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Caz’s Comments: A history of Batman and Robin

Written by Lewis 'Caz' Tidrick

“Batman…You’re real!?” “And you’re too **** bright.” –Batman & Green Lantern from Justice League #1 (2011)

The Dark Knight. One of DC’s three most popular characters, and personally the one I think is the most famous. But that’s probably because he’s had six major motion pictures (with a seventh one in-the-making) and he’s also one of the most realistic characters out there.

Batman, despite popular belief, was not a member of the original Justice League. Neither was Superman. The very first Justice League of America was Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter. Bats was the second character to be added after Supes.

As you have probably read, DC Is re-launching 52 new titles (DC Comics-The New 52) this coming September starting with Justice League #1, made by the  two best creators out there; Geoff Johns & Jim Lee.

Some of the popular canon (canon meaning events that have already taken place), have been announced as definitely having happened. But many stories have not been officially announced as for whether or not they actually occurred. My personal favorite Batman story ever, Batman: Hush, has not been confirmed yet.

For the re-launch almost all of the characters are getting their outfits, personality, and/or stories changed around. The only seemingly difference about the DCnU Batman is that his outfit is more like armor, much like Superman, Green Lantern, and the Flash have all added shoulder pads and other armor-y items to their outfits.

It also seems like Batman was a character that happened to be operating before Superman even put on the blue and red. He has been hinted to as having been an urban legend, not working with the law. This has been partially confirmed in a 6-page preview of Justice League #1 released by DC about a week or so ago. It starts off five years in the past, showing Batman jumping across rooftops chasing a Killer Croc-like character and also being chased after by the FBI.

He manages to escape them for a moment, only for Hal Jordan (Green Lantern) to show up and give away their position. The FBI immediately notices and tells them to put their hands in the air, thus ending the preview.

So does this show the beginning of a darker, more sinister Batman? One that we’ve never thought could exist? Or is this just a young Batman on a bad day? Well we’ll just have to wait and see.