View source for Batman

{{Short description|Comic book superhero}}
{{About|the DC superhero|the city in Turkey|Batman, Turkey|other uses}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox comics character
| character_name = Batman
| image          = Batman Infobox.jpg<!--Do NOT change this image without consensus from the Talk page-->
| imagesize      =
| converted      = y
| caption        = Cover of the [[DC Comics Absolute Edition]] of ''[[Batman: Hush]]'' (2011)<br>Art by [[Jim Lee]]
| alt            = Batman in the rain
| publisher      = [[DC Comics]]
| debut          = ''[[Detective Comics]]'' [[Detective Comics 27|#27]]<br />([[cover-date]]d May 1939; published March 30, 1939)<ref name="Debut2">{{cite news |first=Alex |last=Zalben |title=When Is Batman's Birthday, Actually? |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1725027/batman-75th-anniversary-birthday-date/ |website=[[MTV News]] |publisher=[[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]]|location=New York City|date=March 28, 2014 |access-date=August 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726083747/http://www.mtv.com/news/1725027/batman-75th-anniversary-birthday-date/ |archive-date=July 26, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><!-- "Debut" indicates the first appearance of a character, not a change to the character's backstory. -->
| creators       = {{plainlist|
* [[Bob Kane]]
* [[Bill Finger]]{{efn|Finger was not credited in official materials until 2015.<ref name="FingerSep2015">{{cite web|title=DC Entertainment To Give Classic Batman Writer Credit in 'Gotham' and 'Batman v Superman' (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/dc-entertainment-give-classic-batman-824572 |website=Hollywood Reporter |date=September 18, 2015 |access-date=September 21, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022181821/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/dc-entertainment-give-classic-batman-824572 |archive-date=October 22, 2015 }}</ref><ref name="FingerOct2015">{{cite web|url=http://comicsalliance.com/bill-finger-batman-comics-credit/ |title=Bill Finger Has A Creator Credit On This Week's Batman Comics |last=Sims |first=Chris |date=October 21, 2015 |access-date=October 21, 2015|work=Comics Alliance |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304114836/http://comicsalliance.com/bill-finger-batman-comics-credit/ |archive-date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref>}}
}}
| alter_ego      = Bruce Wayne<!-- Do not enter a middle name. He has been depicted with too many different middle names to enter a specific one here. Also, there is no past or current, dead, or alive in fiction from a real world perspective; the infobox should cover the Batman known to the public consciousness and not a current comic book storyline. -->
| alliances      = {{plainlist|
* [[Justice League]]
* [[Bat-Family]]
* [[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]]
* [[Wayne Enterprises]]
<!-- Because the body that was resurrected in Blackest Night #5 was revealed to be a clone from Darkseid, Bruce Wayne himself was never part of the Black Lantern Corps. -->
}}
| homeworld      = [[Gotham City]]
| partners       = {{plainlist|
<!--Try to keep this list short. No need to fill with Batman supporting characters and Justice League colleagues-->
* [[Robin (character)|Robin]] (various<!--Use Robin to include NIGHTWING and other ex-Robin identities-->)
* [[Batgirl]] (various<!--Incorporating Oracle, Huntress, Spoiler, etc.-->)
* [[Alfred Pennyworth]]
* [[Jim Gordon (character)|James Gordon]]
* [[Superman]]
* [[Wonder Woman]]
* [[Catwoman]]
<!--Please heed the note above! Don't add more characters to keep the list not excessive-->
}}
| aliases        = {{plainlist|
* Dark Knight
* Caped Crusader
* [[Matches Malone]]
* World's Greatest Detective
}}
| powers         =
* [[Genius]]-level intellect
* Expert [[detective]]
* Master [[martial arts|martial artist]] and hand-to-hand combatant
* Master tactician, strategist and field commander
* Proficient in using high-tech equipment and weapons
| cat            = super
| subcat         = DC Comics
| hero           = y
| sortkey        = Batman
}}

'''Batman'''{{efn|Sometimes referred to as "the Batman" and originally stylized as '''The Bat-Man'''}} is a <!--Do not add "fictional" as it is tautological; superheroes (and characters in general) are by definition implied to be fictionalized to some extent.-->[[superhero]] who appears in [[American comic book]]s published by [[DC Comics]]. Batman was created by writer [[Bill Finger]] and artist [[Bob Kane]], and debuted in [[Detective Comics 27|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 lifestyle|playboy]], [[Philanthropy|philanthropist]], and industrialist who resides in the fictional [[Gotham City]]. [[Origin of Batman|His origin story]] features him swearing vengeance against criminals after witnessing the murder of his parents, [[Thomas Wayne|Thomas]] and [[Martha Wayne|Martha]], as a child, a vendetta tempered by the ideal of [[justice]]. He trains himself physically and intellectually, crafts a [[Batsuit|bat-inspired persona]], and monitors the Gotham streets at night. Kane, Finger, and other creators accompanied Batman with [[List of Batman supporting characters|supporting characters]], including his sidekicks [[Robin (character)|Robin]] and [[Batgirl]]; allies [[Alfred Pennyworth]] and [[Jim Gordon (character)|James Gordon]]; love interest and occasional adversary [[Catwoman]]; as well as [[List of Batman family enemies|foes]] such as the [[Penguin (character)|Penguin]], the [[Riddler]], [[Two-Face]], and his [[archenemy]], the [[Joker (character)|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 magazine|pulp fiction]] characters like [[the Shadow]], [[Sherlock Holmes]], and the [[Green Hornet]]. Batman received a [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] publication, ''[[Batman (comic book)|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 [[Superpower (ability)|superpowers]], instead relying on his intellect, fighting skills, and wealth. The 1960s ''[[Batman (TV series)|Batman]]'' television series used a [[Camp (style)|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 [[Limited series (comics)|miniseries]] ''[[The Dark Knight Returns]]'' by [[Frank Miller]].

DC has featured Batman in [[List of Batman comics|many comic books]], including comics published under its [[Imprint (trade name)|imprint]]s such as [[Vertigo Comics|Vertigo]] and [[DC Black Label|Black Label]]; he has been considered DC's flagship character<ref>{{Cite web |last=Colucci |first=Brian |date=2025-01-19 |title=Batman Has a New Batmobile and Honestly? It Shows Why Bruce Wayne Is DC's Flagship Hero |url=https://screenrant.com/batman-new-batmobile-rc-car-inspiration-factoid/ |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kurten |first=Guillermo |last2=Raley |first2=Christopher |date=2023-11-19 |title=How to Start Reading Batman Comics |url=https://www.cbr.com/batman-dc-comics-reading-guide/ |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref>since the 1990s. The longest-running Batman comic, ''Detective Comics'', is the longest-running comic book in the United States. Batman is frequently depicted alongside other DC superheroes, such as Superman and [[Wonder Woman]], as a member of organizations such as the [[Justice League]] and the [[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]]. In addition to Bruce Wayne, other characters used the Batman persona, such as [[Jean-Paul Valley]] / [[Azrael (DC Comics)|Azrael]] in the 1993–1994 "[[Batman: Knightfall|Knightfall]]" story arc; [[Dick Grayson]], the first Robin, from 2009 to 2011; and [[Batman (Jace Fox)|Jace Fox]], the son of Wayne's ally [[Lucius Fox|Lucius]], since 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/i-am-batman-0-comic-review/|title=''I Am Batman'' #0 Comic review|first=Sayantan|last=Gayen|work=[[Comic Book Resources]]|access-date=19 August 2021|date=18 August 2021|archive-date=March 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306043503/https://www.cbr.com/i-am-batman-0-comic-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> DC has also published comics featuring alternate versions of Batman, including the incarnation seen in ''The Dark Knight Returns'' and its successors, [[Batman (Thomas Wayne)|the incarnation]] from the ''[[Flashpoint (comics)|Flashpoint]]'' (2011) event, and numerous interpretations in comics published under the [[Elseworlds]] label.

[[Batman in popular culture|Batman is one of the most iconic characters in popular culture]] and has been listed among the greatest comic book superheroes and characters ever created. He is one of the most commercially successful superheroes, the second best-selling comic book series in history with 460 million copies sold worldwide,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/583041/best-selling-comic-books/|title=Best-selling comic books of all time|website=[[Statista]]|access-date=April 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405153001/https://www.statista.com/statistics/583041/best-selling-comic-books/|archive-date=April 5, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and his likeness has been licensed and featured in [[Batman franchise media|various media]] and merchandise sold around the world; this includes toy lines such as ''[[Lego Batman]]'' and video games such as the ''[[Batman: Arkham]]'' series. Batman has been adapted in many live-action and animated television series and films. [[Adam West]] portrayed him in the 1960s ''Batman'' television series, and he has been portrayed [[Batman in film|in films]] by [[Michael Keaton]], [[Val Kilmer]], [[George Clooney]], [[Christian Bale]], [[Ben Affleck]], and [[Robert Pattinson]]. Many actors, most prolifically [[Kevin Conroy]], have provided Batman's voice in animation and video games. In September 2024, Batman was given a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]], being the first superhero to receive the honor.

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== Publication history ==
{{Main article|Publication history of Batman}}

===Creation and early history===

In early 1939, following the success of [[Superman]], [[DC Comics]]' editors requested more superheroes.<ref>{{harvp|Daniels|1999|p=18}}</ref> [[Bob Kane]] created Batman, initially drawing a character with red tights, bat wings, and a domino mask. [[Bill Finger]], a collaborator, made significant contributions by suggesting a cowl, cape, gloves, and a darker costume.<ref>[[Jim Steranko|Steranko, Jim]]. ''The Steranko History of Comics 1''. Reading, PA: Supergraphics, 1970. ({{ISBN|978-0-517-50188-7}})</ref> The character's alter ego, Bruce Wayne, was inspired by historical figures [[Robert the Bruce]] and [[Anthony Wayne|Mad Anthony Wayne]].<ref name="creation">Kane, Andrae, p. 44.</ref> Batman's early adventures drew inspiration from contemporary pulp fiction and characters like Zorro and the Shadow, establishing Batman as a master detective with a dark, brooding persona driven by the murder of his parents.{{sfnp|Boichel|1991|pp=6–7}}<ref>{{harvp|Daniels|2004|p=31}}</ref>

===Golden, Silver and Bronze Ages===
{{See also|List of Batman comics}}
Batman debuted in ''Detective Comics'' #27 in 1939. Early stories were dark, featuring a Batman who did not shy away from killing. The character quickly became popular, leading to his own solo title in 1940. Robin, Batman's sidekick, was introduced in 1940, lightening the tone and boosting sales. Over the next few years, Batman's rogues' gallery expanded with iconic villains like the Joker and Catwoman.
The 1950s saw Batman in lighter, science fiction-influenced stories. However, declining sales led to a 1964 revamp by editor Julius Schwartz, who returned Batman to his detective roots and updated his appearance. The 1966 Batman TV series introduced a campy, humorous tone, which was reflected in the comics until its cancellation in 1968. In the 1970s, writers Dennis O'Neil and Neal Adams restored Batman's dark, gritty nature, a trend that continued despite fluctuating sales.

