All of us now know what the term “Caped Crusader” means. Not only the meaning, but we also know what the term represents. Obviously, it is the name of our most beloved Superhero of all time, and it represents his crusade against crime.
But do you know when this term actually came into existence and became a hit? Or how many comics or movies actually employ the term “Caped Crusader”? Can you actually claim to be a fan of Batman without this knowledge? Or the impact of this name on Batman over the years? Or how did this term got associated with Batman, as we know it?
If the answer is no, then do not worry because we at Batman Factor have got you covered. This article will not only give you this necessary information but will make you a true Batman fan.
Origin of the term “Caped Crusader”
This term originated back in the ’60s when, believe it or not; Batman comic book sales became so low that DC was planning to kill the character altogether.
It was during this time that creator Bob Kane teamed up with editor Julius Schwartz. They redesigned everything from Batmobile to the costume. New characters were added and the tone became more comedic.
In this era, the term “Caped Crusader” became associated with Batman to put some mystery into the character.
Batman TV series
To boost sales of the comics, Batman was featured in the character’s first live-action appearance. This was a comedy action TV series, and for this reason, the term “Caped Crusader” was introduced as comic relief.
It is from here that this term actually appealed to the masses. After this TV show, the use of this term became more frequent. This TV series helped boost the sales of comic books, and the highest no of copies came into circulation for that time.
It also paved the way for better acceptability of Batman by the public. Due to the success of this TV adaptation, comics also followed the comedy model for future Batman comic book features.
Modern-Day Use
After the TV series and the campy period of Batman features, the term “Caped Crusader” was used in modern comics to present an enigmatic Batman. Batman was rewritten closer to his dark origin.
Modern comics introduced Batman as a vigilante that strikes fear in the heart of his enemies. As a result, he became a symbol of terror for all the criminals and his mission became known as a crusade against crime.
The writers successfully reintroduced the term “Caped Crusader” taking it away from its campy origins.
Batman: The Animated Series
This series truly re-introduced Batman as a dark character opposite to the portrayal of Adam West. This series truly elevated the status of Batman to a cult-like status.
Batman: The animated series used the term “Caped Crusader” in a darker tone which has become the norm after this series. The Batmobile was redesigned as a sleek modern car suiting the caped crusader.
This TV-adaptation of Batman established him as one of the most followed and bankable characters of this generation. His popularity as one of the top Superheroes has only increased with time and this persona of the Caped Crusader matured with each passing day.
Batman: Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?
This comic feature portrays Batman in a different light. It is a two-part series and one of the two features to use Caped Crusader in its title.
Batman narrates the story as he is watching his own funeral. The attendants include several characters like Alfred, Catwoman, Jim, Barbara, Two-face, and the Joker.
All the characters give eulogies with different accounts of how Batman died. But, none of the stories seem true to Batman. As he is watching his own funeral a voice tells him to figure how he died as Batman is the World’s greatest detective.
As the story proceeds, Batman finally figures out that he is having a near-death experience and the voice he is talking to is his Mother. Martha Wayne tells Batman about the brief time when he was happy and how is about to die. Above all, she tells Batman that he can stop fighting now.
It is a very unconventional take on Batman’s death with the main element being that Batman never gives up even in the face of death and how a vision of his mother makes him ready for his final departure.
It is one of the rarest features where Batman shows some signs of mortality and is seen battling his emotions constantly. The truth is that the actual emotional grasp of this comic book can never be described in a summary but can only be felt on reading the comic.
Batman: The Caped Crusader
It is the second comic book feature to use the term “Caped Crusader” in its name. It is actually a collection of different comic book titles post-crisis and has several volumes.
In these comics, the persona of Batman as the caped crusader is fully developed. Batman even jumps through time and avoids death.
All this time traveling makes Batman realize that even though he might think that he has accomplished everything on his own but the truth is that he was never alone. He always had the support of his Batfamily and the Caped Crusader after returning to his time acknowledges this fact.
Conclusion
The development of Batman’s Character has been very interesting over the years. Several titles have been given to Batman but none could match the popularity gained by “Caped Crusader” and “The Dark Knight”. Frank Miller’s take on Batman changed his public view for good and made Batman into the legend that he is now. Numerous writers and directors have taken inspiration from Miller’s works.
Some honorable mentions that have also increased the fame of the Caped Crusader are Batman: The New Adventures and Batman Beyond.
We all know the movie adaptations but our primary focus was to highlight other works that have helped established the cult of the Caped Crusader. If you want to explore more in-depth stories of Batman you definitely should read this.
