Good afternoon, and welcome to another episode of Gotham Gossip. I'm your host Bob Rushing. My guest today should be recognizable to every Gotham-ite. He is the crime fighter known simply as Batman. It is an honor to have you on my show, Batman.

My pleasure.

Now, let's start with some background. How did you first decide to become the Batman? I understand that a horrible crime happened to you when you were a kid, is that true?

Yes, it is, Bob. I'd rather not talk about the crime because it might give clues to my identity. Suffice to say that it was something I would never wish to happen even to my worst enemies. This crime haunted me, growing up, and when I turned 21 I decided to do something about it: I decided to devote my life to fighting crime.

I see. Now, since appearing in our fair city, five years ago, you've made a great dent in crime. Murders are down 54%, assaults 60%, robbery 59%, rapes 74%, and drug crimes 55%. Not only that, thanks to you, arch criminals such as the Joker, the Penguin, and the Riddler are now in jail. I think I can speak for every Gotham-ite when I say-Thank you!

Well, I wouldn't say it was only because of me. I would also attribute the decrease in crime to Commissioner Gordon and his fine police force.

Batman, you're too modest!

Perhaps I am!

Now, not everybody is happy with you. Some accuse you of being a vigilante. How do you respond?

I think most people will agree that sometimes it takes strong-arm techniques to catch bad guys. And I should point out that I capture them, not prosecute them. That is up to the courts.

And sometimes, the courts release them.

Unfortunately, that's true. But I've had more victories than losses, in that regard.

You sure have! Now, there's been some talk-gossip, realy-about your involvement with the arch thief known as Catwoman. Care to comment?

She's gotten me out of a few scrapes, and I've gotten her out of a few. That's all I'd like to say on that subject, if you don't mind.

That's fine. Rumor has it that you have super powers, like Superman, or Spiderman. Is this true?

Not true.

You mean your strength is natural?

Yes. Plus certain items I have in my utility belt.

Well, that must mean you are in top physical condition.

Yes, I am.

You know, you've got the strongest handshake I've ever felt!

I hope I didn't hurt you, Bob!

Haha! No, you didn't! With all your crime fighting, you must not have time for a private life.

I do. It's not easy, but I do manage a private life.

Are there ever moments when you think about giving it all up-retiring?

There are, yes. But then, who would take over my work?

Perhaps your occasional sidekick Robin the Boy Wonder could take over.

Robin is a good kid. He still needs some more training, but yes, I think he would be a good replacement for me, when the time has come.

Well, I see that the time HAS come-for us to end the show! Once again, thank you for appearing on my show, Batman.

No problem, Bob.

Next week, my guest will be Gotham City's millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne. Until then, I am Bob Rushing, and this has been Gotham Gossip. Goodbye, and good gossip!