THE BATMAN symbol illuminated night skies across the world to mark the 80th anniversary of the comic book hero, on Sunday night.
City streets were bustling as devoted fans donned the superhero's costume and watched the bat signal being projected at Fed Square in Melbourne, Australia, before shining from the Reforma Tower in Mexico and other high-rise buildings.
It appeared in 13 cities, including Tokyo, Berlin, Rome, Paris, London, Sao Paulo and Johannesburg to mark 'Batman Day' which is celebrated every year on the third Saturday of September.
The floodlight signal lit up at the Domino Sugar Refinery in New York City before making its final appearance at City Hall in Los Angeles.
And people were quick to offer their support and thanks to The Caped Crusader who was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger 80 years ago.
They posed in their bat masks and capes while holding medals with the message “Long live the bat”.
The Dark Knight “stood as a symbol of determination, bravery and justice to generations of fans” and 'continues to leave his mark in every form of entertainment imaginable”, DC comics told ABC.
A panel discussion by Batman writers in New York was held and a 5km night run through Los Angeles to mark the birth of the hero, who goes head-to-head against the Joker to save the city of Gotham in movie “The Dark Knight”.
During the discussion, it was announced that comic book writer James Tynion IV will be the new writer on Batman comics, replacing Tom King. He has spent 12 years contributing and will be given a permanent position – starting with issue 86 that will be released in January next year.
Devoted fans are also eagerly anticipating the release of the film “The Batman”, directed by Matt Reeves, in June 2021. – Daily Mail