Batman, originally stylized as Bat-Man, is a superhero who appears in
American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by
artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in the 27th issue
of the comic book Detective Comics on March 30, 1939. In the DC
Universe continuity, Batman is the alias of Bruce Wayne, a wealthy
American playboy, philanthropist, and owner of Wayne Enterprises based
in Gotham City. Kane, Finger, and future DC writers accompanied Batman
with supporting characters, including his sidekick Robin, allies
Alfred Pennyworth and James Gordon, and foes such as Catwoman,
Scarecrow, the Penguin, and his archenemy, the Joker. Batman's origin
story features him swearing vengeance against criminals after
witnessing the murder of his parents Thomas and Martha; he trains
himself physically and intellectually, crafts a bat-inspired persona,
and monitors Gotham streets at night.Kane conceived Batman in early
1939 to capitalize on the popularity of DC's Superman; although Kane
frequently claimed sole creation credit, Finger substantially
developed the concept from a generic superhero into something more
bat-like. The character received his own spin-off publication, Batman,
in 1940. Batman was originally introduced as a ruthless vigilante who
frequently killed or maimed criminals, but evolved into a character
with a stringent moral code and strong sense of justice. Unlike most
superheroes, Batman does not possess any superpowers, instead relying
on his intellect, fighting skills, and wealth. The 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 darker roots in the
1970s and 1980s, culminating with the 1986 miniseries The Dark Knight
Returns by Frank Miller.
American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by
artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in the 27th issue
of the comic book Detective Comics on March 30, 1939. In the DC
Universe continuity, Batman is the alias of Bruce Wayne, a wealthy
American playboy, philanthropist, and owner of Wayne Enterprises based
in Gotham City. Kane, Finger, and future DC writers accompanied Batman
with supporting characters, including his sidekick Robin, allies
Alfred Pennyworth and James Gordon, and foes such as Catwoman,
Scarecrow, the Penguin, and his archenemy, the Joker. Batman's origin
story features him swearing vengeance against criminals after
witnessing the murder of his parents Thomas and Martha; he trains
himself physically and intellectually, crafts a bat-inspired persona,
and monitors Gotham streets at night.Kane conceived Batman in early
1939 to capitalize on the popularity of DC's Superman; although Kane
frequently claimed sole creation credit, Finger substantially
developed the concept from a generic superhero into something more
bat-like. The character received his own spin-off publication, Batman,
in 1940. Batman was originally introduced as a ruthless vigilante who
frequently killed or maimed criminals, but evolved into a character
with a stringent moral code and strong sense of justice. Unlike most
superheroes, Batman does not possess any superpowers, instead relying
on his intellect, fighting skills, and wealth. The 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 darker roots in the
1970s and 1980s, culminating with the 1986 miniseries The Dark Knight
Returns by Frank Miller.
Share this
SUBSCRIBE OUR NEWSLETTER
SUBSCRIBE OUR NEWSLETTER
Join us for free and get valuable content delivered right through your inbox.