36. The Tone
Crime-fiction is still one of the most enduring and well-loved genres around, throughout the varying narrative mediums. Batman was in fact directly inspired by the pulp crime serials that were popular in the 20s and 30s, such as the Shadow and even the acclaimed literary mystery busting of Arthur Conan Doyles esteemed Sherlock Holmes.
Obviously, Batmans original tone has shifted across its behemothic lifespan but there remains a core element within the ongoing story even today that harkens back to those macabre, convention defining crime stories of yesteryear.
37. The Training
Plight is the key to a satisfying protagonist. Batmans training is where his plight would have been at its fullest; hed have been on his knees, physically weaker than we know hell become but always as internally strong as we know he is at the core. Its a satisfying notion, that while most other Supes are gifted with their abilities, Bruce Wayne made a choice and earned his Superhero status with blood and sweat.
With a period of incubation this long and so largely unexplored, D.C can feasibly pull a new skill out of thin air whenever its required for the character, allowing for consistent unpredictability. Im still waiting for a T.V show based on the training of Bruce Wayne; I mean why not? They made Smallville
38. The Potential Ability To Take Down Superman
In the extended DC Universe, Superman trusts Batman above any other Supe, although they may fundamentally disagree on crime fighting methods. The reason for this is simple: Superman knows how potentially dangerous he is and if he were to go rogue (something which has happened on numerous occasions believe it or not), then he knows that Batman would be the one to take him down, without a doubt.
Normally, the power of a Villain is measured against the power of the Hero, but Batman doesnt adhere to this rule. He can feasibly defeat anyone - from a lowlife rapist to a vengeful God because he follows one fundamental ideal: nothing is insurmountable. Ive got to be honest, I wish that wasnt so easier said than done, because if I could see life in this way, I reckon Id be a millionaire by now.
39. Bat-Synergy
As you well know, Batman broke out of comic books and onto screens as early back as the 40s. Admittedly his film, T.V and Video Game career hasnt always been completely on the money (who can forget the jaw-droppingly terrible Bat-Mastercard placement in Joel Schumachers Batman and Robin? I wish I could) but in general, no other costumed hero has had as sprawling or as consistently satisfying a presence across the varying platforms as Batman has.
Batman: the Animated Series will have been a staple Saturday morning ritual for many whore reading this article, and thereve been a number of other excellent T.V series and features since (check out the recent animated adaptation of Frank Millers Year One, for a definitive main canon refresher of Batmans tumultuous origin for instance). http://youtu.be/8o8O3E9XSgo And of course anyone whos played either of Rocksteadys unbelievable Arkham Asylum or City video games will tell you that no other comic book hero has fared so well on our gaming systems before or likely will again until we hopefully see a third instalment.
40. Kevin Conroy's Batman & Mark Hamill's Joker
Maybe its because I grew up on Batman: The Animated Series way before I had access to a comic book shop, but for me there are no better comic to screen interpretations than Kevin Conroys Batman and Mark Hamills Joker. Theyre so definitive in their roles and have such pitch perfect chemistry together that theyre repeatedly cast in the characters varying iterations across the board. Whether in the Animated Series, the Justice League Unlimited cartoon or their superb renditions in the recent Rocksteady video-games, if Conroy and Hamill are attached to the bill then hold on to your Bat-nuts.