The first on-screen Batman was Lewis Wilson, star of the 1943 Columbia serial The Batman, a profoundly disappointing (and in places, virulently racist) work with only the vaguest, cosmetic resemblance to the comics that inspired it. Wilson's Batman was a snobby playboy who changed into his crimefighting garb in the backseat of his car. The only lasting contributions made by this first Batman are the introduction of Alfred the butler (who was subsequently introduced in the comics around that time) and the use of the Batcave (a wonderful shot of Batman, droopy ears and all, brooding at his desk in the Batcave with has fists folded under his chin, is about the only exciting visual from this serial). It's also interesting to note that Douglas Croft, the first on-screen Robin (and a snottier and more annoying little Boy Wonder you're not likely to find), seems to have begun the business of pounding his fist into his palm - a trait later copied by Burt Ward.

The second serial Batman, Robert Lowery, was more successful, though only marginally so. His serial, Batman and Robin, is actually several marks superior to the 1997 film of that name (but then, so is the entire ouevre of Edward D. Wood, Jr.) - boasting several entertaining action sequences and exciting cliffhangers. Lowery's Batman suffered, however, from a terrible costume: his horned devil ears make it seem as if Aunt Harriet whipped up the outfit for him for a Halloween party. Since the '40s, a growing coterie of Bat-Men have taken up the cowl, with mixed results. Come with us now, as we take a fond look back at the actors who've donned the Bat-cape and cowl over the years, in live-action adaptations or animated cartoons - from Adam West to newly-christened Dark Knight Christian Bale.

Adam West He will always be Batman, in the way that for some, George Reeves will always be Superman. Even Bat-fans who prefer a grimmer, grittier Dark Knight must grudgingly admit that Adam West's Batman represented the first serious attempt to bring the character to the screen (albeit in a camp style).

Michael Keaton When it was announced that Michael Keaton, formerly of Mr. Mom and Beetlejuice, would be playing the part of Batman, a general cry of outrage was heard from the fan community. How foolish. Keaton is, to date, the best live-action Batman/Bruce Wayne.

Val Kilmer Val Kilmer's turn as Batman was heralded by many as the first authentic version of the character. By this it was probably meant that Kilmer was more appropriately cast in the role of the physically gifted, handsome, taciturn Batman of the comics.

George Clooney Joel Schumacher's Batman & Robin was, charitably described, one of the worst comic book movies ever made. Yet George Clooney is probably the only actor in it whose work does not descend to match the overall low quality of the production.

Christian Bale Christian Bale's performances in Equilibrium and American Psycho seem apt auditions for Batman and Bruce Wayne, respectively (picture the tense, emotionally repressed Grammaton Cleric alternating with the polished veneer of Patrick Bateman).

Kevin Conroy The best Batman to date, veteran of some 90-plus hours of animated television episodes, the Juilliard-trained Kevin Conroy did it all without every having to wear a rubber suit.