6 Rare Batman Moments That Reveal His Softer Side

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Here are six moments in comics that remind us that beneath the cape and cowl, Batman is truly human.

6) Talks Someone Out of Committing Murder

One might assume, given how frequently Batman relies on physical force in his war on crime, the idea of him using listening as a tactic would seem unthinkable. Yet, for Batman, this is far from impossible. In fact, when dealing with those who would hardly call themselves another “Joker,” or even “Riddler,” Batman can be seen listening to the backstories of these downtrodden criminals. This, after all, is precisely what happens during an issue from Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight where Batman discovers that the killer’s actions stem from a guilt they have over what they found themselves forced to do in order to survive in a place like Gotham. Rather than condemn them, Batman explains to the killer how he can understand how an upbringing such as theirs could lead them astray. It is a gem of a moment from the Dark Knight that even ends in a hug. Who knew he had it in him?

5) Convinces a Criminal to Go Straight With Just Words

Similar to the previous entry, in Gotham Knights, Batman, while not seen in the panel doing it himself, is nevertheless revealed to be convincing by a former convict. The man explains in a job interview that he was convinced by Batman mid-robbery that his potential was being wasted on the criminal element. The Capped-Crusader even went so far as to talk to the then robber by name, which, to the robber, meant that Batman actually cared about him. It was a moment that changed the man’s life and is another rare moment of Batman’s ability to get through to people that didn’t involve using his fists.

4) Expressing Thanks to Dr. Leslie Thompkins

As many fans know, Batman’s vocabulary rarely includes “thank you,” or “please.” Across comics, and even the adaptations of them, the Dark Knight is often portrayed as frank and sometimes even brutish with an unwavering focus on the mission. Yet, on occasion, he lets his guard down especially for close friends and allies like Dr. Leslie Thompkins. Known for her tireless advocacy for Gotham’s less fortunate, Leslie remains a steadfast presence in the city, living among those she serves on a regular basis. Batman recognizes this and respects her work, something made clear in “There is No Hope in Crime Alley.” After saving her life, he tells her, in so many words, that she is “the hope is Crime Alley,” something akin to being a beacon in Gotham’s overall darkness. It’s a rare and touching moment that highlights not only Batman’s humanity, but the compassion that survives in Gotham despite the chaos: something profoundly embodied, not just by Batman, but by Dr. Leslie Thompkins herself.

3) Telling Nightwing That He Was Right

This one of those rare moments for Batman, where he actually told someone they were right and it was Nightwing to boot. Their feud, while most famously tied to the past, is well-known to comics fans. Over the years, they’ve faced their share of rough patches, though fortunately nowadays, that doesn’t seem to be the case as much anymore, and Hush proves it. During this series, Batman not only admits to Nightwing that he was right, but actually acts on the advice he was given, for better or for worse. Given their history of butting heads it really says something when Batman is able to actually see someone else’s perspective, let alone it be from someone he used to argue with often.

2) Holds the Hand of a Dying Woman

Entering sentimental, and tear-jerking territory here Batman comforts a dying woman. This comes from yet another issue from Detective Comics, where Batman can be seen freeing a woman from the clutches of the military who planned to use her ability to blow up anything and anyone using only her mind for their nefarious intentions. Later it is discovered, however, that the woman cannot survive long outside of a specially designed containment suit, and though Batman attempts to rectify this, she informs Batman she knew this was going to happen, accepts it, and simply thanks him, in the end, as without him, she could never have this one last chance to look at the beauty of the world before passing away. It is a very touching moment from Batman lore that reveals the hero’s ability to be there for people when they need him the most.

1) Saves Joe Chill’s Life

One of the most striking moments in Batman’s long history occurs in Batman: Three Jokers, when he saves the life of Joe Chill, the very man who murdered his parents and, in many ways, created the Batman persona itself. In this story, Chill is manipulated as a pawn in the Jokers’ elaborate scheme to torment Batman. Yet, despite the unimaginable pain that Chill’s caused him, Batman not only refuses to kill him but also saves his life twice in quick succession. It is a moment that could easily be overlooked that stands as a testament to Batman’s capacity for personal growth. Clearly, even this doesn’t stop Batman from showing his humanity—as he reveals, in the end, that there is perhaps one facet of himself that remains his greatest, overall, strength: his very humanity itself.

What do you think Batman’s most human moment is? Let us know in the comments.