Batman is a fictional character and superhero owned by DC Comics. He first appeared in Detective Comics #27, and was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill FInger. He is also known as the Caped Crusader and the Dark Knight.
His secret identity is that of Bruce Wayne, a billionaire playboy and philanthropist, who, after witnessing the murder of his parents as a child, swore to uphold justice in the corrupt Gotham City as the vigilante Batman. He chose the bat as his symbol because he was afraid them, and he wanted to use his fear against his enemies. He is usually assisted by many supporting characters like his butler Alfred Pennyworth, his sidekick Robin, Commissioner Jim Gordon, and Batgirl. He has fought many villains, referred to as his rogues gallery, which includes the Joker, the Penguin, Two-Face, the Riddler, Ra's al Ghul, Poison Ivy, Mr. Freeze, and Catwoman.
Batman has appeared in other media including film, video games, television shows, and radio. Interest in the character was renewed following the 1989 film Batman. This film was followed by 3 sequels, and the reboot Dark Knight trilogy. He has been portrayed by Lewis Wilson, Robert Lowrey, Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, and Christian Bale. He will be portrayed by Ben Affleck in Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice.