Small bats are sometimes preyed upon by owls and falcons. Generally there are few animals able to hunt a bat. In Asia there is a bird, the bat hawk, which specializes in hunting bats. The domestic cat is a regular predator in urban areas; they may catch bats as they enter or leave a roost, or on the ground. Bats will land on the ground for feeding, in bad weather, or due to accidents while learning to fly. The worst enemies are parasites. The membranes with all their blood vessels are ideal food sources for fleas, ticks and mites. Som ...

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Bat, Bat - Classification, Bat - Reproduction, Bat - Habits and Behavior, Bat - Enemies, Bat - Vector for rabies, Bat - Cultural aspects, Bat - References

Read more here: » Bat: Encyclopedia II - Bat - Enemies

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Bat, Bat - Classification, Bat - Reproduction, Bat - Habits and Behavior, Bat - Enemies, Bat - Vector for rabies, Bat - Cultural aspects, Bat - References

Read more here: » Bat: Encyclopedia II - Bat - Habits and Behavior

The bat is sacred in Tonga and West Africa and is often considered the physical manifestation of a separable soul. Bats are closely associated with vampires, who are said to be able to shapeshift into bats, fog or wolves. Bats are also a symbol of ghosts, death and disease. Among some Native Americans, such as the Creek, Cherokee and Apache, the bat is a trickster spirit. Chinese lore claims the bat is a symbol of longevity and happiness, and is similarly lucky in Poland and geographical Mac ...

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Bat, Bat - Classification, Bat - Reproduction, Bat - Habits and Behavior, Bat - Enemies, Bat - Vector for rabies, Bat - Cultural aspects, Bat - References

Read more here: » Bat: Encyclopedia II - Bat - Cultural aspects

Antrozoidae Craseonycteridae Emballonuridae Furipteridae Megadermatidae Molossidae Mormoopidae Mystacinidae Myzopodidae Natalidae Noctilionidae Nycteridae Phyllostomidae Pteropodidae Rhinolophidae Rhinopomatidae Thyropteridae Vespertilionidae Bats are flying mammals in the Chiroptera order with forelimbs developed as wings. Other mammals, such as flying squirrels or gliding phalangers, can glide limited distances, ...

Including:

Bat - Classification Bat - Reproduction Bat - Habits and Behavior Bat - Enemies Bat - Vector for rabies Bat - Cultural aspects
Bat - References

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Batman Art by Jim Lee The DC Comics hero Batman (originally and still sometimes referred to as The Batman or The Bat-Man) is a fictional character who first appeared in Detective Comics #27 in May 1939. He has since become, along with Superman, one of the world's most well-known comic-book characters, with The Guardian lauding him as "the perfect cultural artifact for the 21st century." [1] Although co-created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, only Kan ...

Including:

Batman - Publication history
Batman - Evolution of the character
Batman - Character history
Batman - Golden Age version Batman - Silver Age version Batman - Modern Age version
Batman - Personas
Batman - Bruce Wayne Batman - The Dark Knight Batman - Dual identities Batman - Matches Malone
Batman - Gotham City
Batman - The Bat-Signal
Batman - Powers and abilities
Batman - Weaknesses Batman - Equipment vehicles and weapons Batman - The Batcave Batman - Costume
Batman - Supporting characters Batman - Enemies of Batman Batman - Crossovers Batman - Homosexual interpretations Batman - Awards Batman - Bibliography Batman - Batman in other media Batman - Trivia Batman - Notes
Batman - Additional Batman information Batman - Related information

Read more here: » Batman: Encyclopedia - Batman

In early 1939, the success of Superman in Action Comics prompted editors at the comic book division of National Publications (later DC Comics, D.C. is short for Detective Comics, now a subsidiary of Time Warner) to request more superheroes for their titles. In response, Bob Kane created a character called "the Bat-Man". His collaborator Bill Finger offered such suggestions as giving the character a cowl instead of a simple domino mask, wearing a cape instead of wings, wearing gloves, and removing the red sections from the origi ...

