Bryan Derksen (talk | contribs) m links |
* New material; threw out dictionary definition; reorganization |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
'''Batman''' is a fictional [[comic book]] [[superhero]] created by [[Bob Kane]] in 1939. He first appeared in the title [[Detective Comics]], and is currently the lead character of a number of comic books published by [[DC Comics]] (in fact, "DC" was originally an acronym for ''Detective Comics''.) Batman and [[Superman]] are DC Comics' two most popular and recognizable characters. |
|||
In most versions of the Batman [[mythos]], Batman (also referred to as "the Batman") is the alter-ego of Bruce Wayne, a millionaire playboy industrialist. Bruce Wayne was driven to fight crime after his parents were murdered by a mugger when he was a child. He wears a bat-like costume to frighten his enemies. The details of the costume have changed with each new incarnation of the character, except for its most distinctive element: a cowl with a pair of pointed ears. He also wears a stylized bat emblem on his chest. |
|||
By day, Batman is [[Bruce Wayne]], a playboy industrialist. By night, he dons his costume and prowls the streets of [[Gotham City]], looking for criminals or supervillains to apprehend. In some editions of the comic books he is accompanied by a teenage sidekick called [[Robin]]. Over the years there has been more than one Robin in the Batman Comics. The original one (also used everywhere but the comic books) was [[Dick Grayson]]. (In the comics, He grew up and became the DC character Nightwing.) Late [[1989]] DC Comics had an unusual poll, targeting the readers of the Batman comic. The question was whether or not to let the second Robin die. By a small margin, they voted yes, and the second Robin, Jason Todd, was killed in a bomb explosion. In [[1991]] a third Robin, Timothy Drake was introduced in the comics. |
|||
Batman operates in [[Gotham City]], a fictional city modelled after [[New York]]. He operates from the "Batcave", a cavern located beneath Bruce Wayne's manor. |
|||
To a much greater degree than most comic book superheroes, the Batman [[mythos]] has explored the darker aspects of the human psyche. Bruce Wayne became the Batman after seeing both of his parents murdered in a holdup, and an undercurrent of suspense underlies the tales: Here is a man so driven by a thirst for revenge that in order to apprehend criminals he subjects himself to a grueling training regimen and risks his life on a near-daily basis. Suppose the iron control that keeps his anger within the bounds of the morally acceptable should crack? |
|||
Unlike most superheroes, Batman does not possess any superhuman abilities. Instead, he fights with [[martial arts]], high-tech gadgets, and esoteric weapons like the ''batarang'' (a boomarang shaped like a bat). He is also typically portrayed as a brilliant |
|||
Among the supervillains defeated by Batman, the most notable ones are the [[Joker]], the [[Penguin]], [[Catwoman]], [[Two-face]] and the [[Riddler]]. |
|||
tactician and detective. |
|||
As is true of most other superheroes, it has never been adequately explained how Batman, who needs to be active in his dual identity both by night and by day, counters the effects of [[sleep deprivation]]. |
|||
Nicknames for the Batman include ''The Dark Knight'', ''The Caped Crusader'', and ''The World's Greatest Detective''. |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
=== Supporting Characters === |
|||
Bruce Wayne has a butler, Alfred, who knows his [[secret identity]]. Alfred typically holds the fort at the Batcave, and does not accompany Batman on his cases. |
|||
The original Batman comic book introduced "[[Robin]], the Boy Wonder", a teenage [[sidekick]]. Robin's real name was Dick Grayson, an orphan who was Bruce Wayne's ward. In the current comic book [[continuity]], Grayson grew up and switched to the identity of "Nightwing", continuing as an assistant to Batman. |
|||
In late 1989, DC Comics polled Batman readers on whether or not to kill off the second Robin, Jason Todd. They voted "yes" by a small margin, and Todd was subsequently murdered by the [[Joker]] in the ''Death in the Family'' storyline. In 1991, Batman took in Timothy Drake as the third (and current) Robin. |
|||
Batman has one of the most distinctive rogues' galleries in comics, including supervillains such as the Joker, the Penguin, Catwoman, Two-face, and the Riddler. However, some versions of the Batman mythos pit him against more ordinary enemies, such as [[Mafia|mobsters]]. |
|||
=== Batman in Popular Culture === |
|||
Since his introduction, Batman has been one of the most famous comic book characters, and is known even to people who do not read the comics. In addition to DC's comic books, he has appeared in movies, TV shows, |
|||
and novels; see below. |
|||
In [[1953]], the book [[Seduction of the Innocent]] by psychologist [[Fredric Wertham]] was published. Wertham used Batman and Robin to attack the comic book medium. He insinuated that Batman and Robin had a [[pedophilia|pedophilic]] relationship, and asserted that the bare legs in Robin's costume encouraged [[homosexuality]]. He succeeded in raising a public outcry, leading to a Congressional hearing and the establishment of the [[Comics Code Authority]]. Nowadays, most comic book readers regard these accusations as utterly baseless, and a particularly amusing example of [[homophobia]]. |
