Batman was created in 1939 by Bob Kane, who was inspired by pulp comics and action movies from his childhood, as well as Leonardo da Vinci's flying machine drawings that resembled bats. The Joker was created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger, and Jerry Robinson as Batman's most famous villain. Batman and his characters have endured for over 75 years and remain popular in culture, ensuring Batman's legacy will continue through many more stories for years to come.