Batman is the comic-book character who serves as Bruce Wayne’s alter ego.
Bruce Wayne is a wealthy Gotham City industrialist who adopts the Batman identity after witnessing the murder of his parents as a child. Unlike many superheroes, Batman has no superhuman powers; he relies on training, intelligence, detective work, technology, and physical skill.
Batman was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, although the historical credit has been the subject of long-running discussion because Finger made major contributions to the character’s design and mythology. Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27, published in 1939.
His supporting cast includes Alfred Pennyworth, Commissioner Gordon, Robin, and a large group of villains. The character’s secret identity is a core storytelling device, distinguishing Bruce Wayne’s public persona from Batman’s crime-fighting role.