The success of The Batman and the mystery swirling around the forthcoming DCU films are keeping interest in DC Comics boiling, and there's still plenty of room to expand its cinematic entries with more characters from the so-called Bat-family. The Dark Knight acting as a perpetual lone wolf is a common misconception, as the brooding hero operated "alone" for only two or three years before his sidekick Robin came along.
Batman's solo ventures are thrilling, but the ever-expanding Bat-family has paved the way for several genuinely heartwarming moments in the comics. From Bruce Wayne formally adopting Dick Grayson to the Bat-family movie night, these wholesome s offer a welcome dose of serotonin.
Alfred Comforts A Grieving Dick Grayson
Dark Victory was a worthy direct sequel to the acclaimed The Long Halloween, and it chronicles another important piece of Batman's mythos. In addition to the grizzly crime mystery at the core of the story, this series goes over the origins of Dick Grayson and the blossoming dynamic duo of Batman and Robin.
It's an equal parts wholesome and somber moment, but one that ultimately champions hope and optimism for the future when Alfred consoles a grieving Dick Grayson. The beloved butler laments he hadn't spoken those words to Bruce when he could have, but he made sure to let Dick know that being alone will never be a concern of his again.
Bruce Formally Adopts Dick Grayson
Several sidekicks within the DC universe deserve some time in the spotlight, but the original Robin is arguably the most iconic of these kinds of superheroes. In almost a mirror image of how Bruce lost his parents and such a young age, he witnesses young Dick Grayson have his ripped from him due to the scourge of organized crime.
Bruce eventually took him in as his ward, but one of the most satisfying (and quieter) moments in Batman mythos came when he formally adopted him. It took a lot for the Dark Knight to learn to let people in again, and it's beautiful to see him make an effort to convey his sincere emotions and for Dick to lovingly return them.
Batman Brings Cassandra Cain Into The Family
Cassandra Cain is, perhaps, one of the more underrated of the Bat-family. Aside from her elite-tier martial arts prowess, she has a genuinely investing and rewarding character arc. Eventually donning the mantle of Orphan, Cassandra is the daughter of ruthless killers David Cain and Lady Shiva. She's never known a true family as a result; only abuse and neglect.
Before the events of R.I.P., Cassandra tries to reintegrate into Wayne Manor, but she's having trouble shedding away the killer instincts her parents beat into her. In the end, though, the story culminates in a touching embrace where Bruce tells her she'll always have a family among them.
Bruce Celebrating Father's Day With Alfred
Alfred Pennyworth is the Bat-family's most important member. It's with good reason, as he is the lynchpin that allows this family to hold together and keep Bruce's feet planted on the ground. Naturally, in the wake of Thomas and Martha Wayne's murders, Alfred became a surrogate father to the grieving, angry young man.
And though it took some time to fully realize that, that relationship has bloomed beautifully for quite some time now. That makes the short story taking place on Father's Day all the more wholesome, as a battered Bruce Wayne coyly celebrates the occasion with his dad (partly by not worrying him sick).
Batman Treats Solomon Grundy To A Thanksgiving Dinner
The Long Halloween is often cited as one of the greatest Batman comics in the history of the character. Much of this was thanks to its grounded, gritty crime-noir approach to storytelling, masterfully emphasizing the hero's World's Greatest Detective moniker. But for all the darkness and grit, there was at least one touching scene thrown in.
The immortal zombie Solomon Grundy has lived his life in the solitude of the sewers; the only place he can call home. But on Thanksgiving Day perhaps as thanks for not killing a suspect, Batman leaves him a hot plate of festive food for the holidays.
Bruce And Selina, Clark And Lois Double Date
Since Catwoman transitioned from being a villain to an anti-hero/hero hybrid, Selina Kyle has gradually become a member of the Bat-family, even if her and Bruce's relationship is still complicated. She's Batman's best love interest and one of the most endearing moments in recent memory to come out of the comics is when they had a double date with Superman and Lois Lane.
It was a welcome break from the high stakes and action, telling a down-to-earth and charming story. Especially so getting to see Bruce and Clark have to cosplay as each other to get into the "superhero night" at an amusement park.
The Bat-Family Movie Night
Given how lucrative Batman is as a character and property, it's no surprise that he's gotten so many comic book series outside of the two flagship titles. One such series that's become a fan-favorite over the years is Black & White, where different writers and artists tell their respective short stories.
In a story that goes over the full history of Nightwing, a myriad of photos of milestone moments of Dick's life scatter across the pages, with one depicting the Bat-family having a movie night. It's a sweet moment to capture, even if only briefly, but seeing Bruce, Selina, Alfred, Cassandra, the Robins, Ace the Bathound and more relaxing together is a refreshing change of pace.
The Resurrection Of Damian Wayne
When DC Comics legend Grant Morrison first introduced Damian Wayne into the canon, he was seen as a controversial figure. Not unlike the former and second Robin Jason Todd. However, he's received some well-earned character growth over the years.
And when the clone named Heretic killed the boy, it nearly ruined Bruce Wayne from the inside. But after a bout with Darkseid himself, Batman manages to resurrect his son. Comic book deaths are cheap at times given how often resurrections happen, but this scene of the two embracing exudes the strength of their bond.
Batman's Encouraging Damian
It's no secret that Damian Wayne was rough around the edges in the early going of the character's history. Having been hardly raised by his mother or grandfather in an international terrorist group of assassins instilled darkness in him that's unique from other Bat-family .
But, in time, he learned to hold higher values and embrace his life in a loving family. Having to follow up on three other Robins led to self-esteem issues for Damian, which is what made seeing Bruce encourage Damian to succeed on his own (and propping up his other sons at the same time) feel so rewarding.
Alfred Helps Encourage Gotham's New Dark Knight
In the aftermath of Final Crisis where Bruce Wayne was blasted back through time after sacrificing himself to defeat Darkseid, Gotham City was left without its protector. After a gritty battle for the mantle, Dick Grayson emerged as the prodigal son.
Of course, that didn't come so easy, especially with a still-volatile Damian Wayne as Robin with him, and with the now-grown superhero struggling with imposter syndrome. Leave it to Alfred to be the one to light that fire underneath his spirit, as he encourages Dick to embrace the mantle as a great role to play and be the hero Gotham City is waiting for him to be.
