Batman has encountered an impressive array of cultural icons & gradually become one himself. He is known, recognized & loved around the globe. This book examines what Batman means, & has meant, to the various audiences who have tried to control & interpret him over the decades. Pinpoints four key moments in Batman's history: we see Batman refusing to adapt to the patriotic propaganda of WW2; we see him accused, in the mid-1950s, of corrupting the youth of America by appearing to promote a homosexual lifestyle to the fans of his comics; we see him become a camp, pop-culture icon through the ABC-TV series of the 60s; & we see how Batman has been interpreted by his fans in response to the comics & the recent films. Illustrations.