Matt Reeves’ take on the character of Batman in his 2022 film The Batman, is an interesting one. Not only did he aim to deliver a new version of the character in a darker, grittier version of Gotham, he also turned the iconic comic-book hero into an anti-hero.

At the beginning of this film, the very first words we hear Batman say – the words which introduce us to this new iteration of the character – are the following: “I am Vengeance.”

It goes without saying that this is a clear play on the iconic, greatly over-quoted, phrase “I’m Batman,” but it is also significant because it very clearly signals to us the primary motivation of this version of Batman. Which in itself raises a question:

Should there be different versions of Batman?

Certainly if you insist on making a fresh slate of Batman movies every few years, with a new set of actors and director (and it seems the comic-book movie world does insist on this), then a little variety between each one is absolutely necessary. However, it seems that a certain set of key characteristics must always stay the same, from one version of Batman to the next, in order for it remain that character.

On the external, visual side of things, it is quite evident what must be consistent: A black suit, cape, cowl, the symbol of a bat on his chest, assorted accessories and equipment, etc. But even so, these can be altered quite a bit.

But, on the internal side, it is often less evident what must not change from one iteration to the next. Certainly the way in which he acts and his manner of speech is something which each new actor will make his own. But when it comes to what drives Batman and what he stands for, there are certain things which is seems cannot be changed without risk of changing who he is fundamentally.

In particular – as we see spelled out in Batman Begins – it is important that Bruce Wayne as Batman be driven by a desire to uphold justice. The whole idea of the Batman as a symbol is to create something which can rise above the brokenness of humanity and be a symbol of something greater and more noble…

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