06 May 2019

Batman Timeline: the Modern Age

Go to Batman Timeline: the Golden Age.
Go to Batman Timeline: the Silver Age.
Go to Batman Timeline: the Bronze Age.


1986 - That year Dennis O'Neil took over as editor of the Batman titles and set the template for the portrayal of Batman following DC's status quo-altering miniseries Crisis on Infinite Earths. O'Neil operated under the assumption that he was hired to revamp the character and as a result tried to instill a different tone in the books than had gone before.
- Ocean Software releases “Batman” the first Batman video game developed.



 January – “World’s Finest Comics” vol.1 is cancelled in issue #323.
          February – DC Comics launches the first of four parts of the seminal “The Dark Knight Returns”, written by Frank Miller, illustrated by Miller and Klaus Janson. This book is for some the starting of the Modern Age in comics.

Excerpt of "Batman: the Dark Knight Returns" - text: Frank Miller - pencils: Frank Miller - inks: Klaus Janson - collors: Lynn Varley - letters: John Costanza. DC Comics, December 1986.

Frank Miller (1957-).

            April – Batman left the leadership of the Outsiders in Batman and the Outsiders # 32.

Batman and the Outsiders vol.1 #32, DC Comics, February 1986. Pencils: Alan Davis - inks: Alan Davis - unknown collorist.

June – DC Comics launches the last of the four parts of the seminal “The Dark Knight Returns”.
September, 6 - Hanna-Barbera’s “The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians” is canceled.
1987, February – DC launches the"Year One" storyline in Batman #404 in which Frank Miller and artist David Mazzucchelli redefined the character's origins. First appearance of Carmine Falcone.

Batman vol.1 #404, DC Comics, February 1987. Pencils: David Mazzucchelli - inks: David Mazzucchelli - collors: Richmond Lewis.
David Mazzucchelli (1960-).

May – End publication of"Year One" storyline in Batman #407.
September - DC Comics releases “Batman: Son of the Demon” by writer Mike W. Barr and artist Jerry Bingham.
1988, February – First appearance of Arnold Wesker the Ventriloquist in Detective Comics #583, created by Alan Grant, John Wagner and Norm Breyfogle.

Excerpt of "Detective Comics" vol.1 #583 - text: John Wagner and Alan Grant - pencils: Norm Breyfogle - inks: Kim DeMulder - collors: Adrienne Roy - unknown letterer. DC Comics, February 1988.

 March - DC Comics releases “Batman: The Killing Joke” written by Alan Moore and drawn by Brian Bolland.

Batman: the killing joke", DC Comics, March 1988. Pencils: Brian Bolland - inks: Brian Bolland - collors: Brian Bolland.

Brian Bolland (1951-).
Alan Moore (1953-).

August – DC Comics launches the first of four parts of “Batman: The Cult”. It was written by Jim Starlin, illustrated by Bernie Wrightson, colored by Bill Wray and edited by Denny O'Neil.

"Batman: the cult" #1, DC Comics, September 1988. Pencils: Bernie Wrightson - inks: Bernie Wrightson - collors: Bernie Wrightson - letters: Todd Klein.
Bernie Wrightson (1948-2017).

            November - DC Comics launches the last of four parts of “Batman: The Cult”.
1989 - BBC Radio 4 broadcast “Batman: The Lazarus Syndrome” directed by Dirk Maggs and with Bob Sessions as Batman.
           April – First appearance of Henri Ducard in Detective Comics #599, created by Sam Hamm and Denys Cowan.
June, 23 – Warner Bros. releases“Batman” directed by Tim Burton and with Michael Keaton as Batman.


Michael Keaton (1951-) as Batman.

             August – first appearance of Tim Drake in Batman #436. The character was created by Marv Wolfman and Pat Broderick.
October - DC Comics release “Arkham Asylum: a serious house on serious Earth” also called “Batman: Arkham Asylum” written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Dave McKean.


"Arkham Asylum: a serious house on serious Earth", DC Comics, November 1989. Pencils: Dave McKean - inks: Dave McKean - collors: Dave McKean - letters: Dave McKean.
Grant Morrison (1960-).

November – First issue of “Legends of the Dark Knight”. It differs from other Batman titles in that it has constantly rotating creative teams, and the stories are not necessarily part of the current events of the other Batman comics. Initially the title was promoted as running only stand alone self-contained five issue stories of graphic novel quality. However, after issue 20, stories of different lengths started to appear. While some stories have tied in with the other titles, generally this has not been the case. Also is notable that its firs issue of “Legends of the Dark Knight”, was the first new solo Batman title in nearly 50 years, sold close to a million copies. In Detective Comics #608 we see the first appearance of Lonnie Machin, the Anarchy, created by Alan Grant and Norm Breyfogle.

Alan Grant (1949-).,
Norm Breyfogle (1960-2018).

November, 6 - Start the fourth Batman comic strip written by Max Allan Collins and William Messner-Loebs and drawn by Marshall Rogers, Carmine Infantino and John Nyberg.
1991, January – DC Comics release “Batman & Dracula: red rain” written by Doug Moench and art by Kelley Jones.

Doug Moench (1948-).

 August, 3 – Ended the fourth Batman comic strip written by Max Allan Collins and William Messner-Loebs and drawn by Marshall Rogers, Carmine Infantino and John Nyberg.
December - DC Comics releases with Dark Horse Comics “Batman versus Predator” written by Dave Gibbons, with art by Andy Kubert and with Fleetway “Batman/Judge Dredd: judgment on Gotham” written by John Wagner and Alan Grant, with art by Simon Bisley.

Dave Gibbons (1949-).

Andy Kubert (1962-).
 
