He first appeared in 1939, got his own comic book title in 1940. His ultimate power is his (very much human) brain. Meet the world’s greatest detective.BACKSTORY
Batman is the superhero alter-ego of . When Bruce was seven, his parents were killed by a petty criminal named Joe Chill in a mugging gone wrong. The incident scarred Bruce so much, he trained for years and became a crime-fighting masked vigilante. The Waynes were one of the wealthiest families in Gotham City (their hometown) and the wealth Bruce inherited allowed him to develop non-lethal weapons, armour and vehicles to combat crime.
BESTFRIENDS
Batman’s closest aide is Alfred Pennyworth, his trusted butler who also has medical training. The position of his sidekick, Robin has been occupied by different people at different points of time. One of them (Jason Todd) even went on to become a bad guy!
He has also teamed up with Superman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter and Aquaman to form the Justice League of America (JLA) – he is not the loner everybody makes him out to be!
BOOKLIST
Year One (1987): Frank Miller’s rendition of the origin of Batman. How Bruce Wayne goes from billionaire rich-kid to crime-fighting vigilante. How Commissioner Gordon (a no-nonsense cop) and Batman (a law breaking vigilante) end up on the same side. Brilliant parallel narratives!
The Dark Knight Returns (1986) and The Dark Knight Strikes Again (2001): Frank Miller writes about a post-retirement Bruce Wayne who is forced to make a comeback.
The Killing Joke (1988): Alan Moore writing an origin story about the Joker. Possibly one of the most poetic storylines in the Batman universe.
Knightfall (1993-94): Bane breaks Batman’s spine, paralysing him. Unfortunately titled, though!
Son of the Demon (1987) and Batman and Son (2006): About Damian, Batman’s son.
All Star Batman & Robin, the Boy Wonder (2005-08): Featuring hotties Vicki Vale (journalist who has a scene of sorts with Bruce Wayne) and the Black Canary (leather-clad bike riding super lady who also joins the JLA). Yum.
Hush (2002-03): Batman versus every Batman villain ever. A surprise ending.