How Realistic a Character is Batman?

*Originally published on 7/7/09


There are people who don't like superheroes. Maybe they can't suspend their disbelief enough to buy into characters like Green Lantern or Superman, or maybe they just aren't fans of the genre in general. Much like how rabid Joss Whedon haters will make a point to say that they enjoyed Firefly, people who don't like superheroes will point out that they like Batman. The oft cited reason for this is because of the fact that he's just a human. He has no powers and is, as such, more realistic. Oddly enough, there are plenty of normal human heroes in comics, but Batman still stands out.

The more you think about it though, the less realistic he becomes. Writers of fan-fiction are often quickly called out for adding "perfect" characters who usually act as an author avatar. These characters have been dubbed "Mary Sues" or "Marty Stu" for the male equivalent. If you think about it, Batman is very much a character of this nature. It's just that no one seems to notice and writers often go out of their way to point out how awesome Batman is.

First of all, he's insanely rich. He started off as a millionaire, but as time progressed he escalated to billionaire. As head of a multi-national corporation, he essentially has limitless resources. The company is so big that Wayne took funds and resources to build the JLA satellite and no one even seemed to notice.

Batman also has a genius level intellect. He spent his whole life studying, so much so that he's a master detective as well as scientist. Unlike most scientists, he doesn't specialize in one area, no he excels at all of them. Electronics, chemistry, it doesn't matter, Batman excels at all of them.

In fact, Batman's so smart that he can take down every single member of the Justice League just because of his brains. Even against enemies who best the team in a battle, it's usually Batman who tips the odds in the League's favor. It's because of this that many people think that Batman can win any fight as long as you stipulate that he has time to prepare.

It doesn't stop there though, Batman also has a body that rivals an Olympic athlete. He is also a master of almost every martial art known to man.

Batman's also a smooth pimp. The ladies don't stand a chance against his brooding charm. Whether it's villains like Catwoman or Talia al Ghul, fellow heroes like Zatanna and Wonder Woman or just generic love interests; Batman loves the ladies and they love him right back. If there is a female hottie in the DC Universe, it's a pretty safe bet that she, at some point, at least crushed on the Dark Knight. Ok, that's an exaggeration, but he does seem to have a lot of luck in that area.

I thought Batman was supposed to be realistic, a testament to human drive and determination. People who spend their whole lives pursuing a goal can usually achieve one, maybe two of these, but Batman is amazing at everything.

It doesn't help matters when writers like Frank Miller and Doug Moench denigrate other DC heroes just to showcase how awesome and perfect Batman is.

Don't misconstrue this as hating on the character. I'm a fan myself. There's a reason that he's become one of the most iconic and longest lasting superheroes, but the argument that he's a realistic character just doesn't hold water when looked at closely.