"Batman/Judge Dredd: judgement on Gotham", DC Comics, December 1991. Pencils: Simon Bisley - inks: Simon Bisley - collors: Simon Bisley - letters: Simon Bisley.
 
Simon Bisley (1962-).

1992, June – DC Comics launches “Batman: shadow of the bat”. The first issue marks the first appearance of VictorZsasz, created by Alan Grant and Norm Breyfogle.
 
"Batman: shadow of the bat" #1 - DC Comics, June 1992. Pencils: Brian Stelfreeze - inks: Brian Stelfreeze - collors: Brian Stelfreeze - unknown letterer

             June, 19 - Warner Bros. releases“Batman Returns” directed by Tim Burton and with Michael Keaton as Batman.

Michael Keaton and Bob Kane during the filming of "Batman Returns".


 September – “Legends of the Dark Knight” have its name changed to “Batman: legends of the Dark Knight”.
September, 5 - Warner Bros. Animation’s “Batman: the animated series” is aired on the Fox Network. Kevin Conroy is Batman in this that is considered the best version of Batman. 

Intro image of "Batman: the animated series"
Kevin Conroy (1955-).

September, 11 – first appearance of Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel, the Harley Quinn in the episode "Joker's Favor" in “Batman: The Animated Series”, created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm and was originally voiced by Arleen Sorkin.

Harley Quinn in “Batman: The Animated Series”.
Paul Dini (1957-).
Bruce Timm (1961-).
October – DC Comics lauched The Batman Adventures (vol. 1). It is different from other Batman titles in that it is set in the continuity (and style) of Batman: The Animated Series as opposed to the regular DC Universe.
1993, January - DC Comics and Comico releases “Batman/Grendel: Devil’s Riddle” with text and art by Matt Wagner. Fist appearance of Bane in the story “Batman: vengeance of Bane” #1 written for Chuck Dixon and with art of Graham Nolan. Doug Moench and Denny O'Neil also had part in the creation of Bane.
"Batman/Grendel: Devil’s riddle" - DC Comics, June 1993. Pencils: Matt Wagner - inks: Matt Wagner - collors: Matt Wagner
Matt Wagner (1961-).

 September – first appearance of Harley Quinn in a Batman comic books, namely in The Batman Adventures #12.
          December, 25 -Warner Bros. releases“Batman: mask of the Phantasm” directed by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski, with Kevin Conroy as Batman.
1994 - BBC Radio 1 broadcast “Batman: Knightfall” directed by Dirk Maggs and with Bob Sessions as Batman.
 March - DC Comics and Image Comics release “Spawn/Batman” written by Frank Miller with art by Todd McFarlane.
Todd McFarlane (1961-).

            June - DC Comics and Marvel Comics release “Batman/Punisher: Lake of Fire” written by Dennis O’Neal with art by Barry Kitson. In this story, Azrael carries the mantle of the bat.

"Batman/Punisher: Lake of Fire" - DC Comics, June 1994. Pencils: Barry Kitson - inks: James Pascoe - unknown collorist

 November, 19 – First appearance of Lyle Bolton, the Lock-Up in the episode "Lock-Up" of “Batman: The Animated Series”, voiced by Bruce Weitz.
Lock-Up in “Batman: The Animated Series”.

 1995, June, 16 - Warner Bros. releases“Batman Forever” directed by Joel Schumacher and with Val Kilmer as Batman.

Val Kilmer (1959-).

 July - DC Comics published “The Batman Chronicles”.
            September - Marvel Comics and DC Comics release “Spider-Man and Batman” written by J. M. DeMatteis with art by Mark Bagley, Scott Hanna and Mark Farmer.

"Spider-Man and Batman" - Marvel Comics, September 1995. Pencils: Mark Bagley - inks: Mark Farmer - collors: Steve Buccellato

September, 15 -Warner Bros. Animation’s “Batman: The Animated Series” is ended.
October – DC Comics rebranded The Batman Adventures as The Batman and Robin Adventures.
1996, April - DC Comics and Marvel Comics presents “Bruce Wayne: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and “Legends of the Dark Claw” published under the "Amalgam Comics" label.

"Bruce Wayne: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D." - Marvel Comics, April 1996. Pencils: Cary Nord - unknown inker - unknown collorist.

June - DC Comics launches the first of four parts of “Batman Black and White”. Each of the four issues featured several self-contained short-stories, all written and drawn by a diverse group of comic artists and writers, most of whom had previously worked on Batman comics. Each story varied in theme, setting, and tone (depending on the creative team involved), offering multiple interpretations of Batman - and, in some cases, his supporting characters - usually by exploring their inner pathos and relationships. Dark Horse Comics published “Batman/Grendel: Devil's Bones” written and draw by Matt Wagner.

"Batman Black and White" - DC Comics, June 1996. Pencils: Jim Lee - inks: Scott Williams.
Jim Lee by Gage Skidmore via Wikipedia.

            July - DC Comics launches the second of four parts of “Batman Black and White”.
            August - DC Comics launches the third of four parts of “Batman Black and White”.
            September - DC Comics launches the last of four parts of “Batman Black and White”.
            December - DC Comics launches the first of thirteen parts of “Batman: the long Halloween”, written by Jeph Loeb with art by Tim Sale. Also with Marvel Comics release “Batman and Captain America” with text and art by John Byrne.

"Batman: the long Halloween #1" - DC Comics, December 1996. Pencils: Tim Sale - inks: Tim Sale - unknown collorist

 1997, January - Marvel Comics and DC Comics published “Daredevil and Batman” written by D. G. Chichester and draw by Scott McDaniel.
"Daredevil/Batman" - Marvel Comics, January 1997. Pencils: Scott McDaniel - unknown inker

 March - Dark Horse Comics and DC Comics published “Batman/Aliens” written by Ron Marz and draw by Bernie Wrightson.

