Fan Phenomena

by Liam Burke

From his debut in a six-page comic in 1939 and to his most recent portrayal by Christian Bale in the blockbuster 'The dark knight rises', Batman is perhaps the world's most popular superhero. The continued relevance of the caped crusader could be attributed to his complex character, his dual identity, or his commitment to revenge and justice. But, as the contributors to this collection argue, it is the fans who have kept Batman at the forefront of popular culture for more than seven decades. Fan Phenomena: Batman explores the unlikely devotion to the Dark Knight, from his inauspicious...