10 Insane Alternative Versions Of Batman You Won't Believe

What were they thinking having a Batman priest?

By Niall McAvera /

DC Comics have a real thing for alternate timelines and interpretations. In current comic book continuity there are 51 different 'earths'. 51 versions of the universe - some nicer than others. The Multiverse also, quite thankfully, allows writers to experiment with established formulas.

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A change in setting, origin, outfit, powers or maybe all of them. Writers can mix it up without any consequences to older, more established narratives. And yes, this does include everybody’s favourite shadow hiding vigilante, Batman.

There is the belief that no matter what, there must always be a Batman. In mainstream culture this idea is apparent with Terry McGinnis in Batman Beyond, or John ‘Robin’ Blake at the end of The Dark Knight Rises. The rule also applies within the deeper mythos of DC comics - that every Earth should have its Batman.

There have been various iterations of the Caped Crusader since the character made his debut in 1939. Some have offered just the odd change here and there, like a costume or a tweaked origin. However, some interpretations can end up really messing with the established formula, all with their own varying degrees of success.

10. Leatherwing

Set in the Golden Age of Piracy, Batman: Leatherwing followed its titular Dark Knight-esque protagonist as a privateer on the high seas. Dressed in his traditional cape and cowl of Batman to hide his identity, Captain Leatherwing pillaged ships upon his vessel the Flying Fox, a species of bat. Collecting enough gold so that he may someday buy back his family’s land back in England that was taken away when his parents died.

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Leatherwing was in the employ of King James II of England who paid him to raid the ships of rival countries with the help of his servant and navigator, Alfredo. The captain’s primary antagonists included rival pirates Laughing Man and Captain Felina, who teamed up in search of his secret harbour, Vespertilio Cay, also known as the Bat’s Cay. In the finale of the comic Leatherwing also faced off against Admiral Cobblepot, a British traitor who sold his services to the King of Spain.

Alongside Alfredo as one of the Captain’s allies there is Robin Redblade, who is a street urchin and stowaway that Leathering takes in. Robin even sacrifices himself when the Laughing Man shoots at his idol. In a fit of rage the captain then impaled his adversary with his cutlass, and later pinned him to the ship’s mast.

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