Batman

Batman is a superhero that appears in DC Comics' American comic books. On March 30, 1939, the character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger and debuted in the 27th issue of the comic book Detective Comics. In the DC Universe, Batman is the alter ego of Bruce Wayne, a wealthy American playboy, philanthropist, and industrialist based in Gotham City.

After witnessing the murder of his parents, Thomas and Martha, Batman swears vengeance on criminals in his origin narrative, a vendetta tempered by the ideal of justice. He works out physically and mentally, creates a bat-inspired identity, and patrols the Gotham streets at night. Kane, Finger, and other creators accompanied Batman with sidekicks Robin and Batgirl; allies Alfred Pennyworth, James Gordon, and Catwoman; and enemies such as the Penguin, the Riddler, Two-Face, and his archenemy the Joker.

Unlike most superheroes, Batman lacks superpowers and must rely on his wits, combat skills, and riches. The 1960s Batman television series employed a camp aesthetic that was linked with the character for many years after the show ended. Various creators tried in the 1970s and 1980s to return the character to his darker beginnings, culminating in Frank Miller's 1986 miniseries The Dark Knight Returns.

Batman, one of the most recognizable characters in popular culture, has been named one of the greatest comic book superheroes and fictional characters ever created. He is one of the most commercially successful superheroes, and his image has been licensed and used in a variety of media and items sold all over the world, including toy lines like Lego Batman and computer games like the Batman: Arkham series. Batman has been adapted in both live-action and animation forms.

Publisher: DC Comics
First appearance: Detective Comics #27
Created by: Bob Kane and Bill Finger