7 WTF Moments In Classic Batman Comics We Still Can’t Get Over

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Batman is a beloved character, but over his nearly century-long history, he’s had some pretty strange and even controversial moments. It’s understandable, though – with so many stories, even a highly skilled hero like Batman isn’t perfect. Fans will tell you there have been times when the Caped Crusader’s actions were really questionable.

Frank Miller’s work, like Batman: Year One and The Dark Knight Returns, remains highly acclaimed and considered foundational to the character. However, Batman’s history isn’t without its controversial moments. From canceled weddings to the mistreatment of supporting characters, there are several instances that have frustrated fans over the years. Here are 7 of those shocking moments that still bother Batman enthusiasts.

7. The Bat-Wedding That Wasn’t

Many fans recall the significant build-up to the wedding of Bruce Wayne and Catwoman during the ‘Rebirth’ era of Batman comics. DC Comics heavily promoted Batman #50 as the issue where they would finally tie the knot, even sending out fake wedding invitations and releasing a prequel miniseries. However, the actual issue shocked readers by ending with Batman being left at the altar. This caused widespread anger among fans and comic book retailers. While a wedding did eventually occur in Tom King’s Batman/Catwoman series, it didn’t satisfy those who felt misled by the original storyline.

6. The Joker’s Radical Makeover

Looking back at the New 52, there were definitely some choices I didn’t love, and the Joker’s look in “Death of the Family” really stood out as one of them. The idea of him having his face cut off and then wearing it as a mask…it was unsettling, for sure. But honestly, it felt like it went too far, even for the Joker. He’s always been a bit twisted, but this just turned him into a really disturbing, almost cartoonish version of himself. It didn’t feel true to the character, and it really bothered me.

5. The Craziest Mr. Freeze Retcon

Regarding the New 52 era of DC Comics, one change really upset fans: the backstory of Mister Freeze. In Batman Annual #1, DC reintroduced the character, but drastically altered his history with his wife, Nora. Previously, their love story and his attempts to save her were central to his character. The New 52 version revealed they weren’t actually married; Nora was simply a patient in cryogenic suspension, and Freeze had projected romantic feelings onto her. This change was widely disliked, and thankfully, the original backstory was restored when the New 52 continuity was ended.

4. Robin’s Treatment in All-Star Batman and Robin

The comic series All-Star Batman and Robin is infamous for how poorly Batman treats Robin. It begins with Batman essentially kidnapping Dick Grayson and immediately subjecting him to harsh criticism, even after Dick has just experienced a terrible tragedy. This includes Batman using a hurtful and offensive term towards him. Instead of offering comfort, Batman leaves Dick alone and distressed in the Batcave on his first night, surrounded by rats. This series has many issues, but the way it portrays Batman’s relationship with Robin is a major point of criticism.

3. The Torture of Stephanie Brown

Stephanie Brown, also known as Spoiler, often gets less attention when discussing the trauma experienced by the Bat-Family, which is unfortunate. Her ordeal during the “War Games” storyline was particularly brutal. While trying to earn Batman’s trust, she was kidnapped and tortured by Black Mask, and initially appeared to die from her injuries. Although her death was faked to protect her, the experience was still incredibly traumatic and shocking for readers.

2. The Shooting of Barbara Gordon

Look, Batman: The Killing Joke is a classic, I get that. But honestly, as a big Batman fan, I’ve always struggled with how Barbara Gordon is treated in it. It feels unnecessarily brutal. The Joker shoots her and then… well, he goes way too far, photographing her in a really exploitative way, all just to get to her dad, Commissioner Gordon. I’m glad later writers were able to give her a strong path forward as Oracle, but that part of the story still feels like one of the darkest and most disturbing moments in the whole Batman universe.

1. The Death of Jason Todd

It’s hard to think of a more shocking moment in Batman’s history than the “Death in the Family” storyline. The plot involved the Joker working for Iran while brutally beating Jason Todd, ultimately blowing him up. What makes it even stranger is that DC Comics let fans vote on the outcome, and predictably, the most shocking option won. That decision really pushed the story into unbelievably ridiculous territory.

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2025-12-12 01:17