The Caped Crusader…
The World’s Greatest Detective…
The Dark Knight…
BATMAN.
Created in 1939 by Bob Kane with Bill Finger, Batman is one of the world’s most well-known comic book and literary characters. He is an American icon that has been enjoyed by generations the world over for over 75 years.
Not only is Batman globally famous, so is his supporting cast: sidekick Robin; Gotham Police Commissioner James Gordon; and Alfred Pennyworth – surrogate father, butler, and reluctant partner. Batman also has arguably the greatest gallery of villains in the world of comics: Two Face, The Penguin, Catwoman, The Riddler, Mr. Freeze, and of course, The Joker.
His real identity is Bruce Wayne, billionaire and philanthropist. As a child, his parents (Dr. Thomas and Martha Wayne) were murdered in front of him. This tragedy led Wayne to train and study to the peak of physical and intellectual perfection, don the guise of a bat, and fight crime in his hometown of Gotham City (First mentioned in BATMAN #4, Winter 1941).
“The Bat-Man” first appeared in the year 1939 in the pages of DETECTIVE COMICS #27. Artist Bob Kane – inspired by Zorro, The Shadow, Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, the movie THE BAT WHISPERS – collaborated with writer Bill Finger and came up with a hero attired in a black cape and cowl. Unlike Superman (who had debuted the year before), The Bat-Man possessed no super powers. His campaign against crime was armed with his wit, genius, superior detective abilities, a crime-fighting arsenal, world class martial arts skills, and the Wayne family fortune.
Batman was immediately a hit and the character was given his own comic book title, BATMAN, in 1940.
As time passed, there have many different interpretations of the character. He’s been…
A dark avenger/creature of the night…
A deputized law enforcement officer of the Gotham Police Department…
A sci-fi character who could travel through time and space…
A swinging 60s, campy version with tongue firmly planted in cheek…
And yet again, a dark avenger/creature of the night.
Batman is arguably, the most popular comic book character in history and amongst the mainstream today. You can find him featured in not only his original medium – comic books – but also in TV, video games, animation, and film. – Bill “Jett” Ramey
