The Evolution of Batman: a History
Batman In The Comics: The Beginning
The first comic book appearance of Batman was in 1939 in the 27th issue of Detective Comics, now commonly known as DC Comics. Batman was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger and was originally envisioned as a mysterious crime-fighting figure who uses fear against criminals. The original design for Batman was inspired by legendary fictional crime-fighters such as Zorro the Fox and The Shadow.
The first storyline for Batman focused on his ability to use intelligence and gadgets to overcome his enemies. Early in Batman's career he utilized a vast array of props, including a bat-shaped airplane, a bat-themed car, and a pair of highly advanced in-line skates. Batman quickly became one of the most popular characters in the comics with many early issues selling out quickly.
The 1960s and Beyond
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Batman was given a more modern, campy update as a way of popularizing the character. This era is now affectionately referred to as the "Adam West Batman," after the actor who played the iconic role of the Caped Crusader in the live action television series from 1966-68. Despite the light-hearted tone of the show, West's Batman was marked by an emphasis on physical combat and wacky gadgets.
In the 1970s and beyond, Batman returned to his darker, more serious roots. This era, sometimes known as the "Bronze Age," featured stories that focused on Batman using his detective skills to solve crimes. Frank Miller's 1986 graphic novel, The Dark Knight Returns, helped to define this period as it depicted a unique take on the Batman character. This era also marked the first appearances of popular characters such as Robin, Batgirl, and Bane.
The Dark Knight Trilogy
In the 21st century, Batman has been reinvented once again with Christopher Nolan's popular Dark Knight Trilogy. Starring Christian Bale as the titular character, these films mark a drastic departure from the light-hearted tone of earlier Batman films. This series focuses on a more mature version of the character, one whose skills as a detective and martial artist are equally as important as his reliance on gadgets.
Batman in Other Media
Over the years, Batman has also made his mark on other forms of media. He has appeared in a variety of animated shows, including Batman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond, and Batman:The Brave and The Bold. Additionally, Batman has also starred in numerous video games, from the classic arcade game Batman Returns, to modern classics such as Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City.
With a history that stretches back over 75 years, Batman remains one of the most popular and enduring characters in the world of comic books. His popularity is due in large part to his colorful and diverse cast of villains, allies, and stories, all of which combine for an unforgettable and timeless character.