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Batman (comic book)
Encyclopedia
Batman is an ongoing comic book
series featuring the DC Comics
hero
of the same name
. The character first appeared in Detective Comics
#27, published in May 1939. Batman proved to be so popular that a self-titled ongoing comic book series began publication in the spring of 1940. It was first advertised in early April 1940, one month after the first appearance of his new sidekick, Robin
, the Boy Wonder.
Though the Batman comic book was initially launched as a quarterly publication, it later became a bi-monthly series through the late 1950s, after which it became a monthly publication and has remained so since. The initial run ended with issue #713.
, a city overrun with crime, graft, and corruption. Its citizens live in perpetual fear from the vast number of criminals, gangs and common thugs. In an effort to combat the cancerous infection of crime, billionaire philanthropist
Bruce Wayne creates the costumed persona of the Batman to prey on the superstitous and cowardly criminals' fears. Wayne, a young socialite who witnessed his parents' murder during a mugging when he was a small child, used his trauma and vast personal wealth to travel the world and gain the skills needed to wage his war on crime. Batman utilizes his keen analytical mind and sophisticated technology and gadgetry, as well as outstanding physical agility, power and stamina to ensure that criminals never feel safe in Gotham, and are always afraid of the dark. In the eyes of the public, the Batman is believed to be both an urban legend
and something more than human
: an indeterminable black specter that represents terror. Wayne reasoned that fear was his weakness as a child, but as a man, it became his weapon.
#27 in May 1939, less than a year after Superman
's introduction. Garnering a great deal of popularity, National Allied Publications decided that the character was worthy of, and could support, his own self-titled series, much the same way the Superman
title made its way into publication. In Spring of 1940, Batman #1 was published and introduced new characters into Batman's pantheon, most notably those of Catwoman
and Batman's eventual archnemesis, the Joker
.
The mid-1950s saw the title dabble in more popular types of comic stories at the time, including many stories set in outer space with an undertone of science fiction. In the 1960s, Batman comics were affected by the popular Batman
television series, with campy stories based on the tongue-in-cheek premise of the series. By the time the show's influence had died down in the early 1970s, writer Dennis O'Neil
and artist Neal Adams
came aboard the title and re-infused it with the darker tones of the 1940s. O'Neil and Adams would also introduce a new villain named Ra's al Ghul
, and would also revitalize the Joker by bringing him back to his roots as a homicidal maniac who murders people on a whim, while enjoying battles of wit
s with Batman. O'Neil said his idea was "simply to take it back to where it started. I went to the DC library and read some of the early stories. I tried to get a sense of what Kane and Finger were after."
(namely Superman
and Wonder Woman
), Batman's title was the only one not to receive a second volume in the wake of the universe shattering Crisis on Infinite Earths
event. Because the DCU was revamped after the events of Crisis, the previous continuity before that series (colloquially referred to as "pre-Crisis") was voided. Because of this, old established characters were given the opportunity to be reintroduced in new ways. While Batman was not rebooted in the traditional sense, in 1987 writer Frank Miller
(who had previously made a name for himself with his series The Dark Knight Returns) and artist David Mazzucchelli
retold the character's origin story for the new continuity in the monthly pages of Batman issues 404-407. The story, Batman: Year One
, garnered high critical acclaim for its realistic interpretation of Batman's genesis, and its accessibility to new readers who had never followed Batman before. IGN
Comics ranked Batman: Year One at the top of a list of the 25 greatest Batman graphic novels, saying that "no other book before or since has quite captured the realism, the grit and the humanity of Gordon and Batman so perfectly." Notable comic book creators Greg Rucka
, Jeph Loeb
, and Judd Winick
have also cited Year One as their favorite Batman story.
The remainder of the 1980s saw runs on the main title by such writers as Max Allan Collins
, Marv Wolfman
, and Jim Starlin
. During Starlin's tenure on the title, DC Comics was becoming aware of the fanbase's growing disdain for the character of Jason Todd
, who had taken over as the second Robin
following Dick Grayson
becoming Nightwing. Following a cliffhanger in which Jason's life hangs in the balance, DC set up a 1-900 number one-dollar hotline
giving callers the ability to vote for or against Jason's death. The calls were made after the publication of the issue in which Jason and his mother are trapped in the warehouse. The kill option won by a narrow majority, and the following month Jason was shown dying from wounds inflicted in the last issue's cliffhanger. The story, entitled "A Death in the Family
," received high media exposure due to the shocking nature in which a familiar character's life had ended.
's 1989 film Batman
, the comics of the 1990s took a darker tone, reflected in the hiring of artists like Todd McFarlane
, Kelley Jones
, and Joe Quesada
. The two dominant Batman writers of the 90s were Doug Moench
and Chuck Dixon
. Both writers masterminded the Knightfall
crossover arc, which saw Batman's back being broken by the super strong villain Bane
. A new character, Jean-Paul Valley
, takes up the Batman mantle in Bruce Wayne's absence. Valley is driven mad with power, and Wayne forcefully reclaims it after his recovery.
The end of the 90s were dominated by the large crossover No Man's Land, which sees Gotham City ravaged by a large earthquake, leading to the U.S. government's official order to evacuate the city of Gotham, then abandoning and isolating those who choose to remain in the city. The story, spearheaded by writer Greg Rucka
, would begin his long association with the character into the 2000s. Rucka wrote the issues of this title that tied into No Man's Land, before moving on to becoming the regular writer of Detective Comics.
and new ongoing artist Scott McDaniel
. At issue #582, Ed Brubaker
stepped on as the new, ongoing writer. Brubaker, a well documented fan of classic pulp magazine
s, kept a trend of gritty crime drama that included more grounded villains like the Penguin
(functioning as a mob boss), Brubaker's new villain Zeiss
, and Deadshot
. Brubaker's run received a short interruption with an arc called Officer Down, which depicted Commissioner Gordon being shot in the line of duty and ultimately retiring from the Gotham police force. From there, then-little known writer Brian K. Vaughan
did a short three-issue arc that focused on Batman's created crime persona Matches Malone before Brubaker returned. The next crossover, masterminded by Brubaker and Rucka and entitled Bruce Wayne: Murderer?
saw Bruce Wayne framed for the murder of his girlfriend and nearly abandoning his civilian identity altogether.
For the #600 issue, the series moved into the next phase of Wayne's frame-up and featured three backup stories, which were presented as lost issues never before published from iconic eras in Batman's history. "Mystery of the Black Bat" is presented in the style of Dick Sprang
comics, and "Joker Tips His Hat" is an homage to the sixties stories by artists like Gil Kane
and Carmine Infantino
. "The Dark, Groovy, Solid, Far-Out, Right-On and Completely With-It Knight Returns" is a humorous spin on Batman's character trying to update himself into the eighties, and featured stand-up comedian Patton Oswalt
's comic writing debut. After the frame-up story concluded, Brubaker closed his run with two issues co-written with Geoff Johns
, and then left the title to focus on writing a new Catwoman series. Writer Jeph Loeb
and superstar artist Jim Lee
then came aboard for a new year-long story.
, was a murder mystery that delved through numerous periods in Batman's history. Introducing a new character that was the story's namesake, as well as helping redefine the Riddler
, heal Harvey Dent
, and call into question the events surrounding Jason Todd
's death, Hush was met with widespread sales success and critical acclaim, reflected in the publication of an Absolute Edition hardcover in October 2005. Following the conclusion of Hush, the creative team of the Vertigo series 100 Bullets
came aboard for a six-issue arc entitled "Broken City
". From there, writer Judd Winick
became the ongoing writer for the series and in a controversial story entitled Under the Hood
, explained that Jason Todd
had actually returned from the dead long ago, and became an anti-hero
in Gotham under the guise of the Red Hood
.
After the universe-altering event Infinite Crisis
, all the regular monthly titles of the DC Universe jumped forward in time by one year, depicting the characters in radically different situations and environments then they were in the issues preceding the jump known as "One Year Later
". Face the Face
, the Batman story of the event, was written by James Robinson and saw Batman returning from a year-long overseas journey that retraced the steps he took after initially leaving Gotham City in his youth, and also featured the return of James Gordon to the role of Gotham City Police Commissioner. From there, the next long-form ongoing writer was ready to begin.
began his long-form Batman narrative in issue #655. The first story, "Batman & Son
," reveals that Wayne is the father of a child named Damian
, and attempts to steer the obnoxious child away from the machinations of his natural mother, Talia al Ghul
. From there, Morrison began an arc that saw an evil influential organization known as the Black Glove attempt to destroy everything Batman is and what he stands for. This culminated in the storyline Batman R.I.P.
