The Essential Batman Encyclopedia

More about the book

The ultimate guide to the man behind the mask and the mythology surrounding him. “Criminals are a superstitious, cowardly lot. So my disguise must be able to strike terror into their hearts. I must be a creature of the night, black, terrible. . . . I shall become a bat!” This declaration by millionaire Bruce Wayne, orphaned by violence, sets him on a path to battle crime as Batman. Since his debut in 1939, Batman has captivated audiences through comics, television, and films. He prowls Gotham City, racing in the Batmobile and responding to the Bat-Signal, embodying a larger-than-life legend. For the first time in over thirty years, everything about Batman is compiled in one comprehensive sourcebook. Over 500 pages feature entries and illustrations that include: detailed accounts of Batman’s origins, biographies of key characters like Robin, Alfred, and Commissioner Gordon, as well as notorious villains such as the Joker and Catwoman. The book showcases classic black-and-white comic artwork and includes two sixteen-page color inserts. Robert Greenberger, a former DC Comics editor and Batman scholar, presents this exhaustive archive, making it an essential addition to any Batman fan’s collection.