Does Batman follow a "Straight Edge" lifestyle?

[Indrid Cold]

Batman definitely did not "get down on catwoman." There have been writers (for the TV show for example) who basically didn't get Batman and there's an element of sexual tension on the old Adam West serial. But unlike Superman and his female counterparts (LL, LL, WW etc) where the attraction is reciprocal and consistent, with canonical Batman there's a traditional understanding that while Batman is an object of lust for Catwoman, it's not strongly reciprocated.


The 14 year olds in you will post that it's because Catwoman is "evil" therefore Batman cant get with her but that's not the motivation. First of all, there's no prohibition in comics of a hero hooking up with an antihero... among superhero couplings, it's almost as common for a hero to get with an anithero as with a hero... Spidey/Black Cat etc. If you understand anything about Batman, it has to do with his emotional detachment and the transference of his PRIVATE feelings and emotional connections only being able to be expressed in a GENERAL love/emotional attachment to Gotham City as a surrogate... ergo his obsession with saving Gotham.

This is not only with Catwoman. Even with Dick Grayson there's a strong undercurrent/conflict of Batman not being "checked in" in his emotional dealings. Or even his dealings with his most trusted partner Superman... whose relationship is portrayed as conflict almost as often as it is partnership. the man simply cannot form normal emotional attachments nor express it in day to day life. he's certainly not going to express it sexually

and to Capt Picard above me... you make not like it but clearly Batman's tradition of pedastry in the comics leaves open the analogy to Sparta. it doesn't mean he is definitely gay but logically it leaves the door open. keep in mind that before the 20th century the idea of being "gay" as we know it didn't exist. Spartan dudes had wives and heirs and regular lives and packing fudge was just something they did sometimes it didn't "define" them. IMHO Batman is not actually gay... he's ascetic and it's possible that his development ******ed and his sexuality never concretely developed (the only thing he can "love" is Gothan). But be mature. It's not like Capt Picards has to beam in whenever someone raises that legitimate point

as for sex it's obvious. for all the reasons above Batman isn't going to have sex as a means to express emotional connections. The only other reason is for pleasure. And if any of you noobs can actually post that Batman... a man who dedicates his life to discipline and the NEGATION of PLEASURE in pursuit of his ideals is going to engage in the most hedonistic activities for no reason other than pleasure... well you're smart keep posting

the riddler and joker and all those cats however... have "gotten down" on catwoman as has a cast of thousands... if that makes you feel any better

...and he likes to enhale cat urine, c'mon the allure of the cat/bat relationship is the sexual tension. If you take that away you get "Bats & Cats Plus 8". The whole "pedophilic" tendencies issue, is really a non issue. I believe the 60's series exacerbated the homophobic relationship aspect between Bruce and Dick, but did not allude to pedophilia.

 

[maveholic31]

in the films the Christian Bale Bruce Wayne throws away his drinks and pretends to be boozed in public.. however Michael Keaton's Bats had no trouble downing vodka and gin

 

[SuperFerret]

Batman definitely did not "get down on catwoman." There have been writers (for the TV show for example) who basically didn't get Batman and there's an element of sexual tension on the old Adam West serial. But unlike Superman and his female counterparts (LL, LL, WW etc) where the attraction is reciprocal and consistent, with canonical Batman there's a traditional understanding that while Batman is an object of lust for Catwoman, it's not strongly reciprocated.

The 14 year olds in you will post that it's because Catwoman is "evil" therefore Batman cant get with her but that's not the motivation. First of all, there's no prohibition in comics of a hero hooking up with an antihero... among superhero couplings, it's almost as common for a hero to get with an anithero as with a hero... Spidey/Black Cat etc. If you understand anything about Batman, it has to do with his emotional detachment and the transference of his PRIVATE feelings and emotional connections only being able to be expressed in a GENERAL love/emotional attachment to Gotham City as a surrogate... ergo his obsession with saving Gotham.

