Who’s the real Batman? The question can be asked about any superhero character, but it’s worth asking about Batman, the most famous superhero of all time. As the star of the immensely popular and influential Batman motion picture franchise, it’s fair to say that Batman is definitely the “real” Batman. But what does that mean?
The Mythical Figure
The origin story of Batman is among the most well-known and influential tales in cinematic history. It’s often hailed as the definitive tale of the superhero genre, as well as one of the great American origin stories. The idea for Batman came to writer Bill Finger while he was waiting for his wife to finish a movie they were both working on. According to Finger, he sat down and began brainstorming ideas for comic books. One of his first ideas was a character named Batman, who would fight crime as a defender of the innocent. Much like the Boy Scout oath, Finger’s creation of Batman was inspired by the words “Gotham City” – the name of the fictional North American metropolis where the hero would first appear. From that point on, the rest of the Batman mythology was worked out over the next 70 years, with creators often taking inspiration from real-life events in crafting the story of the Dark Knight.
Genuine American Heroism
One of the things that make Batman special is the fact that he is based on a real-life superhero. Though he was created in the 1930s, Batman’s influence goes beyond generations, inspiring a worldwide following of fans who see themselves as “real” Batman’s descendants, fighting crime and injustice in the 21st century. The inspiration for the character came from real-life figures such as the legendary American detective Sherlock Holmes, as well as from characters created by H. P. Lovecraft and Robert Louis Stevenson. In reality, these influencers were the fictional characters’ ancestors, but this did not stop the media from referring to Batman as a “lionizing” Holmes, or a “green-eyed monster” inspired by Jekyll.
Batman as Political Animal
Batman is often praised for being a truly political animal. One of the earliest commentators to draw this parallel noted that, while other superheroes were created for entertainment purposes, Batman “was created for the sole purpose of providing a voice for the average person.” The fictional detective Sherlock Holmes once said that the best way to find the truth is from an analysis of the data, and that’s what Batman does – he goes into the field and collects data on crime and criminals, in order to form a rational and scientific approach to stopping crime. In doing so, he highlights the fact that crime is not a phenomenon limited to fiction, but that it affects real people every day; he uses his celebrity to draw attention to this fact, and encourages the masses to get involved in the fight against crime through his website, batman-news.com. Perhaps in an additional nod to modern times, Batman is often found wearing his smartphone on his wrist, as it’s a common sight for fans to see them holding their mobile phones in between takes, as they receive texts and emails from Batman, alerting them to dangerous situations or important events. This allows the character to have a more “human” connection with fans than many traditional superheroes, and it makes Batman more relatable – someone we can all look up to.
The Multifaceted Career
Batman is arguably the most versatile character in cinematic history, appearing in a variety of media ranging from film to television to digital platforms. The character has transcended decades, and continues to appeal to young and old audiences alike, proving that he can still “make waves” (to use one of Batman’s expressions) even now, almost a century after he first appeared on the silver screen. During his illustrious career, Batman has tackled a variety of subjects from mental illness to corruption to celebrity, and it’s this multifaceted approach that has made him a truly timeless figure.
Batman, The Man Of Few Words
One of the things that make Batman special is his utter lack of dialogue. Though he is usually portrayed as a silent hero, the real Bruce Wayne rarely speaks while in costume, and when he does it’s only in short bursts. When he does open his mouth, it’s usually to tell a joke or curse. This is in stark contrast to many of his famous antagonists, such as the Joker or the Penguin, who have been celebrated for their quips and one-liners – something that adds an extra layer of poignancy to any scene in which they appear. While Batman usually remains mute, he has never been known to refuse an interview, proving that he sees himself as a welcoming guest and will answer any question asked of him.
An Influential Figure In Popular Culture
Batman has been cited as one of the most influential figures in popular culture. The character continues to influence filmmakers and comic book creators, with several modern-day creators citing him as an important source of inspiration, while some, such as Christopher Nolan, have gone so far as to call the Caped Crusader a “technical genius.” The character’s influence can also be seen in other media, with toys, lunchboxes, Halloween costumes, and even a type of beer named after him.
Though he remains one of the most recognizable and influential superheroes of all time, the real Bruce Wayne is a humble man who prefers to remain behind the scenes. Like many top professionals, he sees his life as a series of trade-offs, spending his time between his passion for film and the responsibilities of his career. While filming The Dark Knight in 2012, director and co-writer Jonathan Nolan said of his friend and cinematic partner, “In terms of our friendship, this is the one we’ll cherish most. It’s our chance to work together on something that not only is meaningful to us but also has such a large audience. To be a part of something this big, it’s an unbelievable honor.”