A Comic Book Superhero

In early 1939, the success of Superman in Action Comics prompted editors at the comic book division of National Publications to request more superheroes for its titles. In response, Bob Kane created “the Bat-Man.” Collaborator Bill Finger recalled “Kane had an idea for a character called ‘Batman’, and he’d like me to see the drawings. And under it was a big sign…BATMAN.”

Batman’s costume incorporates the imagery of a bat in order to frighten criminals. The details of the Batman catsuits change repeatedly through various stories and media, but the most distinctive elements remain consistent: a scallop-hem, a cowl covering most of the face featuring a pair of bat-like ears, and a stylized bat emblem on the chest, and the ever-present utility belt. The costumes’ colors are traditionally blue and grey, although this colorization arose due to the way comic book art is colored. Batman’s gloves typically feature three scallops that protrude from long, gauntlet-like cuffs.

Batman’s other vehicles include the Bat plane, Bat boat, Bat-Sub, and Bat cycle. Batman keeps most of his field equipment in a utility belt. Over the years it is shown to contain a virtually limitless variety of crime-fighting tools. Different versions of the belt have these items stored in either pouches or hard cylinders attached evenly around it. Batman is the mystery dark knight.