In the 1980s, Batman again stayed within the realms of comic pages but things were starting to change with the character. The stories began to become far more gritty and realistic. The Batman costumes were starting to evolve as well. They were getting to be far more battle-orientated and the campness of the 1960s was gone.

1989 saw the release of Tim Burtons ‘Batman’. It was a huge success and it went on to redefine the lead character for a new generation of fans. The film was dark and sombre. Even the Jokers’ gags had a cruelness about them that had previously not existed. This time it was Michael Keaton who played the lead role with support from Jack Nicholson and Kim Basinger.

Since this, the character has retained much the same image for all of the subsequent movies. That brooding, Gothic feel is evident right up to the latest addition in the film franchise. Actors to have dressed in Batman costumes since 1989 include; George Clooney, Val Kilmer and Christian Bale. There have also been some very good villains who have been portrayed by the likes of Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

It is safe to say that Batman is going be staying around for a good few years to come. Whoever next plays the main character is uncertain, but it is sure to be interesting.

Over the past few years, more and more people that are getting married are choosing themed weddings. Some of them get hitched in a forest with everyone dressed in medieval clothes. Others might opt for a science fiction feel and get everyone to wear Star Wars outfits. It might all sound a bit silly to you but if you both like something then it can be really nice to use it as a theme for your big day. You can also be sure that it will make your wedding a very memorable one, not just to you, but to everyone else who is there as well.

A friend of mine recently got married with everyone wearing Batman costumes. He and his wife both have a great love of comics and have a soft spot for the Dark Knight in particular. As it is a mutual interest that they share the idea of the bride, groom and guests dressing up in Batman costumes made their day really special. Whilst he wore the outfit of the Caped Crusader himself, she dressed up as Catwoman. The only rule for guests with their choice of dress was that no two people were the same character as anyone else. You might think that it would be difficult to find a large enough variety of villains and fellow superheroes just based around batman costumes but you would be surprised at the selection that have appeared in the pages of the comic over the years.

Gotham Central
What would the police be doing when Batman is off on his rounds solving crimes? How would they handle a technologically advanced criminal when the dark knight is otherwise occupied? A recently published  comic series focused on the people of Gotham City Police,  and their love-hate relationship with Batman and the hazards that came with the occupation. Batman hardly appeared, although the Bat Signal was almost a supporting character, and most of the villains were ordinary mad people with a desire to wear costumes. Commissioner Gordon would have to be a regular , so start looking for a more mature actor who can grow a mustache.

Another possibly for an outfit, is Batman’s long-time side kick, Robin. ‘The Boy Wonder’ is just as recognisable and arguably as famous as ‘The Dark Knight’. If you have a look through the Batman costumes that are on offer then it won’t be long before you find several Robin outfits to choose from.

If you are considering getting dressed up as ‘The Caped Crusader’ himself then you might like to spend some time deciding which era of Batman you want to use for your outfit. There are quite a few differences between the sixties TV show Batman costumes and the ones that have featured in the string of movies in more recent years. Are you going to go for one of the heroes’ sombre and moody outfits of modern times or for the more camp and fun look of the swinging sixties? How much detail do you want your outfit to have? To attain full authenticity, Batman costumes should feature some of the impressive weapons and ‘Bat Gadgets’ that we are all so familiar with. Just how realistic you want it all to be is up to you.

Does the idea of your friends and relatives being dressed up as various villains and accomplices from the pages of one of DC comics’ most famous creations appeal to you? If so, then you could be in for a party that is a great deal of fun.