Batman the Blank Slate

In many ways the first Batman comic is similar to the first Superman and Wonder Woman comics, but in one subtle way stands out. I didn’t notice it when I read the comic, but looking back I realized that there is no romantic interest introduced in the first issue. Superman has Lois and Wonder Woman has Steve, but Batman is alone. Batman is initially presented as a solitary figure and not much else besides the fact that he is rich is known about his personal life. Even Superman, and especially Wonder Woman, had some level of backstory. Of course in later issues Batman’s origin story is explored and he is even given a fiancé out of nowhere, who is of course immediately put into peril, in the fifth issue. Still, Batman’s solitude is part of what shrouds him in mystery, but also makes him seem flat in the beginning. Batman in some respects is more of a blank slate than Superman and Wonder Woman, which is why I think Batman more than other superheroes is able to be portrayed drastically different in the comics and on the screen. Darker interpretations fit Batman just as well as campy ones.