Batman is a vigilante. Vigilantes take the law into their own hands. It's one thing to do things your way in one city where the police commissioner might look the other way over the laws being broken. Since Bruce Wayne announced he was funding Batman and they were starting Batman Incorporated around the world, the declaration has been made that they are taking their vigilantism into other countries.
Critics against the idea of Batman Incorporated have stated that Batman doesn't have any grounds or a right to force his agents onto other countries. This is even something I addressed back in December 2010. Batman has been trying to fight crime in Gotham City for years and hasn't been able to make too much progress. If anything, things have gotten worse with the costumed villains he, for some reason, attracts.
Despite the criticisms, Batman Incorporated has become a necessity. There is actual value in Batman taking his fight against evil to a higher level. Batman Incorporated is an organization and idea that is needed in the DC Universe.
== TEASER ==One of the common examples that Batman is overstepping his ground is from DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #12. Bruce went to Paris, France and informed the authorities that he was expanding Batman Incorporated into their country. This was seen as an arrogant move that some rich American (and superhero) could march into a country and just tell them what they were doing.
The key with Batman having Nightrunner become his 'Batman of France' along with the other 'Batmen' he's sanctioned in other countries is he's not necessarily placing his own people there. Nightrunner was already active in Paris. The new Mr. Unknown was active in Tokyo. Batwing was living in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There may be some exceptions to this, such as Black Bat (Cassandra Cain) being the 'Batman' of Hong Kong (if that's where she's going to be used/end up in the "New 52").
Batman is simply seeking out existing heroes and making them part of his network. He is offering them training and resources to do the job they are already trying to do. By becoming part of Batman Inc, they are able to move on to a higher level of crimefighting. They can become a better crimefighter.
Batman has always had allies. He took it upon himself to train those that became his Robin. He's worked with Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown to make them better heroes. The Outsiders owe a lot to Batman and he has often played a crucial role in working with other heroes and leading the Justice League (pre-"New 52" at least).
Batman simply has mastered the art of being a superhero. He has high standards. He has managed to overcome incredible odds and is always prepared for whatever may come his way. The level of guidance he can offer will help make good heroes even better.
The argument that Batman should focus on the level of crime in Gotham before trying to fix the world's problem but Batman has seen the bigger picture. He nearly died (during R.I.P. which we can assume still happened to some extent in the "New 52"). If he should happen to actually meet his final fate, having an army of his own to take his place will help protect the rest of the world. It might be a little controlling, but it's Batman's way to ensure the next generation of superheroes can live up to his standards.
Crime has risen to a new level as well. If you go back and re-read all the BATMAN INCORPORATED issues, you see the level of threat Leviathan has posed. Leviathan's reach stretches out across the world. It's been one thing after the other and you really get a sense of just how grand a scheme is being concocted. This is another reason why Batman needs Batman Inc.
There is an army being assembled against Batman. During his time away, he accepted that there's nothing wrong with needing help. Batman can't be expected to do everything. With the coming war against him, there's likely to be casualties. Having a team of allies at his side will ensure those casualties are at a minimum. Issue #1 of the new BATMAN INCORPORATED series begins with a somber tone. Let's hope the team will be able to prevent things from getting really bad. The Bat-Universe is becoming a dark place and Batman has what it takes to ensure the world gets more heroes.
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