Editing Batman (section)

== Publication history ==
{{Main article|Publication history of Batman}}

===Creation and early history===

In early 1939, following the success of [[Superman]], [[DC Comics]]' editors requested more superheroes.<ref>{{harvp|Daniels|1999|p=18}}</ref> [[Bob Kane]] created Batman, initially drawing a character with red tights, bat wings, and a domino mask. [[Bill Finger]], a collaborator, made significant contributions by suggesting a cowl, cape, gloves, and a darker costume.<ref>[[Jim Steranko|Steranko, Jim]]. ''The Steranko History of Comics 1''. Reading, PA: Supergraphics, 1970. ({{ISBN|978-0-517-50188-7}})</ref> The character's alter ego, [[Bruce Wayne (Gotham)|Bruce Wayne]], was inspired by historical figures [[Robert the Bruce]] and [[Anthony Wayne|Mad Anthony Wayne]].<ref name="creation">Kane, Andrae, p. 44.</ref> Batman's early adventures drew inspiration from contemporary pulp fiction and characters like Zorro and the Shadow, establishing Batman as a master detective with a dark, brooding persona driven by the murder of his parents.{{sfnp|Boichel|1991|pp=6–7}}<ref>{{harvp|Daniels|2004|p=31}}</ref>

===Golden, Silver and Bronze Ages===
{{See also|List of Batman comics}}
Batman debuted in ''Detective Comics'' #27 in 1939. Early stories were dark, featuring a Batman who did not shy away from killing. The character quickly became popular, leading to his own solo title in 1940. Robin, Batman's sidekick, was introduced in 1940, lightening the tone and boosting sales. Over the next few years, Batman's rogues' gallery expanded with iconic villains like the Joker and Catwoman.
The 1950s saw Batman in lighter, science fiction-influenced stories. However, declining sales led to a 1964 revamp by editor Julius Schwartz, who returned Batman to his detective roots and updated his appearance. The 1966 Batman TV series introduced a campy, humorous tone, which was reflected in the comics until its cancellation in 1968. In the 1970s, writers Dennis O'Neil and Neal Adams restored Batman's dark, gritty nature, a trend that continued despite fluctuating sales.

=== Modern Age and reboots ===
In the [[Modern Age of Comic Books]] Batman comics have undergone significant transformations, reflecting changing storytelling trends and audience interests. Beginning with seminal works like ''[[The Dark Knight Returns]]'' in the 1980s,<ref>{{harvp|Daniels|1999|pp=147, 149}}</ref> which reintroduced Batman in a grittier, more mature context, the character's narrative evolved to explore deeper themes and darker tones.<ref name=":0">Wright, p. 267.</ref> This period also saw the exploration of Batman's origins and psyche through works like ''[[Batman: Year One]],''<ref name=":0" />''<ref name="harvp|Daniels|1999|p=161">{{harvp|Daniels|1999|p=161}}</ref>'' and ''[[Batman: The Killing Joke]]'', which delved into the complexities of heroism and villainy.<ref>{{harvp|Daniels|1999|pp=161, 163}}</ref> In the 1990s, storylines such as "[[Batman: Knightfall|Knightfall]]" introduced new adversaries like Bane, who physically and mentally challenged Batman, leading to a temporary replacement by Jean-Paul Valley. The aftermath of an earthquake in "No Man's Land" depicted Gotham City in chaos, further pushing Batman to new limits of heroism and survival.<ref name="nerd">{{cite book |last1=Weldon |first1=Glen |author-link1=Glen Weldon |title=The Caped Crusade: Batman and the Rise of Nerd Culture |date=2016 |publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]] |isbn=978-1-4767-5669-1}}</ref> Entering the 21st century, [[Grant Morrison]]'s influential run introduced [[Damian Wayne]] as Batman's son and heir, bringing familial dynamics and a new generation of challenges to the forefront. Morrison's storytelling also delved into surreal and existential themes, such as in ''[[Batman R.I.P.]]'' and ''[[Final Crisis]]'', which tested Batman's resolve and sanity against cosmic threats and personal demons.<ref name="comics.ign.com2">{{cite web |last=Phillips |first=Dan |date=August 8, 2009 |title=Grant Morrison's New Batman and Robin |url=http://comics.ign.com/articles/986/986031p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609172555/http://comics.ign.com/articles/986/986031p1.html |archive-date=June 9, 2012 |access-date=August 8, 2009 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref name="Interview2">{{cite web |last=George |first=Richard |date=March 11, 2009 |title=Morrison discusses ''Batman and Robin'' |url=http://comics.ign.com/articles/961/961488p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305225820/http://comics.ign.com/articles/961/961488p1.html |archive-date=March 5, 2012 |access-date=August 6, 2009 |website=IGN}}</ref> [[The New 52]] reboot in 2011 refreshed Batman's continuity while preserving core elements of his character. This era introduced modern interpretations of classic storylines, like ''[[Batman: Night of the Owls|Night of the Owls]]'', where Batman confronts the Court of Owls, a clandestine society controlling Gotham for centuries. The chilling return of the Joker in "Death of the Family" explored the intricate relationships within Batman's extended family of allies and adversaries. More recent developments under DC Rebirth and Infinite Frontier have continued to evolve Batman's universe, exploring new characters like [[Gotham City|Gotham]] and [[Gotham Girl]], and tackling contemporary issues within the context of Gotham City's ever-evolving landscape of crime and heroism.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Batman {{!}} Official DC Character |url=https://www.dc.com/characters/batman |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=DC |language=en-US}}</ref>