"Batman/Aliens" - DC Comics/Dark Horse, March 1997. Pencils: Bernie Wrightson - inks: Bernie Wrightson - collors: Bernie Wrightson.

June, 20 -Warner Bros. releases“Batman & Robin” directed by Joel Schumacher and with George Clooney as Batman.

George Clooney (1961-).
September, 13 - Warner Bros. Animation’s “The New Batman Adventures” was aired on The WB Television Network. Kevin Conroy reprises the role of Batman.
October, 4 – Batman voiced by Kevin Conroy appears in the episode “World Finest” from the “Superman: the animated series”.
October, 11 - Chicken Boo assumes the role of Batman's sidekick Robin in order to stop the evil Punchline. It was in “Boo Wonder” episode of “Animaniacs” by The Warner Bros. Television Network. Adam West voices Batman.

"Boo Wonder".

December – DC Comics cancelled "The Batman and Robin Adventures" and launches the last of thirteen parts of “Batman: the long Halloween”.
1998, March, 17 - Warner Bros. releases “Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero” directed by Boyd Kirkland, with Kevin Conroy as Batman. 

Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero” advertisement.

 June - DC Comics published "Batman: Gotham adventures" based on the animated TV series.

"Batman: Gothan Adventures" #1 - DC Comics, June 1998. Pencils: Ty Templeton - inks: Ty Templeton - unknown collorist

             October, 10 - Batman voiced by Kevin Conroy appears in the episode “Knight Time” from the “Superman: the animated series”.
November, 3 – Bob Kane dies in Los Angeles, California
1999, January, 10 - Warner Bros. Animation’s “Batman Beyond” began airing on The WB Television Network.. Kevin Conroy is the voice of Bruce Wayne and Will Friedle is the voice of Terry McGinnis, the new Batman. 

"Batman Beyond" - soundtrack cover.
Will Friedle (1976-).

             January - DC Comics launches the first of four issues of “Superman & Batman: Generations” written and illustrated by John Byrne. The series main concept is the avoidance of so-called “comic book time”; showing Superman, Batman, and the other members of the DC Universe in a single timeline, aging and being replaced by their progeny. Also DC Comics and Dark Horse Comics launches the first of two issues “Batman/Hellboy/Starman” written by James Robinson with art by Mike Mignola.

"Superman & Batman: Generations" #1 - DC Comics, January 1999. Pencils: John Byrne - inks: John Byrne - unknown collorist
John Byrne (1950-).

January, 16 - Warner Bros. Animation’s “The New Batman Adventures” is ended.
March - DC Comics launches the last of four issues of “Superman & Batman: Generations”.
August - Top Cow published “The Darkness/Batman” written by Jeph Loeb and Scott Lobdell and with art of Clarence Lansang and David Finch.

"The Darkness/Batman" #1 - DC Comics, January 1999. Pencils: Marc Silvestri - inks: Danny Miki - collors: Liquid!

September - Dark Horse Comics launches the first of four issues of “Batman/Tarzan: claws of the Cat-Woman” written by Ron Marz and with art of Igor Korday.

"Batman/Tarzan: claws of the Cat-Woman" #1 - DC Comics, September 1999. Pencils: Dave Dorman - inks: Dave Dorman - collors: Dave Dorman

 September, 18 - Batman voiced by Kevin Conroy appears in the episode “The Demon Reborn” from the “Superman: the animated series”.
November - DC Comics published "Batman Beyond" (Vol. 2) based on the animated series "Batman Beyond" and the first of fourteen parts of “Batman: Dark Victory” written by Jeph Loeb and drawn by Tim Sale. 

"Batman: dark victory" #1 - DC Comics, December 1999. Pencils: Tim Sale - inks: Tim Sale - collors: Mark Chiarello

December - Dark Horse Comics launches the fourth of four issues of “Batman/Tarzan: claws of the Cat-Woman”.
2000 - DC Comics refused to allow permission for the reprinting of four panels (from Batman #79, 92, 105 and 139) to illustrate Christopher York's paper “All in the Family: Homophobia and Batman Comics in the 1950’s”.
- Continuum releases Will Brooker’s “Batman Unmasked: analysing a cultural icon”.

Will Brooker’s “Batman Unmasked: analysing a cultural icon”

  February – DC Comics cancelled "Batman: shadow of the bat".
            March – DC Comics published "Batman: Gotham Knights". The original intent of this book was to feature the exploits of Batman and his extended family but the latter section of the run, however, came to focus much more upon his enemies. The series also featured the popular "Batman: Black and White" back-up strip, which allowed various artists with widely varying styles to do their take on the Dark Knight in a black and white format. These back-up strips are also collected in trade paperback form.
 
"Batman: Gotham knights" #1 - DC Comics, March 2000. Pencils: Dave Johnson - inks: Dave Johnson - unknown collorist

             December -DC Comics launches the last of fourteen parts of “Batman: Dark Victory”.
            December, 12 – Warner Bros. Family Entertainment releases “Batman Beyond: return of the Joker”. Will Friedle voices Batman and Kevin Conroy voices Bruce Wayne.
2001 - "OnStar" produces six commercials featuring Bruce Thomas as Batman.
            August - DC Comics launches the first of four issues of “Superman & Batman: Generations 2” written and illustrated by John Byrne. The series main concept is the avoidance of so-called “comic book time”; showing Superman, Batman, and the other members of the DC Universe in a single timeline, aging and being replaced by their progeny.

"Superman & Batman: Generations 2" #1 - DC Comics, August 2001. Pencils: John Byrne - inks: John Byrne - collors: Trish Mulvihill - unknown letterer: John Byrne.

