Justine Wollmuth
Superheroes
Mrs. Franklin
November 12, 2015
Bruce Wayne, Batman’s secret identity, is an American billionaire, playboy, philanthropist, and owner of Wayne Enterprises. Batman is one of the most well-known and well-liked superheroes of all time probably because of all of the comics, TV shows, movies and video games with him in it. Many are interested in Batman mainly because he is human, has no super powers and no special abilities just like a normal person but continues in many super human things using his gadgets, a body suit and a brilliant mind. Not only are these some of the differences between him and some other super heroes but he wants to see justice served and to defeat his enemies because he focuses on what is right and what is wrong. Batman has starred in about fourteen films both as a starring character and as an ensemble character beginning in 1943 and the latest in 2012 with two more coming in 2016 and 2017. Having earned a total of U.S. $1,900,844,295, the Batman series is the fifth-highest-grossing film series in North America. The first full-length movie of batman made in 1989 shows that to overcome great diversity one must step out of the bounds of what is socially and morally acceptable though the characterization of Batman, the contrast between
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Batman and Bruce Wayne and the characterization of the Joker.
Although Batman is the hero of many stories and films, many argue whether Batman actually needs to exist or if his moral code of “no killing” is actually worth it when his
enemies continue to kill more lives only because he lets them live. Bruce Wayne experienced a tragedy while walking home from a movie with his father, Thomas, and mother, Martha, when they accidentally ventured into Gotham City’s notorious “Crime Alley” and were shot by a mugger whose identity was “never determined”. After seeing his parents like this, Bruce swore to avenge them. At age 14, Bruce embarked on a journey that took him to every continent as he sought to learn all the skills he would need to keep his vow. He studied criminology, forensics, and criminal psychology, and learned from manhunters and martial artists, mastering every fighting style. Bruce stalked street thugs as a plain clothes vigilant. Beaten by the people he intended to protect, he barely survived his first night out. As he sat bleeding in his study at Wayne Manor, Bruce knew that he had to first strike fear in the hearts of his foes. Just then, a bat crashed through the study window, giving Bruce the inspiration that the needed. Establishing a secret headquarters in the caves beneath his mansion, Bruce became Batman, a Dark Knight to protect Gotham and its citizens from vice and villainy. Batman’s uniform is bulletproof and fire resistant, featuring a weighted cape and a cowl outfitted with night-vision technology and communications arrays; utility belt contains an arsenal of crime-fighting gear, including various types of offensive Batarangs, de-cel jumplines and grapnels, micro-camera, smoke pellets, acetylene torch, gas mask, rebreather, and flexi-cuffs among other miniaturized non-lethal weapons. Batman employs a variety of detective gadgets, including micro-computers and crime scene analysis kits; maintains a fleet of high-tech and high-powered vehicles, chief among the Batmobile, Batcyle, Batboat, Batplane and Batcopter; Batcave headquarter houses training facilities, forensic laboratories, computer database, and maintenance bays for all Bat-vehicles. Batman’s Rogues Gallery grew to include a host of bizarre criminals, such as the Joker, Catwoman, Two-Face and the Penguin. Not long after these enemies increased, help arrived in the form of another boy left parentless by crime, Dick Grayson. Batman visited Dick, offering the boy a chance at retribution by becoming Robin, the Dark Knight’s squire in his personal war on crime. The first Robin (total of four) was schooled by Batman, learning all the skills he would need to bring his enemies to justice. Not long after he swore oath, he joined the Dark Knight’s crusade as his most rusted partner, Robin the Boy Wonder. Batman later met an orphan, Jason Todd, when the boy tried to steal the tires right off of the Batmobile. After Dick Grayson had pretty much given up the role of Robin, Batman decided to take Jason in and offer him a home and a purpose. Jason began the training that Dick once did but was someone who lacked maturity and was quick to anger. When Jason (the second Robin) discovered clues that his long-lost mother was alive, he secretly traveled to Africa to find her which ended up leading him straight into the clutches of the Joker. Jason and his mother were left to die in a booby-trapped warehouse wired from the floor to the ceiling with high explosive charges. The mother survived the explosion long enough to tell Batman that his partner had died a hero. Next comes Tim Drake, the third Robin. After witnessing several actions of Batman, he argued that Batman needed a Robin to give the Dark Knight Hope, especially when he was faced with crime. Batman gave Tim the opportunity to show himself and he later become the third Robin. The fourth Robin is one that is debated whether or not it counts. Tim met a teen vigilant, Stephanie Brown, and attractions grew. Tim began supplying Stephanie with official Bat-Equipment. Their love ended when Stephanie was killed in action. She was only displayed as the fourth Robin for about thirty minutes. Batman has been around for over 75 years. Beginning in 1939, National Comic (later became DC Comics), was looking for a new super hero so Kane conceived one of the most popular and enduring characters of the twentieth century—The Batman. The first Batman story, “The