, where the Black Glove initially succeeds in doing so, but is thwarted by Bruce Wayne's ability to preserve his sane mind while an erratic, alternate personality takes over. After stopping the Black Glove, Morrison moved Batman into his event series Final Crisis
, where it appears that Batman was killed by the Apokoliptian
New God
Darkseid
. In the finale of that series, it is instead revealed that he was transported to the distant past and stranded there. Writer Neil Gaiman
came aboard for issue #686, which was part 1 of a story entitled Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?
It served as a quasi-send off to a generation of Batman stories, much the same way as Alan Moore
's Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?
did for Superman
, and continued into an issue of Detective Comics
.
After this, the main Batman series went on hiatus while the Battle for the Cowl
mini-series would reveal that Dick Grayson
would assume the role of Batman in the wake of Bruce Wayne's disappearance from the present-day DC Universe. Grant Morrison stayed involved in writing for Batman, but moved to a new title called Batman and Robin
, which followed the exploits of Grayson as Batman and Damian Wayne as the new Robin
. Writer Judd Winick
temporarily returned to the title for Grayson's first solo arc as Batman, before handing the writing and art duties off to Tony Daniel
, Grant Morrison's artistic collaborator on R.I.P. Daniel closed the 2000s as the writer and artist of the Batman title.
, Andy Kubert
, and David Finch. The separate stories tied together to illustrate that the legacy of Batman is unending, and will survive into the furthest reaches of time. Morrison stayed on as writer on the series through issue #702, while simultaneously remaining the writer of Batman and Robin as well as the mini-series The Return of Bruce Wayne
. Tony Daniel will resume writing and art duties with issue #704. Even after Bruce Wayne's return, Dick Grayson will remain the star of this title, as well as being the main character in Batman and Robin and Detective Comics. Bruce Wayne will star in two new titles, Batman Incorporated
and Batman: The Dark Knight
for the time being. Batman group editor Mike Marts said that the division is temporary: "You know, that's a loose line-up. Moving forward, we'll definitely have the flexibility to play with that a little bit. But at least at the onset, in November, that's the way we're dividing things up."
On June 1, 2011, it was announced that all DC Comics would be either canceled or rebooted at #1. For the first time since 1940, Batman will be rebooted at issue #1.
and drawn by Greg Capullo
, as part of the 2011 DC Universe reboot
.
and illustrated by Bob Kane
, though Finger went uncredited for years thereafter. These early stories depicted a vengeful Batman, not hesitant to kill when he saw it as a necessary sacrifice. In one of the early stories, he is depicted using a gun to stop a group of giant assailants. The Joker
, a psychopath who is notorious for using a special toxin
that kills and mutilates his victims, remains one of the most prolific and notorious Batman villains created in this time period. Following the desire of creator Jerry Robinson that the Joker not be a character who gets away with murder, for many years the Joker was changed from cold-blooded murderer to playful trickster. Later, during the Silver Age
, this type of super-villain changed from disturbing psychological assaults to the use of amusing gimmicks.
Typically, the primary challenges that the Batman faced in this era were derived from villains who were purely evil
; however, by the 1970s, the motivations of these characters, including obsessive compulsion, child abuse
and environmental fanaticism, were being explored more thoroughly. Batman himself also underwent a transformation and became a much less one-dimensional character, struggling with deeply rooted internal conflicts. Although not canonical, Frank Miller
's The Dark Knight Returns introduced a significant evolution of the Batman's character in his eponymous series; he became uncompromising and relentless in his struggle to revitalize Gotham. The Batman often exhibited behavior that Gotham's elite labeled as excessively violent as well as antisocial
tendencies. Miller portrayed him with an anti-heroic and near villainous characterization. This aspect of the Batman's personality was also toned down considerably in the wake of the DC-wide crossover Infinite Crisis
, wherein Batman experienced a nervous breakdown and reconsidered his philosophy and approaches to his relationships. Currently, the Batman's attributes and personality are said to have been greatly influenced by the traditional characterization by Dennis O'Neil
and Neal Adams
' portrayals during the 1970s, although hints of the Miller interpretation appear in certain aspects of his character.
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
series featuring the DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
hero
Hero
A hero , in Greek mythology and folklore, was originally a demigod, their cult being one of the most distinctive features of ancient Greek religion...
of the same name
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
. The character first appeared in Detective Comics
Detective Comics
Detective Comics is an American comic book series published monthly by DC Comics since 1937, best known for introducing the iconic superhero Batman in Detective Comics #27 . It is, along with Action Comics, the book that launched with the debut of Superman, one of the medium's signature series, and...
#27, published in May 1939. Batman proved to be so popular that a self-titled ongoing comic book series began publication in the spring of 1940. It was first advertised in early April 1940, one month after the first appearance of his new sidekick, Robin
Robin (comics)
Robin is the name of several fictional characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, originally created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson, as a junior counterpart to DC Comics superhero Batman...
, the Boy Wonder.
Though the Batman comic book was initially launched as a quarterly publication, it later became a bi-monthly series through the late 1950s, after which it became a monthly publication and has remained so since. The initial run ended with issue #713.
Premise
The Batman saga takes place primarily in the fictional municipality of Gotham CityGotham City
Gotham City is a fictional U.S. city appearing in DC Comics, best known as the home of Batman. Batman's place of residence was first identified as Gotham City in Batman #4 . Gotham City is strongly inspired by Trenton, Ontario's history, location, atmosphere, and various architectural styles...
, a city overrun with crime, graft, and corruption. Its citizens live in perpetual fear from the vast number of criminals, gangs and common thugs. In an effort to combat the cancerous infection of crime, billionaire philanthropist
Philanthropist
A philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money, and/or reputation to charitable causes...
Bruce Wayne creates the costumed persona of the Batman to prey on the superstitous and cowardly criminals' fears. Wayne, a young socialite who witnessed his parents' murder during a mugging when he was a small child, used his trauma and vast personal wealth to travel the world and gain the skills needed to wage his war on crime. Batman utilizes his keen analytical mind and sophisticated technology and gadgetry, as well as outstanding physical agility, power and stamina to ensure that criminals never feel safe in Gotham, and are always afraid of the dark. In the eyes of the public, the Batman is believed to be both an urban legend
Urban legend
An urban legend, urban myth, urban tale, or contemporary legend, is a form of modern folklore consisting of stories that may or may not have been believed by their tellers to be true...
and something more than human
Superhuman
Superhuman can mean an improved human, for example, by genetic modification, cybernetic implants, or as what humans might evolve into, in the near or distant future...
: an indeterminable black specter that represents terror. Wayne reasoned that fear was his weakness as a child, but as a man, it became his weapon.
1940s-1970s
The character of Batman made his first appearance in the pages of Detective ComicsDetective Comics
Detective Comics is an American comic book series published monthly by DC Comics since 1937, best known for introducing the iconic superhero Batman in Detective Comics #27 . It is, along with Action Comics, the book that launched with the debut of Superman, one of the medium's signature series, and...
#27 in May 1939, less than a year after Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
's introduction. Garnering a great deal of popularity, National Allied Publications decided that the character was worthy of, and could support, his own self-titled series, much the same way the Superman
Superman (comic book)
Superman is an ongoing comic book series featuring the DC Comics hero of the same name. The character Superman began as one of several anthology features in the National Periodical Publications comic book Action Comics #1 in June 1938...
title made its way into publication. In Spring of 1940, Batman #1 was published and introduced new characters into Batman's pantheon, most notably those of Catwoman
Catwoman
Catwoman is a fictional character associated with DC Comics' Batman franchise. Historically a supervillain, the character was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, partially inspired by Kane's cousin, Ruth Steel...
and Batman's eventual archnemesis, the Joker
Joker (comics)
The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics. He is the archenemy of Batman, having been directly responsible for numerous tragedies in Batman's life, including the paralysis of Barbara Gordon and the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin...
.
The mid-1950s saw the title dabble in more popular types of comic stories at the time, including many stories set in outer space with an undertone of science fiction. In the 1960s, Batman comics were affected by the popular Batman
Batman (TV series)
Batman is an American television series, based on the DC comic book character of the same name. It stars Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin — two crime-fighting heroes who defend Gotham City. It aired on the American Broadcasting Company network for three seasons from January 12, 1966 to...
television series, with campy stories based on the tongue-in-cheek premise of the series. By the time the show's influence had died down in the early 1970s, writer Dennis O'Neil
Dennis O'Neil
Dennis J. "Denny" O'Neil is an American comic book writer and editor, principally for Marvel Comics and DC Comics in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, and Group Editor for the Batman family of books until his retirement....
and artist Neal Adams
Neal Adams
Neal Adams is an American comic book and commercial artist known for helping to create some of the definitive modern imagery of the DC Comics characters Superman, Batman, and Green Arrow; as the co-founder of the graphic design studio Continuity Associates; and as a creators-rights advocate who...
came aboard the title and re-infused it with the darker tones of the 1940s. O'Neil and Adams would also introduce a new villain named Ra's al Ghul
Ra's al Ghul
Ra's al Ghul is a DC Comics supervillain and is one of Batman's greatest enemies. His name in Arabic has been translated in the comics as "The Demon's Head" and references the name of the star Algol. Created by writer Dennis O'Neil and artist Neal Adams, he was introduced in Batman #232's...
, and would also revitalize the Joker by bringing him back to his roots as a homicidal maniac who murders people on a whim, while enjoying battles of wit
Wit
Wit is a form of intellectual humour, and a wit is someone skilled in making witty remarks. Forms of wit include the quip and repartee.-Forms of wit:...
s with Batman. O'Neil said his idea was "simply to take it back to where it started. I went to the DC library and read some of the early stories. I tried to get a sense of what Kane and Finger were after."
Crisis impact, 1980s
Batman continued an uninterrupted run into the mid 1980s, and unlike the other two flagship characters of the DC UniverseDC Universe
The DC Universe is the shared universe where most of the comic stories published by DC Comics take place. The fictional characters Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are well-known superheroes from this universe. Note that in context, "DC Universe" is usually used to refer to the main DC continuity...
(namely Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
and Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a DC Comics superheroine created by William Moulton Marston. She first appeared in All Star Comics #8 . The Wonder Woman title has been published by DC Comics almost continuously except for a brief hiatus in 1986....
), Batman's title was the only one not to receive a second volume in the wake of the universe shattering Crisis on Infinite Earths
Crisis on Infinite Earths
Crisis on Infinite Earths is a 12-issue American comic book limited series and crossover event, produced by DC Comics in 1985 to simplify its then 50-year-old continuity...
event. Because the DCU was revamped after the events of Crisis, the previous continuity before that series (colloquially referred to as "pre-Crisis") was voided. Because of this, old established characters were given the opportunity to be reintroduced in new ways. While Batman was not rebooted in the traditional sense, in 1987 writer Frank Miller
Frank Miller (comics)
Frank Miller is an American comic book artist, writer and film director best known for his dark, film noir-style comic book stories and graphic novels Ronin, Daredevil: Born Again, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Sin City and 300...
(who had previously made a name for himself with his series The Dark Knight Returns) and artist David Mazzucchelli
David Mazzucchelli
David Mazzucchelli is an American comic book artist and writer. His latest work is the award-winning graphic novel, Asterios Polyp.-Career:...
retold the character's origin story for the new continuity in the monthly pages of Batman issues 404-407. The story, Batman: Year One
Batman: Year One
"Year One", later referred to as "Batman: Year One", is an American comic book story arc written by Frank Miller, illustrated by David Mazzucchelli, colored by Richmond Lewis, and lettered by Todd Klein...
, garnered high critical acclaim for its realistic interpretation of Batman's genesis, and its accessibility to new readers who had never followed Batman before. IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
Comics ranked Batman: Year One at the top of a list of the 25 greatest Batman graphic novels, saying that "no other book before or since has quite captured the realism, the grit and the humanity of Gordon and Batman so perfectly." Notable comic book creators Greg Rucka
Greg Rucka
Gregory "Greg" Rucka is an American comic book writer and novelist, known for his work on such comics as Action Comics, Batwoman: Detective Comics, and the miniseries Superman: World of New Krypton for DC Comics, and for novels such as his Queen & Country series.-Career:Rucka's writing career...
, Jeph Loeb
Jeph Loeb
Joseph "Jeph" Loeb III is an American film and television writer, producer and award-winning comic book writer. Loeb was a producer/writer on the TV series Smallville and Lost, writer for the films Commando and Teen Wolf and was a writer and Co-Executive Producer on the NBC TV show Heroes from its...
, and Judd Winick
Judd Winick
Judd Winick is an American comic book, comic strip and television writer/artist and former reality television personality...
have also cited Year One as their favorite Batman story.
The remainder of the 1980s saw runs on the main title by such writers as Max Allan Collins
Max Allan Collins
Max Allan Collins is an American mystery writer. He has written novels, screenplays, comic books, comic strips, trading cards, short stories, movie novelizations and historical fiction. He wrote the graphic novel Road to Perdition , created the comic book private eye Ms...
, Marv Wolfman
Marv Wolfman
Marvin A. "Marv" Wolfman is an award-winning American comic book writer. He is best known for lengthy runs on The Tomb of Dracula, creating Blade for Marvel Comics, and The New Teen Titans for DC Comics.-1960s:...
, and Jim Starlin
Jim Starlin
James P. "Jim" Starlin is an American comic book writer and artist. With a career dating back to the early 1970s, he is best known for "cosmic" tales and space opera; for revamping the Marvel Comics characters Captain Marvel and Adam Warlock; and for creating or co-creating the Marvel characters...
. During Starlin's tenure on the title, DC Comics was becoming aware of the fanbase's growing disdain for the character of Jason Todd
Jason Todd
Jason Peter Todd is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Jason first appeared in Batman #357 and became the second Robin, sidekick to the superhero Batman, when the previous Robin went on to star in The New Teen Titans under the moniker of Nightwing.Though...
, who had taken over as the second Robin
Robin (comics)
Robin is the name of several fictional characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, originally created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson, as a junior counterpart to DC Comics superhero Batman...
following Dick Grayson
Dick Grayson
Dick Grayson is a fictional superhero that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger and illustrator Jerry Robinson, he first appeared in Detective Comics #38 in April 1940....
becoming Nightwing. Following a cliffhanger in which Jason's life hangs in the balance, DC set up a 1-900 number one-dollar hotline
Hotline
In telecommunication, a hotline is a point-to-point communications link in which a call is automatically directed to the preselected destination without any additional action by the user when the end instrument goes off-hook...
giving callers the ability to vote for or against Jason's death. The calls were made after the publication of the issue in which Jason and his mother are trapped in the warehouse. The kill option won by a narrow majority, and the following month Jason was shown dying from wounds inflicted in the last issue's cliffhanger. The story, entitled "A Death in the Family
Batman: A Death in the Family
"A Death in the Family" is a Batman comic book story arc first published in the late 1980s which gave fans the ability to influence the story through voting with a 900 number. "A Death in the Family" ran in Batman #426-429, published in 1988-1989...
," received high media exposure due to the shocking nature in which a familiar character's life had ended.
1990s
Partially impacted by the tone of Tim BurtonTim Burton
Timothy William "Tim" Burton is an American film director, film producer, writer and artist. He is famous for dark, quirky-themed movies such as Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Corpse Bride and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet...
's 1989 film Batman
Batman (1989 film)
Batman is a 1989 superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name, directed by Tim Burton. The film stars Michael Keaton in the title role, as well as Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl and Jack Palance...
, the comics of the 1990s took a darker tone, reflected in the hiring of artists like Todd McFarlane
Todd McFarlane
Todd McFarlane is a Canadian cartoonist, writer, toy designer and entrepreneur, best known for his work in comic books, such as the fantasy series Spawn....
, Kelley Jones
Kelley Jones
Kelley Jones is an American comic book artist best known for his runs on Batman with writer Doug Moench and on Sandman with writer Neil Gaiman.-Biography:...
, and Joe Quesada
Joe Quesada
Joseph "Joe" Quesada is an American comic book editor, writer and artist. He became known in the 1990s for his work on various Valiant Comics books, such as Ninjak and Solar, Man of the Atom...
. The two dominant Batman writers of the 90s were Doug Moench
Doug Moench
Douglas Moench , better known as Doug Moench, is an American comic book writer notable for his Batman work and as the creator of Black Mask, Moon Knight and Deathlok.-Biography:...
and Chuck Dixon
Chuck Dixon
Charles "Chuck" Dixon is an American comic book writer, best known for long runs on Batman titles in the 1990s.-Biography:Dixon grew up in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area, reading comics of all genres...
. Both writers masterminded the Knightfall
Batman: Knightfall
"Knightfall" is the title given to a major Batman story arc published by DC Comics that dominated Batman-related serial comic books in the spring and summer of 1993...
crossover arc, which saw Batman's back being broken by the super strong villain Bane
Bane (comics)
Bane is a fictional character who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Batman: Vengeance of Bane #1 , and was created by Chuck Dixon, Doug Moench, and Graham Nolan. Bane has been one of Batman's more physically and intellectually powerful foes...
. A new character, Jean-Paul Valley
Azrael (comics)
Azrael is the name of several fictional characters in the DC Comics universe. They are a group of assassins who were created by The Order of St. Dumas to "enforce god's will"...
