Superhero Batman: Hero Or Anti-hero?
The superhero Batman is a complex hero with a dark past. He is a shadow who swore to fight the darkness even though he fought against his own demons.
In addition to his trademark Batsuit, Batman’s universe revolves around darkness. This darkness consumes both himself and Gotham City. Gotham City, a New York-like city, is a dark and gloomy place where chaos reigns and crime is widespread. This is clearly the opposite of Metropolis, Superman’s city, which is colorful and safe. Both heroes are reflections of their respective cities.
Batman dates back to 1939, when Bob Kane and Bill Finger founded Detective Comics. In this article, we will try to see what makes Batman a complex hero.
The origins of Batman
Each hero has a turning point. It is usually a tragic past that changes their lives forever, defines them and leads them on the path of righteousness. The death of his parents is Batman’s most important moment.
Bruce Wayne, Batman’s alter ego, grew up in Gotham City with his wealthy parents. However, the happiness did not last long.
When they left a theater, Bruce’s parents were killed by an assailant right in front of the then 8-year-old boy. Thus, Bruce inherits his parents’ fortune and is raised by Alfred Pennyworth, the family’s butler, who becomes his father figure and mentor.
Bruce decides to fight evil and bring justice to his city. He does it without supernatural powers, but with technological weapons, his incredible intellect and knowledge of martial arts.
The superhero Batman and the bat
This symbol may seem obvious if we think of the darkness of Gotham City. Bats are nocturnal animals, they are considered evil, and people fear them. However, Batman chose this creature as a way to overcome his own fears.
Fight darkness with darkness. Stay hidden and anonymous. If you become what you fear, what is it to be afraid of?
People are also debating Batman’s duality. What is Batman’s true identity? The womanizer, the rich and carefree Bruce Wayne or the gloomy, lonely and antisocial Batman?
The superhero Batman and the hero complex
Heroes are people who have the right qualities to fight evil and help others. According to philosophers like Plato , a hero wanders among gods and humans.
The concept of “hero” has changed throughout history. In ancient times, heroes were mythological. Most heroes were immortal. In Greek tragedies, heroes were superior to men, and in the Middle Ages, war heroes were the protagonists.
In graphic novels, heroes have superhuman abilities, just as in classical literature. Over all universal literature, heroes embark on journeys where they win battles, overcome difficulties and become famous.
Batman’s case is atypical. He is a human hero, yet we like to see him thrive, grow and become famous, just like any other superhero.
Thugs
Behind every superhero there is a big thug who is trying to destroy. Thugs look like heroes, but have a completely different motive. Batman’s peculiarity is that he creates his own villains.
Just as Bruce Wayne decides to fight evil, there are characters who disagree with this and become his enemies. In several of his comics, we meet some of these villains, including Catwoman and Poison Ivy. The Joker is his most famous enemy. He has a deep connection with Batman which is best explained in Batman: The Killing Joke , a great graphic novel that is well worth reading.
The superhero Batman is a complex but easily recognizable hero. He is a character wrapped in an obscure and hypnotic aura that constantly fascinates us.
