Batman, the immortal Dark Knight
The bat hero created by Bob Kane and scriptwriter Bill Finger in 1939 remains a firm favourite with fans of superheroes and DC Comics in particular. Now back on the big screen again and again, Shop For Geek offers a wide range of collectible figurines, clothes and accessories from the Dark Knight universe.
From Bob Kane's page to Tim Burton's screen
First appearing in the Detective Comics series in 1939, the Man with the Bat has built up an entire universe. With his shadow hanging over Gotham City, Batman has weathered the decades and the turn of the 21st century, reinventing himself each time.
It's hard to believe it today, but there was a time when Batman comics and live-action appearances were all about comedy. We all remember the film and TV series starring Adam West as Batman/Bruce Wayne. These audiovisual works were rather zany, punctuated by onomatopoeia displayed in full screen during battles against the usual villains such as the Joker, the Penguin, Catwoman and the Riddler.
In 1986, artist Frank Miller decided to reinvent Batman and created his legendary Dark Knight comic book series. Hollywood studios quickly decided to capitalise on this much darker, more adult tone. In particular, they wanted to compete with the Superman film series, which was a huge hit in the 1980s.
Despite enormous controversy, it was Tom Burton who released the first "serious" Batman film, in 1989. It starred Michael Keaton, and almost instantly became THE benchmark for the Batman universe.
Film adaptations galore
Since Tim Burton's "Batman", the big screen has seen our darkest superhero interpreted in all sorts of ways. Tim Burton did it again with "Batman Returns" (Batman, the Challenge), a gothic masterpiece, but too dark for children. Then Joël Schumacher gave his more circus-like and colourful interpretation of the adventures of Batman, Robin and Batgirl. A little too colourful for some people's taste, and Christopher Nolan was commissioned to reboot the series.
Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy is much more serious and rooted in a realistic universe, in contrast to Tim Burton's dark poetry with its magical overtones. It's fair to say that this trilogy became the new benchmark for the genre.
Batman was then confronted by Superman, before being rebooted in the guise of Robert Pattinson, mister Twilight himself.
There's also a nugget for hardcore fans: the animated film "Batman, Mask of the Phantasm", released in 1993, is considered by many to be the best Batman film ever released on the big screen, with the voice of Kevin Conroy (Batman/Bruce Wayne) and the legendary Mark Hamill as the Joker.
The extended Batman universe
Batman and his dark yet strange universe has been so successful that his allies and enemies have been given their own adaptations, both on TV and on the big screen. These include the Joker (films) and Commissioner Gordon (Gotham series).
Of course, at Shop For Geek, you'll find all the DC Comics accessories, figurines and licensed products relating to your favourite heroes and villains. Batman, Robin, Batwoman, Catwoman, Joker, Harley Quinn, Mr. Freeze, Riddler... and so many different references relating to the universe of each director and each comic book author.
With other films in the pipeline, either with Batman as the main character or as a member of the Justice League, the Man in the Bat has no end of fans to delight.
Add to that Batman's appearances in the Lego animated films - he's even got his own film, once again battling his sworn enemy the Joker. Then you'll understand the extent of the influence of Batman and his universe. Of course, there are plenty of video games dedicated to Batman.
Visit our geek shop to keep up to date with the latest releases in the licence. Some collector's items are real gems, like our deluxe figurines or the Batman Armor kit with Bruce Wayne figurine in the guise of Christian Bale. Others are much more original, like the Robin/Dick Grayson X-ray figure.