Batman

Bob Kane's dark comic book legend, Batman, has long been an emblem of American culture. In the 1960s, the comic book was adapted for television. Batman and his sidekick, Robin, got into light-hearted, almost sitcom-like action adventure situations. Batman also spawned a cartoon version in the series Super Friends. In 1989, movie producers Peter Guber and John Peters developed a more serious treatment of the superhero through Warner Bros. Pictures.Batman was released in June of 1989 and quickly became one of the most talked-about movies of the decade. All told, it earned more than a quarter of a billion dollars in the United States and $160 million plus worldwide. The film starred Michael Keaton as the conflicted hero and Jack Nicholson as the evil villain, the Joker.Cryptic, inventive director Tim Burton brought the comic book atmosphere of Gotham City to life, and veteran composer Danny Elfman layered a truly mesmerizing score on top of the already taut story. The film also stared Kim Basinger as Michael Keaton's love interest, Vickie Vale. The original Batman film was such a hit that it spawned a virtual enterprise of spin offs and merchandise.In 1995 and 1997, Batman Forever and Batman and Robin hit the screens, respectively. In 2005, Warner Bros. released an alternative opening to the Batman saga, Batman Begins. Batman memorabilia, such as comics dating back from the earliest days of the franchise, have sold for more than $10,000.