=== Modern Age and reboots ===
In the [[Modern Age of Comic Books]] Batman comics have undergone significant transformations, reflecting changing storytelling trends and audience interests. Beginning with seminal works like ''[[The Dark Knight Returns]]'' in the 1980s,<ref>{{harvp|Daniels|1999|pp=147, 149}}</ref> which reintroduced Batman in a grittier, more mature context, the character's narrative evolved to explore deeper themes and darker tones.<ref name=":0">Wright, p. 267.</ref> This period also saw the exploration of Batman's origins and psyche through works like ''[[Batman: Year One]],''<ref name=":0" />''<ref name="harvp|Daniels|1999|p=161">{{harvp|Daniels|1999|p=161}}</ref>'' and ''[[Batman: The Killing Joke]]'', which delved into the complexities of heroism and villainy.<ref>{{harvp|Daniels|1999|pp=161, 163}}</ref> In the 1990s, storylines such as "[[Batman: Knightfall|Knightfall]]" introduced new adversaries like Bane, who physically and mentally challenged Batman, leading to a temporary replacement by Jean-Paul Valley. The aftermath of an earthquake in "No Man's Land" depicted Gotham City in chaos, further pushing Batman to new limits of heroism and survival.<ref name="nerd">{{cite book |last1=Weldon |first1=Glen |author-link1=Glen Weldon |title=The Caped Crusade: Batman and the Rise of Nerd Culture |date=2016 |publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]] |isbn=978-1-4767-5669-1}}</ref> Entering the 21st century, [[Grant Morrison]]'s influential run introduced [[Damian Wayne]] as Batman's son and heir, bringing familial dynamics and a new generation of challenges to the forefront. Morrison's storytelling also delved into surreal and existential themes, such as in ''[[Batman R.I.P.]]'' and ''[[Final Crisis]]'', which tested Batman's resolve and sanity against cosmic threats and personal demons.<ref name="comics.ign.com2">{{cite web |last=Phillips |first=Dan |date=August 8, 2009 |title=Grant Morrison's New Batman and Robin |url=http://comics.ign.com/articles/986/986031p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609172555/http://comics.ign.com/articles/986/986031p1.html |archive-date=June 9, 2012 |access-date=August 8, 2009 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref name="Interview2">{{cite web |last=George |first=Richard |date=March 11, 2009 |title=Morrison discusses ''Batman and Robin'' |url=http://comics.ign.com/articles/961/961488p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305225820/http://comics.ign.com/articles/961/961488p1.html |archive-date=March 5, 2012 |access-date=August 6, 2009 |website=IGN}}</ref> [[The New 52]] reboot in 2011 refreshed Batman's continuity while preserving core elements of his character. This era introduced modern interpretations of classic storylines, like ''[[Batman: Night of the Owls|Night of the Owls]]'', where Batman confronts the Court of Owls, a clandestine society controlling Gotham for centuries. The chilling return of the Joker in "Death of the Family" explored the intricate relationships within Batman's extended family of allies and adversaries. More recent developments under DC Rebirth and Infinite Frontier have continued to evolve Batman's universe, exploring new characters like [[Gotham City|Gotham]] and [[Gotham Girl]], and tackling contemporary issues within the context of Gotham City's ever-evolving landscape of crime and heroism.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Batman {{!}} Official DC Character |url=https://www.dc.com/characters/batman |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=DC |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Characterization ==

=== Bruce Wayne ===
{{redirect|Bruce Wayne}}
[[File:Bruce Wayne Concept Art.png|thumb|upright=1.35|DC Comics concept art of Bruce Wayne by Mikel Janín]]
Batman's [[secret identity]] is Bruce Wayne, a wealthy American industrialist. As a child, Bruce witnessed the murder of his parents, [[Thomas Wayne|Dr. Thomas Wayne]] and [[Martha Wayne]], which ultimately led him to craft the Batman persona and seek justice against criminals. He resides on the outskirts of Gotham City in his personal residence, [[Wayne Manor]]. Wayne averts suspicion by acting the part of a superficial playboy idly living off his family's fortune and the profits of [[Wayne Enterprises]], his inherited conglomerate.<ref>[[Dennis O'Neil]], ''Batman: Knightfall''. 1994, [[Bantam Books]]. {{ISBN|978-0-553-09673-6}}</ref><ref>{{harvp|Daniels|1999}}{{Page needed|date=July 2016}}</ref> He supports philanthropic causes through his nonprofit Wayne Foundation, which in part addresses social issues encouraging crime as well as assisting victims of it, but is more widely known as a celebrity socialite.<ref>{{harvp|Pearson|Uricchio|1991|p=202}}</ref> In public, he frequently appears in the company of high-status women, which encourages tabloid gossip. He feigns near-drunkenness by consuming large quantities of disguised [[ginger ale]], though he is a [[Teetotalism|teetotalor]] to maintain his physical and mental prowess.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Andrew |title=Batman: 15 Things You Didn't Know About Bruce Wayne |url=https://screenrant.com/bruce-wayne-batman-trivia-facts/ |website=ScreenRant |date=January 3, 2017 |access-date=2 December 2021 |archive-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513132756/https://screenrant.com/bruce-wayne-batman-trivia-facts/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Although Bruce Wayne leads an active romantic life, his vigilante activities as Batman account for most of his time.<ref name="Inc0">{{cite comic|writer = [[Grant Morrison|Morrison, Grant]]|title = [[Batman Incorporated]]|volume = 2|issue = 0|date = September 2012|publisher = DC Comics}}</ref> While Bruce Wayne is never depicted as being especially religious, he is ethnically [[List of Jewish comic book characters|Jewish]] on his mother's side;<ref name="Bruce Wayne religion"/><ref>''The Penguin'' #7 (2024)</ref> his maternal cousin [[Batwoman (Kate Kane)]] is practising. His father, [[Thomas Wayne|Thomas]], raised Bruce as a Christian, but as an adult he doesn't follow any religion.<ref name="Bruce Wayne religion">{{cite web |date=February 28, 2024 |title=DC Remembers Batman Is Jewish, Best-Selling Comic Of 2023 Revealed, Matt Bors Relaunches The Toxic Avenger |url=https://comicbookclublive.com/2024/02/28/dc-remembers-batman-is-jewish-best-selling-comic-of-2023-revealed-matt-bors-relaunches-the-toxic-avenger-comic-book-club-news-for-february-28-2024/ |accessdate=3 March 2025 |work=Comic Book Club News date}}</ref><ref>''Batman'' #53 (2018)</ref>

Various modern stories have portrayed the extravagant, playboy image of Bruce Wayne as a facade.{{sfnp|Beatty|2005|p=51}} This is in contrast to the Post-''Crisis'' Superman, whose [[Clark Kent]] persona is the true identity, while the Superman persona is the facade.<ref>Aichele, G. (1997). "Rewriting Superman" in G. Aichele & T. Pippin (eds.), ''The Monstrous and the Unspeakable: The Bible as Fantastic Literature'', pp. 75–101. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press.</ref><ref>''Superman'' vol. 2 #53</ref> In ''Batman Unmasked'', a television documentary about the psychology of the character, behavioral scientist [[Benjamin Karney]] notes that Batman's personality is driven by Bruce Wayne's inherent humanity; that "Batman, for all its benefits and for all of the time Bruce Wayne devotes to it, is ultimately a tool for Bruce Wayne's efforts to make the world better". Bruce Wayne's principles include the desire to prevent future harm and a vow not to kill. Bruce Wayne believes that our actions define us, we fail for a reason, and anything is possible.<ref>{{cite web |title=Holy Wisdom, Batman!: 24 Most Famous Batman Quotes |url=https://brightdrops.com/batman-quotes |website=brightdrops.com |date=August 25, 2017 |access-date=May 13, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513135913/https://brightdrops.com/batman-quotes}}</ref>

Writers of Batman and Superman stories have often compared and contrasted the two. Interpretations vary depending on the writer, the story, and the timing. Grant Morrison<ref>{{cite news|last=Boucher|first=Geoff|title=Batman versus Superman as class warfare? Grant Morrison: 'Bruce has a butler, Clark has a boss'|url=http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2010/08/13/batman-versus-superman-as-class-warfare-bruce-has-a-butler-clark-has-a-boss/|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=August 13, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015182152/http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2010/08/13/batman-versus-superman-as-class-warfare-bruce-has-a-butler-clark-has-a-boss/ |archive-date=October 15, 2012}}</ref> notes that both heroes "believe in the same kind of things" despite the day/night contrast their heroic roles display. Morrison notes an equally stark contrast in their real identities. Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent belong to different social classes: "Bruce has a butler, Clark has a boss." T. James Musler's book ''Unleashing the Superhero in Us All'' explores the extent to which Bruce Wayne's vast personal wealth is important in his life story, and the crucial role it plays in his efforts as Batman.<ref>T. James Musler. 2006. ''Unleashing the Superhero in Us All''.</ref>

Will Brooker notes in his book ''Batman Unmasked'' that "the confirmation of the Batman's identity lies with the young audience&nbsp;...he doesn't have to be Bruce Wayne; he just needs the suit and gadgets, the abilities, and most importantly the morality, the humanity. There's just a sense about him: 'they trust him&nbsp;...and they're never wrong."<ref>{{cite book |title=Batman Unmasked |last=Brooker |first=Will |year=2001 |publisher=Continuum International Publishing Group |location=NY/London |isbn=978-0-8264-1343-7 |page=368 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GNRreYO91ogC&q=Unmasking+Batman&pg=PA137 |access-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-date=July 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730122644/https://books.google.com/books?id=GNRreYO91ogC&q=Unmasking+Batman&pg=PA137 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Personality ====
Batman's primary character traits can be summarized as ''"wealth; physical prowess; deductive abilities and obsession"''.<ref name="pearson pg 186" /> The details and tone of Batman comic books have varied over the years with different creative teams. Dennis O'Neil noted that character consistency was not a major concern during early editorial regimes: "[[Julius Schwartz|Julie Schwartz]] did a Batman in ''Batman'' and ''Detective'' and [[Murray Boltinoff]] did a Batman in the ''Brave and the Bold'' and apart from the costume they bore very little resemblance to each other. Julie and Murray did not want to coordinate their efforts, nor were they asked to do so. Continuity was not important in those days."<ref>Pearson; Uricchio. "Notes from the Batcave: An Interview with Dennis O'Neil" p. 23.</ref>