October - DC Comics cancelled "Batman Beyond" (Vol. 2).
October, 12 – premére of “Birds of Pray” by The WB Television Network with Bruce Thomas as Batman.
November - DC Comics launches the last of four issues of “Superman &Batman: Generations 2”.
November, 17 - Warner Bros. Animation’s “Justice League” began airing on Cartoon Network. Kevin Conroy is the voice of Batman.



Winter - DC Comics cancelled "The Batman Chronicles".
December, 18 -“Batman Beyond” is ended.
2002, January, 26 – Kevin Conroy voiced Batman in the episode "The Big Leagues" from the “Static Shock”.
2003, January, 25 - Kevin Conroy voiced Batman in the episode "Hard as Nails" from the “Static Shock”.
February - DC Comics launches "Gotham Central" written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark. The story focused on the Gotham City Police Department and the difficulties of its officers living and working in Gotham City, home of Batman.
February, 16 – the TV series “Birds of Pray” is cancelled.
March - DC Comics launches the first of twelfe issues of “Superman & Batman: Generations 3” written and illustrated by John Byrne. 

"Superman & Batman: Generations 3" #1 - DC Comics, March 2003. Pencils: John Byrne - inks: John Byrne - collors: Alex Sinclair .

         March, 1 - Kevin Conroy voiced Batman in the episode "A League of Their Own - part 1" from the “Static Shock”. 
         March, 8 - Kevin Conroy voiced Batman in the episode "A League of Their Own - part 2" from the “Static Shock”. 
         May – DC Comics cancelled "Batman: Gotham adventures". 
     June - DC Comics launches "Batman Adventures" vol. 2 and the first of three parts “Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman: Trinity” written and drawn by Matt Wagner.

"Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman: Trinity" #1 - DC Comics, August 2003. Pencils: Matt Wagner - inks: Matt Wagner - collors: Dave Stewart - letters: AstroLuxDesign (logo).

 October - DC Comics launches "Superman/Batman", a monthly comic book series that features the publisher's two most popular characters. It was an update of “World's Finest Comics”. Jeph Loeb, the series' first writer, introduced a dual-narrator technique to present the characters' often opposing viewpoints and estimations of each other, which subsequent series writers have maintained. DC also reprints Neal Adams’s Batman stories in “Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams Volume 1”.
October, 21 - Warner Bros. Animation launches “Batman: mystery of the Batwoman” with Kevin Conroy voicing Batman
November - DC Comics launches the last of three parts “Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman: Trinity” written and drawn by Matt Wagner.
- Jeph Loeb teamed with artist Jim Lee to work on "Batman: Hush". The twelve issue storyline saw Batman and Catwoman running the gauntlet against Batman's entire rogue's gallery, including an apparently resurrected Jason Todd, while seeking to find the identity of the mysterious supervillain Hush.
2004- Chronicle Books releases Les Daniels’s “Batman Complete History”.
January, 17 - Kevin Conroy voiced Batman in the episode "Future Shock" from the “Static Shock”.
February - DC Comics launches the last of twelfe issues of “Superman & Batman: Generations 3”.
            May, 29 - Warner Bros. Animation’s “Justice League” is ended.
            July, 31 - Warner Bros. Animation’s “Justice League Unlimited” is aired on Cartoon Network with Kevin Conroy as the voice of Batman.
October – DC Comics launches "The Batman Adventures" vol. 2. 
September, 11 – Warner Bros. lauches “The Batman” by Kids' WB. Rino Romano voices Batman.
         September - DC Comics launches "The Batman Strikes" based on the animated series “The Batman” and “Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams Volume 2”.
             November - DC Comics launches The Batman Strikes vol.1 #1 following the chronology and style of the TV series "The Batman".

"The Batman Strikes" #1 - DC Comics, November 2004. Pencils: Jeff Matsuda - inks: Jeff Matsuda - collors: Dave McCaig - letters: Typeset.

2005, February - DC Comics releases “Batman: The Man Who Laughs” written by Ed Brubaker and with art by Doug Mahnke.

"Batman: the man who laughs #1 - DC Comics, February 2005. Pencils: Doug Mahnke - inks: Doug Mahnke - collors: David Baron.

 April –DC Comics cancelled "Batman: Gotham Knights" and launches the first issue of “The Batman Chronicles” which pretends to reprint every Batman adventure in color, in chronological order, in affordable trade paperbacks. 

"The Batman Chronicles" #1 - DC Comics, March 2005. Unknown cover's author.

June, 10 -Warner Bros. releases“Batman Begins” directed by Christopher Nolan and with Christian Bale as Batman.

Christian Bale (1974-).

Summer - when painter Mark Chamberlain displayed a number of watercolors depicting both Batman and Robin in suggestive and sexually explicit poses, DC threatened both artist and the Kathleen Cullen Fine Arts gallery with legal action if they did not cease selling the works and demanded all remaining art, as well as any profits derived from them.
September - DC Comics launches "All Star Batman & Robin, The Boy Wonder". Written by Frank Miller and drawn by Jim Lee, the series was a commercial success for DC Comics though widely panned by critics for its writing and strong depictions of violence.

"All Star Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder" #1 - DC Comics, September 2005. Pencils: Jim Lee - inks: Scott Williams - collors: Alex Sinclair - letters: Chip Kidd.

