10 Reasons Why Batman Is The Most Overrated Character Of All Time

10. Bruce Wayne's Personality Is As Malleable As The Joker's

DC Comics

Drawing back to my opening remarks regarding Bruce's many interpretations, the character (at least in the various iterations of the DC Universe's main canon) has evolved sharply at different stages of his 75 year existence. This ragged and juxtaposing fluctuation that seems to occur every time a creator takes the reigns has led to Bruce becoming a complete enigma.

At one moment he's a carefree swashbuckler delighted by the company he keeps, the next, a cold-hearted man who has no qualms about brutalising criminals for his own pleasure. Whilst it's great that creative teams are able to offer their own interpretation and stamp on the character, there's no natural evolution to be seen. To draw a comparison with Daredevil, you can see a discernible progression of Matt Murdock from being a dashing adventurer to a sombre vigilante whose morals have been corrupted, which feels natural.

With Batman, you'll have a team who adores his supporting cast, then one that wishes to do away with them altogether, but in ways that don't feel progressive or indeed conducive to the character's growth. It is these constant tonal and personality shifts that make the character feel like DC's very own personification of an oxymoron. Of course it must be said that some of the best talent in the industry has gifted the character with some absolutely seminal works, but the disregard for the evolution of Bruce's personality leaves me asking just what exactly the character stands for anymore.

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Content Producer/Presenter

Resident movie guy at WhatCulture who used to be Comics Editor. Thinks John Carpenter is the best. Likes Hellboy a lot. Can usually be found talking about Dad Movies on his Twitter at @EwanRuinsThings.