, takes up the Batman mantle in Bruce Wayne's absence. Valley is driven mad with power, and Wayne forcefully reclaims it after his recovery.
The end of the 90s were dominated by the large crossover No Man's Land, which sees Gotham City ravaged by a large earthquake, leading to the U.S. government's official order to evacuate the city of Gotham, then abandoning and isolating those who choose to remain in the city. The story, spearheaded by writer Greg Rucka
Greg Rucka
Gregory "Greg" Rucka is an American comic book writer and novelist, known for his work on such comics as Action Comics, Batwoman: Detective Comics, and the miniseries Superman: World of New Krypton for DC Comics, and for novels such as his Queen & Country series.-Career:Rucka's writing career...
, would begin his long association with the character into the 2000s. Rucka wrote the issues of this title that tied into No Man's Land, before moving on to becoming the regular writer of Detective Comics.
2000-2003
After the conclusion to No Man's Land and Greg Rucka's move to Detective, the Batman title was handled for seven issues by writer Larry HamaLarry Hama
Larry Hama is an American comic book writer, artist, actor and musician who has worked in the fields of entertainment and publishing since the 1960s....
and new ongoing artist Scott McDaniel
Scott McDaniel
Scott McDaniel is an American comics artist who has drawn numerous books, including Marvel Comics' "Fall from Grace" storyline for the Daredevil series...
. At issue #582, Ed Brubaker
Ed Brubaker
Ed Brubaker is an Eisner Award-winning comic book writer and cartoonist. Brubaker first early comics work was primarily in the crime fiction genre with works such as Lowlife, The Fall, Sandman Presents: Dead Boy Detectives and Scene of the Crime...
stepped on as the new, ongoing writer. Brubaker, a well documented fan of classic pulp magazine
Pulp magazine
Pulp magazines , also collectively known as pulp fiction, refers to inexpensive fiction magazines published from 1896 through the 1950s. The typical pulp magazine was seven inches wide by ten inches high, half an inch thick, and 128 pages long...
s, kept a trend of gritty crime drama that included more grounded villains like the Penguin
Penguin (comics)
Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot III is a DC Comics supervillain and one of Batman's oldest, most persistent enemies. The Penguin was introduced by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, making his debut in Detective Comics #58 .The Penguin is a short, rotund man known for his love of birds and his...
(functioning as a mob boss), Brubaker's new villain Zeiss
Zeiss (comics)
Zeiss is a DC Comics villain, primarily an enemy of the Batman. He first appeared in Batman issue #582.-Fictional character biography:After the death of his parents, Philo Zeiss was taken in by his uncle Victor, the gardener of a Sicilian mafia lord...
, and Deadshot
Deadshot
Deadshot is a fictional character, a supervillain/assassin in the DC Universe and an enemy of Batman. He first appears in Batman #59 and was created by Bob Kane, David Vern Reed and Lew Schwartz....
. Brubaker's run received a short interruption with an arc called Officer Down, which depicted Commissioner Gordon being shot in the line of duty and ultimately retiring from the Gotham police force. From there, then-little known writer Brian K. Vaughan
Brian K. Vaughan
Brian Keller Vaughan is an American comic book and television writer. He is best known for the comic book series Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina, Runaways, and Pride of Baghdad, and was one of the principal writers of the television series Lost, during seasons three through five...
did a short three-issue arc that focused on Batman's created crime persona Matches Malone before Brubaker returned. The next crossover, masterminded by Brubaker and Rucka and entitled Bruce Wayne: Murderer?
Bruce Wayne: Fugitive
"Bruce Wayne: Fugitive" is a storyline that ran through the Batman comic books in 2002. The story directly follows the "Bruce Wayne: Murderer?" story.-Bruce Wayne: Murderer?:...
saw Bruce Wayne framed for the murder of his girlfriend and nearly abandoning his civilian identity altogether.
For the #600 issue, the series moved into the next phase of Wayne's frame-up and featured three backup stories, which were presented as lost issues never before published from iconic eras in Batman's history. "Mystery of the Black Bat" is presented in the style of Dick Sprang
Dick Sprang
Richard W. "Dick" Sprang was an American comic book artist and penciller, best known for his work on the superhero Batman during the period fans and historians call Golden Age of Comic Books. Sprang was responsible for the 1948 redesign of the Batmobile and the original design of the Riddler, who...
comics, and "Joker Tips His Hat" is an homage to the sixties stories by artists like Gil Kane
Gil Kane
Eli Katz who worked under the name Gil Kane and in one instance Scott Edward, was a comic book artist whose career spanned the 1940s to 1990s and every major comics company and character.Kane co-created the modern-day versions of the superheroes Green Lantern and the Atom for DC Comics, and...
and Carmine Infantino
Carmine Infantino
Carmine Infantino Carmine Infantino Carmine Infantino (born May 24, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York is an American comic book artist and editor who was a major force in the Silver Age of Comic Books...
. "The Dark, Groovy, Solid, Far-Out, Right-On and Completely With-It Knight Returns" is a humorous spin on Batman's character trying to update himself into the eighties, and featured stand-up comedian Patton Oswalt
Patton Oswalt
Patton Oswalt is an American stand-up comedian, writer, actor and voice actor. He is best known for portraying Spencer Olchin in the popular sitcom The King of Queens, voicing Remy from the film Ratatouille and Thrasher from the Cartoon Network original series Robotomy.-Early life:Oswalt was born...
's comic writing debut. After the frame-up story concluded, Brubaker closed his run with two issues co-written with Geoff Johns
Geoff Johns
Geoff Johns is an American comic book writer, best known for his work for DC Comics, where he has been Chief Creative Officer since February 2010, in particular for characters such as Green Lantern, The Flash and Superman...
, and then left the title to focus on writing a new Catwoman series. Writer Jeph Loeb
Jeph Loeb
Joseph "Jeph" Loeb III is an American film and television writer, producer and award-winning comic book writer. Loeb was a producer/writer on the TV series Smallville and Lost, writer for the films Commando and Teen Wolf and was a writer and Co-Executive Producer on the NBC TV show Heroes from its...
and superstar artist Jim Lee
Jim Lee
Jim Lee is a Korean-American comic book artist, writer, editor and publisher. He first broke into the industry in 1987 as an artist for Marvel Comics, illustrating titles such as Alpha Flight and Punisher War Journal, before gaining a great deal of popularity on The Uncanny X-Men...
then came aboard for a new year-long story.
2003-2006
Loeb and Lee's story began with issue #608, immediately following the departure of Ed Brubaker. The story, HushBatman: Hush
Hush is a 2002-2003 comic book story arc that ran through the Batman monthly series. It was written by Jeph Loeb, penciled by Jim Lee, inked by Scott Williams and colored by Alex Sinclair. The story depicts a mysterious stalker called Hush, who seems intent on sabotaging Batman from afar, and it...
, was a murder mystery that delved through numerous periods in Batman's history. Introducing a new character that was the story's namesake, as well as helping redefine the Riddler
Riddler
The Riddler is a fictional character, a comic book character and supervillain published by DC Comics, and an enemy of Batman. Created by Bill Finger and Dick Sprang, the character first appeared in Detective Comics #140 ....
, heal Harvey Dent
Two-Face
Two-Face is a fictional comic book supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. and is an enemy of Batman. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #66 , and was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger....
, and call into question the events surrounding Jason Todd
Jason Todd
Jason Peter Todd is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Jason first appeared in Batman #357 and became the second Robin, sidekick to the superhero Batman, when the previous Robin went on to star in The New Teen Titans under the moniker of Nightwing.Though...
's death, Hush was met with widespread sales success and critical acclaim, reflected in the publication of an Absolute Edition hardcover in October 2005. Following the conclusion of Hush, the creative team of the Vertigo series 100 Bullets
100 Bullets
100 Bullets is an Eisner and Harvey Award-winning comic book written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Eduardo Risso. It was published in the USA by DC Comics under its Vertigo imprint and initially ran for one hundred issues...
came aboard for a six-issue arc entitled "Broken City
Broken City
"Broken City" is a DC Comics storyline that appeared in Batman #620-625, written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Eduardo Risso. It features the characters Batman, Killer Croc, The Penguin and the Ventriloquist.-Storyline:...
". From there, writer Judd Winick
Judd Winick
Judd Winick is an American comic book, comic strip and television writer/artist and former reality television personality...
became the ongoing writer for the series and in a controversial story entitled Under the Hood
Batman: Under the Hood
"Batman: Under the Hood" is a comic book story arc published by DC Comics, written by Judd Winick and primarily illustrated by Doug Mahnke. Featuring Batman in the monthly title of the same name, it ran from February to August 2005, before going on a short hiatus and returning from November 2005 to...
