On the surface, Batman is one of the most beloved superheroes, however, a deeper look into his character affirms that Batman might be the worst superhero.
Batman, whose secret identity is Bruce Wayne, was first introduced into the DC Comics Universe back in 1939.
Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, his debut was in Detective Comics #27. His initial appearance in the comics painted a different superhero than what we have come to know contemporarily.
The biggest difference between the Batman of the past and this Batman is that the old Batman did not have his “one rule.”
A rule that has come into question as a result of Batman’s antics, both as a character and as a superhero. This is as the superhero is considered the worst superhero.
Who is Batman?
Batman is essentially Bruce Wayne, a play-boy billionaire who saw his parents being killed as a young boy.
After the traumatic experience, he dedicated his life to fighting crime, using the massive wealth left behind for him by his parents. He spent his youth training and learning various arts of combat to fulfil his intention.
However, as a man he turned out to be reclusive, unemotional and calculating. Traits, which depending how they are used, could have allegedly benefited the people of Gotham better.
This is as in recent years, his actions as a man and a superhero have been called into question.
Why is Batman the worst superhero?
One of the major reasons Batman is considered the worst superhero is linked to the fact that he does not have special powers.
He is smart, with a lot of money that has afforded him access to creating his Batcave, various gadgets and supposedly inform his superiority complex.
It is this superiority complex that is believed to give him the confidence to wear his costume and go out at night, when he wants to, and fight the “bad guys.”
Moreover, as his characterisation has changed throughout the years, his inconsistencies and treatment of other superheroes and that of his own sidekicks, have resulted in the lambasting of his character.
Looking back at Batman’s history, there are numerous times where he has affirmed suggestions that he is the worst superhero. Moreover, his actions go as far as affirming that he is not a good person.
Here are three primary examples why Batman is considered the worst superhero.
1. Batman almost killed all the members of the Justice League
One of the most referred to examples of Batman being the worst superhero was when he almost got all his fellow members of the Justice League killed.
This was after the database he created, that detailed how to kill the members of the Justice League was stolen by Ra’s Al Ghul in JLA #43.
Considering the sensitivity of the information of the database, it was questioned why a superhero as smart as Batman would be so sloppy in ensuring the information was kept private and could easily be stolen to almost kill off all his Justice League members.
2. The treatment of his sidekicks
Most of Batman’s sidekicks have been young orphans, which are believed to have been co-opted by Bruce Wayne.
This is as most have either sustained multiple fatalities or critical injuries. In terms of the Robins he had, three of six have died, namely, Stephanie Brown, Jason Todd and Damian Wayne.
Moreover, even after Barbara Gordon as Batgirl was shot in the back by the Joker, resulting in her paralysis, Batman did not work to have her working again. This is despite having suffered two spine injuries himself, that he recovered from.
3. The irony of his “one rule”
A matter that Batman is continually criticised for is his “one rule”, which is not to kill. Ironically, his own understanding of this rule is blurred at best.
This is as he might not kill, however, he will critically wound people, or forsaking the lives of casualties to abide by the rule.
Like when he decided not to kill the guy who was taken prisoner by the League of Shadows, instead, destroying the entire base which resulted in the death of everyone inside.
Final thoughts
Batman as a superhero character despite his lack of special powers, has been written as one the most powerful superheroes in the DC Comics Universe.
This has garnered him an avid fan base which believes in his invincibility because, “Batman always has a plan.”
However, on the other side of the fence, there are DC Comics fans who believe that Batman might just be the worst superhero on the roster. There are many instances to choose from either the films or the comics books, which corroborate this narrative.