While Batman is often celebrated as the greatest hero within the DC Universe, he possesses the potential to be one of its most formidable villains. Over nearly a century, Bruce Wayne has tirelessly defended Gotham and the broader DCU from a multitude of dangers, ranging from the nefarious schemes of the Joker to the malevolent designs of the New God, Darkseid.
However, despite his reputation for bravery and valor, there have been numerous occasions where Batman’s actions have cast shadows on his heroic image. While he has fought alongside and even led the Justice League in some of their most significant conflicts, Batman has also masterminded schemes that have posed serious threats to the very heroes he fights alongside, such as his robotic contingency plan known as Failsafe and the surveillance satellite Brother Eye. Bruce may strive to be a champion of good, but his unwavering resolve has occasionally led him to some very dark and questionable choices. Continue reading to uncover ten pivotal moments that highlight his potential to be a true foe within the DC Universe.
10
The Creation of Zur-En-Arrh: Batman’s Darker Self
Occurred in: Batman #678
In the course of his travels, Bruce Wayne encountered an instructor named Daniel Captio, who imparted knowledge about constructing alternate personas within his psyche. Utilizing these teachings, Batman developed the persona of the Batman from Zur-En-Arrh, a version of himself devoid of Bruce’s moral compass and restraint. Initially intended as a contingency to help cope with extreme psychological pressures, the Zur-En-Arrh persona eventually broke free from Batman’s mind and manifested physically, wreaking havoc across Gotham in a matter of days. It’s chilling to consider how a being equipped with all of Bruce’s skills and resources could pose an enormous threat to Gotham if it chose to do so.
9
Ingeniously Discovered a Method to Defeat Darkseid
Occurred in: Final Crisis #6
In a storyline where Darkseid had taken control of Earth and its inhabitants, Batman’s actions may appear admirable. He skillfully utilized a bullet imbued with Radion, a substance lethal to New Gods, to severely injure the Darkseid-possessed body of Dan Turpin. Although many would not mourn the loss of Darkseid, it’s important to recognize the sheer magnitude of his power. Even in a compromised state, he remained incredibly formidable. The fact that Batman could bring down Darkseid suggests that there are virtually no beings within the DC Universe that the World’s Greatest Detective cannot potentially conquer.
8
Always Prepared: Batman’s Kryptonite Backup Plan
Occurred in: Batman #612
When it comes to confronting immensely powerful adversaries, Batman is always equipped with kryptonite, ready to use it against Superman if the situation demands it. In many storylines, it is Superman who provides Bruce with a small sample of kryptonite, instructing him to use it if he ever loses control. However, Superman’s descent into villainy is exceedingly rare, which raises questions about Batman’s obsession with carrying kryptonite in a lead-lined pouch, prepared to deploy it at the slightest indication that Superman is acting out of character.
7
The Invention of Failsafe: A Dangerous Backup
Occurred in: Batman #125
Batman often finds himself creating contingency plans that lead to disastrous outcomes. In an effort to manage his darker impulses, he (or rather, the Batman of Zur-En-Arrh) developed Failsafe, an android designed to neutralize him if he ever commits murder. While Failsafe was intended to keep Bruce in check, it was also armed with weapons targeting metahumans, including kryptonite spears aimed at Superman. Alarmingly, Failsafe took control of Gotham to track down Batman, even taking Barbara Gordon hostage in the process. This serves as a stark reminder of how many of Batman’s creations inadvertently lead to chaos and fear both locally and globally.
6
Willing to Allow His Foes to Perish
Occurred in: Batman #420
While Batman often faces criticism for sparing the Joker’s life, it is essential to recognize that Bruce has crossed moral lines leading to the demise of his adversaries. In an intense confrontation with KGBeast, Batman’s approach resulted in the assassin being sealed within an underground chamber with no provisions for survival. Although KGBeast survived, it was striking to see Batman deliberately leave an enemy in a situation where death was a likely outcome. The gravity of this action is magnified by Bruce’s own admission that he would not cease his vigilantism if he ever intentionally took a life.
5
On the Brink of Joining the Sinestro Corps
Occurred in: Green Lantern #17
Within the DC Universe, the fear that Batman instills is well-documented, to the point that he was almost recruited into the Sinestro Corps during its initial appearance. This invitation was less of a friendly offer and more of an attempt at coercion, with Batman nearly being abducted into the villainous Corps. Fortunately, Batman successfully rid himself of the Sinestro Power Ring. Nonetheless, the mere fact that he was targeted by a group that primarily attracts villains speaks volumes about the complexities of the Dark Knight’s character, especially considering that the next individual to be sought was none other than his twisted nemesis, Scarecrow.
4
His Most Notorious Doppelganger Obliterated His Universe
Occurred in: Dark Knights: The Batman Who Laughs
Many fans will remember the invasion of the DC Universe by a horde of malevolent Batmen from the Dark Multiverse, a chaotic realm filled with unstable worlds. The most sinister among them was The Batman Who Laughs, a version of Bruce Wayne who succumbed to darkness by killing the Joker and subsequently transformed into a grotesque hybrid of the two. This version of Batman was utterly deranged and swiftly managed to annihilate his own world within days. Although Bruce is not his evil counterpart, The Batman Who Laughs serves as a chilling reminder of the destructive potential that Bruce Wayne could unleash if he were to go down a similar path.
3
Conducted a Disturbing Dissection of a Hero
Occurred in: Batman and Robin #19
Every hero exhibits some level of irrationality in the wake of loss, but Batman’s actions crossed an undeniable line. Upon the tragic death of his son, Damian, Bruce spiraled into desperation in his quest to resurrect the young Robin. In the course of this obsession, he resorted to kidnapping and subsequently dissecting Frankenstein, under the delusion that the creature held the key to resurrection. Although he pledged to reassemble him (which he did), Bruce failed to recognize the insanity of his actions. Batman’s relentless determination can be a double-edged sword, especially when his mental state is compromised.
2
The Development of Brother Eye: A Paranoid Surveillance System
Occurred in: OMAC Project
Post-Identity Crisis, Batman’s paranoia surged after discovering that his allies had erased his memories without his consent. In response to this profound betrayal, he constructed a massive satellite known as Brother Eye to monitor his friends and allies. While this reaction might seem justified, the situation escalated when Maxwell Lord, an anti-metahuman antagonist, seized control of Brother Eye, using it as part of a nefarious scheme to dismantle the superhero community. This incident underscores Batman’s troubling tendency to create tools that ultimately cause more harm than benefit to the heroes he seeks to protect.
1
Formulated Anti-Justice League Contingencies: A Betrayal of Trust
Occurred in: JLA: Tower of Babel
Nothing illustrates the darker aspects of Batman’s character quite like the events of the “Tower of Babel” storyline. When Ra’s al Ghul managed to steal confidential files containing Bruce’s strategies for neutralizing the Justice League, he utilized this information to take down each member of the League systematically. While Ra’s was the one to execute the attacks, the fact that Batman’s preparations facilitated this situation reveals a much darker side of his vigilantism. Though Bruce never intended for these contingencies to be used against his allies, the very act of creating them and withholding this knowledge from the Justice League represents a profound betrayal and an act that could be seen as villainous.
