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Batman

Character » Batman appears in 9896 issues.

Bruce Wayne witnessed the murder of his billionaire parents as a child, swearing to avenge them. He trained extensively to achieve both mental and physical perfection, mastering detective skills, martial arts, and criminal psychology. Costumed as a bat to prey on criminals' fear and utilizing a high-tech arsenal in his crusade to rid Gotham City of crime, the legendary Batman was born.

What if Batman was ALWAYS a meta-human? Are no-powers important?

Posted by Mainline (1127 posts) - 2 years, 7 months ago - Show Bio

What if Bruce Wayne turned out to be meta-human all along?  Many of his feats are essentially meta-human, but as a matter of theme the creators never dared say it.  Batman can survive an extremely campy TV character, a bad string of movies, and even multiple prolonged absences... could Batman survive being super-powered? 
 
Let's say that upon Bruce's return they do a work up so extensive on Wayne and, in the interim of his absence, someone cracked how a particular meta-gene manifests and Bruce is found to have that gene and its manifestation which is minor and story consistent, but nonetheless a meta-power.  For example, enhanced probability field, increased baseline durability or endurance, enhanced intelligence or problem-solving, etc. 
 
We already accept a certain level of eugenic perfection and genetic destiny for heroes... if Batman's genes dictated that he was 4'8" or a condition like asthma or uncorrectable near-sightedness we'd struggle to believe in his accomplishments... but would declaring an outright meta-gene break his character?  Does it matter if Batman has powers at the genetic level particularly when his current genetic perfection is no less earned or willed than a meta-gene? 
 
Finally, what, if anything distinguishes technological powers (or gadgets) from genetic gifts in your mind? [Consider the many powers provided by the Road Home suit]

#1 Posted by Sydpart2 (1084 posts) - 2 years, 7 months ago - Show Bio

I don't think it would ruin him as a character...but I think he would be much less interesting, unique, and overall much less compelling. I think Bruce Timm said it on one of the commentaries on the Arkham Asylum game best: "Because he's a man, he's every man."
Bruce Wayne essentially has superpowers compared to a real person, but I think what makes him so intriguing is the idea that he only has them through sheer force of will. If anything I think his determination is really his superpower and everything else is derived from that

#2 Edited by Metatron_Da_Don (1033 posts) - 2 years, 7 months ago - Show Bio

aint broke dont fix & what he said ^^

#3 Posted by DeathpooltheT1000 (5909 posts) - 2 years, 7 months ago - Show Bio

It will make him, less interestingm but still an awesome character

#4 Posted by Reaper_bat (45 posts) - 2 years, 3 months ago - Show Bio

well i agree with   sydpart2 what makes the batman great is the fact that is a human, he can be killed with a simple gunshoot but you still see him fgthing alongside superman!!!

#5 Posted by TheCrowbar (4286 posts) - 2 years, 3 months ago - Show Bio

I think Batman's attraction is that even though he's the smartest most tactical man in any room, he's the underdog. Being a meta takes that out.

#6 Posted by FunnyStuff707 (179 posts) - 2 years, 3 months ago - Show Bio
@Reaper_bat: 
And every once in a while kicking his a$$.
Batman being any part meta-human just makes him completely uninteresting. He's more competent than any character in DC, or comics as a whole, and his power comes from, like Sydpart2 said, is his determination and mind.
#7 Posted by primepower53 (5655 posts) - 2 years, 3 months ago - Show Bio

Do you also go by the screen name "Wrath 2.0" on another site? I remember someone by that anme trying to convince everyone he had superpowers from a storyline in Confidential where he drank a potion to give him his own kind of "Super solider serum" And he could become invisible to explain his disappearing act. it was ridiculous.

#8 Posted by Cornellana (4 posts) - 2 years, 2 months ago - Show Bio

Probably an across-the-board enhancement, such as that of Vargas, the self-proclaimed "true" Homo Superior, of Marvel Comics. But I'm not answering the question, I'm cheating.

#9 Posted by atom895 (71 posts) - 2 years, 2 months ago - Show Bio
@Mainline: yes considering batman with powers just would not be batman. it takes away from  that "wow" factor he has when he pulls off something tough using only his skills.
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