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Weve all got an early memory of the Dark Knight lodged in our mind somewhere, whether its from a stack of a father or siblings old comic books, watching re-runs of the purposely gaudy 60s T.V show or from one of the many movie adaptations or animated series available for audience consumption. Hes a character thats so embedded into our collective subconscious that these days it's difficult to get through a week without hearing about his exploits in some form or another (although Im not sure exactly why youd want to). Yes, its a good time to be a Batman fan; a great time in fact. Rocksteadys phenomenal new open world brawler Arkham City is currently lighting up the gaming world, making it possible to actually feel like the Dark Knight himself. And love it or hate it, theres no denying that Christopher Nolans modern re-imagining of the iconic Caped Crusader has captured the attention of the entire world. The Dark Knights current lifetime gross is reportedly over a billion dollars and the franchise's third instalment, The Dark Knight Rises, which is due for release in summer 2012, is looking poised to destroy the box office all over again. Theres little doubt that Batman is one of, if not the most commercially successful comic book character in history, with over 20 monthly affiliated publications, a booming movie and T.V brand and enough merchandise on the market to give George Lucas a semi-on. Obviously commercial success doesnt always guarantee quality, but we at WhatCulture believe that with the Caped Crusader, it totally does. And theres never been a better time for us to make the case that Batman might well be the greatest superhero in existence. For those of you who agree with our point blank assertion, we present you with fifty of the many reasons why Batman clearly pops a grapple in the competition. For those of you who dont, here are fifty statements that are probably just going to piss you off For maximum Bat-effect, run this video before you read on: http://youtu.be/-9vdzumXOxI
1. He's Just A Man
If Batman were to miss his grapple (he wouldnt, but saying he did) and hit the ground from a sufficient height, hed die like the rest of us. Its as simple as that. Other Superheroes may also share this base humanity, but generally when they don their alter-ego they enter altered states and become impervious (a la Green Lantern or Iron Man). We can never know what its like to attain this invulnerability, or to fly or feel super-strength but we can and do strive to reach the pinnacle of our potential. Thats why Batman is so effortlessly relatable; it isnt his frequent feats of strength or athleticism so much as the fact that even in the cape and cowl, hes still one of us.
2. The Symbol
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Its more recognizable than almost any other symbol on Earth, in fiction or otherwise. Youve drawn this from memory more than once Ill wager, on school books and message pads. Its simple, stark and in an instant conjures up notions of justice and compassion. In short, its everything a symbol should be.
3. The Human Mind As A Superpower
So hes just a man, right? Thats not to say that Batman doesnt have a superpower. His mind is his power; within it lurks a deadly, but prefectly balanced combination of insurmountable anguish, indomitable conviction, unparalleled genius and just a sprinkling of mental instability. Rarely in comics do plight and power marry so seamlessly.
4. Hes a Master Tactician
Batman often works angles that can barely be observed until theyre passed, but in a storys closing panels, when all is revealed, theres consistent delight to be found in the tactics that hes employed. Even up against a rogue Superman, youll rarely see Batman dispatched with ease because hes planned for the eventuality years in advance.
5. Stealth
Batman is a predator, his prey: cowardly, superstitious criminals. He stalks from the rafters, watching, planning; singling them out and using the Batman legend against them, rendering their brawn or power as practically useless.
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How often have you wished you could confront someone on your terms instead of theirs? Batman often lives out that very fantasy for us.