October, 15 – Warner Bros. Animation releases “The Batman vs. Dracula” with Rino Romano voicing the Batman.
2006 - Starting in 2006, the regular writers on Batman and Detective Comics were Grant Morrison and Paul Dini, with Grant Morrison reincorporating controversial elements of Batman lore (most notably, the science fiction themed storylines of the 1950’s, which Morrison revised as hallucinations Batman suffered under the influence of various mind-bending gases and extensive sensory deprivation training) into the character. Morrison's run climaxed with "Batman R.I.P.", which brought Batman up against the villainous "Black Glove" organization, which sought to drive Batman into madness. "Batman R.I.P." segued into Final Crisis (also written by Morrison), which saw the apparent death of Batman at the hands of Darkseid. In the 2009 miniseries “Batman: Battle for the Cowl”, Wayne's former protégé Dick Grayson becomes the new Batman, and Wayne's son Damian becomes the new Robin.
            March - DC Comics launches “Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams Volume 3”.
            April - DC Comics cancels "Gotham Central".
            July, 25 – Del Rey releases John Shirley’s novel “Batman: Dead White”.

John Shirley’s “Batman: Dead White”.

             August - DC Comics launches the first issue of "Showcase Presents: Batman".
           October, 31 - Del Rey Books publishes a sequel of "Batman: dead white" called "Batman: Inferno" writen by Alex Irvine. 

2007, January - DC Comics releases “Batman/The Spirit” written by Jeph Loeb with art by Darwyn Cooke and J. Bone and launches the first issue of "Showcase Presents: The Brave and the Bold: Batman team-ups".
          February, 27 - Del Rey Books published a sequel of "Batman: Inferno" called "Batman: fear itself" writen by Michael Reaves and Steven-Elliot Altman.
        September - DC Comics launches the first issue of "Showcase Presents: Batman and the Outsiders".
2008, March - DC Comics releases “Batman: The Killing Joke” featuring recoloring of the book by Brian Bolland.
           March, 22 - Warner Bros. cancels “The Batman”. 
         July, 14 -Warner Bros. releases“The Dark Knight” directed by Christopher Nolan and with Christian Bale as Batman. 
           August - DC Comics cancels "All Star Batman & Robin, The Boy Wonder". 
         November, 14 -“Batman: the brave and the bold” premieres on Cartoon Network. Dietrich Bader voices Batman.

Batman: the brave and the bold”.

December - DC Comics cancels "The Batman Strikes".
2009, June – DC Comics launches "Batman: streets of Gotham", written by Paul Dini, with art by Dustin Nguyen. The series stars Dick Grayson as the new Batman and ties into Grant Morrison's overarching "Batman: Reborn" story and the new “Gotham City Sirens” Streets of Gotham features Batman as the main character, but from a "street level" with other characters providing the main narrative. When asked about the style of Streets of Gotham, Batman group editor Mike Marts explained, "...these are Batman stories told through the point of view of other characters in Gotham City. So it could be Commissioner Gordon telling the story, it could be a villain, or it could be a supporting character telling the story."

"Batman: streets of Gotham" #1 - DC Comics, August 2009. Pencils: Dustin Nguyen - inks: Dustin Nguyen - unknown collorist.

August, 25 - Rocksteady Studios releases the video game “Batman: Arkham Asylum”. Kevin Conroy was again the Batman's voice.

"Batman: Arkham Asylum" videogame cover.

2010, July, 27 - Warner Bros. Animation releases “Batman: under the red hood” with Bruce Greenwood voicing the Batman.

"Batman: under the red hood" DVD cover.

2011, March - DC Comics cancels "Batman: streets of Gotham".
May - Batman placed second on IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Heroes of All Time after Superman.
July, 19 – premiere of “Batman Live”, a stage show including theatrical, circus and stage-magic elements in the Manchester Evening News Arena, UK.

"Batman Live" cast.

 September - DC Comics' entire line of superhero books, including its Batman franchise, was canceled and relaunched with new #1 issues as part of The New 52 reboot. Bruce Wayne is the only character to be identified as Batman and will be featured in "Batman, Detective Comics", "Batman and Robin", and "Batman: The Dark Knight". Dick Grayson returns to the mantle of Nightwing and appears in his own ongoing series. While many characters have their histories significantly altered to attract newer, younger readers, Batman's history remains mostly intact. Batman Incorporated was relaunched in 2012 to complete the "Leviathan" storyline.
            October – with the campaingn New 52, DC Comics ends the Vol. 1 of "Detective Comics" and "Batman" and begans to publish the Vol.2 from #1. "Superman/Batman" was also cancelled but not returned.
October, 18 - Warner Bros. Animation releases “Batman: Year One” with Ben McKenzie voicing Batman. Rocksteady Studios releases the video game “Batman: Arkham City”. 

Ben McKenzie (1978-).

            November, 18 -“Batman: the brave and the bold” is canceled.
2012, March, 22 – premiere in Chicago “Holy Musical B@man!” a musical parody with music and lyrics by Nick Gage and Scott Lamps, and book by Matt Lang and Nick Lang.
June – DC Comics relaunches “Legends of the Dark Knight” as a digital-first weekly series.
July, 16 -Warner Bros. releases“Batman Begins” directed by Christopher Nolan and with Christian Bale as Batman.
September, 25 -Warner Bros. Animation releases “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns – part 1” with Peter Weller voicing the Batman.

"Batman: The Dark Knight returns, part 1" Blu-Ray cover.
Peter Weller (1947-) by Seanpanderson via Wikipedia.

2013 –January, 1 –Relativity Media, Virgin Produced, GreeneStreet Films and Charles B. Wessler Entertainment releases “Movie 43” where Jason Sudeikis plays Batman in the segment “Superhero Speed Dating” directed by James Duffy.
           January, 29 - Warner Bros. Animation releases “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns – part 2” with Peter Weller voicing the Batman.
        October, 25 - Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment releases the video game “Batman: Arkham Origins”.
2014 – February, 1 - Village Roadshow Pictures, RatPac-Dune Entertainment, Lego System A/S, Vertigo Entertainment, Lin Pictures, Animal Logic and Warner Animation Group releases “The Lego Movie” directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller with Will Arnett as Batman.

Will Arnett (1970-).