case of the Chemical Syndicate,” was written by Bill Finger and published in Detective Comics #27. Batman was introduced as bored socialite Bruce Wayne. He became a ruthless crime-fighter who dispatched thugs with grim satisfaction. The first boomerang-like Batarang and the first bat-themes vehicle, the Batplane, made their debuts in Detective Comics #31. The Dynamic Duo was born in Detective Comics #38 with the introduction of Batman’s trusty sidekick, Robin the Boy Wonder. During these times, the Batman stories grew more fanciful. The Joker became less of a killer and more of a dangerous prankster. Batman also found a love interest when a photo-journalist Vicki Vale was introduced in 1948. Batman’s stories became bizarre during the 1950’s when Batman became an unlikely science-fiction star, regularly battling space-aliens and robots. In one transformation, he became “Zebra Batman,” a radioactive, black-and-white-striped menace to Gotham City. An entire Bat-Family of characters were added to the comics, including Bat-woman, Bat Girl, a magical imp named Bat-Mite, and even Ace the Bat-Hound, a crime-fighting dog that wore a mask. To defeat the alien starfish Starro the Conqueror, Batman joined the Justice League of America in The Brave and the Bold #28, fighting alongside team members Wonder Woman, Flash, Superman, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, and Green Lantern. In 1964, sales of Batman and Detective Comics were sinking, and they were in danger of being canceled. The books were assigned to a different editor who wanted to give a “new look” for Batman including a yellow oval around the bat on his chest, a new Batmobile, and a hotline to police headquarters. Batman aired on television twice a week that caused the ratings to go high up. After the television series were canceled in 1968, sales of the comics fell again. In Batman #217, Dick left for college, and Bruce’s closed Wayne Manor in favor of a penthouse apartment, the first step in a movie to reestablish a “back-to-basics” atmosphere for the character. In the early 1970’s, Batman operated alone and relied on his wits, solving mysteries and fighting street thugs in back alleys. He had returned to his original incarnation: a shadowy figure haunting Gotham by night and striking fear into the hearts of criminals. Batman then returned to television in 1971 containing different names until 1981. In 1986, the four-issue series Batman: The Dark Knight, redefined the hero as an older, tougher warrior coming out of retirement to proclaim Gotham City from criminals who had overtaken it. It also introduced the first female Robin. As Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, it became the first DC story arc to be collected in book form and has remained continuously in print. In 1992, Batman Returns featured the return of Michael Keaton as the Dark Knight, facing of against Danny DeVito and Michelle Pfeiffer as the Penguin and Catwoman. That same year, Batman: The Animated Series made it debut on television. A critical and popular success, the series continues under a variety of names for most of the decade. The 12-part “Hush” story in 2003 brought new energy and a huge audience to the Batman title. In 2005, Christian Bale starred in Batman Begins. The film explored the origins of the Dark Knight and his emergence as a fore for good in Gotham City. The 2008 follow-up, The Dark Knight, features and Oscar-winning performance by Heath Ledger and became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time. In 2010, it was revealed that Darkseid had not killed Batman; instead, Bruce Wayne had become lost in time. Although Wayne eventually returned, he allowed Dick to continue being Batman. Lastly, in 2014, writer Scott Synder updated Batman’s origin story for the first time in 25 years in the new Batman: Zero storyline. Batman has had many highlights throughout the 75 years that it has been created. Batman’s costume has changed drastically from 1939 to present time. To start off, Batman’s first experience was in Detective Comic 27, wearing a bulletproof vest under his suit and had purple gloves. He wore a standard belt with a round buckle. In 1939, the Caped Crusader has sharper, pointier ears, and more durable wings. In 1940, Batman’s outfit is visibly more blue with the addition of longer boots and gloves. From 1943-1949: “Batman and Robin” serial- The Dark Knight wore a long snout and flimsy ears that make him look completely unrecognizable. August 1952, “Jungle Batman”, went through a couple different changes such as a sash or “jungle outfit”. In 1957, “Rainbow Batman,” didn’t actually wear a rainbow costume; however, to draw attention from an injured Robin, the Caped Crusader wore different-colored batsuits. From August 1958 to 2011, the costume consisted of red, yellow, and purple with a much different logo. In 1960, Batman become a zebra-like menace. He was fully covered in zebra stripes. In the 80’s and 90’s, The Dark Knight remained similar style to his former self with a blue cape and cowl along with gray tights. Over the next few years the bat logo appeared larger on his outfits as well as outlines in yellow. In 1992 the only change was the abs looking less natural. The suit then began to alter between black, yellow, and even silver. The last look of Batman is a full black suit that makes him look more armored and defined looking. *I plan to talk a little more about the changes specifically between the two pictures as well as the point of view from audience about Batman. I have also developed many opinions from friends and family about the character Batman that I intend to add. I will then end with a conclusion. Outline: (I plan to do the same as the one recommended) • Introduction • History of character/creation of story • Summary of character current popularity of character/metamorphoses of character overtime • Image study • Literature about heroes in general • Conclusion Sources: (Ones I have found so far) • Batman in Film • Ideas for Batman Research Paper (only used to explore ideas on topics) • DC Comics Batman • Batman Biography, History
