Warning: spoilers ahead for Batman #106!
In his latest adventure, Batman isn’t just fighting Scarecrow, he’s fighting his greatest fears. Far from the simple bats that frightened him as a child though, Bruce’s modern fears are much more complex and much more tragic.
The recently released Batman #106 from writer James Tynion IV and artist Jorge Jimenez gives readers insight into the mind of Batman as he’s under Scarecrow’s control. The supervillain’s actions are driven by an intense obsession with fear. His “fear gas” brings its victims into direct confrontation with whatever scares them most. Though readers don’t see how the issue opens with a flashforward where Batman has been captured by Scarecrow and forced to endure his fear gas. The toxin causes Batman to live his worst nightmare. He doesn’t see himself failing, or even dying, but rather a collection of all the deaths he has caused or failed to prevent.
Unlike many of his peers, Batman’s ultimate fear has nothing to do with his own safety. Instead, his fear is derived from guilt. This makes sense given Batman’s dark past (yes, even darker than his broody self now). He may be well known for his “no killing” rule, but he didn’t start out that way. Batman has gone too far many times in the main DC Universe. Of course, he changed eventually, leaving the murderous intent behind. Still, the new method of crime-fighting may not have been a fix-all. It’s possible his transition to a less violent path won’t be enough to keep his guilty feelings at bay.
While Scarecrow brings forth the terrifying reality that is Batman’s brain, this isn’t the first time an enemy has forced Batman to face his fears head-on. Not too long ago, the hero came into contact with the parasitic plant, Black Mercy in Justice League #52. A perfect foil to Scarecrow’s fear gas, the Black Mercy puts its victim into a dream-like state where they are shown a perfect version of their life. As anyone familiar with Batman’s origin story may have guessed, his perfect world is one where his parents were never killed. However, this reality was less of a paradise and more of a reality check for Batman, reminding him of all the past mistakes he has made.
It appears that no matter where he goes, Batman can’t escape his own conscience. His feelings of intense guilt may continue to be a key focal point in his future. It’s likely he will be reminded again of his past as he tries to balance being a hero with these overwhelming feelings. Will he conquer his deepest, darkest fear, or will he be stepping down one day when the remorse caused by Scarecrow’s toxin becomes too much to bear? If anyone has the name for a good therapist, it looks like Batman could use it…
