The Dark Knight no longer sits in the shadow of Superman.

On September 26, 2024, the iconic DC Comics character, Batman, received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He became the first superhero ever honored in this way—not an actor portraying Batman, but the character itself. Step aside, Kryptonian.

The unveiling drew notable DC figures, including Jim Lee, DC’s President, Publisher, and Chief Creative Officer, who delivered a speech, and Anne DePies, DC’s VP and General Manager. Also present was Burt Ward, famed for his portrayal of Robin in the classic 1960s Batman TV series, and one of the last living cast members of that iconic show. His presence was a nod to Batman’s long legacy across media.

BATMAN BEGINS…

The Dark Knight’s journey through media began with his debut in Detective Comics #27 in 1939, created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger. A character driven by the loss of his parents, Bruce Wayne’s transformation into Batman symbolized vengeance, justice, and ultimately, hope. From his early comic appearances, Batman quickly became a sensation, and by the 1940s, his adventures had extended beyond comics into serial films.

The 1943 Batman serial starring Lewis Wilson marked the character’s first appearance on screen, though it leaned heavily into wartime propaganda. A second serial, Batman and Robin (1949), followed, introducing camp elements that foreshadowed future adaptations.

The 1966 Batman TV series, starring Adam West, brought the character into living rooms across America, forever changing the public’s perception of Batman. Known for its campy tone, colorful villains, and iconic “BAM!” and “POW!” fight scenes, the show became a cultural phenomenon, though its light-hearted portrayal overshadowed the Gotham guardian’s darker origins. A 1966 feature film followed, cementing their place in the pop-culture zeitgeist of the 60s.

THE LAST BAT-DANCE…

By the 1980s, the Dark Knight detective returned to the shadows in the comics, thanks to groundbreaking works like Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns (1986), which redefined the character as a brooding vigilante. This darker tone set the stage for Batman’s cinematic resurgence in Tim Burton’s 1989 film, starring Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman and Jack Nicholson as the Joker. Burton’s film reintroduced audiences to a Gothic Gotham, bringing Batman back to his more sinister, serious nature. It was a critical and commercial success, leading to the equally dark Batman Returns (1992).

However, the 1990s saw a shift in tone. Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever (1995) and the critically panned Batman & Robin (1997) embraced a more colorful, campy aesthetic, akin to the 1960s series. Despite high-profile actors like George Clooney and Arnold Schwarzenegger, these films were widely-criticized and stalled Batman’s big-screen presence.

HE IS VENGEANCE…

During this era, Batman found major success in animation. Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995), developed by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini, remains one of the most beloved adaptations of the character. Kevin Conroy’s voice work as Batman and Mark Hamill’s portrayal of the Joker have become iconic, with the series praised for its mature storytelling and noir-inspired art style. The series paved the way for a larger animated universe, further solidifying Batman’s presence in popular culture. See also: Batman Beyond! <cue the best Batman theme intro & music>

Batman’s return to darker, more grounded storytelling came with Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005–2012). Batman Begins (2005) brought a fresh, realistic take on the character, focusing on Bruce Wayne’s motivations and training. The second film in the series, The Dark Knight (2008), is widely regarded as one of the greatest superhero films ever made, with Heath Ledger’s Oscar-winning portrayal of the Joker. The trilogy concluded with The Dark Knight Rises (2012), cementing Nolan’s interpretation of Batman as one of the most critically acclaimed in film history. As far as I was concerned, his arrival on the Walk of Fame was secured after this trilogy.

HE IS THE NIGHT…

In recent years, Batman has been a central figure in DC’s Extended Universe (DCEU), portrayed by Ben Affleck in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Justice League (2017), and Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021). While Affleck’s portrayal leaned into a battle-worn, jaded Batman, reactions were mixed. However, his ability to adapt and endure across different iterations was proven once again in Matt Reeves’ The Batman (2022), starring Robert Pattinson, which brought the character back to his detective roots and noir stylings.

HE’S BATMAN! (AND A SENIOR CITIZEN!)

The secret of the character’s longevity is not only in his ability to move seamlessly between genres and media—comic books, television, films, animation, video games, and even music—but also in his evolution from a symbol of vengeance and fear to a beacon of hope and redemption. Batman’s arrival on the Walk of Fame coincided with another major event in the Dark Knight’s history.

This month, as Batman celebrates his 85th anniversary, the character continues to capture the imagination of generations. His presence has permeated everything from orchestral compositions—like those performed by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra—to blockbuster films, further cementing his role as one of the most iconic and enduring superheroes in this modern mythology.

— 30 —