The driving force behind Bruce Wayne's character is his parents' murder and their absence. Bob Kane and Bill Finger discussed Batman's background and decided that "there's nothing more traumatic than having your parents murdered before your eyes".<ref>{{harvp|Daniels|1999|p=31}}</ref> Despite his trauma, he sets his mind on studying to become a scientist<ref name="ReferenceA">''Detective Comics'' #33 (November 1939), Bill Finger, Bob Kane</ref><ref name="ReferenceB">''Batman'' #1 (spring 1940), Bill Finger, Bob Kane</ref> and to train his body into physical perfection<ref name="ReferenceA" /><ref name="ReferenceB" /> to fight crime in [[Gotham City]] as Batman, an inspired idea from Wayne's insight into the criminal mind.<ref name="ReferenceA" /><ref name="ReferenceB" /> He also speaks over 40 languages.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Andrew |title=Batman: 15 Things You Didn't Know About Bruce Wayne |url=https://screenrant.com/bruce-wayne-batman-trivia-facts/ |website=ScreenRant |date=January 3, 2017 |access-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513132756/https://screenrant.com/bruce-wayne-batman-trivia-facts/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Another of Batman's characterizations is that of a vigilante; in order to stop evil that started with the death of his parents, he must sometimes break the law himself. Although manifested differently by being re-told by different artists, it is nevertheless that the details and the prime components of Batman's origin have never varied at all in the comic books, the "reiteration of the basic origin events holds together otherwise divergent expressions".<ref>{{harvp|Pearson|Uricchio|1991|p=194}}</ref> The origin is the source of the character's traits and attributes, which play out in many of the character's adventures.<ref name="pearson pg 186" />

Batman is often treated as a vigilante by other characters in his stories. Frank Miller views the character as "a [[Apollonian and Dionysian|dionysian]] figure, a force for [[anarchy]] that imposes an individual order".<ref>Sharrett, Christopher. "Batman and the Twilight of the Idols: An Interview with Frank Miller". ''The Many Lives of the Batman: Critical Approaches to a Superhero and His Media''. Routledge: London, 1991. {{ISBN|978-0-85170-276-6}}, p. 44.</ref> Dressed as a bat, Batman deliberately cultivates a frightening persona in order to aid him in crime-fighting,<ref>Pearson, p. 208.</ref> a fear that originates from the criminals' own guilty [[conscience]].<ref>Dennis O'Neil, Wizard Batman Special 1998</ref> Miller is often credited with reintroducing anti-heroic traits into Batman's characterization,<ref name="Terrence R. Wandtke 91">{{cite book|title=The Amazing Transforming Superhero!: Essays on the Revision of Characters on the Revision of Characters in Comic Books, Film and Television|author=Terrence R. Wandtke|page=91}}</ref> such as his brooding personality, willingness to use violence and torture, and increasingly alienated behavior. Batman, shortly a year after his debut and the introduction of Robin, was changed in 1940 after DC editor Whitney Ellsworth felt the character would be tainted by his lethal methods and DC established their own ethical code, subsequently he was retconned to have a stringent moral code,<ref name="dan42">{{harvp|Daniels|1999|p=42}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=Batman & Me: An Autobiography|last=Kane|first=Bob|date=1989|publisher=Eclipse Books|others=Andrae, Tom.|isbn=1-56060-017-9|location=Forestville, CA|page=45|oclc=21114759}}</ref> which has stayed with the character of Batman ever since. Miller's Batman was closer to the original pre-Robin version, who was willing to kill criminals if necessary.<ref>{{cite book|title=Enter the Superheroes: American Values, Culture, and the Canon of Superhero Literature|author1=Alex S. Romagnoli |author2=Gian S. Pagnucci |page=27}}</ref>

=== Others ===
On several occasions former Robin [[Dick Grayson]] has served as Batman; most notably in 2009 while Wayne was believed dead, and served as a second Batman even after Wayne returned in 2010.<ref name="visual">{{cite book |title=DC Comics Year By Year A Visual Chronicle |publisher=[[Dorling Kindersley]] |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-7566-6742-9 |chapter=2000s}}</ref> As part of DC's [[The New 52|2011 continuity relaunch]], Grayson returned to being Nightwing following the ''Flashpoint'' crossover event.

In an interview with [[IGN]], Morrison detailed that having Dick Grayson as Batman and [[Damian Wayne]] as Robin represented a "reverse" of the normal dynamic between Batman and Robin, with, "a more light-hearted and spontaneous Batman and a scowling, badass Robin". Morrison explained their intentions for the new characterization of Batman: "Dick Grayson is kind of this consummate superhero. The guy has been Batman's partner since he was a kid, he's led the [[Teen Titans]], and he's trained with everybody in the DC Universe. So he's a very different kind of Batman. He's a lot easier; {{sic|hide=y|He's}} a lot looser and more relaxed."<ref name="comics.ign.com">{{cite web |last=Phillips |first=Dan |title=Grant Morrison's New Batman and Robin |url=http://comics.ign.com/articles/986/986031p1.html |date=August 8, 2009 |website=IGN |access-date=August 8, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609172555/http://comics.ign.com/articles/986/986031p1.html |archive-date=June 9, 2012 }}</ref>

Over the years, there have been numerous others to assume the name of Batman, or to officially take over for Bruce during his leaves of absence. Jean-Paul Valley, also known as [[Azrael (DC Comics)|Azrael]], assumed the cowl after the events of the ''[[Batman: Knightfall|Knightfall]]'' saga.<ref name="visual" /> [[Jim Gordon (character)|Jim Gordon]] donned a mecha-suit after the events of ''[[Batman: Endgame]]'', and served as Batman in 2015 and 2016. In 2021, as part of the ''[[Fear State]]'' crossover event, [[Lucius Fox]]'s son [[Batman (Jace Fox)|Jace Fox]] succeeds Bruce as Batman in a 2021 storyline, depicted in the series ''I Am Batman'', after Batman was declared dead.

Additionally, members of the group [[Batman Incorporated]], Bruce Wayne's experiment at franchising his brand of vigilantism, have at times stood in as the official Batman in cities around the world.<ref name="visual" /> Various others have also taken up the role of Batman in stories set in alternative universes and possible futures, including, among them, various former proteges of Bruce Wayne.

== Supporting characters ==
{{Main|List of Batman supporting characters}}

Batman's interactions with both villains and cohorts have, over time, developed a strong supporting cast of characters.<ref name="pearson pg 186" />

=== Enemies ===
{{Main|List of Batman family enemies}}
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:BatmanRoguesGallery.jpg|thumb|upright|Batman surrounded by his enemies, art by [[Alex Ross]]]] -->

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.{{sfnp|Boichel|1991|p=8}} These foes are commonly referred to as Batman's ''[[List of Batman family enemies#Classic rogues gallery|rogues gallery]]''. Batman's "most implacable foe" is the [[Joker (character)|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]".{{sfnp|Boichel|1991|p=9}} Other long-time recurring foes that are part of Batman's rogues gallery include [[Catwoman]] (a [[Burglary|cat burglar]] anti-heroine who is variously an ally and romantic interest), the [[Penguin (character)|Penguin]], [[Ra's al Ghul]], [[Two-Face]] (Harvey Dent), the [[Riddler]], the [[Scarecrow (DC Comics)|Scarecrow]], [[Mr. Freeze]], [[Poison Ivy (character)|Poison Ivy]], [[Harley Quinn]], [[Bane (DC Comics)|Bane]], [[Clayface]], and [[Killer Croc]], among others. Many of Batman's adversaries are often psychiatric patients at [[Arkham Asylum]].

=== Allies ===
[[Alfred Pennyworth]], Batman's loyal [[butler]] and father figure, first appeared in ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #16 (1943). After Bruce Wayne's parents were killed, Alfred raised Bruce and became one of the few people to know his secret identity. He is often portrayed as a steadying presence in Bruce's life, offering both emotional support and practical assistance in Batman's crime-fighting endeavors. More than just a caretaker, Alfred is a trusted ally and sometimes sidekick, sharing [[Wayne Manor]] with Bruce and contributing to Batman's mission.{{sfnp|Boichel|1991|p=8}}

One of Batman's most crucial allies is Commissioner [[Jim Gordon (character)|James Gordon]]. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to justice in Gotham City. In ''[[Batman: Year One]]'', Gordon and Batman learn to trust each other, which transforms their efforts against crime into a more effective partnership. Gordon's perspective as a police officer complements Batman's vigilantism, allowing them to tackle Gotham's challenges together. Another important ally is the [[Justice League]], which further emphasizes the importance of collaboration. Batman's relationship with Superman showcases how their contrasting ideologies can complement each other. In stories like ''[[World's Finest Comics|World's Finest]]'', their friendship highlights how Batman's methods benefit from Superman's optimism and strength.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kurten |first=Guillermo |date=2024-01-14 |title=Does Batman Work Better Alongside His Allies Or Alone? |url=https://www.cbr.com/dc-batman-works-best-with-close-allies/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref>

===Sidekicks===
{{Main|Robin (character)}}
[[File:Batman & Robin (Batman vol. 1 -9 Feb. 1942).jpg|thumb|Batman and [[Robin (character)|Robin]], art by [[Jack Burnley]]]]
Robin, Batman's vigilante partner, has been a widely recognized supporting character for many years; each iteration of the Robin character, of which there have been five in the mainstream continuity, function as members of the Batman family, but additionally, as Batman's "central" sidekick in various media.{{sfnp|Boichel|1991|p=7}} Bill Finger stated that he wanted to include Robin because "Batman didn't have anyone to talk to, and it got a little tiresome always having him thinking."<ref>{{cite book|last=Langley |first=Travis|title=Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight|year=2012|publisher=John Wiley & Sons |page=179}}</ref> 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]] was introduced in the 1980s, following Dick Grayson's departure from the role. Initially impulsive and rebellious, Jason's tenure as Robin was controversial among fans. In 1988, DC held a fan vote to determine his fate in the iconic ''[[A Death in the Family (comics)|A Death in the Family]]'' storyline, where the [[Joker (character)|Joker]] brutally beat Jason with a [[crowbar]] and left him to die in an explosion. The fans voted for his death. However, Jason was later resurrected and returned as the antihero [[Red Hood]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mills |first=Taylor |date=2024-07-16 |title=After 36 Years, DC Squeezes the Last Drop of Trauma from Jason Todd's Iconic Death |url=https://screenrant.com/jason-todd-death-in-the-family-robin-lives-sheila-haywood/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref>