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Batman, Batman - Publication history, Batman - Evolution of the character, Batman - Character history, Batman - Golden Age version, Batman - Silver Age version, Batman - Modern Age version, Batman - Personas, Batman - Bruce Wayne, Batman - The Dark Knight, Batman - Dual identities, Batman - Matches Malone, Batman - Gotham City, Batman - The Bat-Signal, Batman - Powers and abilities, Batman - Weaknesses, Batman - Equipment vehicles and weapons, Batman - The Batcave, Batman - Costume, Batman - Supporting characters, Batman - Enemies of Batman, Batman - Crossovers, Batman - Homosexual interpretations, Batman - Awards, Batman - Bibliography, Batman - Batman in other media, Batman - Trivia, Batman - Notes, Batman - Additional Batman information, Batman - Related information

Read more here: » Batman: Encyclopedia II - Batman - Publication history

In early 1939, the success of Superman in Action Comics prompted editors at the comic book division of National Publications (later DC Comics, D.C. is short for Detective Comics, now a subsidiary of Time Warner) to request more superheroes for their titles. In response, Bob Kane created a character called "the Bat-Man". His collaborator Bill Finger offered such suggestions as giving the character a cowl instead of a simple domino mask, wearing a cape instead of wings, wearing gloves, and removing the red sections from the origi ...

See also:

Batman, Batman - Publication history, Batman - Evolution of the character, Batman - Character history, Batman - Golden Age version, Batman - Silver Age version, Batman - Modern Age version, Batman - Personas, Batman - Bruce Wayne, Batman - The Dark Knight, Batman - Dual identities, Batman - Matches Malone, Batman - Gotham City, Batman - The Bat-Signal, Batman - Powers and abilities, Batman - Weaknesses, Batman - Equipment vehicles and weapons, Batman - The Batcave, Batman - Costume, Batman - Supporting characters, Batman - Enemies of Batman, Batman - Crossovers, Batman - Homosexual interpretations, Batman - Bibliography, Batman - Batman in other media, Batman - Trivia, Batman - Notes and references, Batman - Additional Batman information, Batman - Related information

Read more here: » Batman: Encyclopedia II - Batman - Publication history

Batman and his various comic series have won various awards over the years. The story Batman: The Long Halloween was the winner of the 1997 Comics Buyer's Guide Fan Awards for Favorite Limited Series. ...

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Batman, Batman - Publication history, Batman - Evolution of the character, Batman - Character history, Batman - Golden Age version, Batman - Silver Age version, Batman - Modern Age version, Batman - Personas, Batman - Bruce Wayne, Batman - The Dark Knight, Batman - Dual identities, Batman - Matches Malone, Batman - Gotham City, Batman - The Bat-Signal, Batman - Powers and abilities, Batman - Weaknesses, Batman - Equipment vehicles and weapons, Batman - The Batcave, Batman - Costume, Batman - Supporting characters, Batman - Enemies of Batman, Batman - Crossovers, Batman - Homosexual interpretations, Batman - Awards, Batman - Bibliography, Batman - Batman in other media, Batman - Trivia, Batman - Notes, Batman - Additional Batman information, Batman - Related information

Read more here: » Batman: Encyclopedia II - Batman - Awards

The in-continuity Batman of the DC Universe can currently be seen as the primary character in current comic book series such as Detective Comics, Batman, Legends of the Dark Knight, Superman/Batman and Batman: Gotham Knights. Long running former series in which Batman starred included Batman Family, The Brave and the Bold and (with Superman) World's Finest Comics. He appears regularly as a guest in many other DC titles, ...

See also:

Batman, Batman - Publication history, Batman - Evolution of the character, Batman - Character history, Batman - Golden Age version, Batman - Silver Age version, Batman - Modern Age version, Batman - Personas, Batman - Bruce Wayne, Batman - The Dark Knight, Batman - Dual identities, Batman - Matches Malone, Batman - Gotham City, Batman - The Bat-Signal, Batman - Powers and abilities, Batman - Weaknesses, Batman - Equipment vehicles and weapons, Batman - The Batcave, Batman - Costume, Batman - Supporting characters, Batman - Enemies of Batman, Batman - Crossovers, Batman - Homosexual interpretations, Batman - Bibliography, Batman - Batman in other media, Batman - Trivia, Batman - Notes and references, Batman - Additional Batman information, Batman - Related information

Read more here: » Batman: Encyclopedia II - Batman - Bibliography

A fictional city modeled primarily after New York City, it is Bruce Wayne's home and Batman's base of operation. In early Batman comics, he was located in New York City; "Gotham" is in fact a nickname for New York. Gotham is generally thought to be located on the northeast coast, and is located in New Jersey in several sources. Its architecture is tall and Gothic, but it suffers from urban blight. It is generally portrayed as dirty, crime-ridden, and corrupt, in stark contrast to the bright, clean, futuristic feel of Superman's Metrop ...