            July, 25 - Warner Bros. Animation releases “Batman: assault on Arkham” with Kevin Conroy voicing the Batman.


"Batman: assault on Arkhan", DVD cover.


The original article ended here.

04 May 2019

Batman Timeline: the Bronze Age



1970, January - O'Neil and Adams first collaborated on the story "The Secret of the Waiting Graves" in Detective Comics vol.1 #395.
 
page 4 of "The Secret of the Waiting Graves" - text: Denny O'Neil - pencils: Neal Adams - inks: Dick Giordano - letters: Ben Oda - unknown collorist. Detective Comics vol.1 #395, DC Comics, January 1970.
            
Dick Giordano (1932-2010).
             June - First appearance of Dr. Kirk Langstrom the Man-Bat in Detective Comics #400, created by Frank Robbins and Neal Adams.

Detective Comics vol.1 #400, DC Comics, June 1970. Pencils: Neal Adams - inks: Neal Adams - unknown collorist.
 1971, May – First appearance of Talia al Ghul in "Into the Den of the Death-Dealers!" in Detective Comics vol.1 #411, created by Dennis O'Neil and Bob Brown.

page 8 of " Into the Den of the Death-Dealers!" - text: Denny O'Neil - pencils: Bob Brown - inks: Dick Giordano - letters: Ben Oda - unknown collorist. Detective Comics vol.1 #411, DC Comics, May 1971.

 June – First appearance of Ra's al Ghul in the story "Daughter of the Demon" in Batman #232, created by Dennis O'Neil and Neal Adams .

Batman vol.1 #332, DC Comics, August 1985. Pencils: Neal Adams - inks: Neal Adams - unknown collorist.

 1972 – "Equal pay" a Public Service Announcement featuring Dick Gautier as Batman is aired with production by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the Center for American Progress Action Fund (CAPAF).

Dick Gautier (1931-2017).

 September, 16 – is aired the episode "The Dynamic Scooby-Doo Affair" of Hanna-Barbera’s “The New Scooby-Doo Movies”, where Olan Soule reprises his role as Batman. 



            December, 16 - is aired the episode "The Caped Crusader Caper" of Hanna-Barbera’s “The New Scooby-Doo Movies”, where Olan Soule reprises his role as Batman.
1973, September, 8 – Hanna-Barbera’s “Super Friends” first aired on ABC. Olan Soule reprises his role as Batman. 


1974, January, 12 – Bill Finger dies in Manhattan, New York.
            August, 24 - Hanna-Barbera’s “Super Friends” is cancelled on ABC.
1976 - Adam West performed "The Story of Batman" and "Batman and Robin", for Target Records.
March– First appearance of Dr. Leslie Maurin Thompkins (sometimes spelled Tompkins) in Detective Comics vol.1 #457, created by Dennis O'Neil and Dick Giordano.
page 11 of "There Is No Hope in Crime Alley!" - text: Denny O'Neil - pencils: Dick Giordano - inks: Dick Giordano and Terry Austin (backgrounds) - letters: Ben Oda - unknown collorist. Detective Comics vol.1 #457, DC Comics, March 1976.
1977, February, 12 - Filmation’s “The New Adventures of Batman” first aired on CBS. Adam West reprises his role as Batman. 


April – National Periodical Publications becames DC Comics.
May, 28 - Filmation’s “The New Adventures of Batman” is canceled
June – First appearance of Silver St. Cloud in Detective Comics #470, created by Steve Englehart and Mike Gold.

page 11 of "The Master Plan of Dr. Phosphorus!" - text: Steve Englehart - pencils: Walt Simonson - inks: Al Milgron - collors: Jerry Serpe - letters: Ben Oda - unknown collorist. Detective Comics vol.1 #470, DC Comics, June 1977.

 August - start the work of Steve Englehart and penciler Marshall Rogers in Detective Comics #471.

Steve Englehart (1947-).
Marshall Rogers (1950-2007).
September, 10 - Hanna-Barbera’s “The All-New Super Friends Hour” first aired on ABC. Olan Soule reprises his role as Batman.
1978, April – the participation of Steve Englehart and penciler Marshall Rogers ended in Detective Comics #476.
            July/August – First appearance of Preston Payne, the third Clayface in Detective Comics vol.1 #478, created by Len Wein, Mike W. Barr and Marshall Rogers. 

Detective Comics vol.1 #479, DC Comics, September-October 1978. Pencils: Marshall Rogers - inks: Dick Giordano - collors by Tatjana Wood.

             September, 2 - Hanna-Barbera’s “Super Friends” is canceled.
           September, 9 - Hanna-Barbera’s “Challenge of the Superfriends” first aired on ABC. Olan Soule reprises his role as Batman.


             December, 23 - Hanna-Barbera’s “Challenge of the Super Friends” is cancelled.
1979, January – First appearance of Lucius Fox in Batman #307, created by Len Wein and John Calnan.

excerpt of "Dark Messenger of Mercy!" - text: Len Wein - pencils: John Calnan - inks: Dick Giordano - collors: Glynis Wein - letters: Ben Oda - unknown collorist. Batman vol.1 #307, DC Comics, January 1979.

January, 18 - Hanna–Barbera produced “The Chalenge”, the first episode of “Legends of the Superheroes” that is aired on NBC with Adam West as Batman.
           January, 25 - Hanna–Barbera produced “The Roast”, the second episode of “Legends of the Superheroes” that is aired on NBC with Adam West as Batman.
          September, 22 - Hanna-Barbera’s “The World Greatest Super Friends” first aired on ABC. Olan Soule reprises his role as Batman.
1980 – September, 17 - Hanna-Barbera’s “The World Greatest Super Friends” is canceled.
1983, March – first appearance of Jason Todd and Waylon Jones, the Killer Croc in Batman #357, created by Gerry Conway and Don Newton. 
page 10 of "Squid" - text: Gerry Conway - pencils: Don Newton - inks: Alfredo Alcala - collors: Adrienne Roy - letters: Ben Oda - unknown collorist. Batman vol.1 #357, DC Comics, March 1983.

