With all the coverage focused on the colorful, upbeat Critics Choice winner for Best Animated Series, Harley Quinn, it's easy to forget the character that embodies vengeance for the people of Gotham, Batman. Understandably, The Dark Knight represents fear and the dark unknown as he combats the monsters of the DC Universe.
Perhaps Batman can't afford the luxury of supervillains believing he has a soft side, lest it becomes something that can be leveraged against him. Nonetheless, the Caped Crusader has shown that while he may get the rap of a cold, detached brooder, he is quite the opposite, demonstrating a softer, more comionate side in numerous mentionable stories over the decades.
The Long Halloween
One of the most acclaimed Dark Knight stories of all time, Batman: The Long Halloween, is littered with memorable Batman moments. This noir thriller details Batman's year of hell as he engages in a cloak-and-dagger game with a serial killer that only kills on holidays.
Undoubtedly, Halloween features numerous testaments to Batman's deadly efficiency. Yet, it also contains priceless moments where fans see Bats' generous heart, like when he shares his thanksgiving dinner with Solomon Grundy, another lost soul, deep within the sewers of Gotham.
The Hounded Drum
When discussing Batman, many comic fans quickly point out an established soft spot in his heart for young victims. This known vulnerability derives from personal traumatic experiences and the similarities in victims' innocence levels, even the lesser-known, four-legged Bat-Family varieties.
Another notable area where Bats' shows a penchant for opening up his heart lies in sufferers of the animal variety. 'The Hounded Drum' story found in Batman: Urban Legends #16 is a perfect example of Batman showing unconditional love doubters didn't believe he had in him.
The Wedding Of Batman & Catwoman
An all-time best-selling DC comic, "The Wedding of Batman & Catwoman" is a stylishly done story by creators who have fueled these DC icons' love over the years. This remarkable anniversary story of the Batrimony between Selina Kyle and Bruce Wayne sees many of the most enduring moments of their union rendered through rose-colored glasses.
Highlighting the pertinent moments of their courtship, #50 takes readers on a trip through time. From their introduction in The Long Halloween to a romantic, heartfelt dinner shared by costume crusaders, this culmination of a different kind of love gives fans an introspective take on the emotional side of Bats.
Batman: Noël
Keeping up with the festive holiday season, Batman: Noël offers fans a fiendishly clever re-imagining of the timeless Dickens tale A Christmas Carol. Done through a narrative storyteller, Noël takes readers on this personality-altering voyage for the titular character.
Filled with tidings of good cheer and a softer look at the oft-crotchety Caped Crusader, the top-notch team of Lee and Bermejo nail the look and feel of this story. Moreover, Noël proves even the coldest hearts capable of thawing and illustrates a warmer, merrier side of Batman.
Batman: War On Crime
Penned by the uber-talented duo of Ross and Dini, Batman: War on Crime tells a heartfelt tale about Bruce Wayne and his growth while fighting the war on crime. After the proposed construction to replace the historic yet impoverished, Bayside area of Gotham, Batman responds to a robbery, only to happen upon a recently orphaned boy, Marcus.
This jarring image immediately touches Bats profoundly with clear parallels to his childhood. Eventually, after other encounters with Marcus, Batman connects with him, attempting to subvert the violent path he had turned to in his grief. Then, Bruce commits the Wayne Foundation to a renewal project for Bayside, showing his massive heart.
Puppet Strings
On more than one occasion, Batman has become a mentor to burgeoning heroes. But, was never his softer side on display than with Jessica Cruz, the co-Lantern of Sector 2814 in Justice League #33. When the power ring containing the essence of Volthoom sought out Jessica Cruz, its malevolent power overwhelmed her.
This parallel universe ring functioned opposite the Green Lantern Corps, feeding on fear instead of willpower. The ring attempts to gorge on her copious dread and raze the planet until Batman steps into the eye of the hurricane and rescues a kindred soul, establishing a connection that persists today.
In Dreams
Artfully well presented by Helfer and Liberatore, this touching tale introduces readers to a young woman, Karen, seemingly haunted by a recurring nightmare of the Caped Crusader. At his wit's end, Karen's psychiatrist suggests that she has PTSD and that the trauma buried deep in her psyche is the root of the nightmare.
Additionally, her doctor reaches out to his good friend Jim, setting up a meeting with the canonically terrifying Batman, who knows what will set Karen free and delivers closure. Indeed, this softy Batman classic from Batman: Black & White #3 treats readers to a caring, sentimental side of Bats that genuinely looks to help everyone affected by his crusade.
Cycle Of Violence
Seen in Batman: The Dark Knight #11, Batman come across a victim, Clair while pursuing Scarecrow. In a state of manic fear, the child seems almost inconsolable. Yet, even though Batman and Scarecrow prey on fear, the different applications each employs highlight the indisputable truth of Batman's mission.
Indeed, Batman realizes the mental state of traumatized victims far outweighs his apprehension of the offenders. As a result, Batman exhibits a soft protectiveness that allows people like Clair to feel his genuine comion and open up to him.
Home Is Where The Heart Is
First introduced in Batman #567, the spotlight-deserving Cassandra Cain has become an indispensable member of the Bat Family and a favorite of the fans. In Batman & Robin Eternal #13, the talented duo of Tynion IV/Takara presents readers with Cassandra's secret origin story and profound connection to Batman.
Escaping the clandestine Nursery many years ago, Cassandra returns to see if any children remain, only to run into her father, Orphan. Caught in a flashback while engaged in a life-and-death struggle, Cassandra relives a moment shared by Batman and herself, with him assuaging her fears, lighting her path, and showing a softer side rarely seen in The Dark Knight.
Smile In The Face Of Death
The "Smile in the Face of Death" story depicts early events in Batman and Damian's relationship, showing Batman's troubles when dealing with his competent, confident, and independent son. Infiltrating the vile Saturn Club by being captured, Damian breaks established field protocols, putting his life and mission in jeopardy.
Lacking the long-established bond of trust between them, Batman and Damian experienced a rocky beginning to their partnership as Damian sought to prove himself. Yet, Batman must also learn to balance his emotions with the mission. After hammering out these differences, they share a touching moment where a father shows a son the love he needs.