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Batman, Batman - Publication history, Batman - Evolution of the character, Batman - Character history, Batman - Golden Age version, Batman - Silver Age version, Batman - Modern Age version, Batman - Personas, Batman - Bruce Wayne, Batman - The Dark Knight, Batman - Dual identities, Batman - Matches Malone, Batman - Gotham City, Batman - The Bat-Signal, Batman - Powers and abilities, Batman - Weaknesses, Batman - Equipment vehicles and weapons, Batman - The Batcave, Batman - Costume, Batman - Supporting characters, Batman - Enemies of Batman, Batman - Crossovers, Batman - Homosexual interpretations, Batman - Awards, Batman - Bibliography, Batman - Batman in other media, Batman - Trivia, Batman - Notes, Batman - Additional Batman information, Batman - Related information

Read more here: » Batman: Encyclopedia II - Batman - Gotham City

Robin is perhaps Batman's most important ally; no fewer than five teenage sidekicks having served in the role: Dick Grayson (the original Robin, later Nightwing), Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, and Carrie Kelly in the non-canonical The Dark Knight Returns. Both Jason Todd and Stephanie Brown were killed in the line of duty. Alfred Pennyworth is Bruce Wayne's loyal butler and father figure. Former Police Commissioner James ("Jim") Gordon worked closely with Batman despite their differences on how to best enforce ...

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Batman, Batman - Publication history, Batman - Evolution of the character, Batman - Character history, Batman - Golden Age version, Batman - Silver Age version, Batman - Modern Age version, Batman - Personas, Batman - Bruce Wayne, Batman - The Dark Knight, Batman - Dual identities, Batman - Matches Malone, Batman - Gotham City, Batman - The Bat-Signal, Batman - Powers and abilities, Batman - Weaknesses, Batman - Equipment vehicles and weapons, Batman - The Batcave, Batman - Costume, Batman - Supporting characters, Batman - Enemies of Batman, Batman - Crossovers, Batman - Homosexual interpretations, Batman - Awards, Batman - Bibliography, Batman - Batman in other media, Batman - Trivia, Batman - Notes, Batman - Additional Batman information, Batman - Related information

Read more here: » Batman: Encyclopedia II - Batman - Supporting characters

The in-continuity Batman of the DC Universe can currently be seen as the primary character in current comic book series such as Detective Comics, Batman, Legends of the Dark Knight, Superman/Batman and Batman: Gotham Knights. Long running former series in which Batman starred included Batman Family, The Brave and the Bold and (with Superman) World's Finest Comics. He appears regularly as a guest in many other DC titles, including JLA, Robin, Nightwing, ...

See also:

Batman, Batman - Publication history, Batman - Evolution of the character, Batman - Character history, Batman - Golden Age version, Batman - Silver Age version, Batman - Modern Age version, Batman - Personas, Batman - Bruce Wayne, Batman - The Dark Knight, Batman - Dual identities, Batman - Matches Malone, Batman - Gotham City, Batman - The Bat-Signal, Batman - Powers and abilities, Batman - Weaknesses, Batman - Equipment vehicles and weapons, Batman - The Batcave, Batman - Costume, Batman - Supporting characters, Batman - Enemies of Batman, Batman - Crossovers, Batman - Homosexual interpretations, Batman - Awards, Batman - Bibliography, Batman - Batman in other media, Batman - Trivia, Batman - Notes, Batman - Additional Batman information, Batman - Related information

Read more here: » Batman: Encyclopedia II - Batman - Bibliography

In addition to comic books, Batman has appeared in newspaper syndicated comic strips, books, radio dramas, television and several theatrical feature films, including Batman Begins, the 2005 smash hit which Ebert and Roeper called "one of the best films of the year." In addition, there is a musical theatre (Batman: The Musical), set to premiere sometime in 2006/2007. There are several Batman video games, and even the Six Flags theme parks host Batman shows and rides. Over the last decade, Batman has appeared in starring or suppo ...

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Batman, Batman - Publication history, Batman - Evolution of the character, Batman - Character history, Batman - Golden Age version, Batman - Silver Age version, Batman - Modern Age version, Batman - Personas, Batman - Bruce Wayne, Batman - The Dark Knight, Batman - Dual identities, Batman - Matches Malone, Batman - Gotham City, Batman - The Bat-Signal, Batman - Powers and abilities, Batman - Weaknesses, Batman - Equipment vehicles and weapons, Batman - The Batcave, Batman - Costume, Batman - Supporting characters, Batman - Enemies of Batman, Batman - Crossovers, Batman - Homosexual interpretations, Batman - Awards, Batman - Bibliography, Batman - Batman in other media, Batman - Trivia, Batman - Notes, Batman - Additional Batman information, Batman - Related information

Read more here: » Batman: Encyclopedia II - Batman - Batman in other media

Over the years, Batman's origin story, history and tone have undergone various revisions, both minor and major. Some elements have changed drastically; others, like the death of his parents and his pursuit of justice, have remained constant. Consistent across all versions of the Batman mythos, Batman is the alter-ego of Bruce Wayne, a millionaire or billionaire (depending on version) industrialist and philanthropist who was driven to fight crime after his parents, the physician Dr. Thomas Wayne and his wife Martha Wayne, were murdered before his eyes in a petty street crime. < ...