, explained that Jason Todd
Jason Todd
Jason Peter Todd is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Jason first appeared in Batman #357 and became the second Robin, sidekick to the superhero Batman, when the previous Robin went on to star in The New Teen Titans under the moniker of Nightwing.Though...
had actually returned from the dead long ago, and became an anti-hero
Anti-hero
In fiction, an antihero is generally considered to be a protagonist whose character is at least in some regards conspicuously contrary to that of the archetypal hero, and is in some instances its antithesis in which the character is generally useless at being a hero or heroine when they're...
in Gotham under the guise of the Red Hood
Red Hood
Red Hood is the alias used by several fictional characters, usually antagonists for Batman in the DC Universe.-Joker:The Red Hood first appeared in Detective Comics #168 "The Man Behind the Red Hood" . In the original continuity, the man later known as the Joker was a master criminal going by the...
.
After the universe-altering event Infinite Crisis
Infinite Crisis
Infinite Crisis is a 2005 - 2006 comic book storyline published by DC Comics, consisting of an eponymous, seven-issue comic book limited series written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Phil Jimenez, George Pérez, Ivan Reis, and Jerry Ordway, and a number of tie-in books...
, all the regular monthly titles of the DC Universe jumped forward in time by one year, depicting the characters in radically different situations and environments then they were in the issues preceding the jump known as "One Year Later
One Year Later
"One Year Later" was a 2006 storyline event running through the DC Universe. As the title suggests, it involves a narrative jump exactly one year into the future of the DC Comics Universe following the events of the Infinite Crisis event, to explore major changes within the continuities of the many...
". Face the Face
Batman: Face the Face
"Face the Face" is an eight-issue Batman story arc written by James Robinson with art by Leonard Kirk, Andy Clarke, Don Kramer, Keith Champagne, Michael Bair, and Wayne Faucher. It was originally published in Detective Comics #817-820 and Batman #651-654 by DC Comics from May through August 2006...
, the Batman story of the event, was written by James Robinson and saw Batman returning from a year-long overseas journey that retraced the steps he took after initially leaving Gotham City in his youth, and also featured the return of James Gordon to the role of Gotham City Police Commissioner. From there, the next long-form ongoing writer was ready to begin.
2006-2009
Grant MorrisonGrant Morrison
Grant Morrison is a Scottish comic book writer, playwright and occultist. He is known for his nonlinear narratives and counter-cultural leanings, as well as his successful runs on titles like Animal Man, Doom Patrol, JLA, The Invisibles, New X-Men, Fantastic Four, All-Star Superman, and...
began his long-form Batman narrative in issue #655. The first story, "Batman & Son
Batman & Son
"Batman & Son" is a comic book story arc from DC Comics by Grant Morrison and Andy Kubert, featuring Batman in the monthly title of the same name. It ran from September to December 2006....
," reveals that Wayne is the father of a child named Damian
Damian Wayne
Damian Wayne is a fictional character in the . Damian is the child of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul, and thus the grandson of Batman villain Ra's al Ghul....
, and attempts to steer the obnoxious child away from the machinations of his natural mother, Talia al Ghul
Talia al Ghul
Talia al Ghul is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe, the now-estranged daughter of the supervillain Ra's al Ghul, a love interest of Batman, and the mother of his son Damian Wayne, the fifth Robin...
. From there, Morrison began an arc that saw an evil influential organization known as the Black Glove attempt to destroy everything Batman is and what he stands for. This culminated in the storyline Batman R.I.P.
Batman R.I.P.
Batman R.I.P. is a comic book story arc published in Batman #676-681 by DC Comics. Written by Grant Morrison, penciled by Tony Daniel, and with covers by Alex Ross, the story pits the superhero Batman against the Black Glove organization as they attempt to destroy everything for which he stands...
, where the Black Glove initially succeeds in doing so, but is thwarted by Bruce Wayne's ability to preserve his sane mind while an erratic, alternate personality takes over. After stopping the Black Glove, Morrison moved Batman into his event series Final Crisis
Final Crisis
Final Crisis is a crossover storyline that appeared in comic books published by DC Comics in 2008, primarily the seven-issue miniseries of the same name written by Grant Morrison. Originally DC announced the project as being illustrated solely by J. G. Jones; artists Carlos Pacheco, Marco Rudy and...
, where it appears that Batman was killed by the Apokoliptian
Apokolips
In the DC Comics fictional shared Universe, Apokolips is the planet ruled by Darkseid, established in Jack Kirby's Fourth World series. It is also integral to many DC Comics stories. The planet is considered the opposite of New Genesis....
New God
New Gods
The New Gods are a fictional race appearing in publications by DC Comics, as well as the title for four series of comic books about those characters. They first appeared in New Gods #1 , and were created and designed by Jack Kirby....
Darkseid
Darkseid
Darkseid is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #134 and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby....
. In the finale of that series, it is instead revealed that he was transported to the distant past and stranded there. Writer Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman
Neil Richard Gaiman born 10 November 1960)is an English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels, audio theatre and films. His notable works include the comic book series The Sandman and novels Stardust, American Gods, Coraline, and The Graveyard Book...
came aboard for issue #686, which was part 1 of a story entitled Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?
Batman: Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?
"Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?" is a 2009 story featuring the DC Comics character of Batman. The story is published in two parts, in the "final" issues of the series Batman and Detective Comics , released February and April respectively...
It served as a quasi-send off to a generation of Batman stories, much the same way as Alan Moore
Alan Moore
Alan Oswald Moore is an English writer primarily known for his work in comic books, a medium where he has produced a number of critically acclaimed and popular series, including Watchmen, V for Vendetta, and From Hell...
's Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?
Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?
"Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?" is a 1986 comic book story featuring the DC Comics character of Superman. The story was published in two parts, beginning in Superman #423 and ending in Action Comics #583, both published in September 1986...
did for Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
, and continued into an issue of Detective Comics
Detective Comics
Detective Comics is an American comic book series published monthly by DC Comics since 1937, best known for introducing the iconic superhero Batman in Detective Comics #27 . It is, along with Action Comics, the book that launched with the debut of Superman, one of the medium's signature series, and...
.
After this, the main Batman series went on hiatus while the Battle for the Cowl
Batman: Battle for the Cowl
Batman: Battle for the Cowl is a 2009 comic book storyline published by DC Comics, consisting of an eponymous, three issue miniseries written and penciled by Tony Daniel, as well as a number of tie-in books. The central story details the chaos in Gotham City following the "Batman R.I.P." and "Final...
mini-series would reveal that Dick Grayson
Dick Grayson
Dick Grayson is a fictional superhero that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger and illustrator Jerry Robinson, he first appeared in Detective Comics #38 in April 1940....
would assume the role of Batman in the wake of Bruce Wayne's disappearance from the present-day DC Universe. Grant Morrison stayed involved in writing for Batman, but moved to a new title called Batman and Robin
Batman and Robin (comic book)
Batman and Robin is an American comic book ongoing series, created by Grant Morrison and featuring Batman and Robin. The debut of the series followed the events of "Batman R.I.P.", Final Crisis, and "Battle for the Cowl" in which the original Batman, Bruce Wayne, apparently died at the hands of DC...
, which followed the exploits of Grayson as Batman and Damian Wayne as the new Robin
Robin (comics)
Robin is the name of several fictional characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, originally created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson, as a junior counterpart to DC Comics superhero Batman...
. Writer Judd Winick
Judd Winick
Judd Winick is an American comic book, comic strip and television writer/artist and former reality television personality...
temporarily returned to the title for Grayson's first solo arc as Batman, before handing the writing and art duties off to Tony Daniel
Tony Daniel
Antonio Salvador Daniel AKA Tony S. Daniel is an American comic book writer and artist, known for his work on various books for DC Comics, including Teen Titans, Flash: The Fastest Man Alive and Batman.-Career:...
, Grant Morrison's artistic collaborator on R.I.P. Daniel closed the 2000s as the writer and artist of the Batman title.
2010-2011
Into the beginning of 2010, Daniel remained the main writer on the series until issue #699. The title reached another milestone in the summer with the publication of Batman #700, which saw the return of Grant Morrison to the title's writing duties and a collaboration with a large art team that consisted of Daniel, Frank QuitelyFrank Quitely
Vincent Deighan, better known by the pen name Frank Quitely, is a Scottish comic book artist. He is best known for his frequent collaborations with Grant Morrison on titles such as New X-Men, We3, All-Star Superman, and Batman and Robin, as well as his work with Mark Millar on The...
, Andy Kubert
Andy Kubert
Andrew "Andy" Kubert is an American comic book artist, son of Joe Kubert, and brother of Adam Kubert, both of whom are also artists...
