Free DC Comic Character Profile : The Scarecrow (Dr. Jonathan Crane)

The Scarecrow (Dr. Jonathan Crane) is a DC Comics supervillain, an enemy of Batman. Created by Batman creators Bill Finger and Bob Kane, he first appeared in World's Finest Comics #3 (Fall 1941). His scarecrow costume, lanky appearance and surname were inspired by Ichabod Crane of the horror fable The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

The Scarecrow is a mentally unstable former psychologist who uses a variety of drugs and psychological tactics to use the fears and phobias of his adversaries. He does not commit his crimes for wealth, but rather as a form of "research" to further study the effects of fear on humans, making the innocent citizens of Gotham his unwilling guinea pigs.

The Scarecrow made only two appearances in the 1940s. Batman writers of the 1960s revived him and he has since consistently appeared in Batman comic books. He was featured several times in the Emmy-winning 1990s cartoon Batman: The Animated Series, where he was first played by Henry Polic II. When the series was revamped and shown together with Superman: The Animated Series, the character was voiced by Jeffrey Combs. In the 2005 film Batman Begins, he was played by Cillian Murphy.

Real name: Dr. Jonathan Crane
First Appearance: World's Finest Comics #3 (Fall 1941)

Created by:
Bob Kane
Bill Finger

Team affiliations:
Injustice League
Assorted Batman rogues
Injustice Gang
Secret Society of Super Villains

Abilities:
Well-educated on the psychology of fear
Develops various tools which induce crippling fear
May transform under duress into the monstrous "Scarebeast", gaining superhuman strength, endurance, and a more potent hallucinogen.

Portrayed by:
Cillian Murphy - Batman Begins and The Dark Knight