The third Robin in the mainstream comics is [[Tim Drake]], who first appeared in 1989. He went on to star in his own comic series, and goes by the name [[Red Robin (identity)|Red Robin]], a variation on the traditional Robin persona. In the first decade of the new millennium, [[Stephanie Brown (character)|Stephanie Brown]] served as the fourth in-universe Robin between stints as her self-made vigilante identity the Spoiler, and later as [[Batgirl]].<ref>Langley, 180–210</ref> After Brown's apparent death, Drake resumed the role of Robin for a time. The role eventually passed to [[Damian Wayne]], the 10-year-old son of Bruce Wayne and [[Talia al Ghul]], in the late 2000s.<ref>{{cite web | last = Esposito | first = Joey | title = Why Damian Wayne is the Best Robin | website = IGN | date = March 5, 2013 | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/03/06/why-damian-wayne-is-the-best-robin/ | access-date = February 17, 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140301042547/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/03/06/why-damian-wayne-is-the-best-robin| archive-date = March 1, 2014}}</ref> Damian's tenure as ''du jour'' Robin ended when the character was killed off in the pages of ''[[Batman Incorporated]]'' in 2013.<ref>{{cite news | last = Saul | first = Josh | title = DC killing off Batman's 'Boy Wonder' Damian Wayne in new comic book | newspaper = The New York Post| date = February 25, 2013 | url = https://nypost.com/2013/02/25/dc-killing-off-batmans-boy-wonder-damian-wayne-in-new-comic-book/ | access-date = February 17, 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140429184730/http://nypost.com/2013/02/25/dc-killing-off-batmans-boy-wonder-damian-wayne-in-new-comic-book/| archive-date = April 29, 2014}}</ref> Batman's next young sidekick is [[Harper Row]], a streetwise young woman who avoids the name Robin but followed the [[Ornithology|ornithological]] theme nonetheless; she debuted the codename and identity of the [[Harper Row|Bluebird]] in 2014. Unlike the Robins, the Bluebird is willing and permitted to use a gun, albeit [[Non-lethal weapon|non-lethal]]; her weapon of choice is a modified rifle that fires taser rounds.<ref>{{cite web | last = Franich | first = Darren | title = Batman has a new female sidekick: Meet Bluebird | publisher = Entertainment Weekly Popwatch | date = February 12, 2014 | url = http://popwatch.ew.com/2014/02/12/batman-bluebird-female-robin/ | access-date = February 17, 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140222134700/http://popwatch.ew.com/2014/02/12/batman-bluebird-female-robin/| archive-date = February 22, 2014}}</ref> In 2015, a new series began titled ''[[We Are Robin (comic book)|We Are...Robin]],'' focused on a group of teenagers using the Robin persona to fight crime in Gotham City. The most prominent of these, [[Duke Thomas (character)|Duke Thomas]], later becomes Batman's crimefighting partner as The Signal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Truitt |first=Brian |title='We Are Robin' stars a movement of kid heroes |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2015/03/09/we-are-robin-comic-book-exclusive/24635301/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Romantic interests ===
Batman's romantic history spans decades, filled with relationships that reflect his struggle between personal happiness and his duty as Gotham's protector. His first love interest was [[Julie Madison]], introduced in ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #31 (1939). Though engaged to Bruce Wayne, she left due to his distant and playboy persona, highlighting the conflict between Bruce's dual life and his desire for a normal relationship.<ref name="loveinterest">{{Cite web |last1=Allan |first1=Scoot |last2=Harth |first2=David |date=December 1, 2020 |title=Batman: All of Bruce Wayne's major love interests (in chronological order) |url=https://www.cbr.com/batman-bruce-wayne-major-love-interests-chronological-order/ |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] |language=en}}</ref>

Selina Kyle, also known as [[Catwoman]], is perhaps the most notable figure in Batman's romantic history. Debuting in ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #1 (1940), their relationship is characterized by a blend of romance and rivalry. Over the years, they have shared intense connections, often navigating the fine line between love and conflict. Their relationship culminated in an engagement during the [[DC Rebirth]]''.''<ref name="loveinterest" />

Another important figure is [[Vicki Vale]], a journalist introduced in ''Batman'' #49 (1948). Vicki's attempts to uncover Batman's true identity lead to a complicated romantic involvement that waxed and waned over the years, especially during the early 1980s when their relationship became more serious.<ref name="loveinterest" />

[[Talia al Ghul]], introduced in ''Detective Comics'' #411 (1971), is another key player in Batman's love life. Their relationship is fraught with conflict due to her father, [[Ra's al Ghul]], and his criminal ambitions. Despite the challenges, their love story resulted in the birth of [[Damian Wayne]], who would grow to become the latest [[Robin (character)|Robin]] and add a new layer of complexity to Batman's character.<ref name="loveinterest" />

Additionally, Batman's relationship with Wonder Woman has been explored in various storylines, including a passionate kiss in ''[[JLA (comic book)|JLA]]'' (2003) during a moment of crisis. However, their relationship remains largely unexplored, often overshadowed by their respective commitments.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Colucci |first=Brian |date=2022-01-11 |title=Wonder Woman's Batwoman Persona Made Her Gotham's Darkest Knight |url=https://screenrant.com/wonder-woman-batwoman-persona-gotham-darkest-knight-jla/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref>

One of the most controversial romantic pairings emerged from the animated adaptation of ''[[Batman: The Killing Joke]]'' (2016), which depicted a brief romantic involvement between Batman and [[Batgirl]] ([[Barbara Gordon]]). This portrayal sparked significant criticism among fans, reflecting the challenges and complexities of Batman's romantic entanglements over the years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Samantha |date=2021-07-07 |title=Even Batman Knew The Killing Joke's Romance with Batgirl Was Weird |url=https://screenrant.com/batman-batgirl-killing-joke-romance-wrong-inappropriate/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref>

== Abilities ==

=== Skills and training ===
Batman has no inherent superhuman powers; he relies on "his own scientific knowledge, detective skills, and athletic prowess".<ref name="Wright_p17">Wright, p. 17.</ref> Batman's inexhaustible wealth gives him access to advanced technologies, and as a proficient [[scientist]], he is able to use and modify these technologies to his advantage. In the stories, Batman is regarded as one of the world's greatest detectives, if not the world's greatest crime solver.<ref>Mike Conray, ''500 Great Comicbook Action Heroes''. 2002, Collins & Brown. {{ISBN|978-1-84411-004-9}}</ref> Batman has been repeatedly described as having a genius-level intellect, being one of the greatest martial artists in the DC Universe, and having peak human physical and mental conditioning.<ref>{{cite book |last= Greenberger |first= Robert|date= 2008|title= The Essential Batman Encyclopedia |publisher= Del Rey Books|isbn= 978-0-345-50106-6}}</ref> As a [[polymath]], his knowledge and expertise in countless disciplines is nearly unparalleled by any other character in the DC Universe. He has shown prowess in assorted fields such as mathematics, biology, physics, chemistry, and several levels of engineering.<ref>{{cite comic|writer=[[Grant Morrison]]|penciller=[[Howard Porter (artist)|Howard Porter]]|story=War of the Worlds|title=JLA|issue=3|date=March 1997|publisher=DC Comics}}</ref> He has traveled the world acquiring the skills needed to aid him in his endeavors as Batman. In the ''[[Superman: Doomed]]'' story arc, Superman considers Batman to be one of the most brilliant minds on the planet.<ref>{{cite comic|writer=[[Scott Lobdell]]|penciller=[[Ed Benes]] and Jack Herbert|story=Superman: Doomed|title=Superman|issue=31|date=July 2014|publisher=DC Comics}}</ref>

Batman has trained extensively in various fighting styles, making him one of the best hand-to-hand fighters in the DC Universe. He possesses a [[Eidetic memory|photographic memory]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Collins |first=Hannah |date=2017-07-12 |title=Case Closed: 15 Detectives Who Could Out-Sleuth Batman |url=https://www.cbr.com/better-detectives-than-batman/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715090858/https://www.cbr.com/better-detectives-than-batman/ |archive-date=2017-07-15 |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref> and has fully utilized his [[photographic memory]] to master a total of 127 forms of martial arts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://buildingthebat.com/bat-skills-what-skills-does-batman-have/ |title=What Skills Does Batman Have? |first=Robert |last=Wood |date=October 30, 2017 |work=Building the Bat |access-date=September 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190316171734/https://buildingthebat.com/bat-skills-what-skills-does-batman-have/ |archive-date=March 16, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In terms of his physical condition, Batman is described as peak human and far beyond an Olympic-athlete-level condition, able to perform feats such as easily running across rooftops in a [[Parkour]]-esque fashion, pressing thousands of pounds regularly, and even bench pressing six hundred pounds of soil and coffin in a poisoned and starved state. 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''.

Batman is strongly disciplined, and he has the ability to function under great physical pain and resist most forms of [[telepathy]] and [[Brainwashing|mind control]]. He is a master of [[disguise]], multilingual, and an expert in [[espionage]], often gathering information under the identity of a notorious gangster named Matches Malone. Batman is highly skilled in stealth movement and [[escapology]], which allows him to appear and disappear at will and to break free of nearly inescapable [[Deathtrap (plot device)|deathtraps]] with little to no harm. He is also a master strategist, considered DC's greatest tactician, with numerous plans in preparation for almost any eventuality.

Batman is an expert in [[interrogation]] techniques and his [[Intimidation|intimidating]] and frightening appearance alone is often all that is needed in getting information from suspects. Despite having the potential to harm his enemies, Batman's most defining characteristic is his strong commitment to justice and his reluctance to take a life. This unyielding moral rectitude has earned him the respect of several heroes in the DC Universe, most notably that of [[Superman]] and [[Wonder Woman]].

Among physical and other crime fighting related training, he is also proficient at other types of skills. Some of these include being a licensed pilot (in order to operate the [[Batplane]]), as well as being able to operate other types of machinery. In some publications, he even underwent some magician training.

