BATMAN: A Complete Character Study 

You could've almost mentioned how almost all of his villains are Dark parallels of Batman. Mr Freeze showcases trauma and how that can affect a person, similar to Batman's. Two-Face and Poison Ivy symbolize obsession gone too far. Bane is the only villain who has physically broken The Batman and shows what happens if Bruce lets his brawn take control instead of his brains. Scarecrow takes the whole fear schtick to a whole nother level, Man-Bat is a literal reverse of Batman, Prometheus' origin (the villain, not the Greek Titan) mirrors Batman since his parents were criminals killed by corrupt cops in an alleyway, Penguin and Carmine Falcone represent Ego, Riddler is a mix of Ego and Obsession (Fanatic Narcissism, Egocentrism and Megalomania). Ra's Al Ghül represents what would happen to Bruce if he takes his mission too far. Red Hood is a representation of Batman's philosophy and how it may be flawed. And of course The Joker is the ideological antagonist to Batman. Order v Chaos.

My mother passed away when i was 10 and it left me in a deep depression for years to come, as a teen I started getting into comics, commonly batman. I resonate personally with Batman because he also lost his parents but instead of letting it sink him into a pit of darkness, he uses it as motivation. As Batman he can make sure that no one else feels the pain he faced. The fact that a man who was once a broken child who stood over his parents remands in a ally weeping, can stand to the level of godlike beings like Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green lantern and many more. Batman inspires me to use my pain to help others instead of letting it consume me. And thats why Batman is my favorite character in all of media.

I feel so bad for Batman, he does what he does so others won't have to and won't have to experience what he went through, even tho he knows he is never going to be happy he still does what he does for others, that just makes my heart melt for him and that's why I love him so much!! He is the best superhero because of his character not because he can beat the whole justice league or because he is feared through out his whole rouges gallery, it's because of his character.

My Brain: So you will watch a 40 minutes essay about Batman while you have to do a essay of your own?? Me: Yes, I think I will.

Most Important thing to take away from analyzing Batman is that there are three personas: Batman, Playboy Bruce Wayne, and Actual Bruce Wayne. So many people miss this. Very few stories explore this.

He is one of the most iconic legendary character in fiction

Turning 50 years old soon. Reading Batman my whole life but really understanding the character at the age of 16. The Batman animated series is one of the greatest examples of Batman ever.. That awesomeness just transposed onto Justice League

I wish i sounded so smart when i spoke

I've read many comic, and seen many cartoons. Batman has always been my favorite superhero. Closely followed by Superman and Spider-Man.

This video deserves more attention. You deserve more attention.

Why do we fall sir? So that we can learn, to pick ourselves up. You haven't given up on me Alfred? Never.

Holy shit, I’m not even 10 mins in and this is such a great character analysis and thesis, great work my guy

Frank millers dark knight returns is a bad choice for a comparison between batman and superman. Neither hero is at their best in that story. This is because that story is a dark deconstruction of superheros. Superman could so easily have chosen to be a evil or just uncaring, but he, alone and without the catalyst of a personal faling or a tradigy chooses to give a shit and always be the better man. Superman represent eternal optimism and inspire us to be the best versions of ourself. He is the counter argument to the; power corrupts, absolut power corrupts absolutely, statement. He is and have always been the greatest superhero. And batman himself agrees with this.

I can't really fathom in how complex this character is, like I honestly thought he was a crime-fighting superhero that was just human and was meant for only kids. But wow I'd learn much more from this video that made me love him even more . Batman will forever be my all time favorite super hero. I have a deep admiration for him . He represents us all in a way and by far one of the best characters of all time.

I like stories where its 1. Only really Batman and not the entire bat family 2. The artist embraces the gothic architecture as well as the grim atmosphere 3. Use of other villain's who are not just the Joker or are not new, the older ones get sidelined a lot as simply background pieces in the art.

As a Christian, I appreciate the parallels you drew between Batman and the Bible. God bless.

