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The first dramatic appearance of Batman appeared as a reoccurring guest star on the "Superman" radio series. Interestingly, during the initial story line, Batman and Robin didn't interact Superman, but Clark Kent.  Batman's young side-kick, "Robin", was created specifically as an exposition device, desperately needed in radio.  Although a pilot episode was recorded, Batman never received his own radio series.   

The first dramatic appearance of Batman appeared as a reoccurring guest star on the "Superman" radio series. Interestingly, during the initial story line, Batman and Robin didn't interact Superman, but Clark Kent.  Batman's young side-kick, "Robin", was created specifically as an exposition device, desperately needed in radio.  Although a pilot episode was recorded, Batman never received his own radio series.   

The first film dealing with the Caped Crusader was a 1943 12-chapter serial from Columbia Pictures starring Lewis Wilson and Douglas Croft as Batman and Robin.  The plot of the film centered on a nefarious, stereotypical Asian scientist, Dr. Daka (J. Carrol Naish), who has a plan to steal valuable resources from the United States in order to support the Axis during the World War II.  Although low-budget, ''Batman'' introduced the concept of the Batcave (called the "Bat's Cave" in the film) and the hidden entry to it, as well as altering the appearence of Alfred from a portly servant to a leaner, robust individual.  ''Batman and Robin'' would follow it in 1949, also as a serial, starring Robert Lowery and Johnny Duncan (Muir, 9; 72)

The first film dealing with the Caped Crusader was a 1943 12-chapter serial from Columbia Pictures starring Lewis Wilson and Douglas Croft as Batman and Robin.  The plot of the film centered on a nefarious, stereotypical Asian scientist, Dr. Daka (J. Carrol Naish), who has a plan to steal valuable resources from the United States in order to support the Axis during the World War II.  Although low-budget, ''Batman'' introduced the concept of the Batcave (called the "Bat's Cave" in the film) and the hidden entry to it, as well as altering the appearance of Alfred from a portly servant to a leaner, robust individual.  ''Batman and Robin'' would follow it in 1949, also as a serial, starring Robert Lowery and Johnny Duncan (Muir, 9; 72)

In January 1966, ABC released a "Batman" television series starring Adam West.  Before the show's release, there was a heated debate over which direction the Caped Crusader should be taken.  Eventually, Producer William Dozier vision won out - "Batman" would be a high budgeted, camp series which ridiculed the character.  This portrayal of the character, while it was in line with the comics of the time, came in later years to be reviled by fans, particularly during the '80s and '90s.  Also in 1966, Dozier produced and released a "Batman" feature film, also starring Adam West.  For decades after, the "Batman" television series defined the filmed comic book template, an which attitude destroyed several promising projects, such as the feature film version of "Doc Savage" and the television productions of "The Justice League" and "The Spirit". (A show which thankfully broke the template was 1978's "The Incredible Hulk" starring Bill Bixby.)  

In January 1966, ABC released a "Batman" television series starring Adam West.  During the series pre-production, there was a heated debate over which direction the Caped Crusader should be taken.  Eventually, Producer William Dozier's vision won out - "Batman" would be a high budgeted, camp series which ridiculed the character.  This portrayal of the character, while it was in line with the comics of the time, came in later years to be reviled by fans, particularly during the '80s and '90s.  During the summer of 1966, Dozier unleased a "Batman" feature film, also starring Adam West.   

 

 

For decades after, the "Batman" television series defined the filmed comic book template, an which attitude destroyed several promising projects, such as the feature film version of "Doc Savage" and the television productions of "The Justice League" and "The Spirit". (A show which thankfully broke the template was 1978's "The Incredible Hulk" starring Bill Bixby.)  

''Batman'' film took a darker turn in 1989, when the Tim Burton-directed film, starring Michael Keaton, portrayed Bruce Wayne as a reclusive, quirky billionaire who probably was not entirely sane.  While at first wary of an actor known primarily for his comedies playing Batman, some fans ended up going to other movies before its release just to see the trailer for the film, and then walked out, not even watching the movie they paid for.  The film was a success, and was widely-lauded for Jack Nicholson's portrayal of Batman's nemesis, the Joker  It was followed up with 1992's ''Batman Returns'', which, while not as well-reviewed or successful, was still accepted by the fans, and brought in the iconic figures of Catwoman and the Penguin.

''Batman'' film took a darker turn in 1989, when the Tim Burton-directed film, starring Michael Keaton, portrayed Bruce Wayne as a reclusive, quirky billionaire who probably was not entirely sane.  While at first wary of an actor known primarily for his comedies playing Batman, some fans ended up going to other movies before its release just to see the trailer for the film, and then walked out, not even watching the movie they paid for.  The film was a success, and was widely-lauded for Jack Nicholson's portrayal of Batman's nemesis, the Joker  It was followed up with 1992's ''Batman Returns'', which, while not as well-reviewed or successful, was still accepted by the fans, and brought in the iconic figures of Catwoman and the Penguin.