Batman has been around for almost 100 years now. The character was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger in 1939 and went on to become one of the most popular fictional characters of all time. Most fans will be familiar with Batman’s origin story. Bruce Wayne’s parents are killed in an alleyway after a night at the opera, which starts Bruce on his journey to become Batman to clean up Gotham city of crime. But how old was Bruce Wayne when he became Batman?
When Bruce Wayne became Batman
According to Detective Comics #500, Bruce Wayne’s Parents, Thomas and Martha, were killed when he was just 8 years old. In Batman Year One it’s revealed that Bruce spent 18 years abroad after the death of his parents, travelling and learning martial arts, before returning home to Gotham city. Given that we know Bruce Wayne’s birthday is February 19th, and he is later shown to start training to become Batman on February 21st, it can be deduced that Bruce Wayne became Batman when he was 26 years old.
Although it must be noted that he does not dive straight into becoming Batman. He initially takes to the streets by night dressed poorly and biding his time. After taking a beating and almost dying Bruce is sitting at home in Wayne manor looking for inspiration. Looking for something that will strike fear into the hearts of his enemies.
Suddenly a bat crashes through a window and sits on top of a statue of his father. It’s at this point that Bruce Wayne decides to become Batman at age 26.
Yes Father, I shall become a bat
Bruce Wayne decides to become Batman – Batman Year One
Conclusion
The timeline of Bruce Wayne becoming is as follows:
- Age 8 – Bruce Wayne’s parents are murdered (Detective Comics #500)
- Age 26 – Bruce returns home after traveling abroad for 18 years, learning and training (Batman Year One)
- Age 26 – A bat crashes through a window in Wayne manor when Bruce is looking for inspiration. Bruce Wayne decides to become Batman.
