Batman

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After witnessing the success of its Superman character in the late 1930s, National Publications (which would later become DC Comics) commissioned the creation of a new character called Batman. Bob Kane and collaborator Bill Finger wrote the first Batman story in 1939 and published it in an issue of Detective Comics. A year later, the character was given his own comic book. According to Batman's origin story, the caped crusader is the secret identity of American playboy Bruce Wayne. After witnessing his parents' murder as a child, Wayne trained himself physically and intellectually into the ultimate weapon against crime. Though he doesn't actually possess superpowers, Batman is certainly a superhero who defends Gotham City against an assortment of villains.

The tone of the Batman stories has changed several times over more than 75 years. In the 1960s, the Batman TV series was more campy and humorous. Throughout the '80s and '90s, however, comic book creators worked to return Batman to his original, darker roots. The character gained prominence among new generations with the Batman movies that were produced in the '90s and 2000s--starring actors like Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, and Christian Bale. The character is regularly ranked among the greatest superheroes and comic book characters of all time, and the franchise is showing no signs of slowing.

Babies & Kids Merchandise

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Since the character is so well known, the different merchandising opportunities for Batman are practically endless. Action figures are among the most popular toys, and they are available in the form of Batman himself, as well as other popular characters like Robin, the Joker, Catwoman, the Riddler, Penguin, Bane, and more. Other toys include playsets, building block sets, dolls, vinyl figures, and miniature cars. You can also find collectible figurines and replicas that are meant to be displayed rather than played with. Batman video games are designed for basically every major platform, including consoles and handheld devices.

Kids (and adults) who love Batman can easily showcase their favorite characters with wearable merchandise. Graphic tees, loungwear, socks, underwear, sneakers, hats, belts, bodysuits, pajamas, swimwear, and more are all available with the Batman logo and/or character images. You can also find jewelry and accessories modeled after pieces from the comic books and movies. Batman characters are extremely popular each Halloween, and it's easy to find costumes modeled after the Dark Knight and his friends/enemies. Other accessories include bags, backpacks, luggage, school supplies, and home décor products like bedding and bath items.

Swap.com's Rating of Batman

Batman dates back more than 75 years, so there's a good chance that generations of your family have been fans of the character. Even if his origin story is a little more adult than some other superheroes it's still easy to find ways to share a love of Batman with kids of all ages. Whether your little one is familiar with the comic books, the movies, or simply the pop culture image, you can certainly find toys and apparel that will appeal to fans. All things considered, we give Batman 4.5 stars out of 5.