Batman is just cool. He is a superhero without superpowers, he doesn't kill (or tries not to), he is INSANELY smart, and he is just build different. Being able to keep up with people like superman. A man mind you that got hit so hard in the face by shazam a black hole was created and he lived!

Very good. You have a great understanding of the dark knight

Only just started the video but I take issue with what the Psychologist use quoted said about Bruce doing with his tragedy what takes most people years to do. I fundamentally disagree with this statement. It could just be a matter of opinion but to me Bruce didn’t decided in a matter of days that he was going to walk the path that ultimately would lead to his becoming Batman. I believe it was something that over the years between his parents’ death and him dawning the cowl that formed into something beyond himself. I believe over the years he realized his inability to cope with the tragedy as Bruce Wayne, and thus needed to become someone else, something else, as a way to avoid directly facing what had happened and come to terms with it. I believe that Bruce did attempt to cope in normal healthy ways to begin with. Once he accepted that he was unable to he made the decision to become Batman. Someone who did not need to cope with the tragedy because Batman’s parents weren’t killed, Bruce’s were. Becoming Batman to hide himself from the horrific event. Hence why every night he dawns the cowl. Why he allowed the Batman persona to completely consume his life and wore the cape and cowl more than he didn’t wear them. Because once the cowl was on Bruce’s pain, fear, and trauma did not exist within himself. They’re all acknowledged as events that have happened to Bruce but never accepted or embraced. Bruce the identity, as an ego, or person is still in that alley kneeling over his dead parents, scared, alone, traumatized and racked with unfathomable pain and guilt and fear. Unable to leave that alley because it would mean he has to accept what happened and leave his parents behind. Doing this however would mean Bruce must acknowledge the tragedy and acknowledge that Batman doesn’t need to exist anymore.

A regular man turns himself into a symbol and a force of nature.

I loved this video, was pretty cool, I always loved Batman and this video summons up almost all the reasons! +1 sub

I feel a good way to understand Batman is thru the concept of the bodhisattva. This is one who’s transcends concepts yet stays to save everyone who has not yet transcended.

Bruce and Dick are the perfect foils for each other. While Barbra only joined as a by-product of feeling Batman was a symbol that needed reinforcement, Dick needed Batman's help. Batman did for Dick what no one could do for Bruce at that age. He gave him *real* help. The cops arrested Bruce's parent's killer, but were bound by law to only go so far. Batman gave Dick a choice! Get revenge and kill his parents' killer, or get vengeance by helping Batman as Robin. Bruce was *forced* to step aside. Dick was given a choice! On a side note: Barbra is also an unnecessary character, only invented in the 80s because the writers felt Batman and Robin needed a girl on the team since the public was beginning to feel they were homosexuals. They couldn't have that on a kids' show! My how times have changed!

This was so good to listen to. I learned so much from this and I feel closer to the character of Batman. Please do one for black panther and spiderman if you may. I appreciate the hard work you put into this. Really top notch quality work brotha.

This video is so underrated needs more views.

Batman. His name is just badass. It makes me sad, honestly sad...Bill Finger, a great man who gave us the greatest character of ALL-TIME. He died and hero, never got credits for what he did. This character will never die. Bill was an angel straight from heaven and a gift to humanity.

I just like that Batman is pretty much the only hero (I can think of) who doesn’t have any actual powers and he isn’t granted what he has by complete chance or is born with it. He just worked damn hard, and there is no reason that nobody else can get themselves into the sort of psychical state he did

This vid made me cry. I love Batman so freaking much!

This is simply the best video about Batman that I have ever found, thank you so much.

Loved your video. You really understand the character of Batman. I once had a trauma in my life and after that I was always feeling alone angry, and was really sad. Batman teach us that instead of doing what I did, we could use our trauma as meaning. Thanks for The Video.

wow this was really well done. subbed

This is fantastic. Great job. I can’t wait to see more character studies.