 June – The Brave and the Bold vol.1 #200 is the last number of vol. 1. The issue also have the first apparition of The Outsiders.

The Brave and the Bold vol.1 #200, DC Comics, September-October 1978. Pencils: Jim Aparo - inks: Jim Aparo - collors by Anthony Tollin.
Jim Aparo (1932-2005).

            August –Batman and the Outsiders debuted. It was created and originally written by Mike W. Barr and illustrated by Jim Aparo.

Batman and the Outsiders #1, DC Comics, August 1983. Pencils: Jim Aparo - inks: Jim Aparo - unknown collorist.

1984 - September, 8 - Hanna-Barbera’s “Super Friends: the legendary superpowers show” first aired on ABC. Olan Soule reprises his role as Batman.
1985, August – first appearance of Roman Sionis, the Black Mask in Batman vol.1 #386, created by Doug Moench and Tom Mandrake.

Batman vol.1 #386, DC Comics, August 1985. Pencils: Tom Mandrake - inks: Tom Mandrake - collor: Anthony Tollin.

 August, 31 - Hanna-Barbera’s “Super Friends: the legendary superpowers show” is canceled.
September, 7 - Hanna-Barbera’s “The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians” first aired on ABC. Adam West reprises his role as Batman.


03 May 2019

Batman Timeline: the Silver Age


         Go to Batman Timeline: the Golden Age.
         Go to Batman Timeline: the Bronze Age
         Go to Batman Timeline: the Modern Age.
        

1958, September – First appearance of Julian Day, the Calendar Man in Detective Comics vol.1 #259, created by Bill Finger and Sheldon Moldoff (credited as Bob Kane).

Detective Comics vol.1 #259, DC Comics, September 1958. Pencils: Curt Swan - inks: Stan Kaye - unknown collorist.

Curt Swan (1920-1996).

1959, February – First appearance of Dr. Victor Fries, the Mr. Zero in Batman vol.1 #121, created by Bob Kane, David Wood and Sheldon Moldoff.

Batman vol.1 #121, DC Comics, February 1959. Pencils: Curt Swan - inks: Stan Kaye - unknown collorist.

 May - First appearance of Bat-Mite in Detective Comics vol.1 267 in a story titled "Batman Meets Bat-Mite" written by Bill Finger and with art by Sheldon Moldoff.

Detective Comics vol.1 #267, DC Comics, May 1959. Pencils: Curt Swan - inks: Stan Kaye - unknown collorist.

             September – First appearance of Ted Carson, the second Firefly in Batman vol.1 #126, created by Bill Finger and Sheldon Moldoff.

Batman vol.1 #126, DC Comics, September 1959. Pencils: Curt Swan - inks: Stan Kaye - unknown collorist.

1960, February - Batman debuted as a member of the Justice League of America in The Brave and the Bold #28.
1961, April - First appearance of Katty Kane, the Bat-Girl in Batman vol.1 #139, created by Bob Kane and Sheldon Moldoff.

Batman vol.1 #139, DC Comics, April 1961. Pencils: Sheldon Moldoff - inks: Sheldon Moldoff - unknown collorist.

November – National Comics Publications becames National Periodical Publications.
December – First appearance of Matt Hagen, the second Clay Face in Detective Comics vol.1 #298, created by Bill Finger and Sheldon Moldoff.
 
Detective Comics vol.1 #298, DC Comics, December 1961. Pencils: Sheldon Moldoff - inks: Sheldon Moldoff - unknown collorist.

1963, January -First appearance of Thomas Blake, the Catman in Detective Comics vol.1 #311, created by Bill Finger and Jim Mooney.

Detective Comics vol.1 #311, DC Comics, January 1963. Pencils: Dick Dillin - inks: Sheldon Moldoff - unknown collorist.

1964 – The sales on Batman titles had fallen drastically. Bob Kane noted that, as a result, DC was "planning to kill Batman off altogether."In response to this, editor Julius Schwartz was assigned to the Batman titles. He presided over drastic changes, beginning with 1964's Detective Comics vol.1 #327 (May 1964), which was cover-billed as the "New Look". Schwartz introduced changes designed to make Batman more contemporary, and to return him to more detective-oriented stories. He brought in artist Carmine Infantino to help overhaul the character. The Batmobile was redesigned, and Batman's costume was modified to incorporate a yellow ellipse behind the bat-insignia. The space aliens, time travel, and characters of the 1950’s such as Batwoman, Ace, and Bat-Mite were retired. Batman's butler Alfred was killed off (though his death was quickly reversed) while a new female relative for the Wayne family, Aunt Harriet, came to live with Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson. It leads Batman to the Multiverse. The Batman from the Golden Age is from the Earth-Two while the new Batman is from the Earth-One, “our” universe. The Earth-Two version of Batman partners with and marries the reformed Earth-Two Catwoman, Selina Kyle (as shown in Superman Family #211) and fathers Helena Wayne, who, as the Huntress, becomes (along with Dick Grayson, the Earth-Two Robin) Gotham's protector once Wayne retires from the position to become police commissioner, a position he occupies until he is killed during one final adventure as Batman. Batman titles however often ignored that a distinction had been made between the pre-revamp and post-revamp Batmen (since unlike The Flash or Green Lantern, Batman comics had been published without interruption through the 1950s) and would on occasionally make reference to stories from the Golden Age.Nevertheless, details of Batman's history were altered or expanded upon through the decades. Additions include meetings with a future Superman during his youth, his upbringing by his uncle Philip Wayne (introduced in Batman vol.1 #208, January/February 1969) after his parents' death, and appearances of his father and himself as prototypical versions of Batman and Robin, respectively. In 1980 then-editor Paul Levitz commissioned the Untold Legend of the Batman limited series to thoroughly chronicle Batman's origin and history.

