What Would Bruce Wayne’s Dad Think About Batman?

Would Bruce Wayne’s father approve of his son becoming the iconic superhero, Batman? The answer, as complex as Bruce Wayne's life himself, is multifaceted. The Flashpoint Multiverse and the comic series Death and the Maidens offer us insightful perspectives into this question.

Disapproval and Conflict

Thomas Wayne, Bruce's father, would likely disapprove of the way Bruce approaches his superhero duties. In the Flashpoint series, Flashpoint Batman, Thomas explicitly disapproves of Earth-0 Batman, stating his disagreement through a note to Barry Allen. This disapproval is also evident when Flashpoint Batman attempts to stop Bruce from continuing as Batman.

A Mixed Reaction

On one hand, Thomas and Martha Wayne would be proud of their son for his dedication and passion. They would be thrilled to see how he directly fights for justice and improves the lives of those in Gotham. However, they would also be deeply upset by the cost of this heroism. The loss of close relationships, the suffering, and the toll it takes on his mental and emotional well-being would cause them considerable grief.

The We Love You But...

The way they feel can be summarized as, “We love what you’re doing, just not how you’re doing it.” This sentiment is beautifully articulated by the Joker in his famous line, “Why so serious?” It highlights the internal conflict and emotional turmoil of parents witnessing their child's suffering in the pursuit of justice.

The Dream Sequence in Death and the Maidens

To understand their feelings more deeply, we can look at the Dream Sequence in the 2003 miniseries Death and the Maidens. In this sequence, Martha greets Bruce after he drinks a potion that allows him to see his parents. She mentions that Thomas is “more than a little angry” with Bruce, and they take a tour of Gotham, with Martha expressing her disapproval of how Bruce has been living his life.

Martha's Perspective

Martha marvels at the gems Bruce has collected, trying to piece together his broken life, reflecting on the memory of her death. She notes that while Thomas is not present, he is still angry at Bruce for becoming Batman. Martha contrasts her death with Bruce's obsession, urging him to remember her in a different way. Her words resonate with the pain of losing her son to his dark and determined path:

“This is how you remember me, Bruce. Shot in the neck, covered in gore, dying in an alley. Not the nicest memory to have of one's mother. And if you don’t like it, son…maybe you should remember me a different way.”

Thomas's Interrogation

Later, Thomas shows up, and his anger and disappointment are amplified. He interrogates Bruce, calling his life as a detective wearing a bat's costume a sad and pathetic existence:

“A detective who dresses as a demonic bat. A bat man. I see it…And it breaks my heart.”

Thomas elaborates, expressing that while he doesn’t entirely dislike Batman, he is deeply upset by the cost of Bruce’s journey. He wishes for Bruce to have a healthy, happy life. Martha echoes his sentiments, reminding him of the opportunities he could have pursued as a doctor, teacher, or artist.

“You could have been anything, sweetheart. You could have been a doctor like your father or a teacher who inspired thousands or an artist who touched the hearts of millions. You could have cured cancer for all we know. You could have been president.”

The Bittersweet Truth

Ultimately, the heart-wrenching dream sequence in Death and the Maidens illustrates the bittersweet truth: Thomas and Martha are proud of what their son has achieved but are deeply saddened by the cost. They wish for Bruce to live a life filled with joy, health, and happiness, rather than a life of perpetual sacrifice and darkness.

Conclusion

Bruce Wayne's father’s perspective on the Batman is a testament to the complexities of parental love and the struggles of pursuing a noble but demanding path. It shows that even the most dedicated and well-meaning parents can be deeply disappointed by the path their child chooses, yet still feel a profound sense of pride in what that child has accomplished despite the sacrifices.