Batman

Bruce Wayne, also known as Batman, is a comic book character who made his debut on March 30, 1939, in The Case of the Chemical Syndicate. He skyrocketed to fame and, over time, has become one of the most well-known superheroes ever created. Millions of copies of his comics have been sold across the world in dozens of languages, there are also quite a few Batman movies starring actors like Christian Bale, Robert Pattinson, George Clooney, and Michael Keaton. There are also TV shows featuring the superhero with other characters in the Batman universe.

Batman Cosplay at Comic-Con (Masimage)

Cosplay or dressing up to emulate a certain person or character, is one way that Batman fans show their love for the superhero. Wearing the infamous cape and mask for Halloween, comic conventions like Comic-Con, and even watching the latest movie to hit the big screen are just some of the events in which Batman costumes can be seen. Some fans have gone as far as 3D printing Batman's mask. Countless hours of planning and creating go into each costume. Because Batman has been around for almost 90 years, there are a variety of costumes that the artists can choose to pick from, making each costume more diverse than the next. When fans create the costumes, they sometimes use the costumes for LARPing or live-action role play. Scenes from movies or TV shows are recreated and shared online for other fans to enjoy. Creators also post pictures and videos on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. They collaborate with other cosplayers and share with fans to interact with. Cosplay is a great way for Batman fans to interact and share knowledge across the fanbase.

Memes

Batman Meme (SocialMoreMedia)

Tim Burton's 1989 movie Batman, which may not be well-known to most, created one of the most famous lines in the franchise. The catchphrase, "I'm Batman" has been used in various movies and TV shows but is most notably used to make memes. Fans take images of Batman or of people/animals imitating Batman and throw the punchline overtop to post on social media for their friends or other fans to enjoy. Hundreds of memes using this line and others like it are posted on most social media platforms. Batman memes consist of more than just one catchphrase. Running inside jokes within the fandom or content related to events in comic books can also be turned into memes. Hundreds of memes about Batman exist and they're just a click away.

Freddy Funko Batman (SocialMoreMedia)

Merchandise

Fans of Batman can purchase t-shirts, pajamas, sweatshirts, water bottles, backpacks, and just about anything imaginable with the Batman logo or his character printed on it. Vendors on Etsy create art or purchase it, and sell it online or at fan events, like Comic Con. Artists can also sell weapons or costume pieces for cosplay events. Armor and Batarangs made of both 3D-printed plastic and metal. Another type of merchandise that fans purchase is figurines. Since the creation of Batman, various figurines have been created in the many versions of his costumes and even based on the actors portraying him. The prices of these characters vary depending on the rarity and demand of the era. Some are as little as ten dollars and others run for thousands. Collectors and enthusiasts online search for items that are considered rare and there are forms to discuss the value of certain collectibles. Hobby websites like Hobbydb have listings for a few of the items at the higher end of the price range. The image to the right is the Freddy Funko Batman in the black suit. This collectible has been listed at $12,390.

Fanfiction

Batman (ABZlocalmx)

Another way that fans interact in the Batman fandom is by creating fan fiction. Fan fiction is the fictional writing of characters in a universe. This writing isn't recognized in an official setting and cannot be published by an author as their own work because it is based on the world that the actual author has created, in this case, the DC Comics universe. Any inspired fan can write an alternate ending or related story about Batman and post it online for other fans to read and enjoy. Wattpad, AO3, and Tumblr are just a few platforms where fans can post fan fiction.

Work Cited 

(1) ABZlocalmx. Batman. 3 May 2023. ABZlocal, https://abzlocal.mx/introducir-85-imagen-batman-la-serie-animada-hd/. Accessed 30 Apr. 2024.

(2) Masimage. Batman Cosplay at Birmingham Comic-Con 2013. 4 Dec. 2013. Deviant Art, https://www.deviantart.com/masimage/art/Batman-Cosplay-at-Birmingham-Comic-Con-2013-417756835. Accessed 1 May 2023.

(3) SocialMoreMedia. Batman Meme. 2020. Imgflip, https://imgflip.com/i/4fk7mr. Accessed 30 Apr. 2024.

(4) SocialMoreMedia. Freddy Funko Batman Black Suit. 2020. Funko, https://funko.com/?matchtype=p&device=c&keyword=funko%20com&campaignid=407481782&adgroupid=1360096485991515&loc_physical_ms=98982&msclkid=3ef4683368791e00b48d0e066358e78f&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SNO_Branded_Tertiary&utm_term=funko%20com&utm_content=Funko.com. Accessed 30 Apr. 2024.

(5) Uncle Jessy. “The Ultimate 3D Printed Batman Mask - Replica Prop Part 1.” Bing, Microsoft, www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?&q=3d%2Bprinting%2Bbatman%2Bmask&qpvt=3d%2Bprinting%2Bbatman%2Bmask&mid=120C2FB5A0FCB37DCD48120C2FB5A0FCB37DCD48&FORM=VRDGAR. Accessed 1 May 2024.

(6) Wiki, Contributors to Batman. “I’m Batman.” Batman Wiki, Fandom, Inc., batman.fandom.com/wiki/I%27m_Batman. Accessed 3 May 2024.

(7) Wuensch, Christopher. “Top-20 Most-Valuable Batman Collectibles Found on Hobbydb.” The hobbyDB Blog, 11 Jan. 2023, blog.hobbydb.com/2022/03/06/top-20-most-valuable-batman-collectibles-found-on-hobbydb/.