10 Times Batman Outsmarted Everyone

The Dark Knight Returns is probably one of the best examples of how an aged Batman would behave - namely, in that he would not, and would try to do heroic stunts way beyond that which his body could manage.

Although it initially appears that his caused of death was a fight with Superman gone wrong, it is later revealed that this fight has actually gone very right, and that Batman has faked his death in order to disappear from the public eye and train the next generation of vigilantes.

While the plan is ever so slightly ruthless, as it appears to bank on not telling many people who were close to him - such as Selina, shown grieving at the funeral - this is perhaps what makes it work best, as aside from Superman and Robin there is nobody who can spread the secret of the Dark Knight's continued existence.

Having Batman's final public moment be part of an elaborate scheme to convince everyone he's died is perhaps the most in-character way to have the character retire, even if it is a little sad.