, and David Finch. The separate stories tied together to illustrate that the legacy of Batman is unending, and will survive into the furthest reaches of time. Morrison stayed on as writer on the series through issue #702, while simultaneously remaining the writer of Batman and Robin as well as the mini-series The Return of Bruce Wayne
Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne
Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne is a 6-issue American comic book limited series published by DC Comics beginning in May 2010 to November 2010, written by Grant Morrison and featuring a team of rotating artists starting with Chris Sprouse and Frazer Irving.The series picks up from Batman and Robin...
. Tony Daniel will resume writing and art duties with issue #704. Even after Bruce Wayne's return, Dick Grayson will remain the star of this title, as well as being the main character in Batman and Robin and Detective Comics. Bruce Wayne will star in two new titles, Batman Incorporated
Batman, Inc.
Batman Incorporated was a 2010-2011 American comic book ongoing series, written by Grant Morrison and featuring Batman...
and Batman: The Dark Knight
Batman: The Dark Knight
Batman: The Dark Knight is an American comic book ongoing series, written and penciled by David Finch and featuring Batman. One of two new ongoing titles to feature Bruce Wayne after the "Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne" storyline, The Dark Knight will depict Bruce Wayne's life in Gotham City...
for the time being. Batman group editor Mike Marts said that the division is temporary: "You know, that's a loose line-up. Moving forward, we'll definitely have the flexibility to play with that a little bit. But at least at the onset, in November, that's the way we're dividing things up."
On June 1, 2011, it was announced that all DC Comics would be either canceled or rebooted at #1. For the first time since 1940, Batman will be rebooted at issue #1.
2011 Relaunch
DC Comics relaunched Batman with issue #1 in September 2011, written by Scott SnyderScott Snyder
Scott Snyder is an American writer best known for his 2006 short story collection Voodoo Heart, and his work in comic books, including American Vampire, Detective Comics, Batman, Batman: Gates of Gotham and Swamp Thing.-Career:...
and drawn by Greg Capullo
Greg Capullo
Gregory “Greg” Capullo is an American comic book artist and penciller, best known for his work on Quasar , X-Force , Angela and Spawn ....
, as part of the 2011 DC Universe reboot
The New 52
The New 52 is a 2011 revamp and relaunch by DC Comics of its entire line of ongoing monthly superhero books, in which all of its existing titles were cancelled, and 52 new series debuted in September 2011 with new #1 issues. Among the series being renumbered are Action Comics and Detective Comics,...
.
Maturity of content
The first stories appearing in the Batman comic were written by Bill FingerBill Finger
William "Bill" Finger was an American comic strip and comic book writer best known as the uncredited co-creator, with Bob Kane, of the DC Comics character Batman, as well as the co-architect of the series' development...
and illustrated by Bob Kane
Bob Kane
Bob Kane was an American comic book artist and writer, credited as the creator of the DC Comics superhero Batman...
, though Finger went uncredited for years thereafter. These early stories depicted a vengeful Batman, not hesitant to kill when he saw it as a necessary sacrifice. In one of the early stories, he is depicted using a gun to stop a group of giant assailants. The Joker
Joker (comics)
The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics. He is the archenemy of Batman, having been directly responsible for numerous tragedies in Batman's life, including the paralysis of Barbara Gordon and the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin...
, a psychopath who is notorious for using a special toxin
Joker venom
Joker venom, also called Joker toxin or Smilex, is a fictional toxin, a favorite murder weapon used by The Joker in the Batman franchise of movies, comics, and cartoons...
that kills and mutilates his victims, remains one of the most prolific and notorious Batman villains created in this time period. Following the desire of creator Jerry Robinson that the Joker not be a character who gets away with murder, for many years the Joker was changed from cold-blooded murderer to playful trickster. Later, during the Silver Age
Silver Age of Comic Books
The Silver Age of Comic Books was a period of artistic advancement and commercial success in mainstream American comic books, predominantly those in the superhero genre. Following the Golden Age of Comic Books and an interregnum in the early to mid-1950s, the Silver Age is considered to cover the...
, this type of super-villain changed from disturbing psychological assaults to the use of amusing gimmicks.
Typically, the primary challenges that the Batman faced in this era were derived from villains who were purely evil
Evil
Evil is the violation of, or intent to violate, some moral code. Evil is usually seen as the dualistic opposite of good. Definitions of evil vary along with analysis of its root motive causes, however general actions commonly considered evil include: conscious and deliberate wrongdoing,...
; however, by the 1970s, the motivations of these characters, including obsessive compulsion, child abuse
Child abuse
Child abuse is the physical, sexual, emotional mistreatment, or neglect of a child. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Children And Families define child maltreatment as any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent or...
and environmental fanaticism, were being explored more thoroughly. Batman himself also underwent a transformation and became a much less one-dimensional character, struggling with deeply rooted internal conflicts. Although not canonical, Frank Miller
Frank Miller (comics)
Frank Miller is an American comic book artist, writer and film director best known for his dark, film noir-style comic book stories and graphic novels Ronin, Daredevil: Born Again, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Sin City and 300...
's The Dark Knight Returns introduced a significant evolution of the Batman's character in his eponymous series; he became uncompromising and relentless in his struggle to revitalize Gotham. The Batman often exhibited behavior that Gotham's elite labeled as excessively violent as well as antisocial
Psychopathy
Psychopathy is a mental disorder characterized primarily by a lack of empathy and remorse, shallow emotions, egocentricity, and deceptiveness. Psychopaths are highly prone to antisocial behavior and abusive treatment of others, and are very disproportionately responsible for violent crime...
tendencies. Miller portrayed him with an anti-heroic and near villainous characterization. This aspect of the Batman's personality was also toned down considerably in the wake of the DC-wide crossover Infinite Crisis
Infinite Crisis
Infinite Crisis is a 2005 - 2006 comic book storyline published by DC Comics, consisting of an eponymous, seven-issue comic book limited series written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Phil Jimenez, George Pérez, Ivan Reis, and Jerry Ordway, and a number of tie-in books...
, wherein Batman experienced a nervous breakdown and reconsidered his philosophy and approaches to his relationships. Currently, the Batman's attributes and personality are said to have been greatly influenced by the traditional characterization by Dennis O'Neil
Dennis O'Neil
Dennis J. "Denny" O'Neil is an American comic book writer and editor, principally for Marvel Comics and DC Comics in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, and Group Editor for the Batman family of books until his retirement....
and Neal Adams
Neal Adams
Neal Adams is an American comic book and commercial artist known for helping to create some of the definitive modern imagery of the DC Comics characters Superman, Batman, and Green Arrow; as the co-founder of the graphic design studio Continuity Associates; and as a creators-rights advocate who...
' portrayals during the 1970s, although hints of the Miller interpretation appear in certain aspects of his character.
Annuals
Over the years 28 annuals have been released in association with the Batman title; though not consistently. Trends in Comic Book annuals usually lead to them either being published or overlooked on any given year, an example being the gap between the late nineties annuals and the early/late 2000s.Important arcs
- Daughter of the Demon and major battles with Ra's al-Ghul: #232, #235, #240, #242 - 245.
- Year OneBatman: Year One"Year One", later referred to as "Batman: Year One", is an American comic book story arc written by Frank Miller, illustrated by David Mazzucchelli, colored by Richmond Lewis, and lettered by Todd Klein...
: #404 - 407. - A Death in the FamilyBatman: A Death in the Family"A Death in the Family" is a Batman comic book story arc first published in the late 1980s which gave fans the ability to influence the story through voting with a 900 number. "A Death in the Family" ran in Batman #426-429, published in 1988-1989...
: #426 - 429 - Batman: A Lonely Place of Dying #440 - 442
- KnightfallBatman: Knightfall"Knightfall" is the title given to a major Batman story arc published by DC Comics that dominated Batman-related serial comic books in the spring and summer of 1993...
#491 - 500 - Batman: Prodigal #512 - 514
- Batman: No Man's LandBatman: No Man's Land"No Man’s Land" is an American comic book crossover storyline that ran for the whole of 1999 through the Batman comic book titles published by DC Comics....
#563 - 574 - HushBatman: HushHush is a 2002-2003 comic book story arc that ran through the Batman monthly series. It was written by Jeph Loeb, penciled by Jim Lee, inked by Scott Williams and colored by Alex Sinclair. The story depicts a mysterious stalker called Hush, who seems intent on sabotaging Batman from afar, and it...
#608 - 619 - Broken CityBroken City"Broken City" is a DC Comics storyline that appeared in Batman #620-625, written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Eduardo Risso. It features the characters Batman, Killer Croc, The Penguin and the Ventriloquist.-Storyline:...
