The Batman Archetype
Alongside Superman, Batman is one of the oldest, most iconic, and most parodied, Superheroes of all time.
Aspects of the Batman Archetype are as follows:
- Street-Level Superhero who lacks any superpowers
- Wealthy
- Orphan or some other tragic/traumatic backstory
- Arsenal of gadgets and gizmos, especially ones kept in a utility belt
- Expert martial artist / hand-to-hand combatant
- Highly intelligent, especially in regards to criminology / being a detective
- Stealth expert
- Dark colored costume with a cape and mask. Black, gray, blue, and purple are common colors. Sometimes armored.
- Motifs revolving around either animals (preferably winged and/or nocturnal ones), or just darkness/shadows in general.
- Solitary and paranoid
- Code against killing and / or using guns
- Operates in a city with high crime rates and/or a corrupt/incompetent police force.
- Has a loyal butler
- Has a young sidekick (or more than one!)
- Has an ally in the police
- Has their own super-car
- Has a secret lair filled with trophies and mementos
- Romantic relationship with one or more of their enemies
- Arch-enemy is of the "Joker Archetype", IE an irredeemable, homicidal, (and often clown-themed), sadist who challenges/pushes/tempts the hero to break their code against killing (if they have one).
Please note that characters can and do fit this archetype without checking off every single item on the above list.