Batman

Also known as Bruce Wayne, the Batman, Bat-Man, Matches Malone, Sir Hemingford Grey, Mordecai Wayne, Wayne, Bruce, the Bat-Man

AI overview

Batman is a superhero character created by writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane who first appeared in Detective Comics in 1939, and is the alter ego of Bruce Wayne, a wealthy resident of the fictional Gotham City. The character has become culturally significant as one of DC Comics' most enduring and popular creations, known for his origin story in which he vows to fight crime after witnessing his parents' murder.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Key facts

Comics character.character_name: Batman
Comics character.image: Batman Infobox.jpg
Comics character.converted: y
Comics character.caption: Cover of the DC Comics Absolute Edition of Batman: Hush (2011)Art by Jim Lee
Comics character.alt: Batman in the rain
Comics character.publisher: DC Comics
Comics character.debut: Detective Comics #27(cover-dated May 1939; published March 30, 1939)
Comics character.alter_ego: Bruce Wayne
Comics character.homeworld: Gotham City
Comics character.powers: Genius-level intellect Master detective Master martial artist and hand-to-hand combatant Master tactician, strategist and field commander Proficient in using high-tech equipment and weapons
Comics character.cat: super

~57 min read

Article

38 sections

Contents

Publication history
Creation and early history
Golden, Silver and Bronze Ages
Modern Age and reboots
Characterization
Bruce Wayne
Personality
Others
Supporting characters
Enemies
Allies
Sidekicks
Romantic interests
Abilities
Skills and training
Technology
Fictional character biography
20th century
Origin
Golden Age
Silver Age
Bronze Age
Modern Age
21st century
2000s
2010s
The New 52
DC Rebirth
Other versions
In popular culture
Media appearances
Criticism
Different interpretations
Notes
References
Sources
Further reading
External links

Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane, and debuted in the 27th issue of the comic book Detective Comics on March 30, 1939. In the DC Universe, Batman is the alias of Bruce Wayne, a wealthy American playboy, philanthropist, and industrialist who resides in the fictional Gotham City. Originally a millionaire, later versions of the character depict him as a billionaire. His origin story features him swearing vengeance against criminals after witnessing the murder of his parents, Thomas and Martha, as a child, a vendetta tempered by the ideal of justice. He trains himself physically and intellectually, crafts a bat-inspired persona, and monitors the Gotham streets at night. Kane, Finger, and other creators accompanied Batman with supporting characters, including his sidekicks Robin and Batgirl; allies Alfred Pennyworth and James Gordon; love interest and occasional adversary Catwoman; as well as foes such as the Penguin, the Riddler, Two-Face, and his archenemy, the Joker.

Kane conceived Batman in early 1939 to capitalize on the popularity of Superman; although Kane frequently claimed sole creation credit, Finger substantially developed the concept from a generic superhero into something more bat-like. They drew inspiration from pulp fiction characters like the Shadow, Sherlock Holmes, and the Green Hornet. Batman received a spin-off publication, Batman, in 1940. Kane and Finger introduced Batman as a ruthless vigilante who frequently killed or maimed criminals, but he evolved into a just, tempered superhero with a stringent moral code that prohibits killing during the 1940s. 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 Batman for years after it ended. Various creators worked to return Batman to his darker roots in the 1970s and 1980s, culminating with the 1986 miniseries The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller.