Batman – History, Films, Villains & Collectibles
Eighty-seven years, a dozen actors, and the one superhero with no powers. Here is the history, the films by era, why there are two Batmen at once, and what is worth owning in Batman collectibles.
Techbox, Thessaloniki
The history: the hero without powers
In 1939, a year after Superman, Bob Kane and Bill Finger created the opposite: a hero with no powers at all. Only money, training and obsession.
That is precisely why he has lasted. Batman can be anything: a gothic avenger, the camp television hero of 1966, a realist crime drama, or a horror film. No other figure survives that many reinterpretations.
Why this matters to collectors: very few characters have so many distinct looks. Every film, every decade, every designer produces a different suit – so a collector can pursue the same hero for years without repetition.
Why there are two Batmen at once
This is the biggest source of confusion at the moment, and it is worth settling:
Robert Pattinson, from The Batman (2022). It sits under DC's Elseworlds banner – a self-contained story.
James Gunn's new universe, which began with Superman, will have its own, different Batman.
They are not connected. They do not meet. Two parallel versions – and their merchandise carries different suits and designs.
The films, by era
- Tim Burton (1989, 1992): Michael Keaton. Gothic and theatrical.
- Joel Schumacher (1995, 1997): brighter and camp – the contested period.
- Christopher Nolan (2005-2012): Christian Bale. The trilogy that changed the genre, with Heath Ledger's Joker.
- Ben Affleck (2016-2017): within the Justice League universe.
- Matt Reeves (2022–): Robert Pattinson. A crime thriller rather than an action film.
The Batman: Part II – February 2028
The sequel is already filming and has moved to 18 February 2028. The story is set in winter, after the flooding of Gotham. Pattinson, Jeffrey Wright, Andy Serkis and Colin Farrell return, joined by Sebastian Stan as Harvey Dent, Scarlett Johansson and Charles Dance.
Between the two films sits HBO's The Penguin, with Colin Farrell – which drew 24 Emmy nominations.
The villains – arguably his greatest asset
Few heroes have antagonists that outsell them. Batman does:
The most commercially successful villain in comics.
Began as a minor cartoon character and became a phenomenon.
Classic adversaries, revived in popularity by the recent films.
Each with their own following and their own product lines.
What is worth collecting
- Figures: from play figures to premium collector pieces, with suits from every era.
- Funko POP: one of the largest ranges in existence – Batman, Joker, Harley Quinn and dozens of variants.
- Batmobile: models of the vehicle from each film – among the most sought-after pieces.
- Comics: classic volumes such as The Killing Joke and Year One.
- Apparel & accessories: the bat logo is among the most recognisable designs in the world.
Gift guide
Play figures, costumes, school gear with the logo.
Funko POP, t-shirts, posters, comics.
Premium figures, Batmobile models, collected editions.
Mugs, keyrings, socks, small figures.
Frequently asked questions
- When does The Batman: Part II come out?
- On 18 February 2028. It was originally scheduled for October 2027 and was moved. It is already filming, with Robert Pattinson and director Matt Reeves.
- Why are there two Batmen?
- Matt Reeves' Batman with Robert Pattinson sits under DC's Elseworlds banner – a self-contained story. James Gunn's new DC Universe will have its own, different Batman. The two are not connected.
- What order should I watch the films in?
- No order is required – each era stands alone. If you are starting now, Nolan's trilogy or The Batman (2022) are the easiest entry points.
- Where can I find authentic Batman collectibles in Thessaloniki?
- At the Techbox store (Al. Papanastasiou 100) and online at techbox.com.gr. You can order online and collect from the store with no shipping cost.
- Are your Batman products official?
- Yes. Everything is officially licensed by DC and comes from authorised distributors.