One of the few times the RU-vid algorithm recommends something I’m interested in. You sir just earned a sub. Great vid👍🏾

3:00 That is incredible. I forgot he feared bats Edit: Loved it. Thanks

After watching this video I have to say that your research and analysis was absolutely phenomenal. I’m sure you spent a lot of time and effort into this video essay, but it truly paid off!!!

This is some real gold level stuff...

The main Danny Elfman Batman theme will always justify why I love Batman

Iron man after saving the entire universe: am I a joke to you?

As a Christian, I can declare that I personally have gotten close to Batman due to his morals and his mental strength. As someone that has struggled in that department (as along with many others) I find it reassuring in a way. This was an amazing analysis, thank you so much.

That last point about Moses and batman was so good. I never would have seen that if you hadn't pointed it out to me.

Batman is the greatest Superhero of all time. A terrible tragedy happened to him but instead of letting the situation control him, he got up, stopped whining and took control of the situation and set meaningful goals for himself. Batman can own anything and everything and yet he chooses to spend his money on charity and on his mission as Batman to rid the world of crime sacrificing his body, health, joy and peace in the process. He is our collective rage at injustice and oppression. He is a man searching the dark alleys of his mind to bring balance to an unjust world. He is a social activist. When we step back to gaze long upon the great Batman tapestry, when we look for the common thread woven through it by Kane, Finger, Fox, O’Neil, Englehart, and that endless line of creators, those who have come and gone as well as those who are still weaving, what do we see? We see a hero. We see someone we’d want on our side, a figure we’d love to call forth from our shadows and hurl at those who would do us wrong. We see that part of ourselves that wants to scare all of life’s bullies away, and we like it. He is driven. He is like a revolutionary who stands up to tyrants or the activists who fight against great odds to make this world a better place. Out of tragedy, great good can arise.

This is absolutely great. Love an in-depth look at my favorite fictional character. Would love to read the “Batman and Psychology” book.

I like this guy he's smart without talking really slowly and pausing

Batman doesn’t give up not matter what life throws at him he continues to get up and fight.

I think it’s that Batman is iconic, but has even better rogues gallery making him both a very popular hero and villains!

This is a great video essay! I think I actually understood Batman more as a human thanks to this, as well as the myth. Keep up the good work man ⛷

Words cannot express how satisfying this video was/is (and satisfying is just one word to describe it).

Wow this was an amazing video man, you made the video fly by making me want more

Damn, all his villains have such equally tragic origins

Just found and watched this video. Really good, love the idea that batman is a Shepard figure. It speaks to this unspoken idea that is core to how Batman wants to help others. Further, it plays into his own self-destructive tendencies required for him to start being batman. Something I want to note, that wasn't touched on, but is in line with the general message is that Batman is very forgiving towards criminals. In the sense that he seems to genuinely try to help them, and allow them a better way of life. At least when he's not trying to prevent something bad from happening. You see this in the Dark Knight Returns with the gangs, the comics with Clayface, all the time with Catwoman, in the injustice universe his whole M.O., in the fact his rouges go to an asylum rather than prison. It almost doesn't fit with his character, but also completely fits like a puzzle piece cut on the color of a grove, it doesn't look like it will fit, but it makes a more whole puzzle.

Batman is pretty much a badass in most shows he is in

The biggest point you make on which i wholeheartedly agree, is the fact Batman is the aspirational hero of a post-industrial society. He embodies the antique, "knightly" code of honor, uphold justice, protect the weak and vulnerable, and strike against the forces which would threaten them and what they hold dear. It is an aspirational, romantic return to values which appear forsaken to a post industrial inhabitant.

Was wearing a batman tee-shirt at the end of your 40 minute batman essay just a little too much?

Bruce’s plea at his parents’ grave was absolutely heartbreaking … here is a man who virtually gave up on living, and now he finally finds a chance for a normal life. And yet his guilt is so deep that he pleads for his “promise” to be forgiven. The sad thing is, HE made the promise to HIMSELF, and he’s struggling with his desire for a normal life pitted against his sense of duty to keep that promise.

