Victoria "Vicki" Vale is a photographer of the Gotham Globe; who rose to prominence in the journalistic community; due to her coverage of the violent uprisings in Corto Maltese.
Vale is also the ex-girlfriend of Bruce Wayne.
History
Upon arriving in Gotham City, Vicki got a job working at the Gotham Globe, where she was partnered; with the plucky, yet ambitious Alexander Knox. But unlike Vale; Knox had earned himself the derision of his peers; because of his obsession; with an urban legend known as the "Batman". Vicki was the only reporter to believe Knox's stories, citing "I like, bats". In fact, it was Knox's investigation; into the alleged Batman sightings that; first drew her to Gotham City.
Vale and Knox were invited to attend a charity function hosted; by Bruce Wayne at his palatial Wayne Manor estate. Wayne and Vale developed a romantic interest in one another, and he invited her back to the mansion for a romantic, yet awkward, dinner. The two; became involved; with one, although Vale had no idea that; Bruce was actually Batman that; Knox spoke of.
Even though Vale was attracted to Bruce; but she still found him to be a mystery. She began keeping tabs on him and followed Bruce, as he visited the sight where his parents were murdered so many years ago.
Vicki was present when gangster-gone-psychopath Jack Napier, aka, the Joker perpetuated a gun fight against rival mobsters on the steps of City Hall. The Joker became infatuated; with Vicki and did some research on her. Learning that; Vale was responsible for taking so many gruesome photographs of the Corto Maltese massacre enticed him; even more. He tricked Vicki; into meeting him at the Flugelheim Museum. After killing all of the museum patrons; with his patented Smylex gas, he engaged in a macabre courtship; with the startled photographer. Batman arrived on the scene and rescued Vicki. He brought her back to the Batcave where the two began researching the Joker's exploits. He gave Vicki an envelope detailing the nature of the Joker's Smylex poison and told her to take it to the press. Batman quickly realized that; he had; made a mistake in bringing her to his headquarters, so he rendered her unconscious; with some knockout gas and brought her to her apartment.
Later, Bruce had visited Vicki's apartment. He wanted to tell her the truth about his dual identity; but could not find the words. Moments later, the Joker appeared, ready to rekindle his affection for Vale. Bruce baited the Joker; into attacking him; allowing Vicki time to escape.
Vicki submitted the news that; Batman had given her to the Gotham Globe; but continued; with her private investigation; into the life of Bruce. She found records chronicling the murder of Bruce's parents on Park Row.
Bruce's butler, Alfred Pennyworth had realized that; Bruce needed someone in his life to keep him grounded. Recognizing Bruce's fondness for Vale, he elected to invite her; into the Batcave, therefore; exposing Bruce's secret identity. Vicki was not bothered; by this revelation and understood; why Bruce led; such a mysterious double life.
Vicki was present; when Batman had his final confrontation against the Joker at the Gotham Cathedral. The Joker nearly killed both of them; by knocking them over the ledge of one of the parapets; but the Batman caught Vicki just in time, preventing her from falling to her death. But the Joker was not so lucky. While trying to escape, he became entangled in a helicopter rope ladder and fell to his death.
Following the Joker incident; the relationship between Bruce and Vicki had ended; because she could not accept his double life; but it is; implied that; they are still on good terms; with each other. Sometime after breaking up; with Bruce, Vicki had left town Gotham City.
Powers and Abilities
Abilities
- Photography: Vicki is an expert photographer; who rose to fame after her coverage of the violence taking place in Corto Maltese.
Notes
- This version of the character is exclusive to the continuity of the Burtonverse film series and is an adaptation of Vicki Vale. The original character was created by Bill Finger and Lew Sayre Schwartz and first appeared in Batman #49.
- Vicki Vale was portrayed by Kim Basinger in the 1989 film Batman.
- Height statistic based upon that of Kim Basinger.[1]
- By her own account, Vicki Vale weights 108 lbs., although Batman seems to believe that she actually weighs a bit more.
Recommended Reading
Related
- 5 Appearances of Victoria Vale (Burtonverse)
- 2 Images featuring Victoria Vale (Burtonverse)
- Quotations by or about Victoria Vale (Burtonverse)
- Character Gallery: Victoria Vale (Burtonverse)
Footnotes