10 Most Awkward Moments In DC Comics History
6. Batman Quits His Civilian Identity - Batman #600 (2002)
After Bruce Wayne was framed for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Vesper, he is convicted and sent to prison. Being one of the world's greatest escape-artists, Bruce naturally escapes and heads back to the Batcave, only to be confronted by The Bat Family. Nightwing, Robin, Oracle, and Batgirl ask Batman what they plan to do to prove Bruce's innocence.
That's when Batman does the last thing anyone expects. He decides to abandon his "Bruce Wayne" persona, believing he'd be a more efficient crimefighter if he was Batman 24/7. He tells his teammates he has no intention of proving Bruce Wayne's innocence, allowing society to permanently perceive him as a killer.
Just to make the situation more awkward, Oracle calls Batman "Bruce" in front of the newly-appointed Batgirl, Cassandra Cain, accidentally revealing his identity.
When Robin asks if Batman killed Vesper, he flies into a rage, disgusted his sidekick would accuse him of such a thing. When Batman refuses to listen to his team, Nightwing socks him in the face, saying he's betraying everything they stand for.
Although Bruce eventually came to his senses and proved his innocence, there was a lot of tension in the Bat Family for months due to Batman's behaviour.