Living for a cause that we may never ourselves personally see and learning to turn our greatest fears into our greatest strengths. Honestly this video perfectly summarizes the reason why so many people (including myself) have always loved Batman

This definitely one of the best analysis of Batman I have ever seen

Wow such a great content. I loved the psychological and philosophical aspects of THE BATMAN. And also the comparison between Nightwing and Batman. Keep making such videos, and thanks a lot for this one. +1 sub :)

I know this was made a year ago but damn this needs a lot more attention.

Nice analysis! It's like you took everything I love about batman out of my mind and made a video about it!

For what it's worth I'm very proud of you for making this video so great! Well done! And thank you for your hard work!

Amazing video! I thought it was interesting you described Superman as deterministic since typically that philosophy is shown in a dark sense, but I can see positively too from the video. It’d be cool if you did a whole video on Superman!

About Batman's Identity: THANK YOU. i never knew Greg Weidman said that about Batman, but once i got more into Batman's stories and sort of study the character by myself, i come up with the conclusion that Bruce Wayne/Batman is indeed three different characters in one. Wayne, as I call it: The man that everyone sees, the egocentric billonarie playboy that carries the Wayne Legacy. Bruce: The man under the mask, the man who has a heart, who feels, who can be broken, the humanity. Batman: The man with the mask, the symbol who can seem cold and emotionless, fearless and even sassy. The Dark knight. Those three personas make Bruce Wayne aka The Batman as a character.

One misconception in this video, and in general about the comparison to Superman here, is that line of "being good should always be harder than being bad". The thing for Superman is, it is harder to be good, just in a different way. It's often pointed out how Superman could just snap and become King of the World with the powers he has, and also force his will onto the world and "make it make sense" as Batman says, but he doesn't. Instead, he takes the "harder" route and leads people by example, trying to help them better themselves by showing them that there's a better way than just the "easy" way, and that working for and earning things makes them more worth it, even if it is harder. Any good Superman story shows this in his nature. In any good conflict in Superman comics, the villains are always challenging his morals and his good nature rather than just his physical abilities.

When I finished this and saw that you had 999 subs, i never felt more obligated to subscribe. Loved this

What a fantastic exploration of the character of batman. Now, onto your spiderverse essay.

Great video. i especially enjoyed the Batman vs Spider-Man and Superman comparisons.

Really good wow!!!! Keep making more! Maybe do Spiderman next!

Wow this is amazing. Very well done. This needs way more attention. I hope you'll make more like this.

It's weird, because I've always been a big fans of characters who don't have powers but can still keep up with and even surpass those with universe shattering and reality warping powers. I'm also a big fan of Sherlock Holmes and other detectives, as well as phantom thieves Arsene Lupin and mad scientists. Yet Batman has never been more than an afterthought on my favorites list. It was always Spiderman for Marvel and Flash for DC. This video does a good job explaining why I should look again at Batman. It also does a good job at debating those who think Batman's "no guns/ no killing" rule is dumber than Superman hiding his identity with glasses (which, that itself is more ingenious than most people realise). While, yes, killing the Joker (or any rogue, for that matter) will eliminate the threat once and for all, it will also shatter everything Batman is. Injustice and Flashpoint are good examples of illustrating this. And this is all coming from me, who watched the cartoons and shows but isn't as versed in the comics as many others.

Batman is incredible as a caracter and as meaning

Batman is my favorite fictional character of all time and I’ve never been able to articulate why he resonates with me nearly as well as you were able to in this video. Great job!

What an awesome video dude, everything you've said is why I love Batman.

This video is very interesting and your referencing sources is adding more value to this video. good luck with your this project and to be honest , this video deserves more views (1,727) than this.

Dude. This was great. I'm about to watch the animated series again and I think I'll see it a bit differently now. Could you make some videos about batman's iconic villains and how they reflect part of batman, himself? Ide really like to hear what you think about these subjects. :)

This video was absolutely excellent. I'll be sharing it around. Please make more.