#620 - 625 - Under the HoodBatman: Under the Hood"Batman: Under the Hood" is a comic book story arc published by DC Comics, written by Judd Winick and primarily illustrated by Doug Mahnke. Featuring Batman in the monthly title of the same name, it ran from February to August 2005, before going on a short hiatus and returning from November 2005 to...
#635 - 641, #645 - 650, Annual #25 - Batman and Son #655 - 658
- Batman R.I.P.Batman R.I.P.Batman R.I.P. is a comic book story arc published in Batman #676-681 by DC Comics. Written by Grant Morrison, penciled by Tony Daniel, and with covers by Alex Ross, the story pits the superhero Batman against the Black Glove organization as they attempt to destroy everything for which he stands...
#676 - 681
Crossovers
- LegendsLegends (comics)"Legends" was a comic book crossover story line that ran through a six-issue, self titled limited series and various other titles published by DC Comics in 1986 and 1987...
: #401 - Knightfall: #492-500
- KnightQuest: #501-508
- KnightsEnd: #509-510
- Zero Hour: #511.
- Prodigal: #512-514
- Troika: #515
- Contagion: #529
- Legacy: #533-534
- Cataclysm: #553-554
- Aftershock: 555-559
- No Man's Land: #563-574
- Officer Down: #587
- War Games: #631-633
- War CrimesWar Crimes (comics)"War Crimes" is a story arc in the Batman comic book series, and is the sequel to another Batman story arc; "War Games".In the wake of Gotham's recent, and brutal, gang war, Batman is blamed by the city for the recent chaos, and heavily criticized for endangering children...
: #643-644 - Face the Face: #651-654
- The Resurrection of Ra's al GhulBatman: The Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul"The Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul" is the name of an eight issue comic book crossover story arc published by DC Comics in 2007 and 2008. It involves the return of notable Batman villain Ra's al Ghul, and is his first appearance since his apparent death in Batman: Death and the Maidens in 2003...
: #670-671 - Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?Batman: Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?"Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?" is a 2009 story featuring the DC Comics character of Batman. The story is published in two parts, in the "final" issues of the series Batman and Detective Comics , released February and April respectively...
: #686
First historical appearances
| Appearance | Issue Number | Month/Year |
|---|---|---|
| The Joker Joker (comics) The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics. He is the archenemy of Batman, having been directly responsible for numerous tragedies in Batman's life, including the paralysis of Barbara Gordon and the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin... |
#1 | Spring 1940 |
| Catwoman Catwoman Catwoman is a fictional character associated with DC Comics' Batman franchise. Historically a supervillain, the character was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, partially inspired by Kane's cousin, Ruth Steel... as "The Cat" |
#1 | Spring 1940 |
| Gotham City Gotham City Gotham City is a fictional U.S. city appearing in DC Comics, best known as the home of Batman. Batman's place of residence was first identified as Gotham City in Batman #4 . Gotham City is strongly inspired by Trenton, Ontario's history, location, atmosphere, and various architectural styles... |
#4 | Winter 1941 |
| Batmobile Batmobile The Batmobile is the automobile of DC Comics superhero Batman. The car has evolved along with the character from comic books to television and films. Kept in the Batcave, which it accesses through a hidden entrance, the Batmobile is a gadget-laden vehicle used by Batman in his crime-fighting... |
#5 | Spring 1941 |
| Alfred Pennyworth Alfred Pennyworth Alfred Pennyworth is a fictional character that appears throughout the DC Comics franchise. The character first appears in Batman #16 , and was created by writer Bob Kane and artist Jerry Robinson. Alfred serves as Batman’s tireless butler, assistant, confidant, and surrogate father figure... |
#16 | April–May 1943 |
| The Mad Hatter Mad Hatter (comics) The Mad Hatter is a fictional supervillain and enemy of Batman in the DC Universe. He is modeled after the Hatter from Lewis Carroll's novel, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, a character often called the "Mad Hatter" in adaptations of Carroll. He made his first appearance in Batman #49 in October... |
#49 | October–November 1948 |
| Vicki Vale Vicki Vale Victoria Vale is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appears in Batman #49 , and was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger.-1940s-1960s:... |
#49 | October–November 1948 |
| Deadshot Deadshot Deadshot is a fictional character, a supervillain/assassin in the DC Universe and an enemy of Batman. He first appears in Batman #59 and was created by Bob Kane, David Vern Reed and Lew Schwartz.... |
#59 | June–July 1950 |
| Killer Moth Killer Moth Killer Moth is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. He first appeared in Batman #63 published in 1951. Killer Moth originally wore a garish costume with striped purple and green spandex, orange cape and a moth-like mask.... |
#63 | February–March 1951 |
| Mr. Freeze Mr. Freeze Mr. Freeze, real name Dr. Victor Fries , is a DC Comics supervillain, an enemy of Batman. Created by Bob Kane, he first appeared in Batman #121 .... as "Mr. Zero" |
#121 | February 1959 |
| Batgirl Batgirl Batgirl is the name of several fictional characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, frequently depicted as female counterparts to the superhero Batman... (Betty Kane) |
#139 | April 1961 |
| Poison Ivy | #181 | June 1966 |
| Ra's al Ghul Ra's al Ghul Ra's al Ghul is a DC Comics supervillain and is one of Batman's greatest enemies. His name in Arabic has been translated in the comics as "The Demon's Head" and references the name of the star Algol. Created by writer Dennis O'Neil and artist Neal Adams, he was introduced in Batman #232's... |
#232 | June 1971 |
| Lucius Fox Lucius Fox Lucius Fox is a fictional character appearing in Batman comic books by DC Comics. He was created by Len Wein and John Calnan, and first appeared in Batman #307 . As a supporting character, he acts as Bruce Wayne's business manager who supposedly unknowingly runs the business interests that supply... |
#307 | January 1979 |
| The Snowman Snowman (comics) The Snowman is a fictional supervillain in Batman comics. The Snowman first appeared in Batman #337 , and was created by Gerry Conway and Roy Thomas.-Fictional character biography:... |
#337 | July 1981 |
| Harvey Bullock Harvey Bullock (comics) Harvey Bullock is a fictional character from DC Comics' Batman titles.-Fictional character biography:Prior to the 1984-85 DC maxi-series Crisis on Infinite Earths, Bullock is a crooked police detective under instructions from Gotham City's Mayor Hamilton Hill to sabotage Commissioner Gordon's career... |
#361 | June 1983 |
| Black Mask Black Mask (comics) Black Mask is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. An enemy of Batman, he first appeared in Batman #386 . Black Mask was created by Doug Moench and Tom Mandrake.-Dark beginning:... |
#386 | August 1985 |
| Holly Robinson Holly Robinson (comics) Holly Robinson is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. She was introduced in Batman #404 during Frank Miller's Batman: Year One story arc.Holly is a frequent ally and sidekick of Catwoman... |
#404 | February 1987 |
| Sarah Essen Gordon Sarah Essen Gordon Sarah Essen Gordon is a fictional character in the DC Universe, created by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli as a supporting character in the Batman mythos.-Fictional character biography:... |
#405 | March 1987 |
| KGBeast KGBeast KGBeast is a fictional character, a supervillain appearing in DC Comics publications primarily as an opponent of Batman.- Back story :Anatoli Knyazev, code-named "The Beast", and known to the C.I.A. as the "KGBeast" was trained as an assassin by "The Hammer," a top secret cell of the KGB... |
#417 | March 1988 |
| Tim Drake (later Robin Robin (comics) Robin is the name of several fictional characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, originally created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson, as a junior counterpart to DC Comics superhero Batman... III) |
#436 | August 1989 |
| Shondra Kinsolving Shondra Kinsolving Shondra Kinsolving is a fictional supporting character in the DC Comics universe. She was introduced during the "Knightfall" storyline in Batman #486, . She was created by Doug Moench and Jim Aparo.-Fictional character biography:... |
#486 | February 1992 |
| Cassandra Cain Cassandra Cain Cassandra Cain is a fictional character in the , one of several who has served as Batgirl, an important character in the Batman comic book franchise. Cassandra's backstory presents her as the daughter of assassins David Cain and Lady Shiva, she was deprived of speech and human contact during her... (later Batgirl Batgirl Batgirl is the name of several fictional characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, frequently depicted as female counterparts to the superhero Batman... IV): |
#567 | July 1999 |
| David Cain | #567 | July 1999 |
| Hush Hush (comics) Hush is a fictional comic book supervillain appearing in books published by DC Comics, usually as an enemy of Batman. Created by writer Jeph Loeb and artist Jim Lee, the character first appeared in Batman #609 , as part of the 12-issue storyline, Batman: Hush... |
#609 | January 2003 |
| Red Hood Red Hood Red Hood is the alias used by several fictional characters, usually antagonists for Batman in the DC Universe.-Joker:The Red Hood first appeared in Detective Comics #168 "The Man Behind the Red Hood" . In the original continuity, the man later known as the Joker was a master criminal going by the... (Jason Todd) |
#635 | December 2004 |
| Damian Wayne Damian Wayne Damian Wayne is a fictional character in the . Damian is the child of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul, and thus the grandson of Batman villain Ra's al Ghul.... |
#655 | September 2006 |
Collected editions
See also Batman Reprint CollectionsBatman only
- Batman: The Dark Knight ArchivesDC Archive EditionsDC Archive Editions, collect early, sometimes rare, comic books published by DC and other publishers into a permanent hardcover series. With more than 100 titles, this series began in 1989 with Superman Archives Vol. 1...
