Ranking the Non-Bruce Wayne Batmans, From Worst to Best

As a seasoned reader with a penchant for all things Batman, I must say that the non-Bruce Wayne Batmen have certainly left their mark in the annals of DC Comics lore. Each one brings something unique to the table, reflecting the rich tapestry of characters and storylines that make this universe so captivating.

In the sprawling DC Universe, there have been numerous individuals who donned the cape and cowl, embodying the iconic figure known as Batman, with varying degrees of success. Some stepped into Bruce Wayne’s shoes admirably, while others fell short of the title’s true essence. Let us delve into the Batmen not named Bruce Wayne in the DC Comics, ranking them from least impressive to most outstanding.

10. Lex Luthor

In simpler terms, Lex Luthor, Superman’s arch-nemesis who isn’t fond of Batman either, once temporarily took on the role of Batman. This happened in Batman issue #119 where Luthor bought Bruce Wayne’s Batman Inc company and made it a part of his Luthor Corp. He even created a mechanical suit to battle the Dark Knight. However, his tenure as Batman was short-lived. Characters like Jason Todd and Azrael who also stood in for Batman are more complex, but Lex Luthor is undeniably evil. Therefore, he can be considered the worst version of Batman among them all.

9. Jason Todd

If Batman’s different Robins symbolize his sons, then Jason Todd stands out as the unconventional one in the family. Primarily recognized as “the Robin whom readers chose to perish,” Jason resurrected and transformed into a rebellious vigilante known as Red Hood. In the comic series Final Crisis, he threw his batarang into the ring to claim Batman’s succession. He adopted a modified bat suit, but displayed no qualms about killing his adversaries, even resorting to lethal firearms. The very idea of a Batman employing guns is abhorrent, which makes Jason Todd one of the least favored on this list. However, his Batman costume does deserve mention for its appealing design.

8. Alfred Pennyworth

In most depictions, Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne’s loyal butler and mentor figure, is often portrayed as an elderly individual. However, contrary to popular belief, he has taken on the role of Batman on occasion, notably during the Rebirth era penned by writer Tom King. In this instance, Alfred donned the Batman costume with the intention of deceiving the mentally unstable Gotham Man. While Alfred possesses the ethical character fitting for the Dark Knight, his skills are more geared towards healing wounds rather than inflicting them, which is why he earns a spot on our list in this capacity.

7. Thomas Wayne

In the alternate world portrayed in the mini-series ‘Flashpoint’ by Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert, a different scenario unfolds: instead of the gunman killing Bruce Wayne’s parents, it was young Bruce himself who pulled the trigger. This tragic event led to Martha Wayne descending into madness and transforming into the Joker, while Thomas Wayne took on a more ruthless role as Batman, employing lethal force. When the Flash from our world pleads with this darker version of Batman to help restore the original timeline, it triggers his better instincts and serves as a form of redemption for him. The ‘Flashpoint’ Batman resonated strongly with readers, persisting even after the demise of his universe. While he may have morphed into more of a villain than an anti-hero in this adaptation, he remains a complex and popular character, warranting the attention he continues to receive.

6. Tim Drake

In many accounts of Batman’s history, Tim Drake, the third Robin, is often overlooked. Dick Grayson was the first, Jason Todd met an untimely end, and Damian Wayne is Bruce Wayne’s offspring. However, it’s worth noting that Tim Drake might just be the smartest of all Robins, being the only one who independently uncovered Batman’s secret identity. Despite his repeated assertions that he has no ambition to assume the role of Batman, the mantle was forced upon him in two distinct alternate timelines.

Initially, we encounter an alternative version of Tim Drake known as Batman in the “Titans Tomorrow” storyline from 2004’s Teen Titans. This version, often referred to as “TimBat”, bore a striking resemblance to the Batman from the Flashpoint universe, exhibiting a bitter disposition and a ruthless approach towards criminals. Moreover, he was far too accustomed to using firearms.

5. James Gordon

In terms of his unmasked companions, Batman (Bruce Wayne) doesn’t have a superior ally than Commissioner James Gordon. Eventually, someone decided to dress up Jim in the costume, and that person was writer Scott Snyder. During his influential run on Batman, Bruce Wayne’s Batman mysteriously vanished, leading people to believe he was dead. In his place, Commissioner Gordon became Gotham City’s government-funded Batman. Gordon’s Bat suit is stylish, but the mech suit resembling bunny ears instead of bat ears makes it a bit quirky. Nonetheless, Gordon proved to be an engaging (albeit short-lived) Dark Knight who learned that being a police officer and being Batman are two distinct roles. Unlike many morally dubious individuals who temporarily took over as Batman, Jim Gordon was not one of them.

