Forget Evil Superman, I’m Sick of Evil Batman Stories

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The recurring theme of an evil Superman, seen in games like Injustice, characters such as Homelander and Omni-Man, has become a common trope among writers. However, it seems that the concept of a malevolent Superman has been overused to the point where it’s no longer fresh or interesting. The idea of an evil Superman doesn’t align with his character, and I believe the same principle should be applied to Batman. Over the last decade, we’ve witnessed an abundance of stories featuring exaggeratedly wicked versions of Batman, and sometimes Batman himself is depicted as a villain. These tales distort essential aspects of Batman’s personality, and it’s time to move beyond them. I contend that we no longer require any more evil Batman narratives, and here’s why:

1. The misrepresentation of Batman’s character: Batman is a complex figure who has always been driven by a strong sense of justice, fueled by the loss of his parents at a young age. His struggle against crime and injustice has made him an iconic symbol of hope and perseverance. Portraying Batman as evil or overly villainous contradicts this fundamental aspect of his character.
2. The oversaturation of the trope: Just as the evil Superman trope has become tiresome, so too have excessive stories featuring an evil Batman. This repetition dilutes the impact and originality of these narratives, making it difficult for readers to engage with them emotionally.
3. The need for new perspectives: Exploring fresh storylines that delve into lesser-known aspects of Batman’s character, or focusing on the relationships he has with other characters, can offer a more compelling and engaging reading experience. By avoiding overly evil stories, we can foster a more nuanced understanding of Batman as a character and appreciate his complexities.
4. The potential for growth: Focusing on new and innovative storylines allows writers to explore the evolution of Batman’s character and how he responds to different challenges in unique ways. This approach encourages growth and development, rather than relying on the same old tropes that have become stale over time.

In conclusion, while it’s understandable that writers may feel the need to explore alternative versions of beloved characters, it’s crucial to be mindful of the impact these stories can have on the overall character and their legacy. Overusing evil Batman narratives not only distorts his essential characteristics but also risks oversaturating the market with repetitive tales. Instead, we should strive for fresh perspectives that delve into the complexities of Batman’s character and allow for growth and development in future storylines.

Evil Batman Stories Misrepresent Him

Stories portraying a malevolent Batman stray significantly from the essence of his character, just as stories depicting an evil Superman do. What makes it worse is that these versions of Batman often don’t represent alternate takes on the character in separate universes like the evil Supermen typically are, but rather, they present scenarios that appear in the actual Batman comics. These portrayals usually take one of two forms: either a distorted version from an alternate reality or an exaggeration of one of Batman’s real flaws for no apparent reason.

When I mention an evil version of Batman, I’m referring to an alternate form of the character who acts maliciously, such as Owlman or the villains from the “Dark Knights: Metal” event. These antagonists can be frustrating because they are frequently portrayed as being excessively powerful. The most glaring example of this is The Batman Who Laughs, a character that Bruce Wayne himself describes as the embodiment of the notion that Batman always emerges victorious in the “The Batman Who Laughs” miniseries. However, this recurring theme of Batman’s invincibility is a problematic aspect of his character, as it tends to overshadow his human qualities and make him seem almost godlike. This transformation turns Batman from a man who strives to anticipate every eventuality and save as many people as possible into a superhuman figure capable of toppling the world in an hour’s time. This portrayal transforms him into a Mary Sue-type character by overlooking the human constraints that should challenge Batman, making it seem more like he is prophetic rather than strategizing for potential disasters. It simply doesn’t make sense. The notion that Batman can effortlessly defeat every member of the Justice League but then struggle against the Riddler is nothing short of madness.

Batman Is a Hero

In a different phrasing: Stories depicting Batman as bordering on evil are problematic, and they often follow a predictable pattern where a villain emerges, causing Batman to isolate himself from those close to him. The villain, along with his loved ones and occasionally a new character, question how Batman can tolerate doing something morally wrong. In response, Batman admits he’s not perfect, stops the villain, but faces criticism for his actions. This pattern is repetitive, and these stories frequently push Batman to make decisions that are out of character or exaggerate flaws in his personality for dramatic effect. They also tend to emphasize the negative impact Batman has on Gotham, even when it’s not entirely his fault. Recently, we’ve seen storylines like “Gotham War” and “Hush 2,” which both involve Batman facing off against his own children in ways that seem contrived and nonsensical. These stories attempt to surprise readers by revealing the darker aspects of Batman, but these aspects are often either insignificant or exaggerated for storytelling purposes.

In simpler terms, why does Batman constantly face criticism for inspiring Gotham’s crazies to dress up, when there are already numerous other costumed individuals in the city? These stories often push Batman to his limits and make him defend his role, but instead of allowing a proper debate, they usually have him shrug it off and continue. They typically bring up questionable arguments, such as suggesting things were better before Batman, placing that responsibility on Batman himself, and expecting him to admit fault without much argument. However, it should be noted that despite his flaws, Batman is far from being a villain.

I’m not advocating for the complete elimination of dark or villainous Batman stories, as I find alternative versions of Batman like Owlman fascinating and well-crafted, especially when executed thoughtfully. However, it seems that currently, most Batman narratives revolve around his descent into darkness or his public vilification, which is concerning because it’s shaping the way people perceive him.

Batman has always been a character who grapples with inner and external darkness more intensely than many other superheroes, yet he consistently resists giving in to that darkness. This unwavering integrity is what makes Batman so captivating as a character. Repeatedly portraying evil versions of him, however, misses the mark because it deviates from his core essence.

While alternate versions of characters can add depth and interest, overusing them becomes tiresome and detracts from the impact they were intended to have.

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2025-06-25 04:41