Batman in The Brave and the Bold
With Batman set to be a major part of James Gunn's new DCU, here are the best actors to play the role in the upcoming Brave and the Bold.
Why These Batman Actors Quit Their DC Franchises
Over the years, many Batman actors have come and gone in different DC franchises.
Vivica A. Fox Says Filming Batman & Robin Was 'Awesome,' Offers Theory on Why the Film Flopped
Vivica A. Fox is remembering Batman & Robin after one of her co-stars made a surprise appearance in The Flash.