2011-07-16
Explanation
This comic deconstructs the Batman mythos by having a petty criminal point out the class dynamics that Batman's origin story glosses over. When Batman confronts a crook and recounts his tragic backstory ("Ever since my parents were murdered, I stalk the night fighting crime..."), the criminal replies that his parents were murdered too -- but unlike the wealthy Bruce Wayne, he wasn't rich, so his only options were to starve or turn to crime. He notes how nice it must have been to afford "karate lessons and gadgets and a secret hideout."
Batman is visibly shaken by this perspective and awkwardly lets the criminal go, telling him to "just be good from now on." The crook thanks him sincerely, saying "Bless you, Batman. Here but for the grace of God go you." Later, when Commissioner Gordon urgently calls Batman to save a busload of orphans from the Joker, Batman -- now consumed by guilt and self-doubt -- responds "I don't deserve to" and turns off his communicator. The comic is a pointed social commentary on how the Batman fantasy ignores the role of wealth and privilege, and humorously imagines what would happen if Batman actually confronted that reality.