In origin, a hero is an archetype character that refers to protectors, warriors, or god-like man who protects humanity. For instance, Hercules was a hero in Greek mythology. In modern culture, heroism is recognized as an extremely popular trait that a character can possess. In this case, Bat Man, also referred to as The Dark Knight, is indisputably idealized as a hero. Unlike most superheros in comicbooks culture, Bat Man is a simple human being with absolutely no superpowers. Regardless of that, he as a simple human being still exhibits the courage, intelligence, talent and the necessary skills in fighting crime and defeating potentially hazardous villains seeking to either rule the world or cause destruction. In detail, Bat Man’s real name is Bruce Wayne. Bruce was 10 years old when his parents were murdered which fundamentally change his perception about the world. After his parents’ death, Bruce inherited a multibillion dollar company that his father created before his birth, which explains why he has the most advanced technology to help him fight crime. While growing up, Bruce trained himself to fight and had been working out. One night, he came to the conclusion that Gotham city is falling into the hands of criminals. For that reason, he convinced himself that it should be his obligation to prevent it, although he needed a hero identity to hide his real identity
Pearson, Roberta E. and William Uricchio, eds. 1991. The Many Lives of the Batman. New York: Routledge.
Everyone knows who Batman is. Batman has many different monikers, from “The Dark Knight” to “Gotham's White Light” He is the hero of Gotham City. However, he is not the perfect superhero. Whenever he is fighting a villian such as the Joker and Bane, his methods are unorthodox to the average superhero. The way Batman fights crime, destroying the enviroment to do whatever it takes to stop the villian, and involving collateral damage, makes him a failed hero.
“The film was shot using a wider than usual lens so that it could be shown in I-MAX cinemas nationwide. Today’s audiences want an experience bigger than reality. We have to go that extra mile to give them that something extra.” Chris Nolan also insisted that the film should have a distinctive style which included making the film feel sincerely dark and sinister. Very rarely were the cameras sat still instead the cameras used very technical tricks e.g.: tracking, zoom. This film was originally promoted using a very unique style. Instead of paying for adverts they decided to promote the film using an alternative route. One of the ways this was accomplished was by de facing thousands of fake dollar notes by putting the jokers smile on top of the original face. A sane yet effective way was when many “Batman” recruits placed Joker cads into hundreds of books in libraries to do with death, this had the desired effect as many people became stirred up as to what this meant. The next alternative was to send out spam emails to the site named www.whysoserious.com. But when did Batman evolve as part of our lives. It was in 1939 when the world was introduced to a new hero. Bob Kane’s simple vigilante, Batman. The comics were e-introduced during the 50’s period. Yet due to Comic Book Censorship the violence was forced to gradually become weaker. The well anticipated Batman retuned in the 1970’s. Yet to intrigue a wider variety of audience he appeared more complicated and violent than previous comics. Today’s Batman comics show Batman as a real man with realistic and varied dilemmas. Due to these changes Batman is now one of the most original and adored comic book heroes. Nolan’s interpretation is a variety of the previous comics. It includes the violence of the First Batman mixed with the complexity and realism of today’s modern comics.
Vigilantes have been part of the world since semi-permanent societies were established. Although it is speculated that vigilantes were serving justice before the middle ages, the documented history goes back to the 7th century. Officially, vigilante justice began with the idea of frankpledges and knights, and continued from there. Vigilantes have also been part of American society since its founding. The founding citizens participated in vigilante acts, such as lynching tax collectors and the Boston Tea Party. Vigilantes are still common today, usually in bigger cities where justice fails more victims. Vigilantes are also present in fictional stories, such as the story of Batman from The Dark Knight movie series. The character of Batman is known for helping solve the problems of Gotham, occasionally with the help of the police. However, almost all of Batman’s actions would be considered vigilante actions, since he is serving justice using his own system of right and wrong. He also does not go through the appropriate legal pathways. Regardless of the presence vigilantes have in society, there are people who argue that they should be stopped at all costs. Most of the arguments center around the fact that they are criminals, abide by a skewed sense of morality, and that they cause more harm than good to society. Without vigilantes, however, victims of smaller crimes would likely have to live with the fact that the perpetrator never had to face justice. Vigilantes are needed because of the inefficiency of both the court system and the police department, and because of corruption in the police force and politics.
