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Batman or The Bat-Man first appeared in 1939. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger. DC comics wanted a new superhero to follow in the footsteps of there big hit, Superman. But what they got was nothing like there Kryptonian counterpart. Instead they got a dark brooding vigilante that would rid the streets of Gotham City of its scum. Soon after his first appearance came a serial for cinama children and families the serial titled The Batman was released in 1943 and stared Lewis wilson as Batman and Douglas Croft as Robin the film is notable for not only being the first live action Batman, But also the first time we saw The Bats-Cave. A follow up serial was released in 1949 this time with Robert Lowery as Batman and Johnny Duncan as Robin, neither seriel's featured any of Batmans famous rogues gallery instead using made up characters for the series such as Dr Daka(The Batman 1943 & The Wizard Batman & Robin 1949).Fast forward to the 1960's Batman is going down hill, since his creation he's fought in the war and his rogues gallery has filled out hes even got a sidekick in Dick Grayson AKA Robin the boy wonder. but now he's going to get the small screen treatment in the ABC Batman TV series. the show starred Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as his partner Robin. fighting off against a rogues gallery that included the Joker (Ceaser Romero) the Penguin (Burgess Mendrinth)and the Riddler (Frank Gorshin) to name but 3, though the T.V. show was a massive success true fans were disapointed at the shows campy style. Batman stayed camp in the minds of many comic book until the gritty 'The Dark Knight returns' by Frank Miller, Batman was back to his roots.
1989 Batmania sweeps the globe in the form of Tim Burtons film 'Batman' starring Micheal Keaton and Jack Nicholson, the film was followed in 1992 with 'Batman Returns' Micheal Keaton returned as Batman as did Director Tim Burton along with Danny DeVito as the penguin and Michelle Pheiffer as Catwoman. But the film wasent aswell recieved as the first with parents calling the film too dark and sleazy. with McDonald's fastfood chain pulling out it was time to rethink the saga. 1995 Joel Schumachers in as Tim Burton is out and with Burton goes Keaton, in Keatons place is Val Kilmer, this time the film takes a lighter tone and add's Robin, (Chris O'Donnell) The Riddler, (Jim Carrey) and Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) the film make's a big profit, warners is happy, but the fans are not too keen on the direction the films have taken.
1997 and another actor in the cowl, when Kilmer decides to persue other projects (The Saint) George Clooney steps in, Chris O'Donnell returns, and this time with a new side kick Batgirl (Alicia Silverstone) the bad guys are Arnold Scwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze and Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy. the film is a Box Office and critical disapointment. Warners again have to rethink the Bat franchise. and put future films on hold until the right project.
After several failed projects including Batman: Year One by Darren Aronofsky and Frank Miller. and Batman versus Superman by Kevin Williamson, a script treatment by Joss Whedon, they find the right project in writer David Goyer and Director Christopher Nolan.
2005 Batman Begins is released in cinemas, starring Christian Bale as the Dark Knight and Liam Neeson as Ducard. the film brings credibility to the dark knight after Batman & Robin. a sequel is in the works with Christopher Nolan, Christian Bale returning and Heath ledger as The Joker.