See also:

Batman, Batman - Publication history, Batman - Evolution of the character, Batman - Character history, Batman - Golden Age version, Batman - Silver Age version, Batman - Modern Age version, Batman - Personas, Batman - Bruce Wayne, Batman - The Dark Knight, Batman - Dual identities, Batman - Matches Malone, Batman - Gotham City, Batman - The Bat-Signal, Batman - Powers and abilities, Batman - Weaknesses, Batman - Equipment vehicles and weapons, Batman - The Batcave, Batman - Costume, Batman - Supporting characters, Batman - Enemies of Batman, Batman - Crossovers, Batman - Homosexual interpretations, Batman - Awards, Batman - Bibliography, Batman - Batman in other media, Batman - Trivia, Batman - Notes, Batman - Additional Batman information, Batman - Related information

Read more here: » Batman: Encyclopedia II - Batman - Character history

Batman - Bruce Wayne. To the world at large, Bruce Wayne is an irresponsible, superficial playboy who lives off his family's personal fortune (amassed when Bruce's parents invested in Gotham real estate before the city was a bustling metropolis) and the profits of Wayne Enterprises, a major private technological firm that he has inherited. However, Wayne is also known for his contributions to charity, notably through the Wayne Foundation, a foundation devoted to helping the victims of crime and preventing people from turning to it. < ...

See also:

Batman, Batman - Publication history, Batman - Evolution of the character, Batman - Character history, Batman - Golden Age version, Batman - Silver Age version, Batman - Modern Age version, Batman - Personas, Batman - Bruce Wayne, Batman - The Dark Knight, Batman - Dual identities, Batman - Matches Malone, Batman - Gotham City, Batman - The Bat-Signal, Batman - Powers and abilities, Batman - Weaknesses, Batman - Equipment vehicles and weapons, Batman - The Batcave, Batman - Costume, Batman - Supporting characters, Batman - Enemies of Batman, Batman - Crossovers, Batman - Homosexual interpretations, Batman - Awards, Batman - Bibliography, Batman - Batman in other media, Batman - Trivia, Batman - Notes, Batman - Additional Batman information, Batman - Related information

Read more here: » Batman: Encyclopedia II - Batman - Personas

Batman as a DC Comics' character has from time to time been featured in crossovers with characters from other comic companies, most commonly with Marvel Comics. Many of these stories are not canon for the companies involved, although the DC/Marvel crossovers appear to have some ongoing validity in the DC universe. The first such crossover was with Bruce Banner/The Incredible Hulk in the late 1970s. Batman (both as Jean-Paul Valley and Bruce Wayne) also encountered Frank Castle/The Punisher. Batman and Captain America have both fought ...

See also:

Batman, Batman - Publication history, Batman - Evolution of the character, Batman - Character history, Batman - Golden Age version, Batman - Silver Age version, Batman - Modern Age version, Batman - Personas, Batman - Bruce Wayne, Batman - The Dark Knight, Batman - Dual identities, Batman - Matches Malone, Batman - Gotham City, Batman - The Bat-Signal, Batman - Powers and abilities, Batman - Weaknesses, Batman - Equipment vehicles and weapons, Batman - The Batcave, Batman - Costume, Batman - Supporting characters, Batman - Enemies of Batman, Batman - Crossovers, Batman - Homosexual interpretations, Batman - Awards, Batman - Bibliography, Batman - Batman in other media, Batman - Trivia, Batman - Notes, Batman - Additional Batman information, Batman - Related information

Read more here: » Batman: Encyclopedia II - Batman - Crossovers

In 1954, psychologist Fredric Wertham's general assertion in his book Seduction of the Innocent was that readers would imitate crimes committed in comic books, and that these works would corrupt the morals of the youth. The most notorious charge in the book, however, was leveled at Batman, in a four-page polemic claiming that Batman and Robin were gay. "They live in sumptuous quarters, with beautiful flowers in large vases, and have a butler," Wertham wrote. "It is like a wish dream of two homosexuals living together." What was more, Wertham asserted, "the Batman type of s ...

