Short answers, pulled from the story.
Batman was first introduced on the 30th of March 1939 in Detective Comics issue 27. This comic book hit newsstands and introduced the character who would become the most enduring superhero in history.
Bob Kane conceived the initial idea as an artist, but Bill Finger transformed the rough sketch into a dark, brooding vigilante. Finger suggested the cowl, the cape, the gloves, and the removal of the red tights to create the iconic black and grey silhouette.
Bruce Wayne watched his parents Thomas and Martha Wayne murdered by a mugger named Joe Chill. This trauma drove him to train his body to peak condition and his mind to become a master detective before donning a costume inspired by a bat.
The tone shifted dramatically with the introduction of Robin in 1940 to lighten the mood and boost sales. This addition transformed Batman from a lone, lethal vigilante into a father-son dynamic.
The Joker is Batman's greatest strength and most implacable foe, representing the antithesis of Batman in personality and appearance. Other long-time recurring foes include Catwoman, the Penguin, the Riddler, Two-Face, and the Scarecrow.
Batman was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in September 2024. This honor made him the first superhero to receive such a distinction.