=== Technology ===
Batman utilizes a vast arsenal of specialized, high-tech vehicles and gadgets in his war against crime, the designs of which usually share a bat motif. Batman historian [[Les Daniels]] credits [[Gardner Fox]] with creating the concept of Batman's arsenal with the introduction of the utility belt in ''Detective Comics'' #29 (July 1939) and the first bat-themed weapons the [[batarang]] and the "Batgyro" in ''Detective Comics'' #31 and 32 (Sept. and October 1939).<ref name="vapzdg">{{harvp|Daniels|1999|p=29}}</ref>

;Personal armor
{{Main|Batsuit}}
Batman's [[batsuit]] aids in his combat against enemies, having the properties of both [[Kevlar]] and [[Nomex]]. It protects him from gunfire and other significant impacts, and incorporates the imagery of a bat in order to frighten criminals.<ref name="A1">{{harvp|Daniels|1999}}{{Page needed|date=February 2021}}</ref>

The details of the Batman costume change repeatedly through various decades, stories, media and artists' interpretations, but the most distinctive elements remain consistent: a scallop-hem cape; a cowl covering most of the face; a pair of bat-like ears; a stylized bat emblem on the chest; and the ever-present utility belt. His gloves typically feature three scallops that protrude from long, gauntlet-like cuffs, although in his earliest appearances he wore short, plain gloves without the scallops.<ref>{{harvp|Daniels|1999|p=98}}</ref> The overall look of the character, particularly the length of the cowl's ears and of the cape, varies greatly depending on the artist. Dennis O'Neil said, "We now say that Batman has two hundred suits hanging in the Batcave so they don't have to look the same&nbsp;...Everybody loves to draw Batman, and everybody wants to put their own spin on it."<ref>{{harvp|Daniels|1999|pp=159–60}}</ref>

Finger and Kane originally conceptualized Batman as having a black cape and cowl and grey suit, but conventions in coloring called for black to be highlighted with blue.<ref name="A1" /> Hence, the costume's colors have appeared in the comics as dark blue and grey;<ref name="A1" /> as well as black and grey. In the [[Tim Burton]]'s ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]'' and ''[[Batman Returns]]'' films, Batman has been depicted as completely black with a bat in the middle surrounded by a yellow background. [[Christopher Nolan]]'s ''[[The Dark Knight Trilogy]]'' depicted Batman wearing high-tech gear painted completely black with a black bat in the middle. [[Ben Affleck]]'s Batman in the [[DC Extended Universe]] films wears a suit grey in color with a black cowl, cape, and bat symbol. Seemingly following the suit of the DC Extended Universe outfit, [[Robert Pattinson]]'s uniform in ''[[The Batman (film)|The Batman]]'' restores the more traditional gray bodysuit and black appendage design, notably different from prior iterations by mostly utilizing real world armor and apparel pieces from modern military and motorcycle gear.

;Batmobile
{{Main|Batmobile}}
[[File:USD205998.png|thumb|The 1966 television Batmobile, built by [[George Barris (auto customizer)|George Barris]] from a [[Lincoln Futura]] [[concept car]]]]
Batman's primary vehicle is the [[Batmobile]], which is usually depicted as an imposing black car, often with [[Car tailfin|tailfins]] that suggest a bat's wings.

Batman also has an aircraft called the [[Batplane]] (originally a relatively traditionally, but bat-motifed plane, later seen as the much more unique "Batwing" starting in [[Batman (1989 film)|the 1989 film]]), along with various other means of transportation.

In proper practice, the "bat" prefix (as in Batmobile or batarang) is rarely used by Batman himself when referring to his equipment, particularly after some portrayals (primarily the 1960s [[Batman (TV series)|''Batman'' live-action television show]] and the ''[[Super Friends]]'' animated series) stretched the practice to [[Camp (style)|campy]] proportions. For example, the 1960s television show depicted a Batboat, [[Bat-Sub]], and Batcycle, among other bat-themed vehicles. The 1960s television series Batman has an arsenal that includes such "bat-" names as the Bat-computer, Bat-scanner, bat-radar, bat-cuffs, bat-pontoons, bat-drinking water dispenser, bat-camera with polarized bat-filter, bat-[[shark repellent]] bat-spray, and Bat-rope. The storyline "A Death in the Family" suggests that given Batman's grim nature, he is unlikely to have adopted the "bat" prefix on his own. In ''[[The Dark Knight Returns]]'', Batman tells [[Carrie Kelley]] that the original Robin came up with the name "Batmobile" when he was young, since that is what a kid would call Batman's vehicle.

The Batmobile, which was before frequently depicted to resemble a [[sports car]], was redesigned in 2011 when DC Comics [[The New 52|relaunched]] its entire line of comic books, with the Batmobile being given heavier armor and new aesthetics.

;Utility belt
{{Main|Batman's utility belt}}
Batman keeps most of his field equipment in his [[Batman's utility belt|utility belt]]. Over the years it has shown to contain an assortment of crime-fighting tools, weapons, and investigative and technological instruments. Different versions of the belt have these items stored in compartments, often as pouches or hard cylinders attached evenly around it.

Since [[Batman (1989 film)|the 1989 film]], Batman is often depicted as carrying a projectile which shoots a retractable grappling hook attached to a cable (before this, a he employed a traditionally thrown grappling hook.) This allows him to attach to distant objects, be propelled into the air, and thus swing from the rooftops of Gotham City.

An exception to the range of Batman's equipment are hand [[gun]]s, which he refuses to use on principle, since a gun was used in his parents' murder. In modern stories in terms of his vehicles, Batman compromises on that principle to install weapon systems on them for the purpose of non-lethally disabling other vehicles, forcing entry into locations and attacking dangerous targets too large to defeat by other means.

;Bat-Signal
{{Main|Bat-Signal}}
When Batman is needed, the Gotham City police activate a [[searchlight]] with a bat-shaped insignia over the lens called the Bat-Signal, which shines into the night sky, creating a bat-symbol on a passing cloud which can be seen from any point in Gotham. The origin of the signal varies, depending on the continuity and medium.

In various incarnations, most notably the 1960s [[Batman (TV series)|''Batman'' TV series]], Commissioner Gordon also has a dedicated phone line, dubbed the Bat-Phone, connected to a bright red telephone (in the TV series) which sits on a wooden base and has a transparent top. The line connects directly to Batman's residence, [[Wayne Manor]], specifically both to a similar phone sitting on the desk in Bruce Wayne's study and the extension phone in the Batcave.

;Batcave
{{Main|Batcave}}
The Batcave is Batman's secret headquarters, consisting of a series of caves beneath his mansion, [[Wayne Manor]]. As his command center, the Batcave serves multiple purposes; supercomputer, surveillance, redundant power-generators, forensics lab, medical infirmary, private study, training dojo, fabrication workshop, arsenal, hangar and garage. It houses the vehicles and equipment Batman uses in his campaign to fight crime. It is also a trophy room and storage facility for Batman's unique memorabilia collected over the years from various cases he has worked on.

In both the comic book ''[[Batman: Shadow of the Bat]]'' #45 and the 2005 film ''[[Batman Begins]]'', the cave is said to have been part of the [[Underground Railroad]].

== Fictional character biography ==
Batman's history has undergone many [[retroactive continuity]] revisions, both minor and major. Elements of the character's history have varied greatly. Scholars [[William Uricchio]] and Roberta E. Pearson noted in the early 1990s, "Unlike some fictional characters, the Batman has no primary urtext set in a specific period, but has rather existed in a plethora of equally valid texts constantly appearing over more than five decades."<ref>''Batman'' vol. 3 Annual #2 (January 2018)</ref>

=== 20th century ===

==== Origin ====
{{Main|Origin of Batman}}
[[File:Thomas Wayne 1939.png|thumb|right|[[Thomas Wayne|Thomas]] and [[Martha Wayne]] are shot by [[Joe Chill]] in ''Detective Comics'' #33 (November 1939), art by Bob Kane]]
The central fixed event in the Batman stories is the character's [[origin story]].<ref name="pearson pg 186" /> 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|Martha]], murdered with a gun by a mugger named [[Joe Chill]]. 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 its peak condition and fight crime in [[Gotham City]] as Batman. Pearson and Uricchio also noted beyond the origin story and such events as the introduction of Robin, "Until recently, the fixed and accruing and hence, canonized, events have been few in number",<ref name="pearson pg 186">Pearson; Uricchio. "'I'm Not Fooled By That Cheap Disguise.'" p. 186.</ref> a situation altered by an increased effort by later Batman editors such as Dennis O'Neil to ensure consistency and continuity between stories.<ref name="pearson pg 191">Pearson, p. 191.</ref>

==== Golden Age ====
{{See also|Batman (Earth-Two)}}
In Batman's first appearance in ''Detective Comics'' #27, he is already operating as a crime-fighter.<ref>{{cite comic|writer=[[Bill Finger]]|penciller=[[Bob Kane]]|story=The Case of the Chemical Syndicate|title=Detective Comics|issue=27|date=May 1939|publisher=DC Comics}}</ref> Batman's origin is first presented in ''Detective Comics'' #33 (November 1939) and is later expanded upon in ''Batman'' #47. As these comics state, Bruce Wayne is born to Dr. Thomas Wayne and his wife Martha, two very wealthy and charitable [[Gotham City]] socialites. Bruce is brought up in [[Wayne Manor]], and leads a happy and privileged existence until the age of 8, when his parents are killed by a small-time criminal named [[Joe Chill]] while on their way home from a movie theater. That night, Bruce Wayne swears an oath to spend his life fighting crime. He engages in intense intellectual and physical training; however, he realizes that these skills alone would not be enough. "Criminals are a superstitious cowardly lot", Wayne remarks, "so my disguise must be able to strike terror into their hearts. I must be a creature of the night, black, terrible&nbsp;..." As if responding to his desires, a [[bat]] suddenly flies through the window, inspiring Bruce to craft the Batman persona.<ref>{{cite comic|writer=Bill Finger|penciller=Bob Kane|story=The Batman Wars Against the Dirigible of Doom|title=Detective Comics|issue=33|date=November 1939|publisher=DC Comics}}</ref>

In early strips, Batman's career as a vigilante earns him the ire of the police. During this period, Bruce Wayne has a fiancé named [[Julie Madison]].<ref>She first appears in ''Detective Comics'' #31 (September 1939)</ref> In ''Detective Comics'' #38, Wayne takes in an orphaned circus acrobat, [[Dick Grayson]], who becomes his vigilante partner, [[Robin (character)|Robin]]. Batman also becomes a founding member of the [[Justice Society of America]],<ref>{{cite comic|writer=[[Paul Levitz]]|penciller=[[Joe Staton]]|story=The Untold Origin of the Justice Society |title=DC Special|issue=29|date=September 1977|publisher=DC Comics}}</ref> although he, like Superman, is an honorary member,<ref>{{cite comic|writer=[[Gardner Fox]]|penciller= |story= |title=[[All Star Comics]]|issue=3|date=Winter 1940/1941|publisher=DC Comics}}</ref> and thus only participates occasionally. Batman's relationship with the law thaws quickly, and he is made an honorary member of [[Gotham City Police Department|Gotham City's police department]].<ref>{{cite comic|writer=[[Bill Finger]]|penciller=[[Bob Kane]]|story=The People vs. the Batman|title=Batman|volume=1|issue=7|date=November 1941|publisher=DC Comics}}</ref> During this time, [[Alfred Pennyworth]] arrives at Wayne Manor, and after deducing the Dynamic Duo's secret identities, joins their service as their butler.<ref>''Batman'' #16 (May 1943); his original last name, Beagle, is revealed in ''Detective Comics'' #96 (February 1945)</ref>

==== Silver Age ====
The [[Silver Age of Comic Books]] in DC Comics is sometimes held to have begun in 1956 when the publisher introduced [[Barry Allen]] as a new, updated version of the [[Flash (DC Comics character)|Flash]]. Batman is not significantly changed by the late 1950s for the continuity which would be later referred to as [[Earth-One]]. The lighter tone Batman had taken in the period between the Golden and Silver Ages led to the stories of the late 1950s and early 1960s that often feature many science-fiction elements, and Batman is not significantly updated in the manner of other characters until ''Detective Comics'' #327 (May 1964), in which Batman reverts to his detective roots, with most science-fiction elements jettisoned from the series.

