It’s often said among comic book enthusiasts that Batman isn‘t the best at being a dad. This idea, portrayed both in his superhero persona and as Bruce Wayne, has become something of a well-worn argument. However, in recent times, there have been instances where Batman’s parenting skills have shown surprising strength, and fans have begun to argue against the “bad dad” label. Yet, it cannot be denied that the accusations aren’t entirely unfounded. Batman hasn’t always been a good father. In fact, he’s had his fair share of terrible moments as a parent.
Although Batman has undeniably progressed significantly and shown some remarkable parental traits, such as encouraging Damian’s interests beyond donning a mask and helping Cassandra navigate her emotional tribulations, Batman has also committed some notable blunders. Despite our continued hope that Batman will evolve into the optimal version of himself, particularly in his role as a father, here are five indicators suggesting that Batman may not be the best dad.
1) He Keeps Choosing Actual Children to Be His Sidekicks
In the DC universe, it’s undeniable that Gotham is the most perilous city, making Batman’s role one of extreme risk. The practice of enlisting children as crime-fighting companions, as seen with Dick, Jason, Tim, Damian, and others, stretching to non-biological “Robins,” raises concerns about responsibility and parenting. These youngsters were all minors when they joined Batman in his nightly crusades.
Beyond the practical issues, such as ensuring these children get enough rest, schooling, and emotional wellbeing for healthy development, this arrangement also hints at Batman creating child soldiers – a practice typically associated with villainy. Such actions are hardly those of a good parent and come with significant costs.
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2) Jason Todd. Literally Everything About Jason Todd
As a passionate film enthusiast, I can’t help but relate to the deeply troubled journey of Jason Todd, a character who paid an incredibly high price for his association with Batman. The hardships that have befallen him since that fateful day have left an indelible mark on his life.
Initially, Jason wasn’t in the most advantageous position; he was plucked from the streets to replace Dick Grayson, who no longer wished to be Robin. Yet, instead of offering assistance or guidance, Batman thrust him into the role of Robin, a responsibility he struggled to manage effectively. The result was an uncontrollable Robin, and it all culminated in Jason unwittingly falling into the Joker’s clutches, leading to his tragic demise.
Over time, despite occasional instances suggesting deep concern and a desire for Jason’s well-being, Batman’s actions have been inconsistent, often leading them into repeated conflicts. These disputes are frequently instigated by Batman’s decisions.
3) He Once Made Dick Survive By Eating Rats. Yes, Really.
In the comic series All Star Batman & Robin, the Boy Wonder, written by Frank Miller and Jim Lee, a part of Dick Grayson’s training involves being left in the Batcave by Batman. To put it mildly, it’s not so much that he’s trapped as he is abandoned. When hunger strikes, he’s told to eat rats. And yet, Batman carries on with his life outside, acting like this harsh treatment is just another everyday occurrence for him, without a second thought. In simpler terms, I’d say Batman calls it training, but to me, it feels more like abuse and neglect.
In the end, Alfred steps in to help Dick, and defends Alfred when Bruce becomes displeased. However, it’s appalling that Bruce considered such actions as acceptable, especially towards a child, even if he called it “training”.
4) He Punched Tim
As a passionate cinephile, I must say that Tom King’s Batman run took the titular hero to some really grim places, and unfortunately, this included him lashing out in ways that were just as dark. One such instance was when he struck Tim Drake, his protege and a figure Bruce has long seen as a son.
During this intense period, Bane had been relentlessly attacking Bruce’s sanity, and it’s fair to say that Bruce wasn’t exactly the picture of emotional stability throughout King’s run, especially following the heartbreaking turn of events surrounding his supposed marriage to Selina Kyle. In a moment where Tim was trying to comfort Bruce, who was clearly distraught, Bruce, in an uncharacteristic fit of anger, punched him in the face and yelled that “time doesn’t have a clue about this.”
I can’t sugarcoat it; this behavior is hard to justify. It’s not what we expect from someone who’s supposed to be a guiding light, especially when it comes to parenting figures like Bruce Wayne.
5) Multiple Emotional Failings of Damian
In many ways, Batman’s shortcomings as a father are evident in his dealings with his only biological son, Damian. There are numerous instances where Batman has erred in his approach towards Damian. For example, upon returning from the dead, Batman disbanded the dynamic duo formed by Dick Grayson and Damian, which strained their bond. Additionally, Batman often appears to struggle understanding Damian, his motivations, and the emotional turmoil he endures. This is clearly demonstrated in Shadow War: Alpha #1 when Batman fails to show compassion towards Damian’s emotional distress caused by Alfred’s murder at the hands of Bane. Instead, Batman focuses on blaming himself for not being present, thereby missing an opportunity to comfort his son and acknowledge his feelings.
This lack of empathy and understanding is a recurring theme in current comics, as Damian feels unappreciated and untrusted by Batman, leading him to consider distancing himself from the role of Robin and even severing ties with Bruce Wayne and the entire Bat Family. In essence, this situation mirrors the ‘no contact’ scenario often seen in families dealing with emotional distance and misunderstanding.
It’s important to note that this doesn’t imply Batman is incapable of growth and improvement, particularly in his role as a parent, where we can see progress. However, it seems the Dark Knight still has quite a bit on his plate when it comes to being a father. So, perhaps it would be wise to postpone that “Bat Dad of the Year” mug for now.
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2025-06-13 15:10