The Batman is another live-action adaptation that focuses on the brutal side of this iconic DC character. The movies often portray the Caped Crusader as using force to fight crime, despite multiple moments where the greatest weapon in his utility belt is compassion.
These are moments where he talks to both villains and heroes in an uplifting way or does an act that wouldn’t normally be seen from the character. Although often characterized as stoic and gruff, multiple Batman storylines across comics, TV shows, and even video games have showcased plenty of caring, tender, and even heartbreaking moments from the Dark Knight, showing off Batman’s softer side.
His Relationship With Dick Grayson
Adopting a child and having them fight evil clowns and a giant crocodile doesn’t seem like an act of kindness. The first to be taken under his wing, Dick Grayson is believed to be Batman’s true successor. However, Batman’s reason for taking in Dick is to prevent him from becoming Batman. When Dick lost his parents, Batman understood what he was going through and how he would need someone to help prevent vengeance from consuming him.
Their father-son relationship is shown throughout multiple forms of media. Bruce took Dick Grayson’s death hard in the Injustice universe as he saw him as a son more than he did Damian, the one that took his son from him. The most vulnerable he has been towards Grayson is in Arkham Knight where he tells him how proud he really is of him.
Comforts Baby Doll
The beautiful thing about Batman: The Animated Series is storytelling that prides itself on three-dimensional villains that the audience can feel for. Unable to grow due to her condition, Baby Doll captures her old cast and forces them to pretend with her. Seeing the person that she could have been in the hall of mirrors made her break down into tears, allowing Batman to be the shoulder (or in this case leg) to cry on.
He never wanted to fight but help her in a way that didn’t result in bloodshed. It was heartbreaking to see her in tears, holding onto the cape crusader was devastating. Batman had the opportunity to take her down, but he chose not to. Sometimes just being there for someone to cry with is the only thing that is needed.
Sits With Ace
From Cartoon Network’s Justice League animated series, this moment has heart-wrenching implications. As the telekinetic powered Ace was dying, the result would have caused her to take the world with her. Ace was just a scared young girl and Batman knew this.
She was cheated out of her childhood and Batman could relate to this. The only thing that he could have done was wait until she passed. This was an emotional gut-punch as the only thing he could do was comfort her in her last moments.
Offers The Joker Redemption
The Killing Joke Comic is iconic due to many fans seeing it as one time that the Joker beat Batman. This comic contains one of the evilest acts pulled by the Joker as he cripples Barbra Gordon. From beginning to end, Batman has been trying to put their toxic relationship to an end not through violence but by talking to him and offering support. Joker declined his offer, seeing no redemption for him.
With every evil act that the Joker has done, Batman saw hope and redemption in him. Batman never gave up on believing that he was redeemable. He offered his hand into figuring out what went wrong and how to heal the former Red Hood. Although the ambiguous ending has fans divided on if Batman ends the feud once and for all by breaking his no-killing rule, that doesn’t change the fact that he offered a helping hand to the devil of Gotham, showing his softer side.
Reads A Letter From His Father
This isn’t a kind act done by Batman, but it is one that shows the human side that is the character often hides. In the Justice League: Flashpoint Paradox animated movie, Barry Allen returned to his world with a letter from the alternate timeline’s Batman, Thomas Wayne. Flash is not only the best messenger but the best ally to have. This moment differed from the comics as Thomas Wayne killed Reverse Flash for ripping up the letter.
It is rare to see Batman with tears in his eyes. Extra emotion is added knowing that the letter is from his father. The death of his parents is what births the persona of fear that is Batman. For both characters to lose each other, having to live with that regret and pain for years, makes this an emotional moment. The tears full of appreciation for Barry and love for his father gave Batman fans a moment they can only dream of.
Tells Jason To Be His Own Hero
In Red Hood and the Outlaws vol. Two #6, Batman had a heart-to-heart with Jason Todd. Where Jason was expecting to be called out by his former trainer, he was instead laughed at and was given some motivation. In his own eyes, he failed as he could never live up to that mantle. The conversation ended with Batman telling him that he needs to be his own hero.
Batman shows his soft side to Jason when he tells him to do his own thing, sharing encouragement instead of expected disappointment. This is reinforced when seeing them have a meal together on the Batmobile. It is rare to see a nice father-son bonding moment between the two like this is. For a moment, it was reminiscent of the good old days when the two started as a team.
Tries To Help The Ventriloquist
The character of Arnold Wesker and his boss, the dummy Scarface, was popularized in Batman: The Animated Series. The pair were given the spotlight in the season 3 episode “Double Talk” as Arnold is trying to live a life without Scarface and crime. Working as both Batman and Bruce Wayne, the Caped Crusader helps Arnold build his new life by providing him with a home and a job at Wayne Enterprise.
Batman believes in second chances and redemption, and serving as a guardian angel here is evidence of it. Although it could be argued that it is his unwillingness to trust others that leads him into keeping a close eye on his villains when they leave Arkham, the lengths he goes to help provide a better life is an act done by a kind person.
Brings Harley Home For Christmas
Harley Quinn has come a long way since dating her Mr. J, with plenty of Harley Quinn quotes that show her heroic transformation. In Batman: Silent Night, she attempts to do good by breaking into houses and leaving gifts and cookies. Batman threatens to bring her to Arkham but instead drops her off at Coney Island with Ivy.
Not even Bruce is a grinch on Christmas day. He sees Harley trying to do good and the change she is making. It’s a heartwarming comic that shows Batman in a sense of peace as he sees good things happening while patrolling Gotham. He could have easily arrested Harley but chooses not to as even she should get to spend the holidays with people that care about her.
Begs His Parents To Stay
In Superman/Batman #55, Batman breaks down in tears as he sees the illusion of his parents fade away. Batman begging his parents to stay as he cries reveals years of grief, sadness, and anger that fans of the hero don’t usually get to see.
Everything he does is to cope with the pain of losing his parents. To relive that moment is heartbreaking, but it reveals that there is more to Batman hidden beneath the dark figure that he portrays.
Apologizes To Jason
In the Arkham Knights video game, a key plot point in Batman’s life was changed. Instead of being murdered by the Joker, Jason Todd, the second interaction of Robin, was kept hidden never to be found by Batman. When it was revealed that Jason is actually the Arkham Knight, Batman was forced to relive his greatest failure. When he learned the truth, he immediately wanted to help Jason – calling him Robin and extending his hand out in peace.
Batman desperately wanted to fix Jason and his biggest regret, apologizing for what had become of his once former sidekick. In the middle of a war for Gotham, Batman stops the fight with Jason. When the mask came off, he didn’t see an enemy, just a friend that he had failed.
