Tribute to a superhero (part 2)

Back in 1939, Bob Kane created the character of Batman. This year marks Batman’s 75th anniversary. In honor of this, I am devoting two blog installments to specific lessons that Batman teaches us. I posted some back on Friday, here are the remaining three.

#4: Never give up

In my opinion, as a Batman fan for decades, this idea of never giving up is one of the defining characteristics that sets Batman apart. In an episode of “Justice League” entitled “Only A Dream” a villain says to our hero, “You’re different; you don’t have any special powers.” Batman counters by saying, “Oh, I have one.  I never give up.” It’s so true. No matter how bleak, dire, or apparently insurmountable, Batman never quits. He never throws in the towel, or waves the white flag of surrender.

For instance, in an episode of “Justice League Unlimited” entitled “Destroyer”, a superpowered villain named Darkseid is running amok in Metropolis. Batman is there helping out, and while he is a mortal, he is still fighting Darkseid. What can he possibly do against an adversary so powerful? It doesn’t matter; Batman never gives up. The villain is shocked; he says to Batman, “You’re still here?” Superman answers for Batman, “That man won’t quit while he’s still drawing breath.” What an example! Never give up even when things look hopeless, dreary, and grim.

#5: Be prepared for any eventuality

I have two examples of this. First, there’s Batman’s famous utility belt. If you know you are going to be running around on rooftops, it would be best to have a grappling hook. If you know are going to be fighting villains, equip your belt with offensive weapons like tear gas pellets, or smoke pellets to avoid being seen at all. In short, Batman has his belt for what seems like any situation.

But Batman’s preparations include far more than just wearing his belt. In the animated movie “Justice League: Doom” it’s revealed that Batman has a contingency plan to neutralize any and all members of the Justice League. Batman’s logic is that if Superman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, or Green Lantern ever went rogue he could use his plans to make sure these extremely powerful beings are stopped. Some might say Batman is paranoid or expecting the worse in people, but in Batman’s mind, it’s better to always be prepared for any possible occurrence.

#6: Don’t seek personal glory

See if you can picture this: Batman saves a citizen of Gotham from certain death. The citizen thanks Batman, and in response, Batman says, “That’s right, you should thank me. In fact, you should go and tell all your friends and your family just how wonderful I am. Honor me. Praise me. Sing ballads of my exploits; for I am your rescuer.” No, you’re right; I can’t picture it, either. This described scene isn’t Batman in the slightest. The fact of the matter is this: Batman doesn’t do what he does for glory, adulation, or fame.

For example, in the pilot episode of the show “The Batman” entitled “The Bat in the Belfry” Bruce and Alfred are watching the chief of police being interviewed on TV. A member of the media asks if the rumors are true, that it was in fact, Batman who apprehended a powerful crime boss the night before. The chief denies it, relegating Batman as nothing more than an urban myth. Alfred is indignant, but Bruce replies, “Easy, Alfred. The Batman is right where he likes, hovering below the radar.” Alfred responds, “You are not one to bask in glory, Master Bruce.”

In conclusion, I hope you enjoyed my two blog installments where I presented my tribute to a remarkable superhero. Happy 75th anniversary, Batman!

Kevin