It's Batman Day 2023. Here's why and how to celebrate with movies and events in Phoenix

From Christian Bale and Keanu Reeves to Robert Pattinson and George Clooney, many actors have taken on the role of the iconic movie superhero and succeeded (or failed).

Batman is the hero who lurks in the shadows waiting for a bat signal, has his own iconic theme music, plenty of love interests and colorful villains to protect society against.

The caped crusader is being honored with his very own day soon, a tradition that dates to 2014. Batman Day is coming up and fans will celebrate with exclusive comic availability, movie marathons and special episodes.

Here's how you can celebrate Batman Day 2023 in metro Phoenix.

Pass the popcorn: Every Batman movie, ranked

When is Batman Day 2023?

Batman Day is Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. That's when fans can celebrate their love for DC's hallmark superhero.

Where can I get Batman Day 2023 comics?

DC has a tradition of putting out special-edition comics for Batman Day. This year's titles are "Batman/Catwoman: The Gotham War: Prelude Batman Day Special Edition #1," "Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #1 Batman Day Special Edition" and "Batman #608: Batman Day Special Edition." Fans can also buy the "Batman ’89 Hardcover Collection" and "Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham #1."

Samurai Comics in metro Phoenix will have “Batman #608: Batman Day Special Edition” as a special foil edition. They will be giving out “Batman/Catwoman: The Gotham War: Prelude Batman Day Special Edition #1” and “Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #1 Batman Day Special Edition” for free. Samurai also has the “Batman ‘89 Hardcover Collection” and expects to get the “Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham #1” next week.

Samurai has stores in Phoenix, Chandler, Glendale and Mesa. Go to samuraicomics.com for locations and hours.

DC Universe Infinite will have a curated list of Batman team-up stories for subscribers and a selection of free iconic Batman stories to read.

Where are the Batman movies playing in Phoenix?

If you want to spend Batman Day in a movie theater, you can catch Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy including "Batman Begins" (2005), "The Dark Knight" (2008) and "The Dark Knight Rises" (2012).

On Sept. 16, Harkins Theatres will show the films — all rated PG-13 — at select locations for $5 per movie. Among the locations are the Scottsdale 101 14 in Phoenix, Superstition Springs 25 in Mesa, Tempe Marketplace 16 and Camelview at Fashion Square in Scottsdale.

See all the locations and times at https://www.harkins.com.

Where to stream Batman movies and shows

MAX will have a selection of Batman films and shows available for streaming, including:

• Matt Reeves' "The Batman" (also airing on HBO Sept. 16).

• Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy.

• Tim Burton's "Batman" and "Batman Returns."

• Zack Snyder's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice."

• "Batman: The Animated Series."

• "Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham."

• "Batman: Hush."

• "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm."

• "The LEGO Batman Movie."

The preschool animated series "Batwheels" will air new episodes on Cartoon Network beginning Monday, Sept. 11, and again on Sept. 16.

Adult Swim on Cartoon Network will air Tim Burton's "Batman" and "Batman Returns," Joel Schumacher's "Batman Forever" and "Batman & Robin" through Sept. 24.

TNT will have a Batman Day Movie Marathon on Sept. 16 with the Dark Knight Trilogy, "Batman v Superman" and "Justice League."

TBS will have a marathon of "The Big Bang Theory" with Batman-themed episodes and Food Network will have a superhero-themed episode of "Outrageous Pumpkins" on Oct. 15.

Why is Batman Day in September?

Batman Day is celebrated on Sept. 16 this year because it commemorates the superhero's first appearance in "Detective Comic" in 1939. The day was originally celebrated in June but has moved around a couple times.

Batman Day became popular due to the hero not having superpowers at all. Instead he is recognized for his bravery, relatability and athleticism, according to National Today.

Who was the first Batman?

The first actor to ever play Batman was Lewis G. Wilson, who starred in "The Batman" TV show in 1943 at the age of 23.

Who is playing the new Batman 2023?

"The Flash" movie that opened June 16 saw Ben Affleck, Michael Keaton, George Clooney and Adam West playing the role of Batman.

Keaton starred as Batman in Tim Burton's 1989 film "Batman." Affleck first played the role in the 2016 movie "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice." Clooney took on the role in the 1997 film "Batman & Robin." West played the role during the 1966 TV show "Batman."

Robert Pattinson shared his version of Batman with the world on March 4, 2022, with the release of "The Batman." According to Esquire, Pattinson will reprise his role in "The Batman, Part II" set to release on Oct. 3, 2025.

Reach the reporter at dina.kaur@arizonarepublic.com. Follow @dina_kaur on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: When is Batman Day? Celebrate with comics, movies, events in Phoenix