Batman

**Bruce Wayne** is one of the main protagonists of the DC Comics and the titular main protagonist of *Batman* franchise. He is a philanthrapist and the CEO of Wayne Enterprises, who operates as **Batman**, the protector of Gotham City. He is considered one of DC's greatest and most notable hero, alongside Superman and Wonder Woman.

Bruce Wayne was born in Gotham City, New Jersey to the wealthy doctor Thomas Wayne and his wife Martha Kane, who were members of the Wayne and Kane families. The Wayne's were expecting another child, but the Court of Owls targeted them and caused Martha to lose the child. Bruce was around three when the incident happened, and survived the attack from the Court of Owls alongside his mother.

In addition, their butler Jarvis Pennyworth was killed by Court's Talons, and Alfred took his father's place as the Wayne's butler. When Bruce was five years old, he fell down his families' caverns beneath the Wayne Manor, which attracted several bats. Thomas eventually pulled his son out of the cavern, which would become Bruce's headquarters known as the Batcave years later.

Around the age of eight, Bruce and his parents went to the Monarch Theater, and when walking home, were held at gunpoint by a mugger named Joe Chill. Chill demanded Martha's pearl necklace, but Thomas refused to give to the mugger, and Bruce's parents were shot dead in the streets in front of him. Physician and social worker Leslie Thompkins arrived to give comfort to Bruce, and was taken home and lived with Alfred. The death of his parents traumatized Bruce, who swore to avenge his parents' deaths

Bruce swore an oath to rid Gotham City of the evil that took his parents, and spent his youth traveling the world to train himself both physically and mentally. During his travels, he learned a variety of martial arts, all sciences, gymnastics, disguise, and escape artistry to improve himself. When he was fourteen years old, Bruce attended many European universities to learn what he could, but wouldn't stay long and only took subjects that suited him for his plan to rid crime from Gotham.

During this time, Bruce met instructors who taught martial arts and other abilities, including Frenchman Henri Ducard, Japanese ninja Kirigi, boxer Ted Grant, the assassin David Cain, martial artist Chu Chin Li and Tsunemoto, and kung-fu master Richard Dragon. In addition, Bruce met Oliver Queen, who trained him in archery and later become one of his allies later in the future. Around the age of seventeen, Bruce met Detective Harvey Harris, who trained him to improve his detective and investigation skills.

When he was twenty years old, Bruce attempted to join the FBI, but after learning of its regulations and conduct, he decided to work alone instead of being with the legal system. Willis Doggett was Bruce's last instructor, but he was killed by a target that Bruce managed to fight off. Afterward, Bruce was rescued by a shaman an returned to Gotham City after twelve years of training.

Throughout years he has been portrayed by various actors including Adam West, Michael Keaton, George Clooney, Val Kilmer, Christian Bale, Robert Pattinson, Ben Affleck and voiced by the late Kevin Conroy, Diedrich Bader, Jensen Ackles, Troy Baker, and Will Arnett, among others

## versions

Batman (DC Extended Universe)Batman (DC Animated Film Universe)