People have always enjoyed the character Batman in popular culture and they have been honoring the Dark Knight for close to a century. The Caped Crusader had emerged into the public spotlight at the start of World War II and his presence proved to be very popular once people became aware of this comic book figure.
Batman's identity was forged from the pop culture of the 1930s. Movies such as the Mask of Zorro and the Bat Whisperers were made during the 1920's and the 1930's and Batman's creator, Bob Kane, took many ideas from the leading characters to create Batman's costume and weapons. Bill Finger was a co-creator of Batman that receives little recognition. He derived Batman's ability as a master detective and scientist from Author Conan Doyle's character Sherlock Holmes.
The Dark Knight enjoyed early success as he fought against the forces of evil in Gotham City. The original Batman was dark and dangerous. His appearances in the comic books of the time reflected the dark time period World War II when many people feared that the war was going to destroy their way of life. After the Second Great War had ended the creators of Batman thought they would change his persona to reflect a new era of hope that had emerged across the planet at the time.
Batman enjoyed many years of success before he was brought under scrutiny in the 1950s by a psychologist who really believed that the Caped Crusader was a closeted homosexual. By this time Batman had a side kick named Robin and his appearance further convinced this critical psychologist that Batman was indeed a moral blight on the lives of young people during that time period in American history. Batman wasn't the only comic book character to fall prey to such criticisms and many of his fans refuted these allegations because they knew that Batman wasn't a heroic figure with questionable morals.
Movies about Batman had helped to ease him into mainstream American society and many films were made about this iconic figure over the years. Batman movies have been created since the 1940s and each of these pictures helped to establish his identity to different generations of Americans. Movies have played a crucial role with keeping his legacy alive throughout the years. Actors Christian Bale and deceased co-star Heath Ledger helped to make the 2008 film "The Dark Knight" one of the best Batman movies ever produced for the big screen.
Batman has appeared on television for many years and with each television show he has captured more fans. During the 1960s Adam West played the role of Batman for an ABC television series and it became a cultic television program that many people still remember in contemporary times. This particular Batman show also helped to make Batman an extremely well known and popular American icon.
Batman's background is also relevant to each generation that he encounters. When he doesn't wear a costume, Batman is known as billionaire Bruce Wayne and he is one of the richest men in the fictional world of comic's. His association with fame, success, power and wealth will always appeal to many people since these are desirable traits. Batman is also known internationally and he has a large fan base all over the world. He is also considered one of the world's greatest superheroes of all time. The fact is that Batman will always probably hold this title because he stands for justice, he fights for the average guy and he dedicates his life to helping others in need. These are the type of qualities that people remember and admire.