Dealing with a grieving adolescent is hard, but as with most human beings, the loss is
This article explains the mental development of Batman through his comic book and movies appearances. In his prime batman would never wield a gun, nevertheless use it to kill anyone. Over the duration of his career as the dark knight his attitude toward criminals has begun to decline. He had become more forceful to those evil doers and his methods of capture became inhumane and cruel. Example: He starts to brand all of the criminals he captures to show the world that he has changed his beliefs. This also shows that being Batman has changed the very way Bruce Wayne, interacts and communicates with people.
Batman, also known as the Dark Knight, has been fighting crime in Gotham City for 75 five years. He is a muscled, disguised vigilante who is largely dependent on his own strength and gadgets to aide in his heroic efforts. However, his best protection is the mask that he wears, which serves as a shield between Batman and the population of Gotham. More than any other superhero, Batman teaches some real-life, practical leadership lessons. Batman is possibly the greatest super-hero for one reason. He is just a man. Unlike most of the other superheroes in popular imagination, he is not super. He is a regular person, no different than you or I. What makes the ‘Dark Knight’ a super-hero are his human characteristics. Bruce Wayne is the most
In July 2008, the gloomiest adaptation of Batman hit the theatres. Christopher Nolan (b. 1970), director of The Dark Knight (2008), brought us a morally ambiguous film, filled with violence and astonishing effects, raising questions about justice and corruptibility. The film shows us multi-layered characters who battle with very relatable issues in a world which is also more relatable, only much darker, than in other hero movies. We return to Gotham City where the mob is trying to rule the city. But since its prequel Batman Begins (2005), also directed by Nolan, the city is now busy with cleaning the streets and fighting the organized crime. These efforts, combined with the Batman, generate fear among the mobsters, and, eventually, cumulate
When using superheroes for movies, shows, toys etc. they are not selling the public a new idea. They are simply using past ideas that have worked and are guaranteed to bring in appeal to an audience. These are called cultural icons. Cultural icons are a big reason many superheroes are so popular. There is no need for hardcore fans of Batman comic books to go to the movies, but you are getting them and anyone who has enjoyed Batman prior to this film, including: The comic books, The Original Batman, Batman video games, and any Batman film. Since there is already a huge market for Batman, the producers usually do not have to worry about a
For Batman, he is a famous person with high social class. His image is a successful businessman and on the other hand he is a hero to save the city. He is very strong and well body shape. When he catches the thief, he acts independently. He will not ask for help and refuse the others involve although he gets hurt. He is very clever and very calm. He will first plan before he takes action.
When watching a superhero movie you usually focus on how the superhero is great and always saves the world. We don't usually pay as much attention to the villain as we do with the hero. Although superheros are cool and we wouldn't have a movie without them but did you ever think how we wouldn't even have a story line or even a hero without the villain? A story that has a villain that is entertaining and in a way very dangerous is in Batman. Batman has many enemies but one that we all know is his most archest enemy is The Joker.
Bruce Wayne is an American playboy, and is very wealthy due to him getting his parents money when they died, and he also ownes his family company Wayne Enterprises. At a young age Bruce saw both of his parents murdered right in front of him when they were walking home at night. When Bruce grew up he began to train himself in many ways. How to fight, use his gadgets and protect himself from criminals. He created a secret base for him to work in, and also a suit for him to wear while he was out. The reason for all this was the Bruce wanted vengeance and revenge for the death of his parents. He wanted to make a difference by stopping criminals. By Bruce doing this he created his alter ego the Batman as soon would have to see is he more Bruce or more Batman. Who really is Bruce Wayne, is he more Batman or is he more Bruce?
First, I would like to discuss Batman who does not have any super human powers nor does he come from another planet. According to DC comics Batman is “… An American billionaire… philanthropist, and owner of Wayne Enterprises”. He does however use his physical fitness, martial arts, and intellect to protect the citizens of Gotham City from villainess criminal activity. During the day, he is Bruce Wayne but at night he wears a bat mask, a utility
So growing up Batman developed an “I work alone” personality and started to fight crime. Later in life, he struggled with letting people into his life and expression his emotions. After adopting an orphan son Richard (Dick) and training him to fight crime he became more attached and started to open up even developing a crush on a coworker Barbara Gordon and developing a crime-fighting family. But out of fear of losing them like he did with his parents in the past he sends them away when he needs them the most, during the big fight scene with his arch nemesis so that his family would not get hurt. After Batman realizes that he cannot win by himself he then apologizes to his crime-fighting family. The family makes up and unites with the other villains in a “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” mindset to Save Gotham City.