Short answers, pulled from the story.
Batman was created by writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane, and debuted in Detective Comics #27 on the 30th of March, 1939. Kane conceived the initial concept but Finger substantially developed it, suggesting the cowl, cape, gloves, and darker costume that defined the character.
Batman's secret identity is Bruce Wayne, a wealthy Gotham City industrialist. As a child of eight, Bruce witnessed a mugger named Joe Chill shoot and kill his parents, Thomas and Martha Wayne, outside a movie theater. That event drove him to train his body and mind to fight crime.
Batman has no inherent superpowers. He relies on his intellect, detective skills, and athletic prowess, supplemented by advanced technology funded by his wealth. He has mastered 127 forms of martial arts, speaks over 40 languages, and is described by Superman as the most dangerous man on Earth.
The Joker is considered Batman's most implacable foe and archenemy. Other major recurring villains include Catwoman, the Penguin, the Riddler, Two-Face, Ra's al Ghul, the Scarecrow, Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, and Bane, who broke Batman's back during the 1993-1994 Knightfall storyline.
Batman is the second best-selling comic book series in history, with 460 million copies sold worldwide. Detective Comics, where Batman debuted in 1939, is also the longest-running comic book in the United States.
Batman has been portrayed in films by Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, and Robert Pattinson. Adam West portrayed him in the 1960s television series. Kevin Conroy was the most prolific voice actor for the character in animation and video games.