10 Most Insane Alternate Universe Batmen

While Barbatos wildly diverges from the typical Bruce Wayne origin story, it is the cosmic-being which inspired the Batman identity. The name Barbatos is borrowed from the 17th century Earl of Hell, whose powers included predicting the future and being a supernaturally skilled mediator. DC’s Barbatos is significantly stronger than its demonological inspiration.

As with any of Grant Morrison’s creations, Barbatos is as complex as it is fascinating. It made several minor but crucial appearances before it was used by Darkseid as the Hyper-Adaptor, who hunted Batman through all of time and existence. Its most notable appearance was in Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth, where the character appeared as a bat-demon cryptid of Gotham folklore.

Barbatos’ powers and influence increased post-New 52. He was cast as the god of the Dark Multiverse. Barbatos crossed over to the regular Multiverse to enact a nefarious plan to guide Bruce Wayne into becoming Batman. Appearing as a bat in Wayne Manor, Barbatos was interpreted by the grief-stricken Bruce as a sign from his father.

Creating Batman in his own image, Barbatos wished to create a portal between the Multiverses. While back in his own Dark Multiverse, Barbatos assembled the Dark Knights.