Unmasked: The Times Square Batman

Jose Escalona Martinez considers himself the Times Square Batman. A Cuban immigrant who had been in the U.S. for 14 years, Martinez has been playing the role for four years, he said. Mr. Martinez is one of the many costumed characters that populate

Costumed performer Jose Escalona Martinez kisses a women's hand for a photograph as he works as Batman in Times Square.  Depending on the day, Martinez earns anywhere from $50-$200 per day.

Martinez takes a moment to count his tips.

Martine hugs two boys who begged their father for a picture.

Jose crosses the street. There is a regular cat and mouse game to avoid the police who often ask costumed performers to move along.

Jose kisses his girlfriend and fellow performer Elizabeth Holland during his shift as Batman in Times Square. The couple met when Martinez, dressed as Batman,  startled Holland when she walked by him six months ago. After a successful first dat

Jose and Elizabeth break for lunch.

Jose works out in the gym where he stores his street clothes while performing. He says that being in shape makes him a better Batman.

Jose does pull ups for a crowd at a Marine recruitment station in Times Square.

A costumed Sponge Bob watches as Jose waves to passersby.

Jose and his girlfriend and fellow performer Elizabeth walk past a sign displaying rules for tipping costumed characters during his shift as Batman in Times Square.

Jose carries his Batman costume as he makes his way towards home at the end of his shift in Times Square.

At the end of the day, Jose eats several oranges.

Jose looks out on the crowds in Times Square,  which after four years of portraying Batman, he considers his Gotham City.

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