Batman Explains Why He Gave Himself A Makeover For DC's Silver Age
In the late Darwyn Cooke’s DC: The New Frontier, Batman explained why he gave himself a makeover between the Golden and the Silver Age. When he was first introduced in comics, Batman was a grim and vengeful figure. However, the Dark Knight quickly rebranded himself into a family-friendly superhero by taking on a new costume and a sidekick.
Throughout the Caped Crusader’s first incarnation in Detective Comics, writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane were inspired by pulp heroes. At the time, Batman didn’t seem to have a straightforward code as he fought crime. He even wielded a pistol, indicating that he wasn’t opposed to taking lives if necessary. When Batman earned his first self-titled series, he evolved for the new era. No longer exclusive to the noir, mystery-based Detective Comics, Batman wore a lighter costume and adopted Dick Grayson AKA Robin. Although fans noticed the changes, they were never explained canonically. As comic book writer and artist Darwyn Cooke bridged the gap between the Golden and the Silver Ages of the DC Universe in DC: The New Frontier, he took the opportunity to elaborate on Batman’s changing public image.
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When Superman pays a visit to Gotham City, he comments on his superhero colleague Batman’s rebrand. The Dark Knight that Superman had once known wouldn’t have worn a costume with lighter colors, or taken a child under his wing as a crimefighting partner. Previously, Batman wore a mask with longer bat ears in Detective Comics, intended to create a more intimidating look for criminals. His costume also appeared darker, compared to the one he later wears, which incorporates blue into the black cape and cowl.
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