escapology

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

Magic, including the arts of prestidigitation and conjuring, is the art of entertaining an audience by performing illusions that baffle and amaze, often by giving the impression that something impossible has been achieved, almost as if the performer had magic or supernatural powers. Yet, this illusion of magic is created entirely by natural means. The practitioners of this mystery art may be called magicians, conjurors, illusionists or prestidigitators. Artists in other media such as theatre, cinema, dance ...

Including:

• Magic illusion - History
• Magic illusion - Categories of illusions
• Magic illusion - Production
• Magic illusion - Vanish
• Magic illusion - Transformation
• Magic illusion - Restoration
• Magic illusion - Teleportation
• Magic illusion - Levitation
• Magic illusion - Penetration
• Magic illusion - Secrecy
• Magic illusion - Types of magic performance
• Magic illusion - Techniques
• Magic illusion - Misuse of magic

Read more here: » Magic illusion: Encyclopedia - Magic illusion

Zatara, as seen on Batman: The Animated Series Giovanni "John" Zatara, aka simply Zatara, was a fictional magician appearing in various publications of DC Comics, beginning with 1938's Action Comics #1, which was also the first appearance of Superman. As well as being an illusionist, Zatara also had genuine magical powers, which he focused through speaking backwards: he could do anything so long as he could describe it in sdrawkcab hceeps ("speech backwards", spelled backwards). This helped distinguish Zatara from the numerous Mandrake the Magician knockoffs that clutte ...

Including:

• Zatara - Other Media
• Zatara - Zatara II

Read more here: » Zatara: Encyclopedia - Zatara

Chinese water torture is the popular name for a fictional method of water torture in which water is slowly dripped on to a person's forehead, driving the victim insane. This form of torture was first described under a different name by Hippolytus de Marsiliis in Italy in the 16th century. Supposedly the torture in dripping water is the slow rate at which the water flows. The victim can almost predict when the next drop will fall and a sense of tension builds up. When the drop finally does fall, a sense of shock and relief follows, onl ...

Read more here: » Chinese water torture: Encyclopedia - Chinese water torture

Performances we would recognise as conjuring have probably been practised throughout history. The same ingenuity behind ancient deceptions such as the Trojan horse would have been used for entertainment, or at least for cheating in gambling games, since time immemorial. However, the respectable profession of the illusionist gained strength during the eighteenth century, and has enjoyed several popular vogues. Successful magicians have become some of the most fa ...

See also:

Magic illusion, Magic illusion - History, Magic illusion - Categories of illusions, Magic illusion - Production, Magic illusion - Vanish, Magic illusion - Transformation, Magic illusion - Restoration, Magic illusion - Teleportation, Magic illusion - Levitation, Magic illusion - Penetration, Magic illusion - Secrecy, Magic illusion - Types of magic performance, Magic illusion - Techniques, Magic illusion - Misuse of magic

Read more here: » Magic illusion: Encyclopedia II - Magic illusion - 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

To remove a straitjacket with both back and crotch-straps, it is almost always necessary to be able to dislocate one's shoulders in order to gain the slack necessary to pull an arm out of the sleeves. Without this ability, only a very oversized one can be escaped from. Even then, this trick does not work with closed-collar jackets. It is sometimes possible to get more room by pulling at the inside of the arms as they're being strapped or by keeping an elbow held outward to gain slack in the sleeves when the arm is relaxed. Another way to gain slack is to take and hol ...

See also:

Straitjacket, Straitjacket - Security, Straitjacket - Escape techniques, Straitjacket - Precautions

Read more here: » Straitjacket: Encyclopedia II - Straitjacket - Escape techniques

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 - 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

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

The security of a straitjacket depends very much on its size, which should be as small as practicable to be secure. A jacket that is tight at the chest and armpits will make it much more difficult for the wearer to pull the arms out of the sleeves. The sleeves of the jacket are typically sewn shut at the ends — a significant restraint in itself because it retards use of the hands. The arms are then folded across the front, with the ends of the sleeves wrapping around to fasten or tie behind the back. On some jackets, the sleeve-ends ...

See also:

Straitjacket, Straitjacket - Security, Straitjacket - Escape techniques, Straitjacket - Precautions

Read more here: » Straitjacket: Encyclopedia II - Straitjacket - Security

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. Bruce Wayne's playboy public persona was generated by Bruce to aid in throwing of ...

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 - Personas

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

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 supporting roles in the Bruc ...

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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 - 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 - Batman in other media

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 ...

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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 - 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

Magic performances fall into four broad genres: Close-up magic, which is performed with the audience close to the magician, possibly in physical contact. It usually makes use of everyday items as props, such as cards and coins (see Coin magic). Platform magic, in which the magician stands while performing and is seen by more people simultaneously than the close-up performer. Examples of platform magicians include David Abbott. Stage magic, which is performed for large audiences, typically w ...

See also:

Magic illusion, Magic illusion - History, Magic illusion - Categories of illusions, Magic illusion - Production, Magic illusion - Vanish, Magic illusion - Transformation, Magic illusion - Restoration, Magic illusion - Teleportation, Magic illusion - Levitation, Magic illusion - Penetration, Magic illusion - Secrecy, Magic illusion - Types of magic performance, Magic illusion - Techniques, Magic illusion - Misuse of magic

Read more here: » Magic illusion: Encyclopedia II - Magic illusion - Types of magic performance

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, ...

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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 - 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

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 - 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

Unlike Superman and most other costumed heroes, Batman is a human being who does not possess any superhuman abilities. However, he has elevated himself to near-superhuman status through years of rigorous training. Physically he is at the peak of human ability in dozens of areas, most notably martial arts, acrobatics, strength, and escape artistry. Intellectually he is just as peerless, being at once one of the world's greatest scientists, criminologists, and tacticians, as well as a master of disguise. Given his lack of superpowers, he often uses cunning and planning to outwit his foes, rather than simply out-fighting them.

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 - Powers and abilities

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 while Lucius Fox acts as his business manager. Former Police Commissioner James ("Jim") Gordon worked closely with Batman des ...

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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 - 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 - Supporting characters

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 Metropolis. Thomas and Mar ...

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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 - 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 - Gotham City