After the introduction of DC Comics' [[Multiverse (DC Comics)|Multiverse]] in the 1960s, DC established that stories from the Golden Age star the [[Batman (Earth-Two)|Earth-Two Batman]], a character from a parallel world. This version of Batman partners with and marries the reformed Earth-Two Catwoman (Selina Kyle). The two have a daughter, [[Huntress (Helena Wayne)|Helena Wayne]], who becomes the Huntress. She assumes the position as Gotham's protector along with Dick Grayson, the [[Robin (Earth-Two)|Earth-Two Robin]], once Bruce Wayne retires to become police commissioner. Wayne holds the position of police commissioner until he is killed during one final adventure as Batman. Batman titles, however, often ignored that a distinction had been made between the pre-revamp and post-revamp Batmen (since unlike the Flash or [[Green Lantern]], Batman comics had been published without interruption through the 1950s) and would occasionally make reference to stories from the Golden Age.<ref>One example is the Englehart/Rogers run of the late 1970s, which has editorial notes directing readers to issues such as ''Detective Comics'' #46 and ''Batman'' #1 and 59.</ref> Nevertheless, details of Batman's history were altered or expanded upon through the decades. Additions include meetings with a future Superman during his youth, his upbringing by his uncle Philip Wayne (introduced in ''Batman'' #208 (February 1969)) after his parents' death, and appearances of his father and himself as prototypical versions of Batman and Robin, respectively.<ref>{{cite comic|writer=[[Bill Finger]]|penciller=[[Sheldon Moldoff]]|story=The First Batman|title=Detective Comics|issue=235|date=September 1956|publisher=DC Comics}}</ref><ref>{{cite comic|writer=[[Edmond Hamilton]]|penciller=[[Dick Sprang]]|story=When Batman Was Robin|title=Detective Comics|issue=226|date=December 1955|publisher=DC Comics}}</ref> In 1980, then-editor [[Paul Levitz]] commissioned the ''Untold Legend of the Batman'' [[Limited series (comics)|miniseries]] to thoroughly chronicle Batman's origin and history.

Batman meets and regularly works with other heroes during the Silver Age, most notably Superman, whom he began regularly working alongside in a series of team-ups in ''[[World's Finest Comics]]'', starting in 1954 and continuing through the series' cancellation in 1986. Batman and Superman are usually depicted as close friends. As a founding member of the [[Justice League]] of America, Batman appears in its first story, in 1960's ''[[The Brave and the Bold]]'' #28. In the 1970s and 1980s, ''The Brave and the Bold'' became a Batman title, in which Batman teams up with a different [[DC Universe]] superhero each month.

==== Bronze Age ====
In 1969, Dick Grayson attends college as part of DC Comics' effort to revise the Batman comics. Additionally, Batman also moves from his mansion, [[Wayne Manor]] into a [[penthouse apartment]] atop the Wayne Foundation building in downtown Gotham City, in order to be closer to Gotham City's crime. In 1974's "Night of the Stalker" storyline, a diploma on the wall reveals Bruce Wayne as a graduate of [[Yale Law School]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Why Batman went to Yale|url=https://yalealumnimagazine.com/articles/3113-why-batman-went-to-yale|access-date=2020-08-15|website=yalealumnimagazine.com|language=en|archive-date=February 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213091414/https://yalealumnimagazine.com/articles/3113-why-batman-went-to-yale|url-status=live}}</ref> Batman spends the 1970s and early 1980s mainly working solo, with occasional team-ups with Robin or Batgirl. Batman's adventures also become somewhat darker and more grim during this period, depicting increasingly violent crimes, including the first appearance (since the early Golden Age) of the Joker as a homicidal [[Psychopathy|psychopath]], and the arrival of [[Ra's al Ghul]], a centuries-old terrorist who knows Batman's secret identity. In the 1980s, Dick Grayson becomes [[Nightwing]].<ref name="dc-ency">{{cite book | last = Beatty | first = Scott | contribution = Batman | editor-last = Dougall | editor-first = Alastair | title = The DC Comics Encyclopedia | pages = 40–44 | publisher = [[Dorling Kindersley]] | place = London | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-0-7566-4119-1}}</ref>

In the final issue of ''The Brave and the Bold'' in 1983, Batman quits the Justice League and forms a new group called the [[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]]. He serves as the team's leader until ''Batman and the Outsiders'' #32 (1986) and the comic subsequently changed its title.

==== Modern Age ====
After the 12-issue [[Limited series (comics)|miniseries]] ''Crisis on Infinite Earths'', DC Comics [[Retroactive continuity|retcon]]ned the histories of some major characters in an attempt at updating them for contemporary audiences. Frank Miller retold Batman's origin in the storyline "[[Batman: Year One|Year One]]" from ''Batman'' #404–407, which emphasizes a grittier tone in the character.<ref>{{cite book | last = Miller | first = Frank | author-link = Frank Miller| author2 = David Mazzucchelli |author3=Richmond Lewis | title =Batman: Year One | publisher = DC Comics| year = 1987 | page = 98 | isbn = 978-1-85286-077-6| author2-link = David Mazzucchelli | title-link = Batman: Year One }}</ref> Though the Earth-Two Batman is erased from history, many stories of Batman's Silver Age/Earth-One career (along with an amount of Golden Age ones) remain canonical in the post-''Crisis'' universe, with his origins remaining the same in essence, despite alteration. For example, Gotham's police are mostly corrupt, setting up further need for Batman's existence. The guardian Phillip Wayne is removed, leaving young Bruce to be raised by Alfred Pennyworth. Additionally, Batman is no longer a founding member of the Justice League of America, although he becomes leader for a short time of a new incarnation of the team launched in 1987. To help fill in the revised backstory for Batman following ''Crisis'', DC launched a new Batman title called ''[[Legends of the Dark Knight]]'' in 1989 and has published various miniseries and one-shot stories since then that largely take place during the "Year One" period.<ref name="ComicsVerseReview">{{cite web |last1=Matchett |first1=Glenn |title=Frank Miller's Batman Part One: YEAR ONE, or How Legends are Made |url=https://comicsverse.com/frank-millers-batman-part-one-year-one-or-how-legends-are-made/ |website=ComicsVerse |date=September 4, 2015 |access-date=May 30, 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008145746/https://comicsverse.com/frank-millers-batman-part-one-year-one-or-how-legends-are-made/ |archive-date=October 8, 2019}}</ref>

Subsequently, Batman begins exhibiting an excessive, reckless approach to his crimefighting, a result of the pain of losing [[Jason Todd]]. Batman works solo until the decade's close, when [[Tim Drake]] becomes the new Robin.<ref>{{cite comic|writer=[[Alan Grant (writer)|Alan Grant]]|penciller=[[Norm Breyfogle]]|story=Master of Fear|title=[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]|issue=457|date=December 1990|publisher=DC Comics}}</ref>

Many of the major Batman storylines since the 1990s have been intertitle crossovers that run for a number of issues. In 1993, DC published "[[Batman: Knightfall|Knightfall]]". During the storyline's first phase, the new villain Bane paralyzes Batman, leading Wayne to ask [[Jean-Paul Valley|Azrael]] to take on the role. After the end of "Knightfall", the storylines split in two directions, following both the Azrael-Batman's adventures, and Bruce Wayne's quest to become Batman once more. The story arcs realign in "KnightsEnd", as Azrael becomes increasingly violent and is defeated by a healed Bruce Wayne. Wayne hands the Batman mantle to Dick Grayson (then Nightwing) for an interim period, while Wayne trains for a return to the role.<ref>Dixon, Chuck. et al. "Batman: Prodigal". ''Batman'' #512–514, ''Batman: Shadow of the Bat'' #32–34, ''Detective Comics'' #679–681, ''Robin'' vol. 4 #11–13. New York: DC Comics, 1995.</ref>

The 1994 company-wide crossover storyline ''[[Zero Hour: Crisis in Time!]]'' changes aspects of DC continuity again, including those of Batman. Noteworthy among these changes is that the general populace and the criminal element now consider Batman an urban legend rather than a known force.

Batman once again becomes a member of the [[Justice League]] during Grant Morrison's 1996 relaunch of the series, titled ''JLA''. During this time, Gotham City faces catastrophe in the decade's closing crossover arc. In 1998's "[[Batman: Cataclysm|Cataclysm]]" storyline, Gotham City is devastated by an earthquake and ultimately cut off from the United States. Deprived of many of his technological resources, Batman fights to reclaim the city from legions of gangs during 1999's "[[No Man's Land (comics)|No Man's Land]]".

Meanwhile, Batman's relationship with the Gotham City Police Department changed for the worse with the events of "Batman: Officer Down" and "Batman: War Games/War Crimes"; Batman's long-time law enforcement allies Commissioner Gordon and [[Harvey Bullock (character)|Harvey Bullock]] are forced out of the police department in "Officer Down", while "War Games" and "War Crimes" saw Batman become a wanted fugitive after a contingency plan of his to neutralize Gotham City's criminal underworld is accidentally triggered, resulting in a massive gang war that ends with [[Black Mask (character)|Black Mask]] becoming the undisputed ruler of the city's criminal gangs. [[Lex Luthor]] arranges for the murder of Batman's on-again, off-again love interest Vesper Fairchild (introduced in the mid-1990s) during the "Bruce Wayne: Murderer?" and "[[Bruce Wayne: Fugitive]]" story arcs. Though Batman is able to clear his name, he loses another ally in the form of his new bodyguard [[Sasha Bordeaux]], who is recruited into the organization [[Checkmate (comics)|Checkmate]] while stuck in prison due to her refusal to turn state's evidence against her employer. While he was unable to prove that Luthor was behind the murder of Vesper, Batman does get his revenge with help from [[Talia al Ghul]] in ''[[Superman/Batman]]'' #1–6.

=== 21st century ===

==== 2000s ====
DC Comics' 2005 [[Limited series (comics)|miniseries]] ''[[Identity Crisis (DC Comics)|Identity Crisis]]'' reveals that JLA member [[Zatanna]] had edited Batman's memories to prevent him from stopping the Justice League from [[Lobotomy|lobotomizing]] [[Doctor Light (Arthur Light)|Dr. Light]] after he raped [[Sue Dibny]]. Batman later creates the satellite surveillance system Brother Eye to watch over and, if necessary, kill the other heroes after he remembered. The revelation of Batman's creation and his tacit responsibility for [[Ted Kord|Blue Beetle]]'s death becomes a driving force in the lead-up to the ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'' miniseries, which again restructures DC continuity. Batman and a team of superheroes destroy Brother Eye and the [[OMACs]], though, at the very end, Batman reaches his apparent breaking point when [[Alexander Luthor Jr.]] seriously wounds Nightwing. Picking up a gun, Batman nearly shoots Luthor in order to avenge his former sidekick, until Wonder Woman convinces him to not pull the trigger.

