BATMAN CHARACTER PROFILE
Batman, one of the most iconic superheroes in the world, has a rich and complex history that spans over eight decades. Over the years, Batman’s character origins have evolved through various comic book eras and adaptations, with each retelling adding new layers to the already intricate tale.
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| REAL NAME | Bruce Wayne |
| CREATED BY | Bill Finger (Writer) Bob Kane (Artist) |
| FIRST APPEARANCE | Detective Comics #27 (May 1939) |
| ABILITIES | Genius-level intellect Master detective Expert in martial arts and hand-to-hand combat Master tactician The ability to use high-tech equipment and gadgets |
| PUBLISHER | DC Comics |
THE ORIGINS OF THE DARK KNIGHT
Batman made his debut in Detective Comics #27 in May 1939, where he was already operating as a crime fighter. However, his origin story was first presented in Detective Comics #33 (Nov. 1939), and later elaborated on in Batman #47
Bruce Wayne was born in 1915 to wealthy and philanthropic Gotham City socialites, Dr. Thomas Wayne and his wife Martha. Tragically Bruce’s parents were murdered by a small-time criminal named Joe Chill. He was only eight years of age when he witnessed their deaths. The murder took place in Crime Alley and it was this tragic event that changed him forever.
Bruce’s early life saw him with a fiancée named Julie Madison. He later took in orphaned circus acrobat Dick Grayson, who became his sidekick, Robin.
 Batman The Dark Knight Returns Premium Figure |  Batman Premium Format Figure (Sideshow Collectibles) |
TRUST IN THE LAW
At first the law was very hesitant to trust Batman, often they would act with animosity. However, after some time his relationship with the law improved, and he was made an honorary member of Gotham City’s police department.
Bruce then manages to become an American playboy philanthropist and billionaire. Who works alongside the CEO of his Wayne Enterprises business, Lucius Fox. The two then go on to create an array of different Batman related gadgets and vehicles.
KNIGHTFALL
After being ‘broken by Bane’ in the 1993-1994 crossover series. Bruce Wayne is forced to relinquish his role as the Dark Knight. The burden and mantle is then given to the character Azreal, who is otherwise known as Jean-Paul Valley. A member of the Order of St. Dumas.
The series itself focuses a lot on testing Batman’s overall physical and mental endurance. This was also part of Bane’s character origin story.
BATMAN R.I.P
In the 2008 storyline Batman confronts the Black Glove organization, lead by Doctor (Simon) Hurt. The immortal ancestor of Thomas Wayne. Towards the end of the arc there is speculation regarding the death of Batman and Bruce Wayne, by way of a helicopter crash
However, it is later confirmed during the crossover storyline ‘Final Crisis’ that Bruce Wayne actually survived and headed back to the Batcave. Though this opened the way to the 2009 comic series, Battle for the Cowl. Where Dick Grayson managed to become the Batman. Whilst Tim Drake became the Red Robin.
It was not until the 2009-2010 comic series, Blackest Night, which featured the Green Lanterns, when they learnt that Batman was actually still alive.
THE BIRTH OF DAMIAN WAYNE
The character of Damian Wayne was created back in 1987 with Batman: Son of the Demon. He is the son to both Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul. Which also made him the grandson of Ra’s al Ghul.
Bruce was actually unaware of his sons existence until he turned 10, before then Damian spent most of his time in the care of his mother, Talia. Where he was trained by the League of Assassins.
During the ‘Batman R.I.P’ and ‘Batman: Battle for the Cowl’ Damian managed to become the fifth Robin, replacing Tim Drake. He even manages to become the Batman in the 2007 comic book written by character creator, Grant Morrison (Batman #666).
TOTALLY BACK BREAKING
In the DC Rebirth the timeline was reset once again. Here both the Justice League and Suicide Squad team up. However, Batman a member of the League decides to create an alternative team of heroes.
He also becomes apprehensive when he is attacked by Reverse-Flash, here he witnesses his own apparent death. Flash, who is a member of his new League team agrees to help him solve the incident.
The two encounter the Flashpoint timeline and an alternative Batman, who happens to be Thomas Wayne. Bruce’s father. As they try to flee the timeline Thomas tries to stop them. He then continues to try and convince his son to give up on his life as Batman in pursuit of happiness.
This leads to Bruce proposing to Selina Kyle, Catwoman. To which she agrees but it draws conflict with Talia. Though the romance with Selina did not last long anyway as she chose to break it up, leaving Bruce now feeling depressed. With the possibility of him even beginning to lose his sanity.
A confrontation between both Bruce and his father began, to which the former was badly defeated and left to die until Selina managed to find him and nurse back to health. This also confirmed their relationship being rekindled.
As a last stand Thomas tried to show visions that resulted in the death of butler, Alfred Pennyworth. This was a plan to try and weaken Bruce even more. However, he managed to fight on and finally succeed in defeating his father. Alongside Bane, who had joined his father as part of his plan.
NOTES
The creation of Batman came as writer Bob Kane wanted to capitalize on the success of Superman. Originally he was a character that was not afraid to kill criminals. It was not until much later that his code for murdering villains changed.
Batman’s cape actually took inspiration from one of Leonardo da Vinci’s ornithopter flying devices.
Both Superman and Batman met for the first time in the 1952 comic, Superman #76.
In 1964 the success of Batman was falling and the DC team were preparing to ‘kill the character off altogether’. This meant that editor Julius Schwartz was placed in charge. With a new leader came new changes. The first change saw Batman become a detective.
In order to maintain his physical state, Bruce Wayne refuses to drink alcohol. Although he will sometimes attempt to fool others by using ginger ale.
Bruce Wayne has had two significant partners in his life. One of which was Selina Kyle (Catwoman) and the other (Talia al Ghul). He had an offspring with both. This resulted in a son named Damian and a daughter named Helena Wayne.
In November 2022 the actor Kevin Conroy tragically died of cancer. He had been the voice of Batman for over three decades. Which included many of the animated television shows and the Batman Arkham video game series. He was 66 years of age.
The first actor to land the role of Batman was American actor, Lewis Wilson. Who was part of the 1940s Batman film. After that other actors including Adam West, Christian Bale, Michael Keaton, Robert Pattison, and Kevin Conroy also managed to help bring the character to life.
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