4. Azrael (Jean-Paul Valley)

One of DC’s iconic ’90s tales, “Knightfall,” significantly boosted Bane’s villain profile by shattering Batman’s spine. In this narrative, an injured Bruce Wayne appointed Jean-Paul Valley, the newly introduced anti-hero Azrael, to fill in as Batman during his recovery. Azrael was a member of the radical religious Order of St. Dumas, fighting their crusade to cleanse Gotham City. For approximately a year, “Azbat” assumed the role of Gotham’s protector. However, Azrael’s excessive use of violence clashed with Bruce Wayne’s methods. Upon Bruce’s recovery, he was forced to reclaim his role. Joe Quesada, who later became a Marvel Comics icon, designed Azbat’s costume, which is particularly striking for its over-the-top design. The Azbat character is most famous for serving as the first long-term replacement for Batman in the comics.

3. Jace Fox

Among the more contemporary characters on this list who aren’t Wayne Batman is Jace Fox, who adopted the Dark Knight persona in 2020. Unlike other Batmen, he doesn’t safeguard Gotham City but instead protects New York City instead. Jace is the son of Lucius Fox, a long-time business associate of Batman, first introduced in 1979. After being absent from the storyline for several decades, he resurfaced when readers learned he was involved in a hit-and-run incident that led to a tense family relationship. To atone for his past actions and utilizing years of military training, he assumed the identity and costume of Batman. Jace Fox starred in his own series, I Am Batman, for 18 issues. He stands out culturally as the only African-American to ever headline a solo Batman series.

2. Dick Grayson

Among all potential successors to Batman’s role, it’s Dick Grayson, his initial Robin, who truly deserves the title. Unlike some other Batmans featured here, Dick never compromised Bruce Wayne’s legacy by resorting to excessive violence or losing control. In fact, on numerous occasions, he proved himself to be an even more effective guardian of Gotham than Bruce. (Yes, we stand by that statement.) Nightwing temporarily assumed the role of Batman following Azrael’s contentious tenure, but only for a short while. After Bruce’s “death” in the series Final Crisis, there was a struggle known as the “Battle for the Cowl,” determining who would take over. In the end, Dick Grayson emerged victorious.

For a year, Nightwing donned the Batman costume, with Damian Wayne, son of Bruce Wayne, serving as his sidekick Robin. More so than Bruce himself, Nightwing shaped Damian into a genuine hero rather than a spoiled young assassin. Among the many compelling Batman tales, “Black Mirror” by Scott Snyder is particularly noteworthy, featuring Dick Grayson as Batman. Dick Grayson embodied the positive qualities of Bruce Wayne’s Batman while minimizing his negative traits, making him less abrasive than Bruce. While we prefer Nightwing, Dick Grayson’s portrayal as Batman was exceptional.

1. Terry McGinnis

In the realm of gaming, I found that the most exceptional Batman beyond comics was born on the screens of TV animation. I was none other than Terry McGinnis, the star-studded Batman Beyond in the 1999-2001 show, a spinoff from the legendary Batman: The Animated Series. This series took place in a futuristic Gotham where the iconic Bruce Wayne had grown old and hung up his cape as Batman. As an ordinary teenager, my life was turned upside down when a vicious criminal gang took the life of my father. Later, I stumbled upon Bruce Wayne’s hidden world, and under his guidance, I stepped into the shoes of the new Batman, protecting my city from a host of futuristic adversaries.

Terry’s version of Batman stands out by blending elements from some iconic comics characters. He faces adolescent struggles like Spider-Man, boasts an advanced tech suit similar to Iron Man, and maintains the urban vigilante stance of the classic Batman. Somehow, this fusion feels authentic. This unique take on Batman keeps a link to the past while avoiding being a carbon copy of Bruce. Yet, he preserves Bruce’s unwavering moral code. Initially appearing only on TV, Terry McGinnis gained such popularity that DC Comics included him in their comic book narrative. As a future character, he didn’t need to pass the mantle back to Bruce after a short stint, instead continuing as the enduring future Batman.

2024-12-07 03:33