Following ''Infinite Crisis'', Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson (having recovered from his wounds), and Tim Drake retrace the steps Bruce had taken when he originally left Gotham City, to "rebuild Batman".<ref>''Infinite Crisis'' #7, p. 32</ref> In the ''[[Batman: Face the Face|Face the Face]]'' storyline, Batman and Robin return to Gotham City after their year-long absence. Part of this absence is captured during Week 30 of the ''[[52 (comics)|52]]'' series, which shows Batman fighting his inner demons.<ref>''52'' #30</ref> Later on in ''52'', Batman is shown undergoing an intense [[Transcendental meditation|meditation]] ritual in [[Nanda Parbat]]. This becomes an important part of the regular ''Batman'' title, which reveals that Batman is reborn as a more effective crime fighter while undergoing this ritual, having "hunted down and ate" the last traces of fear in his mind.<ref>''Batman'' #673</ref><ref>''Batman'' #681</ref> At the end of the "Face the Face" story arc, Bruce officially adopts Tim (who had lost both of his parents at various points in the character's history) as his son.<ref>{{cite comic|writer=[[James Dale Robinson|James Robinson]]|penciller=[[Don Kramer]]|story=Face the Face – Conclusion|title=[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]|issue=654|date=August 2006|publisher=DC Comics}}</ref> The follow-up story arc in ''Batman'', ''[[Batman and Son]]'', introduces [[Damian Wayne]], who is Batman's son with [[Talia al Ghul]]. Although originally, in ''[[Batman: Son of the Demon]]'', Bruce's coupling with Talia was implied to be consensual, this arc retconned it into Talia forcing herself on Bruce.<ref>''Batman'' #656 (October 2006):<br />Bruce: "I remember being drugged senseless and refusing to co-operate in some depraved eugenics experiment."<br />Talia: "Believe me, you cooperated&nbsp;...magnificently."</ref>

Batman, along with Superman and Wonder Woman, reforms the Justice League in the new ''Justice League of America'' series,<ref>{{cite comic|writer=[[Brad Meltzer]]|penciller=[[Ed Benes]]|story=The Tornado's Path|title=[[Justice League]] of America vol. 2|issue=1|date=August 2006|publisher=DC Comics}}</ref> and is leading the newest incarnation of the [[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]].<ref>{{cite comic|writer=[[Chuck Dixon]]|penciller=Julian Lopex|title=[[Outsiders (comics)|Batman and the Outsiders vol. 2]]|issue=1|date=November 2007|publisher=DC Comics}}</ref>

[[Grant Morrison]]'s 2008 storyline, "[[Batman R.I.P.]]" featured Batman being physically and mentally broken by the enigmatic villain [[Simon Hurt|Doctor Hurt]] and attracted news coverage in advance of its highly promoted conclusion, which would speculated to feature the death of Bruce Wayne.<ref name="INDY">{{Cite web|author-last1=Adams|author-first1=Guy|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/holy-smoke-batman-are-you-dead-1038882.html|title=Holy smoke, Batman! Are you dead?|date=November 28, 2008 |work=[[The Independent]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201055030/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/holy-smoke-batman-are-you-dead-1038882.html|archive-date=1 December 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> However, though Batman is shown to possibly perish at the end of the arc, the two-issue arc "Last Rites", which leads into the crossover storyline "[[Final Crisis]]", shows that Batman survives his helicopter crash into the Gotham City River and returns to the Batcave, only to be summoned to the Hall of Justice by the JLA to help investigate the [[New Gods|New God]] [[Orion (character)|Orion]]'s death. The story ends with Batman retrieving the god-killing bullet used to kill Orion, setting up its use in "Final Crisis".<ref name="deadatlast">[https://web.archive.org/web/20090117082040/http://www.newsarama.com/comics/010915-Batman-RIP-Finally.html Newsarama: "Batman R.I.P. – Finally?"] January 15, 2009 </ref> In the pages of ''Final Crisis'' Batman is reduced to a charred skeleton.<ref>{{cite comic|writer=[[Grant Morrison]]|penciller=[[J. G. Jones]]|story=How to Murder the Earth|title=Final Crisis|issue=6|date=January 2009|publisher=DC Comics}}</ref> In ''Final Crisis'' #7, Wayne is shown witnessing the death of the first man, [[Anthro (comics)|Anthro]].<ref>{{cite comic|writer=[[Grant Morrison]]|title=Final Crisis|issue=7|date=January 2009|publisher=DC Comics}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Grant Morrison: Final Crisis Exit Interview, Part 2 |url=http://newsarama.com/comics/020904-Grant-FC2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207033629/http://newsarama.com/comics/020904-Grant-FC2.html |archive-date=February 7, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=June 7, 2009 }}</ref> Wayne's "death" sets up the three-issue ''[[Batman: Battle for the Cowl|Battle for the Cowl]]'' miniseries in which Wayne's ex-proteges compete for the "right" to assume the role of Batman, which concludes with Grayson becoming Batman,<ref>{{cite comic|writer=[[Tony Daniel]]|title=Battle for the Cowl|issue=3|date=May 2009|publisher=DC Comics}}</ref> while Tim Drake takes on the identity of the [[Red Robin (identity)|Red Robin]].<ref>{{cite comic|writer=[[Chris Yost]]|title=Red Robin|issue=1|date=August 2009|publisher=DC Comics}}</ref> Dick and Damian continue as Batman and Robin, and in the crossover storyline "[[Blackest Night]]", what appears to be Wayne's corpse is reanimated as a [[Black Lantern Corps|Black Lantern]] [[zombie]],<ref>{{cite comic|writer=[[Geoff Johns]]|title=Blackest Night|issue=0|date=June 2009|publisher=DC Comics}}</ref> but is later shown that the corpse is one of Darkseid's failed Batman clones. Dick and Batman's other friends conclude that Bruce is alive.<ref>{{cite comic|writer=Grant Morrison|title=[[Batman and Robin (comic book)|Batman and Robin]]|issue=7|date=January 2010|publisher=DC Comics}}</ref><ref>{{cite comic|writer=[[Grant Morrison]]|title=[[Batman and Robin (comic book)|Batman and Robin]]|issue=8|date=February 2010|publisher=DC Comics}}</ref>

==== 2010s ====
Bruce subsequently returned in Morrison's miniseries ''[[Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne]]'', which depicted his travels through time from [[prehistory]] to present-day Gotham.<ref name="USAToday">{{cite news|first=John |last=Geddes |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2009-12-09-morrison-bruce-wayne-st_N.htm |title=Grant Morrison on return of original Batman |work=[[USA Today]] |date=December 9, 2009 |access-date=December 10, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212235048/http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2009-12-09-morrison-bruce-wayne-st_N.htm |archive-date=December 12, 2009 }}</ref><ref name="Source">{{cite web |first=Alex |last=Segura |url=http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2009/12/09/dcu-in-2010-the-return-of-bruce-wayne-hits-in-april/ |title=DCU in 2010: The Return of Bruce Wayne hits in April |publisher=DC Comics |date=December 9, 2009 |access-date=December 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213044258/http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2009/12/09/dcu-in-2010-the-return-of-bruce-wayne-hits-in-april/ |archive-date=December 13, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="SourceBatmanMay">{{cite web|url=http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2010/02/11/take-an-early-look-at-batman-titles-for-may/#more-7397 |title=Batman solicitations for May 2010 at DC's The Source |publisher=DC Comics |date=February 11, 2010 |access-date=June 17, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306090923/http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2010/02/11/take-an-early-look-at-batman-titles-for-may/ |archive-date=March 6, 2012 }}</ref> Bruce's return set up ''[[Batman Incorporated]]'', an ongoing series which focused on Wayne franchising the Batman identity across the globe, allowing Dick and Damian to continue as Gotham's Dynamic Duo. Bruce publicly announced that Wayne Enterprises will aid Batman on his mission, known as "Batman, Incorporated". However, due to rebooted continuity that occurred as part of DC Comics' 2011 relaunch of all of its comic books, ''[[The New 52]]'', Dick Grayson was restored as Nightwing with Wayne serving as the sole Batman once again. The relaunch also interrupted the publication of ''Batman, Incorporated'', which resumed its story in 2012–2013 with changes to suit the new status quo.

=== The New 52 ===
During ''The New 52'', all of DC's continuity was reset and the timeline was changed, making Batman the first superhero to emerge. This emergence took place during ''Zero Year'', where Bruce Wayne returns to Gotham and becomes Batman, fighting the original Red Hood<ref>{{Cite book|last=Snyder|first=Scott|title=Batman Vol. 4: Zero Year- Secret City|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref> and the Riddler.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Snyder|first=Scott|title=Batman Vol 5: Zero Year- Dark City|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref> In the present day, Batman discovers the [[Court of Owls]], a secret organization operating in Gotham for decades.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Snyder|first=Scott|title=Batman Vol. 1: The Court of Owls|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref> Batman somewhat defeats the Court by defeating Owlman,<ref>{{Cite book|last=Snyder|first=Scott|title=Batman Vol. 2: The City of Owls|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref> although the Court continues to operate on a smaller scale.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Snyder|first=Scott|title=Batman Vol. 10: Epilogue|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref> The Joker returns after losing the skin on his face (as shown in the opening issue of the second volume of ''Detective Comics'') and attempts to kill the Batman's allies, though he is stopped by Batman.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Snyder|first=Scott|title=Batman Vol. 3: Death of the Family|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref> After some time, Joker returns again, and both he and Batman die while fighting each other. [[Jim Gordon (character)|Jim Gordon]] temporarily becomes Batman, using a high-tech suit, while it is revealed that an amnesiac Bruce Wayne is still alive.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}} Gordon attempts to fight a new villain called [[Mr. Bloom]], while Wayne, regains his memories with the help of [[Alfred Pennyworth]] and [[Julie Madison]]. Once with his memories, Wayne becomes Batman again and defeats Bloom with the help of Gordon.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}}

=== DC Rebirth ===
[[File:Batman Detective Comics 1000 Variant.jpg|thumb|upright|200px|Batman on the variant cover of ''Detective Comics''#1000 (May 2019). Art by [[Jason Fabok]].]]
The timeline was reset again during ''Rebirth'', although no significant changes were made to the Batman mythos. {{citation needed|date=March 2022}} Batman meets two new superheroes operating in Gotham named Gotham and Gotham Girl. [[Psycho-Pirate]] gets into Gotham's head and turns against Batman, and is finally defeated when he is killed. This event is very traumatic for Gotham Girl and she begins to lose her sanity.<ref>{{Cite book|last=King|first=Tom|title=Batman Vol. 1: I Am Gotham|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref>

Batman forms his own [[Suicide Squad]], including Catwoman, and attempts to take down [[Bane (DC Comics)|Bane]]. The mission is successful, and Batman breaks Bane's back.<ref>{{Cite book|last=King|first=Tom|title=Batman Vol. 2: I Am Suicide|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref> Batman proposes to Catwoman.

