Batman (character)

Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in the 27th issue of the comic book Detective Comics on March 30, 1939. In the DC Universe continuity, Batman is the alias of Bruce Wayne, a wealthy American playboy, philanthropist, and owner of Wayne Enterprises based in Gotham City. Kane, Finger, and future DC writers accompanied Batman with supporting characters, including his sidekicks Robin and Batgirl, allies Alfred Pennyworth, James Gordon and Catwoman, and foes such as the Penguin, the Riddler, the Scarecrow, and his archenemy, the Joker. Batman's origin story features him swearing vengeance against criminals after witnessing the murder of his parents Thomas and Martha; he trains himself physically and intellectually, crafts a bat-inspired persona, and monitors the Gotham streets at night.

Kane conceived Batman in early 1939 to capitalize on the popularity of DC's Superman; although Kane frequently claimed sole creation credit, Finger substantially developed the concept from a generic superhero into something more bat-like. The character received his own spin-off publication, Batman, in 1940. Batman was originally introduced as a ruthless vigilante who frequently killed or maimed criminals, but evolved into a character with a stringent moral code and strong sense of justice. Unlike most superheroes, Batman does not possess any superpowers, instead relying on his intellect, fighting skills, and wealth. The 1960s Batman television series used a camp aesthetic, which continued to be associated with the character for years after the show ended. Various creators worked to return the character to his darker roots in the 1970s and 1980s, culminating with the 1986 miniseries The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller.

DC has featured Batman in many comic books, including comics published under its imprints such as Vertigo and Black Label. 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. In addition to Bruce Wayne, other characters have taken on the Batman persona on different occasions, such as Jean-Paul Valley / Azrael in the 1993–1994 "Knightfall" story arc and Dick Grayson, the first Robin, for a three-year period from 2009 to 2011. DC has also published comics featuring alternate versions of Batman, including the incarnation seen in The Dark Knight Returns and its successors, the incarnation from the Flashpoint (2011) event, and numerous interpretations from Elseworlds stories.

One of the most iconic characters in popular culture, Batman has been listed among the greatest comic book superheroes and fictional characters ever created. He is one of the most commercially successful superheroes, and his likeness has been licensed and featured in various media and merchandise sold around the world; this includes toy lines such as Lego Batman and video games like the Batman: Arkham series. Batman has been adapted in live-action and animated incarnations, including the 1960s Batman television series played by Adam West and in films by Michael Keaton in Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), Christian Bale in The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005–2012), Ben Affleck in the DC Extended Universe (2016–present) and Robert Pattinson in The Batman (2022). Kevin Conroy, Jason O'Mara, and Will Arnett, among others, have provided the character's voice.

Iago PUC's ideas

 * Batman is a main character in Justice League: Battle for the Multiverse, voiced again by Jason O'Mara.
 * Along with the main universe's Batman, the film also features alternate versions of Batman including the ones from the DC Extended Universe and Arkhamverse (both also voiced by O'Mara). Mecha Batman and the Kirk Langstrom of Batman from Gods and Monsters are voiced by Troy Baker. The Thomas Wayne version of Batman from the Flashpoint continuity and Batman's Earth-3 counterpart Owlman are voiced by Steve Blum. A pos-credit scene features the Terry McGinnis version of Batman from Batman Beyond (voiced by a uncredited Jason Spisak) briefly meeting the 1966 Batman (reprised by Adam West through archive audio dialogue) in his dimension.
 * Batman appears as a main playable character in Marvel/DC Heroes Unite!, voiced again by Kevin Conroy. He and the featured DC superheroes team up with the Marvel heroes and the Rookie hero/heroine to defeat Thanoseid. He and other experienced heroes (consisting of Superman, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man and Captain Marvel) acts as mentors for the Rookie.
 * The Terry McGinnis version of Batman is a DLC playable character, voiced again by Will Friedle. He is one of the two protagonists of the DLC chapter "Future Front", alongside Miguel O'Hara the 2099 Spider-Man, with whom he teams up against the Symbiote-mutated Jokerz.
 * Batman appears in Comic Con Incorporated. He is one of the titular fictional hotel's owners along with Iron Man, Stan Lee and Hiram Lodge.
 * Batman is a supporting playable character in Lego Teen Titans, voiced again by Kevin Conroy.

Coolot1's ideas

 * Batman is a main character in DC: Unlimited Rebirth, voiced by Christopher Corey Smith.

Wallygoat7's ideas

 * Batman is a main character in the DCMU, headlining his own film and his own series.

Joint ideas

 * Batman is featured in Batman: Master Detective, voiced by Sam Witwer.