Batman
Origins
Batman is a fictional character, a 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. Originally named "the Bat-Man," the character is also referred to by such epithets as the Caped Crusader, the Dark Knight, and the World's Greatest Detective.
Batman's secret identity is Bruce Wayne, a wealthy American playboy, philanthropist, and owner of Wayne Enterprises. After witnessing the murder of his parents Dr. Thomas Wayne and Martha Wayne as a child, he swore vengeance against criminals, an oath tempered by a sense of justice. Wayne trains himself physically and intellectually and crafts a bat-inspired persona to fight crime.
Characterization
Batman's character is complex and layered, with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to justice. He is often portrayed as having a genius-level intellect, physical prowess, detective skills, discipline, and an indomitable will. He is an expert in martial arts, having mastered 127 styles of combat, and is also a master of disguise, often using this skill to infiltrate criminal organizations and gather information.
Batman's character is heavily influenced by his childhood trauma, the murder of his parents. This event drives his relentless pursuit of justice and his refusal to kill or use guns. Batman's strict code against killing has varied over time and has been a source of internal and external conflict in the stories.
Supporting Characters
Batman is often depicted as operating in the city of Gotham, assisted by various supporting characters including his butler Alfred Pennyworth, the police commissioner Jim Gordon, and vigilante allies such as Robin and Batgirl. He fights an assortment of villains, often referred to as the "rogues gallery," which includes the Joker, the Penguin, the Riddler, Two-Face, Ra's al Ghul, Bane, Poison Ivy, and Catwoman, among others.
Themes
Batman stories often involve themes of fear, guilt, revenge, and responsibility. The character is often depicted as dealing with the trauma of the murder of his parents, which leads him to become a vigilante. Batman's drive to punish criminals can be seen as a form of self-punishment for not being able to prevent his parents' deaths.
Cultural Impact
Batman has become a cultural icon since his introduction, and has been featured in various media aside from comic books. These include television series, movies, video games, and merchandise. The character has also been used as an allegory for issues in society and has been analyzed in numerous academic works.
See Also
- DC Comics - Superman - Justice League
