Batman was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger. Since 1939, The Caped Crusader has captured our minds and has delivered amazing stories. The art of the character however has been vital to such visual stories. Here are only a few of the best artists to have taken helm of the cowl.

NEAL ADAMS

"Learning, you can't just "do". Any artist that just "does", is not gonna become an artist."

Neal Adams was born June 15, 1941 and was key in defining the modern imagery of many of the DC Comics characters. Neal Adams began working on Batman begining 1969, he helped move the character from the campy-look and feel from the 1966-68 Adam West tv-show. He reestablished Batman's dark brooding nature, as well as introduce new and notable characters such as Man-Bat and Ra's al Ghul. He also revitalized the Joker to his roots, and revive Two-Face.

Neal Adams' artwork has one of the most amazing penciling. His style gives it this 70's colorful aestetic, but also reminds you of a gritty 70's. It also brings the famous blue and grey iteration of the Caped Crusader. The soft-shapness of the art gives it a mature feel, telling you that this is a much darker Batman, through art.

JIM LEE

Jim Lee was born August 11, 1964 and is one of the most successful comic book artists. He currently holds the record for drawing the best-selling comic book of all time (however it's not a Batman Comic). Jim Lee's Batman has become one of the most recognizable styles of the modern age. His most notable Batman works are "Batman: Hush" and "All Star Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder"(which he created with Frank Miller). Lee is currently a co-publisher for DC Comics.

Jim Lee's Batman is sleek, muscular, and pwerful. Lee creates a very dynamic Dark Knight, being the master of action. His work feels realistic even though it's not, his work provides an atmosphere you can immerse yourself in. This Batman is the quintisential style we are all familiar with. Lee pulls inspiration from Neal Adams, but provides a modern, dynamic twist.

KELLEY JONES

Kelley Jones was born July 23, 1962, and his rendition of the Bat was the most Gothic rendition. Jones gained norteriety for his work on the Batman series along with the Sandman comics. Jones' Batman is staple for the 90's comics era.

Jones' style is one of the most exagerated and dramatic. Batman is at his most dark, brooding, and gothic. He is overly-muscular and overly-gangly, creating a mix of a repulsive with a mysterious element that draws you in. He perfectly captures the grunge aestethic so prevelent in the 90's. He is one of the staple's artist that made a mark in that era of comics. The thick black ink covering the majority of the character contrasts the delicate hues of blue. Jones' style is one of the most unique of styles to have been held by the Dark Knight.

GREG CAPULLO

Greg Capullo was born March 30th, 1962, and is one of the most artistically successful comic book artists. Capullo is most famous for his Spawn comics, however, he has only recently taken on the Batman with the launch of the New 52, the DC reboot. He has become one of the breakout stars and has gained noteriety, and is now seen as one of the best of the modern era.

Capullo's Batman consists of simple lines and hatches, yet he is able to display dyanamics. The characters come off as almost cartoon like but with comic style twist. He can easily draw dark versions of the bat when necessary for the story with no problem. He has even made a touch up to the bat costume, by simply adding a hint of the classic batman yellow. It might not seem like much but fans reacted to it, which comes to show the impact that he has made to the Dark Knight. Capullo has defenitely left his mark on the Batman legacy.

FRANK MILLER

Frank Miller was born January 27, 1957 and has left his mark on the Dark Knight in both art and writing. He is one of the most famous artists and one of the biggest influences in the Hollywood comic book movies. He is best known for his Daredevil, Dark Knight Returns, Sin City and 300 graphic novels. He also created the first female Robin. His art is a mix between American Noir and Japanese Manga.

Miller's art is simplistic yet gritty. His characters are bulky and boldly exagerated. He can create a whole story on the art alone, which makes sense as he's also a gifted writer. He makes Batman seem mischievious and dark while wearing blue colors. Batman is grim, gritty and probably one of the most brutal Batman iterations we have seen.Frank Miller has created such an impact on the character and he has only ever really done two Batman books. His art is what helped green-light Tim Burton's Batman movie and was one of the first successful comic book movie.

ALEX ROSS

Alex Ross was born January 22nd, 1970 and is one of the best comic artists of all time. His work has helped the general public see comics in a different light. He has done a wide range of comics, his most famous being Kingdom Come by DC comics. He brought a realism to comics never seen that always leaves everyone in awe. Due to the time it takes him to render his work he is usualy used as a plotter or cover artist.

Where does one begin with Alex Ross? His work provides a serious feeling and makes you feel nostalgic for a past you weren't ever a part of. He grounds the Batman while still making him feel like a god amongst men. His work is timeless and you never really know what time we are living in with Batman. He is regarded as the best and CBG had to retire their Favorite Painter award because he just kept on winning. His work is truly other-worldy and stands high in rank of the best. His Batman feels classic yet timeless and we feel as if we are really looking at the true Batman.