Batman, also known as Bruce Wayne, is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and first appeared in Detective Comics #27 in 1939. Batman is also referred to by several nicknames, such as the Caped Crusader, the Dark Knight, and the World’s Greatest Detective.
Batman’s secret identity is Bruce Wayne, a wealthy American industrialist. As a child, Bruce witnessed the murder of his parents, Dr. Thomas Wayne and Martha Wayne, which led him to train himself to the peak of physical and intellectual perfection and craft a bat-inspired persona to fight crime.
Unlike most superheroes, Batman does not possess any superpowers; rather, he relies on his genius intellect, physical prowess, martial arts abilities, detective skills, science and technology, vast wealth, intimidation, and indomitable will. A large assortment of villains make up Batman’s rogues gallery, including his archenemy, the Joker.
The character became popular soon after his introduction in 1939 and gained his own comic book title, Batman, the following year. As the decades went on, differing interpretations of the character emerged. The late 1960s Batman television series used a camp aesthetic, which continued to be associated with the character for years after the show ended.
Various creators worked to return the character to his dark roots, culminating in 1986 with The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller. The success of Warner Bros. Pictures’ live-action Batman feature films have helped maintain the character’s prominence in mainstream culture.
Batman’s character and origin story have been revised many times over the years, but the themes of justice, fear, and vengeance remain at the heart of the character’s narrative. His story continues to inspire millions around the world, embodying the potential for greatness and goodness in all of us.