Brush up on Bruce Wayne's history with EW's Batman collector's edition

Across comic books, TV, and film, the Dark Knight has been saving Gotham City for over 80 years. With The Batman in theaters Friday, and Robert Pattinson now under the cape and cowl, EW is taking a look back at all the crime fighter's previous iterations. Check out a comprehensive look at the DC superhero's past in Entertainment Weekly's Ultimate Guide to Batman, now available to purchase.

The issue dives deep into the performances of past Batmans, including Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, and even (in Lego form) Will Arnett.

Plus, look back on the origins of Bob Kane and Bill Finger's creation in a recap of the comics' biggest moments, followed by a rogues' gallery of villains, from the Joker to the Penguin, who made Batman the Caped Crusader he is today. And, of course, he wouldn't be the same without his Batmobile; the special issue includes a detailed retrospective on the evolution of the iconic vehicle.

For more about the directors who have taken on the Dark Knight, the future of the franchise, and a collection of the hero's best one-liners, pick up a copy of Entertainment Weekly's Ultimate Guide to Batman on newsstands now wherever magazines are sold, or buy it online.

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