After healing from his wounds, an angry Bane travels to Gotham, where he fights Batman and loses.<ref>{{Cite book|last=King|first=Tom|title=Batman Vol. 3: I Am Bane|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref> Batman then tells Catwoman about the War of Jokes and Riddles, and she agrees to marry him.<ref>{{Cite book|last=King|first=Tom|title=Batman Vol. 4: The War of Jokes and Riddles|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref> Bane takes control of Arkham Asylum and manipulates Catwoman into leaving Wayne before the wedding.<ref>{{Cite book|last=King|first=Tom|title=Batman Vol. 7: The Wedding|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref> This causes Wayne to become very angry, and, as Batman, lashes out against criminals, nearly killing Mr. Freeze.<ref>{{Cite book|last=King|first=Tom|title=Batman Vol. 8: Cold Days|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref>

Batman learns of Bane's control over Arkham and teams up with the Penguin to stop him.<ref>{{Cite book|last=King|first=Tom|title=Batman Vol. 9: The Tyrant Wing|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref> Bane captures Batman, and Scarecrow causes him to hallucinate, although he eventually breaks free.<ref>{{Cite book|last=King|first=Tom|title=Batman Vol. 10: Knightmares|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref> Batman escapes and reunites with Catwoman, while Bane captures and kills Alfred Pennyworth. Batman returns and defeats Bane, although too late to save Alfred. Gotham Girl prompts him to marry Catwoman.<ref>{{Cite book|last=King|first=Tom|title=Batman Vol. 13: The City of Bane Part 2|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref>

It is revealed that the Joker who was working for Bane was [[Clayface]] in disguise. The real Joker has been plotting a master plan to take over Gotham. This plan comes to fruition during ''The Joker War'', in which Joker takes over the city. Batman defeats the Joker who vanishes after an explosion.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Tynion IV|first=James|title=Batman Vol. 2: The Joker War|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref> [[Ghost-Maker]], an enemy from Batman's past, appears in Gotham, and, after a battle, becomes a sort of ally to Batman.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Tynion IV|first=James|title=Batman Vol. 3: Ghost Stories|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref> A new group called the Magistrate rises up in Gotham, led by Simon Saint, whose goal is to outlaw vigilantes such as Batman. At the same time, Scarecrow returns,<ref>{{Cite book|last=Tynion IV|first=James|title=Batman Vol. 4: The Cowardly Lot|publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref> fighting Batman. During ''Fear State'', Batman battles and defeats both Scarecrow and the Magistrate's Peacekeepers.

== Other versions ==
{{Main article|Alternative versions of Batman}}
The character of Batman has been portrayed in numerous alternative versions across various media since his debut in 1939. These adaptations explore different facets and interpretations of the character.

In ''[[Smallville]]'', Bruce Wayne adopts the Batman persona in 2001, later teaming up with Superman and other superheroes.<ref>''Smallville: Season 11'' #6-9</ref> [[Frank Miller]]'s influential series, "[[The Dark Knight Returns]]", reimagines Batman as an older, more hardened vigilante, coming out of retirement to fight crime in a dystopian future.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Comics Reviews, News, Heroes, Villains, Superheroes & Toys |url=https://www.ign.com/comics |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

In the ''[[Injustice: Gods Among Us]]'' universe, Batman leads a resistance against a tyrannical Superman who has taken control of Earth.

The [[DC Comics Bombshells|''DC Bombshells'']] series sets Batman in a [[World War II]]-era context, with Bruce Wayne taking inspiration from Batwoman to become the masked hero. The "Dark Multiverse" introduces various twisted versions of Batman, such as [[The Batman Who Laughs]], a hybrid of Batman and the Joker, and Red Death, a fusion of Batman and the Flash.

Other notable reimaginings include ''[[JLA/Avengers]]'', where Batman appears in a crossover with [[Avengers (comics)|Marvel's Avengers]]; [[Stan Lee]]'s [[Just Imagine...|''Just Imagine'']], which offers a completely different origin for Batman; and "Kingdom Come", where an older Batman operates in a dystopian future alongside other aged superheroes.

In "Superman: American Alien", Bruce Wayne's journey is retold with significant differences, and "Batman: White Knight" explores a reality where the Joker is cured of his insanity and seeks to expose Batman as the true villain of Gotham. These various adaptations and reinterpretations highlight the versatility and enduring appeal of Batman as a character, allowing for a rich exploration of his mythology across different narratives and settings.

== In popular culture ==
{{Main article|Batman in popular culture}}
Batman has ascended to the status of a [[Popular culture|global pop culture]] phenomenon, transcending his origins in comic books. His influence expanded notably with the release of the 1989 film, which propelled him to the forefront of public consciousness through widespread merchandising. ''[[The Guardian]]'' describes Batman as emblematic of the constant reinvention characteristic of modern mass culture, embodying both iconic status and commercial appeal, making him a quintessential cultural artifact of the 21st century.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Finkelstein |first1=David |last2=Macfarlane |first2=Ross |date=March 15, 1999 |title=Batman's big birthday |url=https://www.theguardian.com/g2/story/0,,314504,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080114031758/http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0%2C%2C314504%2C00.html |archive-date=January 14, 2008 |access-date=June 19, 2007 |work=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref>

===Media appearances===
{{Main|Batman (franchise){{!}}''Batman'' (franchise)}}

Apart from comics, Batman's presence spans various mediums, including newspapers, radio dramas, television, stage, and film. From the 1940s serials to contemporary TV shows like ''[[Gotham (TV series)|Gotham]]'' and ''[[Titans (2018 TV series)|Titans]]'', Batman's legacy endures. Celebrating the character's 75th anniversary, Warner Bros released ''[[Batman: Strange Days]]'', showcasing his timeless appeal.<ref>{{harvp|Daniels|1999|p=50}}</ref>

In September 2024, Batman become the first superhero to be given a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]]. It was the 2,790th star.<ref>{{Cite web |last=nrueda |date=2024-09-26 |title=Batman becomes first superhero with star on Hollywood Walk of Fame |url=https://usa.inquirer.net/157489/batman-becomes-first-superhero-with-star-on-hollywood-walk-of-fame |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=INQUIRER.net USA |language=en}}</ref>

==== Criticism ====
Batman has been criticized by fans for the extreme changes in tone and style between different iterations of the character in the franchise.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Glazebrook |first=Lewis |date=2023-10-10 |title=Why Batman's Most Consistent Movie Complaint Is Actually Great For The DCU's Reboot |url=https://screenrant.com/batman-tone-complaint-dcu-reboot-good/ |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref>

=== Different interpretations ===
{{Further|Homosexuality in the Batman franchise|Batman in popular culture#Psychological interpretation}}
Gay interpretations of Batman have been studied academically since psychologist [[Fredric Wertham]]'s claims in 1954.<ref>Wertham, Fredric. ''Seduction of the Innocent''. Rinehart and Company, Inc., 1954. pp. 189–90.

For discussion of Wertham's impact see Brooker (2001).</ref> Andy Medhurst and Will Brooker have explored Batman's appeal to gay audiences and the validity of a queer reading.<ref>Medhurst, Andy. "Batman, Deviance, and Camp." ''The Many Lives of the Batman: Critical Approaches to a Superhero and His Media''. Routledge: London, 1991. {{ISBN|978-0-85170-276-6}}, p. 150.</ref> Meanwhile, in [[Psychology|psychological]] interpretations, Dr. Travis Langley sees Batman as representing the "shadow archetype", confronting inner darkness to fight evil, according to Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell's theories. Langley's analysis adds depth to Batman's psychological complexity.<ref name="Langley">Langley, Travis. ''Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight''. John Wiley & Sons; 1st edition, 2012, {{ISBN|1-118-16765-1}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Sources ==
{{Refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite book|last=Beatty|first=Scott|title=The Batman Handbook: The Ultimate Training Manual|publisher=Quirk Books|year=2005|isbn=978-1-59474-023-7}}
* {{cite book|last=Boichel|first=Bill|year=1991|chapter=Batman: Commodity as Myth |title=The Many Lives of the Batman: Critical Approaches to a Superhero and His Media |publisher=Routledge |place=London |isbn=978-0-85170-276-6}}
* {{cite book|author-link=Les Daniels|last=Daniels|first=Les|year=1999|title=Batman: The Complete History|publisher=Chronicle Books|isbn=978-0-8118-2470-5}}
* {{cite book|last=Daniels|first=Les|title=DC Comics: Sixty Years of the World's Favorite Comic Book Heroes|publisher=Bulfinch|year=1995|isbn=978-0-8212-2076-4}}
* {{cite book|last=Daniels|first=Les|title=DC Comics: A Celebration of the World's Favorite Comic Book Heroes|publisher=Billboard Books/Watson-Guptill Publications|date=2003|isbn=978-0-8230-7919-3}}
* {{cite book|last=Daniels|first=Les|title=Batman: The Complete History: The Life and Times of the Dark Knight|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=73wknu2cVIkC|date=April 2004|publisher=Chronicle Books |isbn=978-0-8118-4232-7|access-date=November 8, 2020}}
* {{cite book|editor1-last=Pearson|editor1-first=Roberta E.|editor2-last=Uricchio|editor2-first=William|title=The Many Lives of the Batman: Critical Approaches to a Superhero and His Media|publisher=Routledge|location=London|year=1991|isbn=978-0-85170-276-6}}
* {{cite book|last=Wright|first=Bradford W.|title=Comic Book Nation: The Transformation of Youth Culture in America|publisher=The Johns Hopkins University Press|year=2001|isbn=978-0-8018-6514-5|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/comicbooknationt00wrig}}
{{Refend}}

== Further reading ==
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book|author-link=Gerard Jones|last=Jones|first=Gerard|title=Men of Tomorrow: Geeks, Gangsters, and the Birth of the Comic Book|publisher=Basic Books|year=1995|isbn=978-0-465-03657-8|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/menoftomorrowgee0000jone}}
{{Refend}}

== External links ==
{{sister project links|d=Q2695156|c=Category:Batman|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|s=no|wikt=no|species=no}}
* {{official website}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121130190321/http://www.dcuguide.com/who.php?name=batman Batman Bio at the Unofficial Guide to the DC Universe]
* {{DCdatabase|Batman}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121025171907/http://www.comicsinventory.com/Search/Title/01b8774d-ecd5-4843-b456-9bf100018b07 Batman (1940–present) Comics Inventory]

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