Dude I watch this analysis time and time again and everytime l learn something new. Excellent work. Each time I am having trouble or am stuck at something, I ask myself “What would Batman do?” He’s such an inspiration.

This reminds me, why I tell myself "I'm Batman".

I originally thought he became the Batman out of vengeance he wanted to take the law into his own hands

Thank you for showing us that awesome podcast too

I have never been so amazed by a video like this in my life

Well I don't think that we should say that Batman is better than Superman. I always thought that Superman is about people dealing with great potential and Batman is about people dealing with great tragedy, which you made a good point of. As Batman after being confronted with tragedy chouse to do good and his villains chouse to do evil, Superman chouse to do good after being confronted with greatness. Look at Lex Luthor, Superman's archenemy, he is the smartest man alive, and he chouse to do evil. I really like a moment from All-Star Superman when Superman says to Luthor: "If you really cared you could have saved [the world] a long time ago".

This video was amazing and I loved the different lenses like religion and absurdity you looked into as well. I agree with all of it except for the black and white worldview you say Batman has. If he does have a black and white worldview why does he try to help the Joker in the Killing Joke, Joker is evil but Batman still believes there is good in him. If he has a black and white worldview then why doesn't he kill villains, he doesn't because he sees the gray area in life he believes in redemption. He also as the no kill rule because like you said if he kills someone, he submits to the idea that his parents died for no reason and he can't have that. But in the comics as well Bruce gives money and jobs at Wayne Enterprises to former criminals once they come out of prison or if they turned to crime because of money problems. But maybe I'm wrong and maybe those interpretations of the character are not seen as often as the one who does see in black and white. Otherwise this was an amazing video and my favourite superhero is Batman so it was spectacular to see someone dive deep into why Batman is a great hero like I have before.

I never really comment on videos but this was a great analysis. Thank you for your research and your time to make this video.

I absolutely love this man

Could you do a video on the flash next?

I'd like to see a kind of part 2 to this. More focusing on Jason Todd. While I do think Todd wants to tear down Bruce's "leap of faith" by presenting the cold, hard fact that innocents can still die if murderers aren't killed before any future victims are, he also does do it out of a sense of justice. In some iterations, Todd doesn't care whether or not Batman sees the world as he does, and just wants it to be safer for innocent, lawful people. And he takes this notion to the extreme by killing every dangerous, lawless person he comes across. I always thought anti-heroes were more psychologically interesting than normal heroes. Their distinct lack of care if they appeal to the ethics of others and just want to meat out their own ends. Whether because they think those ends or moral or just self-sufficient. Also, final point, i can't help but view it as illogical to admit that people can die "for no reason at all" and still live up to an ideal like how Bruce does. It'd make more sense if he sees that the world doesn't make sense and chooses to spend his life making it make sense by force. But I suppose this wouldn't be as heroic.

That moses batman connection was brilliant

Incredible video essay, probably one of my favorites hands down.

Venom and Carnage would definitely be interesting to going to as far as an analysis and absurdity

This is why I love batman and Especially the Arkham games they nail every aspect of batman

Great Video, very inspiring! Just subscribed, looking forward to more!

I keep coming back to this video

You video got my like. Your thoughtful, constructive, and kind responses to your comments got my subscription. Well done.

Justice League was my childhood! Love that show so much!

How did I just discover this? Amazing channel! I subbed

There are those who let tragedy either sink them like an anchor into despair or use it like a rocket to boost you into something better. Batman is the latter

Batman is my favourite character and this made me want to be him and the entire bat family..to have the same ideals and thoughts. Youre channel is amazing and u deserve more attention for the amount of work and time u spend on your videos....i wish you the best of luck

He's also an escape artist so even if you take away his utility belt you still find a way out

I’m just watching this now but wow this video quality is amazing good job

This was very well done and presented! Excellent job! You have very good narrator voice and did a great job editing!