See also:

Batman, Batman - Publication history, Batman - Evolution of the character, Batman - Character history, Batman - Golden Age version, Batman - Silver Age version, Batman - Modern Age version, Batman - Personas, Batman - Bruce Wayne, Batman - The Dark Knight, Batman - Dual identities, Batman - Matches Malone, Batman - Gotham City, Batman - The Bat-Signal, Batman - Powers and abilities, Batman - Weaknesses, Batman - Equipment vehicles and weapons, Batman - The Batcave, Batman - Costume, Batman - Supporting characters, Batman - Enemies of Batman, Batman - Crossovers, Batman - Homosexual interpretations, Batman - Awards, Batman - Bibliography, Batman - Batman in other media, Batman - Trivia, Batman - Notes, Batman - Additional Batman information, Batman - Related information

Read more here: » Batman: Encyclopedia II - Batman - Homosexual interpretations

Batman as a DC Comics' character has from time to time been featured in crossovers with characters from other comic companies, most commonly with Marvel Comics. Many of these stories are not canon for the companies involved, although the DC/Marvel crossovers appear to have some ongoing validity in the DC universe. The first such crossover was with The Incredible Hulk in the late 1970s. Batman (both as Jean-Paul Valley and Bruce Wayne) also encountered The Punisher. Batman and Captain America have both fought each other (in the Marv ...

See also:

Batman, Batman - Publication history, Batman - Evolution of the character, Batman - Character history, Batman - Golden Age version, Batman - Silver Age version, Batman - Modern Age version, Batman - Personas, Batman - Bruce Wayne, Batman - The Dark Knight, Batman - Dual identities, Batman - Matches Malone, Batman - Gotham City, Batman - The Bat-Signal, Batman - Powers and abilities, Batman - Weaknesses, Batman - Equipment vehicles and weapons, Batman - The Batcave, Batman - Costume, Batman - Supporting characters, Batman - Enemies of Batman, Batman - Crossovers, Batman - Homosexual interpretations, Batman - Bibliography, Batman - Batman in other media, Batman - Trivia, Batman - Notes and references, Batman - Additional Batman information, Batman - Related information

Read more here: » Batman: Encyclopedia II - Batman - Crossovers

In 1954, psychologist Fredric Wertham's general assertion in his book Seduction of the Innocent was that readers would imitate crimes committed in comic books, and that these works would corrupt the morals of the youth. The most notorious charge in the book, however, was leveled at Batman, in a four-page polemic claiming that Batman and Robin were gay. "They live in sumptuous quarters, with beautiful flowers in large vases, and have a butler," Wertham wrote. "It is like a wish dream of two homosexuals living together." What was more, Wertham asserted, "the Batman type of s ...

See also:

Batman, Batman - Publication history, Batman - Evolution of the character, Batman - Character history, Batman - Golden Age version, Batman - Silver Age version, Batman - Modern Age version, Batman - Personas, Batman - Bruce Wayne, Batman - The Dark Knight, Batman - Dual identities, Batman - Matches Malone, Batman - Gotham City, Batman - The Bat-Signal, Batman - Powers and abilities, Batman - Weaknesses, Batman - Equipment vehicles and weapons, Batman - The Batcave, Batman - Costume, Batman - Supporting characters, Batman - Enemies of Batman, Batman - Crossovers, Batman - Homosexual interpretations, Batman - Bibliography, Batman - Batman in other media, Batman - Trivia, Batman - Notes and references, Batman - Additional Batman information, Batman - Related information

Read more here: » Batman: Encyclopedia II - Batman - Homosexual interpretations

Over the years, Batman's origin story, history and tone have undergone various revisions, both minor and major. Some elements have changed drastically; others, like the death of his parents and his pursuit of justice, have remained constant. Batman - Golden Age version. The Golden Age Batman's origin was first presented in Detective Comics #33 in November 1939, and was later fleshed out in Batman #47, the 1985 four-issue limited series America vs. the Justice Society and ...

See also:

Batman, Batman - Publication history, Batman - Evolution of the character, Batman - Character history, Batman - Golden Age version, Batman - Silver Age version, Batman - Modern Age version, Batman - Personas, Batman - Bruce Wayne, Batman - The Dark Knight, Batman - Dual identities, Batman - Matches Malone, Batman - Gotham City, Batman - The Bat-Signal, Batman - Powers and abilities, Batman - Weaknesses, Batman - Equipment vehicles and weapons, Batman - The Batcave, Batman - Costume, Batman - Supporting characters, Batman - Enemies of Batman, Batman - Crossovers, Batman - Homosexual interpretations, Batman - Bibliography, Batman - Batman in other media, Batman - Trivia, Batman - Notes and references, Batman - Additional Batman information, Batman - Related information

Read more here: » Batman: Encyclopedia II - Batman - Character history