Those who are already familiar with the stories of the Batman know that it is possible to draw a very fine line between what turns an individual into a hero or a villain. This is the discussion addressed in Harvey Dent’s trajectory in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight”.
Certainly, this is a dilemma that exists among several characters in Gotham, as has happened in other situations, from the story of the Joker, in “The Killing Joke”, by Alan Moore, to the trajectory of the second Robin, Jason Todd, who was sometimes portrayed as a hero, sometimes a villain and remains with the status of anti-hero.
This discussion about the moral inclination of the characters is what enriches the world of Batman the most. In the plots, his most focused characters are not portrayed only as good and bad, as there is a grayish pigmentation that makes them more complex and attractive.
Here, in “Batman: The Knight #8”, we are introduced to the origins of Batman. In fact, they are reintroduced, as the authors revisit Bruce Wayne’s memory and seek to better explore the scenarios that made him the guardian of the city.
This comic is a limited edition, and in its development we are invited to explore more of Wayne’s post-traumatic scenario after the events in which Bruce’s parents were killed in an alley.
All the anger he feels is transformed into strength to seek improvement, from practicing different fighting styles, to seeking to control his mind and feelings, since his anger does not go away.
The story’s debate focuses on how Bruce manages to control his anger and pain. His antisocial personality condition and the way his money also distances him from people, if malicious, in addition to all the investment to become Batman could have been enough for him to become Gotham’s greatest criminal.
At one point, he was close to giving in to his trauma, as it is characterized by aimless violence. If this were reflected directly, instead of setting a goal to eliminate crime, it would just be another criminal root that would grow throughout Gotham City. And, unlike the other enemies he faces, Bruce Wayne certainly wouldn’t have anyone who would oppose him.
Among the debates addressed, the current edition of the story talks about its first, where Alfred has a serious conversation with Bruce when he gets him out of prison. On that occasion, Alfred discusses that petty crimes are caused by people who seek something that he can easily have. Thus, stealing and getting into fights are desperate crimes by people who want to have something and cannot get it.
For Bruce Wayne, things can come in much simpler ways. And ultimately, this is a lesson he learns throughout his journey, especially when he begins to share his life with the night.
