Origin
The Batman, created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, made his first appearance in Detective Comics (DC) #27 in May 1939. As a child, billionaire Bruce Wayne watched helplessly as his parents Thomas and Martha were shot and killed by a petty mugger named Joe Chill. Upon witnessing their deaths, the young Wayne took an oath of vengeance against crime so that no one else would have to suffer the tragedy that he had.
Wayne spent years venturing the world, learning many forms of combat and training himself to physical and intellectual perfection. Upon his return to Gotham, Wayne delved into crime-fighting, with disastrous results. As the injured young man sat alone in his study dwelling upon his dilemma and the fact that criminals are a "cowardly, superstitious lot", he figured that the best way to get to them was through sheer terror. At that moment, as if a sign from God, a huge bat flew in through his study window.
This bat provided Bruce with the inspiration he had been searching for. He donned a costume complete with a long, black cape and a cowl with huge, pointed ears and became the creature the criminals of Gotham would now know and fear: The Dark Knight... Batman.
Golden Age
In early years. Batman's career as a vigilante initially earns him the ire of the police. Wayne takes in an orphaned circus acrobat named Dick Grayson, who becomes his sidekick Robin. Batman also becomes a founding member of the Justice Society of America, although he, like Superman, is an honorary member and thus only participates occasionally. Batman's relationship with the law thaws quickly, and he is made an honorary member of Gotham City's police department. During this time, butler Alfred arrives at Wayne Manor and after deducing the Dynamic Duo's secret identities joins their service.
One Year Later...And So Forth...
Following the the macroseries of Infinite Crisis, Batman choose to step out of the superhero spotlight and advanced his ways on a year long trip to rediscover himself as Batman. Alongside Dick Grayson (Robin/Nightwing) and Tim Drake (modern Robin) they traveled to Asia in preparation for advanced training. While there Batman, as Bruce Wayne, faced more demonic thoughts and situations that plagued him over the past few years as the Batman. Through trial and tribulation; Bruce Wayne finally stepped out of the shadow and became Batman once again.
Upon his return to Gotham City, Jim Gordon returned to the mantle of the cities police commissioner. As well, Harvey Dent stagged as the vigilante hero of the city. Batman's return caused Harvey Dent to feel unwanted and unneeded as a hero and so forth returned to his criminal career as Two-Face.
As Bruce learned how to be Batman in Asia, he returned to Gotham and had to relearn how to be Bruce Wayne. During his "training" on becoming "BRUCE WAYNE BOY MILLIONAIRE" he was astonished to learn that he had a son, Damien. Mothered by his arch rival's daughter Talia Al'Gul, Damien much to the appearance of Bruce, but had his grandfathers determination and inner demon self. Batman accepting him into his life tried to train him in the light side of heroism, but was quickly cut short when jealousy overtook the young boy striking down Tim Drake (who now was Bruce's legally adoptive son). Damien returned to his mother and the League of Assassian, only to have Batman defeat them once again causing the possible deaths of both Damien and Talia.
Another daring confrontation, was when the magician Zatanna came to Batman for help following the death of a former assistant. Batman aided in stopping the murders, revealing that the magician responsible for the staged deaths was the Joker. After Zatanna was shot in the throat and almost died Batman had the decency, in his own way, to forgive Zatanna for her actions that caused her to mind shift Batman's memories.
Following the events, Batman reunited with Superman and Wonder Woman in the efforts to reform the Justice League. Alongside such heroes; Red Arrow, Black Canary, Red Tornado, Green Lantern, Vixen, Flash, Geoforce, Black Lightning, and Hawkgirl. They have since reinstated the team and currently have the obligation of protecting the world once again.
Final Crisis and Batman Inc.
During the events in Final Crisis Batman is seemingly killed by the alien villain known as DarkSeid. After attempts by other characters to resurrect him, Batman is pronounced dead. Following this event Dick Grayson takes up the mantle of Batman and promotes Damian Wayne (the sone of Bruce Wayne and Talia Al Ghul) to Robin. Later it is discovered that Bruce Wayne is not dead, but has been sent back to prehistoric time, where he must travel all the way back to the present day. Bruce Wayne returns and reclaims his title as Batman. However, he allows Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne to remain as Gotham City's Dynamic Duo, as he travels abroad to train new "Batmen" for his newly launched branch of Wayne Enterprises: Batman Inc.
