From unexpected twists to untold stories, we explore the most shocking Batman moments lost from history.
After 100 years, the life of Batman is common to go through a thousand stories, some of which are remembered by fans, while others have been forgotten or changed. For this reason, we have a travel insurance policy.
1. The secret marriage that did not exist
In the Batman universe, few characters have been as popular as Mr. Freeze. His tragic love story with Nora Fries won the hearts of fans. However, an unexpected twist in the New 52 reveals that their marriage was never meant to be. Victor Fress, who has been frozen since 1943 and is furious with Nora, weaves their story together. This revelation left fans in shock, and soon after, DC Comics decided to return the love story to its original form.
2. The forgotten rivalry between the Joker and Bruce Wayne
The relationship between Batman and Joker was central to their stories. But in Batman: Lovers and Madmen, a different aspect is explored: the old rivalry between Bruce Wayne and the Joker, then known as Jack. This attempt to give the Joker a different origin was strongly rejected by fans, causing the story to be forgotten.
3. Carrie Kelly’s short time in the main universe
Carrie Kelly, who starred in The Dark Knight Returns, was briefly introduced into the main DC Universe in 2013. Her appearance was surprising with her quick disappearance. Frank Miller’s monotony in writing his characters is said to have led to his abrupt retirement from mainstream narratives.
4. Batman’s forgotten female counterpart
Before Barbara Gordon, Kathy Kane (Batwoman) and her niece Betty Kane (Bat-woman) were Batman’s first female partners. Her characters, introduced in the Silver Age, were later forgotten when Barbara Gordon became the top batsman.
5. Batman and 12-year-old Dick Grayson hate
In All-Star Batman and Robin, The Boy Wonder presented a controversial version of Batman, showing an abusive and violent side to young Dick Grayson. This image shocked fans so much that the story quickly diverged from the original Batman canon.
6. The controversial death of Stephanie Brown
Dr. Leslie Tompkins, better known as Batman and his family’s godfather, dies to teach Bruce a lesson, while Stephanie Brown is thrown into controversy. This story was so poorly received that DC had to rewrite the narrative to redeem Leslie’s character.
7. The Lost Brother and the Boomerang Killer
The introduction of Bruce Wayne’s older brother, Thomas Wayne Jr., the Boomerang Killer, was a wonderful mess that didn’t sit well with fans. The idea of Bruce’s parents abandoning Thomas due to mental health issues was seen as an outdated and cruel approach.
8. Huntress: Daughter of Batman and Catwoman on Earth -2
Bruce and Selina’s daughter Helena Wayne was first known as the Earth-2 Huntress. Although this version of the Huntress has since been erased from canon, her legacy lives on in Helena Bertinelli, a more recent incarnation of the character.
9. Talia al Ghul’s deception and the birth of Damian Wayne
In Demon Child, Talia al Ghul lies to Batman about her miscarriage and gives her baby up for adoption. This narrative twist is later replaced by a darker storyline, in which Talia drugs Batman to impregnate Damian.
10. Helena Kyle, unknown daughter
Helena Kyle, originally introduced as the daughter of Batman and Catwoman, turns out to be the daughter of an unknown villain named Smart Bomb. This twist was so poorly received that fans assumed Bruce would be revealed as the real father, which never happened.
While these twists and turns are no longer part of the Dark Knight canon, their existence and eventual rejection by DC fans and creators reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of narrative in the comic book world. These stories, however discarded, are testaments to the creative process and the relationship between creators and their audiences. Through them, we can see how some ideas, while initially tempting, can be re-evaluated and refined in response to fan feedback, ensuring that the Bat is relevant and respected in the changing entertainment landscape.