In pictures: Batman through the years

1 of 10 Comic-book hero Batman and his sidekick Robin were popularised in the 1960s television series Batman.

2 of 10 The Caped Crusader was played by Adam West in the television series. He was joined in his crime-fighting exploits by Boy Wonder Burt Ward.

3 of 10 Two decades later director Tim Burton brought the dark knight back to cinemas in the 1989 hit Batman, and again in Batman Returns in 1992.

4 of 10 This time it was actor Michael Keaton who prowled the shadowy streets of Gotham Town fighting foes like The Joker, Catwoman and The Penguin.

5 of 10 When Batman returned to the big screen in the 1995 film Batman Forever, he was rejoined by his crime-fighting sidekick Robin.

6 of 10 Val Kilmer was the Caped Crusader while Chris O'Donnell played Robin.

7 of 10 The dynamic duo were back two years later in the aptly named Batman and Robin.

8 of 10 But while Chris O'Donnell reprised his role as Robin, it was the turn of former-ER heart-throb George Clooney to don the mask and cape.

9 of 10 Director Christopher Nolan says he has taken Batman back to his dark roots in the latest film, Batman Begins.

10 of 10 Welsh actor Christian Bale - who also starred in American Psycho - takes on the latest Batman role.