Batman

As most modern and historical heroes are concerned, the Batman persona we’re familiar with begins in trauma.  Bruce Wayne witnesses his parents being murdered as a child.  He swears vengeance (an oath with whom?) against criminals even though The Lord God says, “Vengeance is mine.”  After his oath (deal) as a traumatized child, Bruce Wayne becomes exposed to the Blackrock symbiote, giving him powers (transhumanism) to fly, physical and intellectual abilities, super strength, and ability to absorb and protect energy. 

Before Batman, there was Camazotz, an ancient Mayan deity who was part-man, part-bat.  Camazotz’s origin is Mexico around 100 AD.  This deity may have been an ancient species of vampire that the Mayan K’iche’ people of Guatemala witnessed attacking and drinking the blood of larger animals and humans.  Camazotz means “death bat” in the K’iche’ Mayan language.  A cult following for the creature began among the Zapotec Indians of Oaxaca, Mexico and the figure was later adopted into the pantheon of the Maya Quiche tribe and the legends of the bat god were later recorded in Mayan literature.

The Camazotz is known for his thirst for blood; beast, mortal, doesn’t matter.  This being matches the form of its nocturnal servants, lurking in darkness, waiting only to feed.  It has the head of a bat, a partial face mask, pointy ears, and the body of a man (hybrid).  He was/is both honored and feared.  Camazotz was depicted holding a knife in one hand and a human heart in the other.  Camazotz is a god of human sacrifice. 

Click the following links to see ancient archaeological finds on the person of Camazotz:

Both artifacts above are dated at 2500 years old. The Batman we know today was created by Bob Kane on May 1st, 1939.