The history of Batman

Let's take a brief look at one of the longest running comic books of our time, Batman.

Batman first appeared in the world of comics in May of 1939. Back then he wasn't featured in his own comic book, but as part of Detective Comics issue. He was unique for his time was that he was a super hero with no super powers. Unlike Superman, he couldn't fly or run fast like Flash, nor had he the strenght of The Hulk. He was simply a flesh and blood crime fighter seeking to rid the world of the kind of criminal responsible for the death of his parents.

Unlike many other super heroes, Batman was a dark character carrying many of his own personal demons that he had to keep in check. Each day was a constant battle to keep his anger from getting the best of him. Often he came close to crossing the line between good and evil.

He lives in Gotham City in under the identity of playboy millionaire Bruce Wayne. Only his trusted butler Alfred knew of his secret identity as Batman. Batman decided to base his crime fighting outfit on that of a bat because of the dark nature of crime itself. He wanted to strike fear into the hearts of criminals.

The first story of Batman was not introduced until the June issue of Detective Comics, number 47. His origin changed many times as the years went on. But the basic facts of his character have remained unchanged.

Batman had a number of toys that have become familiar over the years such as his utility belt which could do everything but make an omlette. In addition he had his batmobile, bat copter, bat cycle, bat plane and bat boat. All his vehicles in some manner, shape or form resembled the appearance of a bat.

In April 1940 Batman finalloy got his trusty sidekick, Robin, the Boy Wonder. In many ways, Robin was an even more popular character than Batman because he was somebody who kids could relate to.

Over the years Batman battled a number of evil criminals. Some of the more famous were The Riddler, The Joker, The Penguin, Catwoman and Mr. Freeze. Each comic, particularly in the early years usually featured a different enemy for Batman to do battle with. The only twist was the occasional time that Catwoman would try to seduce him with her womanly charms. While often tempted, Batman never gave in unless it was to gain some important information.