10 Comic Book Characters Who Broke Batman

10. A Random Kid

The first issue of the Gotham Knights series begins with Batman working on a double-homicide. The victims, Senator Jack Myles and his wife, were shot dead in front of their son, Barrett.

Since Bruce Wayne's parents were murdered in front of him when he was ten, working on the case forces him to relive the worst moment in his life. Although he's dealt with murders countless times, Nightwing is worried "this one is gonna be hard on Bruce".

While Batman hunts down suspects, Nightwing says he's wasting time since they know who the killer is. Nevertheless, the Dark Knight says he can't close the case until he's exhausted all possibilities.

After double-checking the evidence, Batman concludes that the killer is the senator's son, Barrett. Despite being blessed with loving parents, Barrett was mentally disturbed and believed his life would be better without them.

There is nothing Bruce Wayne covets more than reuniting with his mother and father. To watch a child willingly throw that away for no real reason is the most insulting thing possible in Batman's eyes. The Gotham Knights series was meant to depict a more cynical side of Batman and this story was the perfect way to get this point across.