Who is Batman?
Batman is a DC Comics superhero created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. He first appeared in Detective Comics #27 in May 1939.
Batman is the secret identity of Bruce Wayne, a billionaire from Gotham City. As a child, he saw his parents murdered by a robber, and he vowed to fight crime. Unlike many superheroes, Batman has no superpowers. He relies on his intelligence, detective skills, martial arts training, wealth and high-tech gadgets.
Batman is helped by his loyal butler Alfred Pennyworth, police commissioner James Gordon and sidekicks such as Robin. He faces some of comics' most famous villains, including the Joker, Catwoman, the Penguin, the Riddler and Two-Face. He works from the Batcave beneath Wayne Manor and drives the Batmobile.
On screen
Batman has been played by many actors, including Adam West in the 1960s TV series, Michael Keaton, Christian Bale and Robert Pattinson. Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight in 2008 is one of the most acclaimed superhero films ever, with Heath Ledger winning an Oscar for playing the Joker.
Did You Know?
For decades, Bob Kane received sole credit for creating Batman. DC began officially crediting Bill Finger as co-creator in 2015.