(Five Volumes) Collects issues from #1 (1940) - #20 (1943):- Volume 1 (ISBN 1-56389-050-X)
- Volume 2 (ISBN 1-56389-183-2)
- Volume 3 (ISBN 1-56389-615-X)
- Volume 4 (ISBN 1-56389-983-3)
- Volume 5 (ISBN 1-4012-0778-2)
- Batman: Year OneBatman: Year One"Year One", later referred to as "Batman: Year One", is an American comic book story arc written by Frank Miller, illustrated by David Mazzucchelli, colored by Richmond Lewis, and lettered by Todd Klein...
(collects #404 - 407, softcover, ISBN 1-4012-0752-9, hardcover, ISBN 1-4012-0690-5) - Batman: Ten Nights of The Beast (collects #417 - 420)
- Batman: A Death in the FamilyBatman: A Death in the Family"A Death in the Family" is a Batman comic book story arc first published in the late 1980s which gave fans the ability to influence the story through voting with a 900 number. "A Death in the Family" ran in Batman #426-429, published in 1988-1989...
(collects #426 - 429) - Batman: Many Deaths of Batman (collects #433 - 435)
- Batman: HushBatman: HushHush is a 2002-2003 comic book story arc that ran through the Batman monthly series. It was written by Jeph Loeb, penciled by Jim Lee, inked by Scott Williams and colored by Alex Sinclair. The story depicts a mysterious stalker called Hush, who seems intent on sabotaging Batman from afar, and it...
:- Volume 1 (collects #608 - 612, ISBN 978-1-4012-0060-2)
- Volume 2 (collects #613 - 619, ISBN 978-1-4012-0092-3)
- Absolute Edition (collects #608 - 619, ISBN 1-4012-0426-0)
- Batman: Broken CityBroken City"Broken City" is a DC Comics storyline that appeared in Batman #620-625, written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Eduardo Risso. It features the characters Batman, Killer Croc, The Penguin and the Ventriloquist.-Storyline:...
(collects #620 - 625) - Batman: As the Crow FliesAs The Crow Flies (comics)As the Crow Flies is a comic book story arc that ran through the Batman monthly series. It was written by Judd Winick, penciled by Dustin Nguyen and inked by Richard Friend. It was published in episodes 626 - 630 of the series, and printed in its entirety in a single comic book recopilation in 2004...
(collects #626 - 630) - Batman: Under the HoodBatman: Under the Hood"Batman: Under the Hood" is a comic book story arc published by DC Comics, written by Judd Winick and primarily illustrated by Doug Mahnke. Featuring Batman in the monthly title of the same name, it ran from February to August 2005, before going on a short hiatus and returning from November 2005 to...
(Two Volumes) (collects #635 - 641, 645 - 650 and Batman Annual #25) - Batman and Son (collects #655 - 658, 663 - 666, hardcover, ISBN 1-4012-1240-9, softcover, ISBN 1-4012-1241-7)
- Batman: The Black Glove (collects #667 - 669, 672 - 675, ISBN 1-4012-1909-8)
- Batman R.I.P.Batman R.I.P.Batman R.I.P. is a comic book story arc published in Batman #676-681 by DC Comics. Written by Grant Morrison, penciled by Tony Daniel, and with covers by Alex Ross, the story pits the superhero Batman against the Black Glove organization as they attempt to destroy everything for which he stands...
(collects #676 - 683, ISBN 1-4012-2090-8) - 'Batman: Long Shadows' collects #687-691.
- 'Batman: Life After Death' collects #692-699.
- 'Batman: Time and the Batman collects #700-703.
Batman (collected with Detective Comics)
- Batman ChroniclesThe Batman Chronicles (trade paperback)The Batman Chronicles is a series of trade paperbacks published by DC Comics, intended to reprint all Batman stories from Detective Comics, Batman, World's Finest Comics, and other titles throughout the character's history, chronologically , starting with his earliest appearances...
(Nine Volumes): includes #1-17 (1940–1943). - Batman: The Dynamic Duo ArchivesDC Archive EditionsDC Archive Editions, collect early, sometimes rare, comic books published by DC and other publishers into a permanent hardcover series. With more than 100 titles, this series began in 1989 with Superman Archives Vol. 1...
(Two Volumes): collects #164 (1964) - #171 (1965) - Showcase PresentsShowcase presentsShowcase Presents is a line of black-and-white paperback books published by DC Comics at an average rate of two per month. Created to effectively be DC's version of Marvel Comics' Essential Marvel volumes, each book includes over 500 pages of reprints, primarily from the Silver Age...
: Batman (Three volumes): collects #164 (1964) - #201 (1967).
Batman-wide crossovers
[These are crossovers that include most - if not all - of the Batman related titles published at the times.]- Batman: KnightfallBatman: Knightfall"Knightfall" is the title given to a major Batman story arc published by DC Comics that dominated Batman-related serial comic books in the spring and summer of 1993...
(Three Volumes) (includes #491 - 500, 509 - 510). - Batman: Prodigal (includes #512 - 514).
- Batman: Contagion & Batman: LegacyBatman: Legacy"Legacy" is a crossover story arc in the Batman comic book series, which is a sequel to another Batman story arc, "Contagion" and also serves as a follow-up to the "Knightfall" story arc....
(includes #529, 534 - 535). - Batman: CataclysmBatman: Cataclysm"Cataclysm" is an 18 chapter DC Comics crossover story arc that ran through the various Batman family comics from March to May, 1998. The plot of the storyline centers around Gotham City being hit by a massive earthquake, the epicenter of the which is less than a mile from Wayne Manor...
& Batman: No Man's Land (includes #553 - 554, 563 - 569, 572 - 574). - Batman: Officer Down (includes #587).
- Batman: Bruce Wayne, Murderer? & Batman: Bruce Wayne, Fugitive (includes #599 - 600, 603, 605).
- Batman: War Games & Batman: War CrimesWar Crimes (comics)"War Crimes" is a story arc in the Batman comic book series, and is the sequel to another Batman story arc; "War Games".In the wake of Gotham's recent, and brutal, gang war, Batman is blamed by the city for the recent chaos, and heavily criticized for endangering children...
(includes #631 - 633, 643 - 644). - Batman: Face the FaceBatman: Face the Face"Face the Face" is an eight-issue Batman story arc written by James Robinson with art by Leonard Kirk, Andy Clarke, Don Kramer, Keith Champagne, Michael Bair, and Wayne Faucher. It was originally published in Detective Comics #817-820 and Batman #651-654 by DC Comics from May through August 2006...
(includes Batman #651 - 654, in addition to Detective ComicsDetective ComicsDetective Comics is an American comic book series published monthly by DC Comics since 1937, best known for introducing the iconic superhero Batman in Detective Comics #27 . It is, along with Action Comics, the book that launched with the debut of Superman, one of the medium's signature series, and...
#817-820). - The Resurrection of Ra's al GhulBatman: The Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul"The Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul" is the name of an eight issue comic book crossover story arc published by DC Comics in 2007 and 2008. It involves the return of notable Batman villain Ra's al Ghul, and is his first appearance since his apparent death in Batman: Death and the Maidens in 2003...
(includes #670 - 671, ISBN 1-4012-1785-0) - Batman: Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader? (includes #685, in addition to Detective ComicsDetective ComicsDetective Comics is an American comic book series published monthly by DC Comics since 1937, best known for introducing the iconic superhero Batman in Detective Comics #27 . It is, along with Action Comics, the book that launched with the debut of Superman, one of the medium's signature series, and...
#852, Secret Origins #36, Secret Origins Special #1, and Batman Black And White #2)
With non-Batman titles
- A Lonely Place of Dying: collects #440 - 442 with The New Titans #60 - 61.
External links
- The Trade Paperback list
- Batman comic book sales figures for 1960 at The Comics Chronicles