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This is a list of the alternate versions of Batman from all media, including DC Comics multiverse, Elseworlds, television and film.
[edit] DC Comics
[edit] In mainstream comic continuity
- Bruce Wayne is the original Batman. This is Batman's alter ego in almost all representations in other media.
- Azrael became Batman after Bane broke Batman's back during the KnightSaga.
- Dick Grayson assumed the Batman identity prior to Bruce Wayne's return, and after Azrael was forced to relinquish the mantle.
- The Batman of Earth-Two had a life that parallels the present day Batman, but he had been alive since the 1910s. He eventually became Commissioner and married Selina Kyle and the two had a daughter, the original Huntress, Helena Wayne. When he was goaded out of retirement by a villain demanding Bruce Wayne (whom he mistakenly believed had framed him), he confronted the villain as Batman and died in the line of duty.
[edit] Alternate continuity
- Batman One Million is from the 853rd century, from the prison planet of Pluto. He is a member of the Justice Legion A.
- Owlman, also known as Thomas Wayne II, is the "Batman" of the antimatter universe of Qward and a member of the Crime Syndicate of America.
- Tim Drake became Batman in a dream scenario in JLA #8 and #9, when Batman (and the rest of the JLA) were captured by the Key. He also became Batman in the possible future of the "Titans Tomorrow" storyline, and also the "With a Vengeance!" storyline in Superman/Batman. In the latter, he appears in the Batman Beyond style of suit. However, the writers admitted to the mistake of misnaming the character, and although the name was rumored to be changed to "Terry" (for Terry McGinnis) in the trade paperback, it still reads "Tim" (see first page of "Smoke and Mirrors" chapter in the trade paperback).
- Frank Miller's Batman.
- All Star Batman and Robin stars a controversial version of Batman written by Frank Miller.
- The Dark Knight Returns and The Dark Knight Strikes Again features an older version of Batman that comes out of retirement.
- Batman: Speeding Bullets tells the tale of baby Kal-El rocketing to Thomas and Martha Wayne, instead of the Kents, and growing up to become Batman, albeit with all of Superman's powers.
- Batman had a prominent role in the Elseworlds' series Kingdom Come. His body, ravaged by years of fighting crime, was contained in an exoskeleton to keep himself together.
- In the Amalgam Comics continuity, Batman is combined with Marvel Comics character Wolverine to create Dark Claw.
- In the Stan Lee's Just Imagine Continuity, Wayne Williams is man framed for a crime he didn't commit who becomes Batman in a combination of the original Batman and Spider-man origin stories.
- Bruno Vaneko: In Batman: Golden Streets of Gotham, Batman is Bruno Vaneko, a railroad worker whose parents die in a fire similar to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. He dons a bat costume and starts a war against the greedy buisnessmen of the city.
- Col. Bruce Wayne: In Batman: The Blue, the Grey, and the Bat, Batman is Colonel Bruce Waynes, a soldier for the North who goes to Nevada to stop rebels from smuggling Northern gold. He is aided by Redbird, his version of Robin, and rides a black horse called Apocalypse. What's notable about this version of Batman is that he openly uses guns, something the mainstream Batman would never consider.
- In Batman: Haunted Gotham, Gotham City was taken over by the Dark Lords of Hell centuries ago. Bruce Wayne's parents were preparing him for the day he would strike against them, which finally came when they were killed before his eyes by a werewolf assassin.
- James Gordon:In Batman: Digital Justice, the persona of Batman is taken on by the grandson of Jim Gordon in a futuristic Gotham City overrun by cyber criminals and a deadly virus created by the Joker.
- In Batman: Year 100, a story which takes place in the Gotham City of 2039, there is a mysterious Bat-Man running around Gotham. This Batman has been around since 1939, and it is never revealed who it is behind the mask.
- The Joker: In Batman: I, Joker, the Gotham City of the future is ruled by a cult who worships Batman and his descendant, the Bruce. Once every year, there are challengers who try to usurp the rule of Batman, but even worse, this Bruce has people taken off the street and has them turned into Batman's old enemies complete with their memories. The newest Joker, as it were, was able to maintain his original memories, and dons a Batman outfit alongside a new Robin to try and destroy the cult.
[edit] Film and television
- The Batman television series, starring Adam West, featured a campy version of Batman and associated characters. The 1966 film was also based on this series.
- Tim Burton's Batman returned Batman's to his gritty, pulp roots. After two films, the Burton was replaced by Joel Schumacher and the franchise continued, but with less mature themes.
- Batman: The Animated Series defined Batman for a new generation with a darker, more adult animation program. His continuity is followed throughout the DC animated universe. Furthermore, Batman Beyond, was set in a future where a much older Bruce Wayne gave up being Batman. In his place, Terry McGinnis appeared to become the new Dark Knight, grudgingly guided by Wayne.
- The Batman was launched during the Justice League Unlimited run, but was set outside the DCAU continuity. The series features very different versions of most characters (possibly influenced by anime) and antagonists previously unseen in or outside of comics.
- The pilot of the short-lived Birds of Prey television adaption features an alternate version of Batman. In Birds continuity, Batman is viewed as a myth or urban legend. After successfully defeating The Joker, and losing his lover, Catwoman and having his protégé, Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) become paralyzed, he mysteriously disappears from New Gotham. Afterwards, his metahuman daughter with Catwoman (who in this continuity is metahuman), Helena Kyle, Huntress defends New Gotham, although he apparently remains in contact with Alfred Pennyworth.