|||
Batman has always been an unusually (though not uniquely) grim superhero, particularly for a [[golden age of comics|Golden Age]] character. He is driven by vengeance, and wears a frightening costume; the contrast to characters like [[Superman]] is stark. The grimness is not a constant; in some incarnations of the character, it evaporates into camp and even comedy. |
|||
In [[1989]], writer [[Frank Miller]] grounded Batman firmly in his grim and gritty roots with the comic book miniseries [[Batman - Year one|Batman: Year One]] and [[The Dark Knight Returns]]. These have set the tone for the franchise, including [[Tim Burton|Tim Burton's]] Batman movies, the [[1990s]] animated series, and the ongoing comic book series. |
|||
=== Batman in other media === |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
In the [[1990s]], there was an [[Animation|animated]] series. |
|||
| Line 36: | Line 88: | ||
*[[/Batman - Year one|Batman: Year one]] |
*[[/Batman - Year one|Batman: Year one]] |
||
<B>2. Batman, military valet</B> A batman is a military valet to an officer. |
|||
Revision as of 15:47, 21 December 2001
Batman is a fictional comic book superhero created by Bob Kane in 1939. He first appeared in the title Detective Comics, and is currently the lead character of a number of comic books published by DC Comics (in fact, "DC" was originally an acronym for Detective Comics.) Batman and Superman are DC Comics' two most popular and recognizable characters.
In most versions of the Batman mythos, Batman (also referred to as "the Batman") is the alter-ego of Bruce Wayne, a millionaire playboy industrialist. Bruce Wayne was driven to fight crime after his parents were murdered by a mugger when he was a child. He wears a bat-like costume to frighten his enemies. The details of the costume have changed with each new incarnation of the character, except for its most distinctive element: a cowl with a pair of pointed ears. He also wears a stylized bat emblem on his chest.
Batman operates in Gotham City, a fictional city modelled after New York. He operates from the "Batcave", a cavern located beneath Bruce Wayne's manor.
Unlike most superheroes, Batman does not possess any superhuman abilities. Instead, he fights with martial arts, high-tech gadgets, and esoteric weapons like the batarang (a boomarang shaped like a bat). He is also typically portrayed as a brilliant
tactician and detective.
Nicknames for the Batman include The Dark Knight, The Caped Crusader, and The World's Greatest Detective.
Supporting Characters
Bruce Wayne has a butler, Alfred, who knows his secret identity. Alfred typically holds the fort at the Batcave, and does not accompany Batman on his cases.
The original Batman comic book introduced "Robin, the Boy Wonder", a teenage sidekick. Robin's real name was Dick Grayson, an orphan who was Bruce Wayne's ward. In the current comic book continuity, Grayson grew up and switched to the identity of "Nightwing", continuing as an assistant to Batman.
In late 1989, DC Comics polled Batman readers on whether or not to kill off the second Robin, Jason Todd. They voted "yes" by a small margin, and Todd was subsequently murdered by the Joker in the Death in the Family storyline. In 1991, Batman took in Timothy Drake as the third (and current) Robin.
Batman has one of the most distinctive rogues' galleries in comics, including supervillains such as the Joker, the Penguin, Catwoman, Two-face, and the Riddler. However, some versions of the Batman mythos pit him against more ordinary enemies, such as mobsters.
Batman in Popular Culture
Since his introduction, Batman has been one of the most famous comic book characters, and is known even to people who do not read the comics. In addition to DC's comic books, he has appeared in movies, TV shows,
and novels; see below.
In 1953, the book Seduction of the Innocent by psychologist Fredric Wertham was published. Wertham used Batman and Robin to attack the comic book medium. He insinuated that Batman and Robin had a pedophilic relationship, and asserted that the bare legs in Robin's costume encouraged homosexuality. He succeeded in raising a public outcry, leading to a Congressional hearing and the establishment of the Comics Code Authority. Nowadays, most comic book readers regard these accusations as utterly baseless, and a particularly amusing example of homophobia.
Batman has always been an unusually (though not uniquely) grim superhero, particularly for a Golden Age character. He is driven by vengeance, and wears a frightening costume; the contrast to characters like Superman is stark. The grimness is not a constant; in some incarnations of the character, it evaporates into camp and even comedy.
In 1989, writer Frank Miller grounded Batman firmly in his grim and gritty roots with the comic book miniseries Batman: Year One and The Dark Knight Returns. These have set the tone for the franchise, including Tim Burton's Batman movies, the 1990s animated series, and the ongoing comic book series.
Batman in other media
There was a 1960s Batman television series, with Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin. The series was marked for its high camp, and continues to be the version many associate with the Batman character.
In the 1990s, there was an animated series.
A number of Batman films have also been made:
/Talk