The beginnings of Batman can be traced back to 1938 when the heads of National Publications, that later became DC Comics wanted more super heroes to add to their stables. Bob Kane created The Bat-Man which was later molded into the character we know today. Bill Finger also helped in the modern Batman creation. Finger was instrumental in creating some of Batman's most famous villains like the Riddler. Back then even Kane was often not credited with the creation of Batman, however it's common knowledge today.
The debut of The Bat-Man was in Detective Comics #27 in May, 1939 in a story titled The Case of the Chemical Syndicate. Back then, The Bat-Man didn't have any problems carrying weapons, wounding or even killing criminals. The beginnings of Bruce Wayne and the story of his parents' killing wasn't revealed until later that year. Robin joined Batman in the comic against Kane's wishes so Batman would be able to have a conversation with someone while on a case.
Batman had strong sales through the 50s and has changed with the times with new characters and gadgets appearing in stories that were relevant to the changing times. In the 60s Batman joined the Justice League and moved away from his violent roots. Due in large part to society's fear of children imitating the violence in comics. Then there was the Comics Code Authority in 1954, Batman became a sillier character moving further away from his dark roots. By 1964 sales had declined that Batman faced cancellation.
By 1969 Dennis O'Neil and Neil Adams Batman once again became the gritty crime fighter who haunts the night and strikes fear in the hearts of criminals. The new team and the new darker look did little to return Batman to his former glory and there was still a losing battle in the sales department.
The newer intense darker trend in Batman comics continued through the late 80s with the Year One storyline written by Frank Miller redefined some of the Batman history. Parts of which show up later in the Batman Begins movie. Writer ALan Moore also contributed to the darker side of Batman in the stand alone comic Batman that came out in 1988.
Batman books would eventually settle into this darker theme including his back being broken and an earthquake in Gotham.
In the mid 90s DC debuted the Zero Hour story lines that retold the origins of Batman and made the Batman more urban legend than super hero. During this time Batman would be on better terms and be closer to his Justice League colleagues, enough so that Superman entrusts him with Kryptonite and even became romantically involved with Wonder Woman. Even though Batman is still on good terms with the Justice League members, DC has distanced the Batman from other superheroes into his more dark obsessive fight against crime in Gotham.
It's pretty safe to assume that Bruce Wayne will remain as Batman both in the comics and on film and continue to dominate the printed page while soaring to box office success on the big screen. Fans are already clamoring for a third Bale-Nolan venture and the excitement surrounding the character is perhaps at the highest of any point over the past 69 years.
