What Is Batman Really All About? According to DC, the Answer Is "Simple"

Superheroes often represent complex issues and, with decades of history, they can also be deeply complicated characters. While Batman is certainly a nuanced character, the actual root of who he is, and why he does what he does, have remained remarkably simple since his inception. As explained by DC's preeminent Batman writer right now, the core of Batman's character is a straightforward concept that anyone can relate to.

In an interview with CBR, Absolute Batman author Scott Snyder sat down and discussed exactly what he believes makes the Dark Knight tick, and the answer is easy to understand, yet endlessly fascinating. Batman is a character who went through an unimaginable tragedy, but still managed to become a hero despite it.

Batman uses the tragedy that he went through to fuel himself and motivate himself to make sure that no one else suffers a similar tragedy. It's a truly inspiring motivation, that just because Batman suffered doesn't mean that anyone else has to.

According To Scott Synder's Vision Of The Caped Crusader, "Absolute Batman" Is A Purer Form Of The Hero

Absolute Batman – Written By Scott Snyder; Art By Nick Dragotta; Issues #1-4 Available Now From DC Comics

Scott Snyder explained his view of Batman, and what has made the character's new Absolute incarnation successful, stating:

Really, the idea is to burn the character down to their core, right? And then rebuild them. That was the ethos of the Absolute Universe, and what we pitched to Kelly and to Jason and everybody involved. So for me, Batman was a really simple construction. It's a kid who faces the worst trauma that can happen to you and then decides at that moment to dedicate his entire life to using that as fuel to make sure this doesn't happen to someone else, and be the pinnacle of protection and change for the world of human achievement. So beyond that, everything is kind of flexible. Does he need the money or outfit or whatever? And for this, it's a different moment.

Something that a lot of people get wrong is believing that Batman is a character of vengeance. That he only exists to deal out punishment to criminals who have done wrong, but that's not really the case. Batman is, in truth, motivated by the desire to make sure that no one ever goes through the same tragedy that he did when he was a kid. That's the entire reason Batman has his no kill-rule.

Bruce Wayne never wants to be responsible for putting someone through the same trauma that he suffered. It's a deeply touching motivation. As Scott Snyder points out, this understanding of the Caped Crusader has been vital to the success of the Absolute DC Universe so far. While Batman can wrap himself up in titles, like calling himself vengeance, or the Dark Knight, he's not nearly as complicated as he tries to present himself, and his true simplicity is actually essential to what makes the hero relatable.

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The Absolute Universe has taken similar stances towards other characters, asking questions such as if Wonder Woman could still be kind after having grown up in Hell, a place completely devoid of kindness, or if Superman can still be a beacon of hope in a world that has none. These are great questions, and clearly resonate with fans, considering just how well the Absolute Universe continues to sell. While all of these characters have changed over the decades, their original idea is still at their core, and the Absolute Universe proves it.

Absolute Batman has sold incredibly well, fans are constantly waiting to see the next issue, even asking Scott Snyder on Twitter/X questions about the plot. There's no denying this is so successful because Scott Snyder decided to bring Batman back to his core. It would have been so easy to just make Absolute Batman a big brute out for vengeance in a city without hope, but Batman is more than that. Batman is a character who is driven by hope at his core, and it's what makes him one of the greatest heroes.

Source: CBR, Scott Snyder Interview

Absolute Batman #1-4 are available now from DC Comics!