Batman Day was on September 18, 2021. Did You Celebrate the Icon?

Batman Day was on September 18, 2021. Did You Celebrate the Icon?

Batman has been known by many names: The Dark Knight, Caped Crusader, The Masked Manhunter, Demon of the Night, The World’s Greatest Detective, The Bat, Batsy, and Vengeance. But, one thing is sure, Batman has stood the test of time, spanning decades as a pop culture phenomenon. So, much so, that he has his own day.

Evidently, Batman Day is an annual event organised by DC Entertainment to celebrate and promote Batman. Initially, Batman Day was July 23, 2014, which was the 75th anniversary of Batman’s first appearance in Detective Comics in 1939. Now, Batman day is celebrated the third Saturday in September. This year, it landed on September 18th. So how did you celebrate? Don’t worry, if you missed it, it’s not too late to honor the masked vigilante.

10 Batman movies to watch to celebrate Batman Day.

In terms of movies, there’s many to choose from. Or, of course, you could watch Batman: The Animated Series which is regarded as the best animate series of all time. Kevin Conroy plays Bruce Wayne/ Batman and has been labeled the true bat voice. As well, the series uses Mark Hamil as the Joker and he absolutely nails it.

1. Batman (1989)2. Batman Returns (1992)3. Batman Forever (1995)4. Batman Begins (2005)5. The Dark Knight (2008)6. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)7. Batman and Robin (1997)8. The film “Batman v Superman” came out in 2016.9. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)

10.  Batman the Long Halloween (2020)

5 Comics to Read to Celebrate Batman Day.

Of course, one of the best ways to celebrate a comic book character is to read the epic stories that create him.

1. Batman: Year One (1988)

If you prefer your Batman as the world’s greatest detective and less established. Then, this one is more up your alley. In this collection of  Batman stories from issues #404–407, Batman is just starting out with his alter ego and it is also the origins of a young Commissioner James Gordon. Written by Frank Miller and artwork by David Mazzucchellim this story is the raw beginnings of Bruce as he develops his identity as Batman works together with Gordon. The birth of the bat symbol in the sky.

2. Batman Ego (2000)

Batman Ego was written and illustrated by Darwyn Cooke. In this story, Bruce is confronted by his alter ego, The Batman. During the span of this story, Wayne must question his methods, mindset, and motivation. The character is unraveled and closer to a darker side of Batman, we have yet to witness.

Why you should read it? The Batman (2022) is based on this comic.

3. Batman: The Long Halloween (1996-1997)

The Long Halloween, written by Jeph Loeb with art by Tim Sale, tells the story of a mysterious killer named Holiday, who murders people on holidays, one each month. Batman must exercise his inner detective if he wants to stop him in time. Yet, Bruce is distracted by warring mob bosses and the join villain effort against him. If you enjoy race against time stories, this one is for you.

Why you should read it?  Batman: The Long Halloween Animated film of the same title and comic story released in a two part straight to DVD release.

4. The Killing Joke (1988)

While the animated movie left a lot to be desired. The comic series was well done. Joker has a new origin as the Red Hood. In the comic, Joker recounts the story of one bad day. During which, Joker sets to prove this theory by kidnapping Barbara Gordon in a graphic and barbaric display of villiany.

The Killing Joke was written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Brian Bolland. Also, it is regalled at the definative Joker Origin story by fans despite the many different origins the Clown prince was given. The story’s end is ambigious on purpose to let fans decide what actually happened.

5. The Dark Knight Returns

This miniseries written by Frank Miller, illustrated by Miller, and Klaus Janson, with color by Lynn Varley is often used as source material for Batman movies. In the series, Bruce Wayne is 55 years old, returning from retirement to fight the criminal opposition of Gotham. Also, this comic features the return of Two-Face and the Joker. Ultimately, it culminates with a confrontation against Superman, who is being used by the Government as a weapon.

5 video games to play to celebrate Batman Day.

And, if gaming is your preferred way to celebrate Batman. There is an array of games to choose from that feature the comic book character. Here are 5 games to play if you want to enjoy a good Batman game.

1. Arkham Knight (2015)

Batman: Arkham Knight was released in 2015. It is anaction-adventure game developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. It is the final game of Batman: Arkham series. This title is available to play on PS4.

2. Batman: The Telltale Series (2016)

This game is from Telltale and Athlon games Inc. is a game of choice which narrates a story featuring Batman as the main character. Your choices will impact the story. Additionally, the game is playable in the following formats:Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3.

3. LEGO DC Supervillians

Lego games have spawned wonderful family friendly games. This one was a really enjoyable Lego-themed action-adventure platform video game developed by Traveller’s Tale. Lego DC Villains is available on the following gaming platforms:  PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Macintosh operating systems. A bonus is players can create their own villain lego figure.

4. Injustice Gods Among Us 2 (2017)

Based on the comic series of the same name, is a fighting video game based upon the DC Universe. This popular adaptation was developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Additionally, it’s widely available across all platforms.