The DC Comics character Batman has been adapted into various media including film, radio, television, and video games, as well as numerous merchandising items. The Batman franchise has become one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time.
Actors who have played Batman in live-action: (top) Lewis Wilson, Robert Lowery, Adam West, Michael Keaton, (middle) Kevin Conroy (as Bruce Wayne), Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, (bottom) Ben Affleck, David Mazouz, Iain Glen (as Bruce Wayne), and Robert Pattinson.
Batman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character 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 industrialist who resides in Gotham City. Batman's origin story features him swearing vengeance against criminals after witnessing the murder of his parents Thomas and Martha as a child, a vendetta tempered with the ideal of justice. He trains himself physically and intellectually, crafts a bat-inspired persona, and monitors the Gotham streets at night. Kane, Finger, and other creators 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, Two-Face, and his archenemy, the Joker.
Cover of the DC Comics Absolute Edition of Batman: Hush (2011) Art by Jim Lee
First published image of Batman, in Action Comics #12, announcing the character's debut in the forthcoming Detective Comics #27
Cover of Batman#227 (November 1970) returning Batman to the darker roots of the original publications. Art by Neal Adams.
Batman and Robin, art by Jack Burnley