Batman Day: ‘He is the best superhero without any actual superpowers’

Batman Day is observed every year on the third Saturday of September to celebrate the iconic superhero who has captured the imagination of millions of fans around the globe. From the brooding vigilante of the early comics to the triumphant crime-fighter of the Nolan trilogy, Batman has evolved, yet his essence remains constant. His ability to inspire hope, even in the darkest of times, has resonated with countless individuals. Whether it is his swanky gadgets, or unwavering moral compass, generations of fans are enthralled by his enigmatic persona. On Batman Day, passionate fans share their favourite memories and delve into the enduring appeal of Batman.

Despite his aura of a loner, Batman truly cares about people

For the last two decades, Rachit Sharma has been living a dual life. A 9 to 5 corporate manager, who is a die-hard fan of Batman and arguably one of the biggest statue collectors (currently he has over 250) in the country. His favourite Batman media? "Comics, always comics. That's what got me into reading, into superheroes and Batman. TV and movies came much later for me. I grew up during the Jim Aparo Batman era, and somehow that is always what I think of when I imagine Batman in my head. By the time I watched Tim Burton's movies, I was already a massive fan, but those movies helped cement the Dark Knight's place as my indisputable favourite character," Sharma tells us.

Rachit Sharma with his collection of Batman statues (Photo Courtesy: Rachit Sharma)

While superheroes are often portrayed as invincible, what the super fan finds inspiring is Batman's humanity. He shares, "Traditionally Batman has always signified grit, determination, and willpower. How a normal human being can overcome all odds if he puts his mind to it? That always stood out to me. Of course, that was before lazy writing made him into a semi-god that could defeat anyone given ‘enough prep time'. In the greatest of all Batman stories, he's been battered, bones broken, spine snapped, bloodied, and yet he got up and persevered. And that, to me, will always be the most inspiring aspect of Bruce."

The super fan reflects a desire for Batman to remain relatable, even in the face of increasingly fantastical storylines. He dwells on Batman's brooding personality, "The one thing I always found interesting was how despite his aura of a loner, he is truly someone that cares about people and family. I mean, just look at the number of sidekicks he's had over the years! This shows us that you can be a people person without being too sweet and cuddly."

When asked about his favourite all-time villain, the 46-year-old cautions us of his cliched answer and admits it to be Joker. "I'm not a Nolan fan that loved Joker because of how Heath portrayed him (which was fantastic), I have been a Joker fan for the last four decades. Every other villain has an ulterior motive, they want to rule the town, the country, the world, or even the universe. Joker just wants chaos and destruction for no other reason but that it's fun!"

Sharma concludes by sharing one of his personal favourites, "The best Joker moment, is from the ending of the iconic ‘The Killing Joke'. After all the mayhem he perpetuated, crippling Barbara, torturing Gordon, when he's finally apprehended by Batman, Joker tells him a joke. And the final page, THAT final page, is both of them laughing together. Glorious!"

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He is arguably the best superhero without any actual superpowers

Jatin Varma, founder of Comic Con India, is among the countless 90s kids who grew up with the iconic Batman films starring Michael Keaton. He tells us, "I'm very nostalgic about the Michael Keaton movies and the campy 1960's series with Adam West. The best movies were of course the Nolan trilogy." While the Michael Keaton films offered a darker, more grounded take on Batman, the 1960s series provided a lighter, more comedic interpretation. The critically acclaimed Nolan trilogy highlights the character's ability to evolve and resonate with audiences in new ways. All three approaches have contributed to the character's rich and diverse legacy, and reflect the enduring appeal of the character across different eras and style.

"As a reader, the obvious choices are The Dark Knight series by Frank Miller and The Killing Joke by Alan Moore," shares Varma. Both titles offer complex and thought-provoking explorations of the character. With such diverse storylines, which qualities draw him to Batman? The pop culture enthusiast shares, "Even though I am partial to Superman, it's the contrast that Batman provides to him that is interesting to me. He is arguably the best superhero without any actual superpowers."

Contrary to the common portrayal of billionaires as ruthless and aloof, Batman stands out. Referring to a fresh take by the animates series, Varma notes, "You can be a billionaire without necessarily being a jerk."

When asked what is his favourite moment, the 39-year-old shares two, "The most recent one is actually from the Justice League movie - it is more a Bruce Wayne moment. When Bruce tells Clark he bought the bank to save Martha Kent's house. I also find the Batusi dance scene featuring Adam West from the 1960s series hilarious."

His character made me realize how his childhood trauma shaped him into the hero he is

Ruchi Nayak, partner at The Catalyst, swears by Batman movies for her dose of adrenaline and views the superhero as a symbol of hope in a world that is marred by senseless violence. "Batman's brooding vigilante style isn't just about thrilling action - it's a beacon of resilience and redemption. He isn't just a hero for me; he's a symbol of badassery, channeling his inner darkness into the search for justice. DC movies, especially those featuring Batman, are my go-to for thrilling yet fun cinema. They remind me that even in the darkest of times, adventure and heroism are just around the corner. Batman, as a character, and DC movies shine a light on the power of bravery in a world in chaos.," shares the Mumbai resident.

She goes on to share how Batman's backstory is a focal point of inspiration for fans like her, "Batman was born in a billionaire family but was also a child who lost his parents at a young age. His character always made me realise how his childhood trauma shaped him into the hero he is. Batman channels his trauma into a force for good, proving that you can rise from your past and transform your pain into strength. It is not just about cool gadgets or fights, it's about how he harnesses his inner darkness to fight for the ones who can't fight for themselves. Ultimately, it is also about the pursuit of hope in a world filled with chaos."

I often equate Batman to ‘A Tale of Two Cities', a duality between the daytime philanthropist and the nocturnal vigilante

A Gen Z admirer of Batman, Sahil Mehta grew up reading Batman comics. "Comics are the only medium through which I truly immerse myself in Batman's world. The visual storytelling, every meticulously drawn panel and exaggerated punch, leaves room for my imagination to run wild. It fosters a deep connection as if I'm experiencing the story alongside the Dark Knight," he shares animatedly.

Highlighting Batman's duality, Mehta says, "I often equate Batman to ‘A Tale of Two Cities', a duality between the daytime philanthropist and the nocturnal vigilante." The lifestyle creator further shares his favourite memory from the comics, "One unforgettable comic moment was the confrontation between Batman and Superman. Superman's attempt to intimidate by revealing Batman's identity was swiftly countered by Batman's meticulous research, proving that with sufficient preparation, he can overcome any adversary."