Julius Schwartz (1915-2004).
Carmine Infantino (1925-2013).
the "New Look" edition.
Detective Comics vol.1 #327, DC Comics, May 1964. Pencils: Carmine Infantino - inks: Joe Giella - unknown collorist.

             - Little Brown & Co. publishes Donald Barthelme's collection of short stories "Come Back, Dr. Caligari", that contains the story "The Joker's Greatest Triumph." Batman is portrayed for purposes of spoof as a pretentious French-speaking rich man.
             June – First appearance of Auntie Harriet Cooper in Detective Comics vol.1 #328, created by Bill Finger and Sheldon Moldoff.

Aunt Harriet Cooper.
Excerpt of "Gotham Gang Line-Up!" - text: Bill Finger - pencils: Sheldon Moldoff - inks: Joe Giella - unknown collorist - letters: Gaspar Saladino. Detective Comics vol.1 #328, DC Comics, June 1964.

 1965, May – Batman team-up for the first time. The honor is for the Green Lantern in The Brave and the Bold #59
The Brave and the Bold vol.1 #59, DC Comics, April-May 1965. Pencils: Gil Kane - inks: Gil Kane - unknown collorist.
Gil Kane (1926-2000).

            November – First appearance of Mark Desmond, the Blockbuster in Detective Comics vol.1 #345, created by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino.

Blockbuster.
Excerpt of "The Blockbuster Invasion of Gotham City!" - text: Gardner Fox - pencils: Carmine Infantino - inks: Joe Giella - unknown collorist - letters: Gaspar Saladino. Detective Comics vol.1 #345, DC Comics, November 1965.

1966 - is aired a Public Service Announcement featuring Adam West as Batman called “U.S. Savings Bonds for Vietnan War”.
            - MGM's "Leo the Lion" label releases “The Official Adventures Of Batman And Robin” (with the episodes: “The Legend of Batman and Robin”, “The Penguin's Plunder” and “The Joker's Revenge”) and later a second LP called “More Official Adventures of Batman & Robin” (with the episodes “The Marriage of Batman and Batwoman”, “The Fake Boy Wonder” and “When Batman Became a Coward”).


 January, 12 – 20th Century Fox releases through ABC the first espisode of “Batman” with Adam West as the hero.

Adam West (1928-2017) as Batman.

             May – First appearance of Arthur Brown, the Cluemaster in Detective Comics vol.1 #351, created by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino.

Detective Comics vol.1 #351, DC Comics, May 1966. Pencils: Carmine Infantino - inks: Murphy Anderson - unknown collorist.
Murphy Anderson (1926-2015).

             May, 5 - 20th Century Fox ended the first season of “Batman” with Adam West as the hero.
            June – First appearance of Dr. Lillian Rose, the Poison Ivy in Batman vol.1 #181, created by Robert Kanigher and Sheldon Moldoff.

Batman vol.1 #181, DC Comics, June 1966. Pencils: Carmine Infantino - inks: Murphy Anderson - unknown collorist.

             July, 9 – written by Whitney Ellsworth and E. Nelson Bridwell and initially drew by Sheldon Moldoff started the third serie of Batman in comic strips. Later the series will be draw by Joe Giella, Carmine Infantino and Al Plastino.
           July, 30 - 20th Century Fox releases “Batman” directed by Leslie H. Martinson and with Adam West as Batman.
              September, 7 - 20th Century Fox lauches the second season of “Batman” with Adam West as the hero.
1967, January – First appearance of Barbara Gordon in "The Million Dollar Debut of Batgirl!" by writer Gardner Fox and artist Carmine Infantino in Detective Comics vol.1 #359.

Detective Comics vol.1 #359, DC Comics, January 1967. Pencils: Carmine Infantino - inks: Murphy Anderson - unknown collorist.

 March, 30 - 20th Century Fox ended the second season of “Batman” with Adam West as the hero.
            September, 14 - 20th Century Fox launches the third season of “Batman” with Adam West as the hero.
November –The Brave and the Bold #74 stablished the series as a team-up magazine between Batman and other stablished super-heroes.
1968, March – Mr. Zero is renamed as Mr. Freeze in Detective Comics #373 by Gardner Fox.

Detective Comics vol.1 #373, DC Comics, March 1968. Pencils: Irv Novick - inks: Irv Novick - unknown collorist.

Irv Novick (1916-2004).

March, 14 – 20th Century Fox cancels the “Batman” series with Adam West as the hero.
         September, 14 – Filmation launches the animated series “The Batman/ Superman Hour” broadcasted on CBS. Batman is voiced by Olan Soule.

Olan Soule (1909-1994).
1969 - Starting in 1969, writer Dennis O'Neil and artist Neal Adams made a deliberate effort to distance Batman from the campy portrayal of the 1960s TV series and to return the character to his roots as a "grim avenger of the night". O'Neil said his idea was "simply to take it back to where it started. I went to the DC library and read some of the early stories. I tried to get a sense of what Kane and Finger were after". To some their work is considered the end of the Silver Age in comics.

Dennis O'Neil (1939-).
Neal Adams (1941-).
            - In 1969, Dick Grayson attends college as part of DC Comics' effort to revise the Batman comics. Additionally, Batman also moves from his mansion, Wayne Manor into a penthouse apartment atop the Wayne Foundation building in downtown.
January, 4 – CBS cancelsFilmation’s “The Batman/Superman Hour".