This is not only with Catwoman. Even with Dick Grayson there's a strong undercurrent/conflict of Batman not being "checked in" in his emotional dealings. Or even his dealings with his most trusted partner Superman... whose relationship is portrayed as conflict almost as often as it is partnership. the man simply cannot form normal emotional attachments nor express it in day to day life. he's certainly not going to express it sexually

and to Capt Picard above me... you make not like it but clearly Batman's tradition of pedastry in the comics leaves open the analogy to Sparta. it doesn't mean he is definitely gay but logically it leaves the door open. keep in mind that before the 20th century the idea of being "gay" as we know it didn't exist. Spartan dudes had wives and heirs and regular lives and packing fudge was just something they did sometimes it didn't "define" them. IMHO Batman is not actually gay... he's ascetic and it's possible that his development ******ed and his sexuality never concretely developed (the only thing he can "love" is Gothan). But be mature. It's not like Capt Picards has to beam in whenever someone raises that legitimate point

as for sex it's obvious. for all the reasons above Batman isn't going to have sex as a means to express emotional connections. The only other reason is for pleasure. And if any of you noobs can actually post that Batman... a man who dedicates his life to discipline and the NEGATION of PLEASURE in pursuit of his ideals is going to engage in the most hedonistic activities for no reason other than pleasure... well you're smart keep posting

the riddler and joker and all those cats however... have "gotten down" on catwoman as has a cast of thousands... if that makes you feel any better

I'd like to just flat out say that you're wrong, but I can't because you're describing a version of the character that's been seen before.

However, I will say this, the whole brooding, obsessed, thinks-about-nothing-but-the-mission, doesn't-make-any-close-personal-relationships Batman is not only the most boring depiction of the character, it's also the least realistic.

 

[Fantasyartist]

As with Superman, I would definitely say YES to this post( see the "Demon In A Bottle" storyline in Iron Man to show that substance abuse and superheroics definitely DON'T mix- even though Batman has no superpowers ).

I feel I should declare my interest herein-I don't smoke, drink but relatively rarely and have never touched drugs. Religion (I'm a practising Catholic) may be a reason here,(your body is my Temple) but even if I were a declared atheist/agnostic I would follow much the same abstinent lifestyle! Like not just religious of both sexes, priests, or champion athletes, Batman abstains from drugs, booze and sex for a"higher cause"- in this case, his"war on crime"(speaking of which- did you know that the Dark Knight's nearest Marvel Universe counterpart, Frank Castle- aka-The Punisher was once a seminarian?)

Terry

 

[SuperFerret]

(speaking of which- did you know that the Dark Knight's nearest Marvel Universe counterpart, Frank Castle- aka-The Punisher was once a seminarian?)

Terry

Castle is nowhere near Batman's nearest Marvel counterpart. Iron Man, Moon Knight, Black Panther, hell even Captain America are closer than the Punisher is.

 

[TruerToTheCore]

Castle is nowhere near Batman's nearest Marvel counterpart. Iron Man, Moon Knight, Black Panther, hell even Captain America are closer than the Punisher is.

Absolutely, c'mon, some people have even compared Batman to Rorschach, this is ridiculous.

 

[Indrid Cold]

People have this conception that Batman is a murdering psychopath based off the "Dark Knight Returns". Sorry to dissapoint folks, but Batman is better than that.

 

[Comic Book Boy]

Absolutely, c'mon, some people have even compared Batman to Rorschach, this is ridiculous.

Actually, I think Alan Moore himself described Rorschach (and other WATCHMEN characters) as being what he considers a "real" Batman would be like.

 

[Panda of DOOM]

Rorschach shares aspects of Batman, definitely. As many characters also share aspects.

Alcohol: Wayne most likely has superior depressants at his disposal to need alcohol.
Cigarettes: No chance.
Drugs: Yes. For recreational purposes, not so much.
Sex: There's no way a billionaire teenager didn't get distracted from his mission and score some ass. Misdirected passion/frustration/anger can easily lead to waking up in jail or someone else's bed. Would he have sex consistantly? No, nor in a relationship, and especially not once he really defined his mission. But along his development into who he is, he would have undoubtebly had sex, and done crazy drugs, and gotten wasted out of his mind.
Gay: Doubt it. Sado-masochistic? Maybe.

 

[maveholic31]

People also still get confused by the Earth two Bats.. you know the one who even held a gun in a holster of his utility belt and used em a couple times.

 

[The Batman]

Batman definitely did not "get down on catwoman." There have been writers (for the TV show for example) who basically didn't get Batman and there's an element of sexual tension on the old Adam West serial. But unlike Superman and his female counterparts (LL, LL, WW etc) where the attraction is reciprocal and consistent, with canonical Batman there's a traditional understanding that while Batman is an object of lust for Catwoman, it's not strongly reciprocated.

The 14 year olds in you will post that it's because Catwoman is "evil" therefore Batman cant get with her but that's not the motivation. First of all, there's no prohibition in comics of a hero hooking up with an antihero... among superhero couplings, it's almost as common for a hero to get with an anithero as with a hero... Spidey/Black Cat etc. If you understand anything about Batman, it has to do with his emotional detachment and the transference of his PRIVATE feelings and emotional connections only being able to be expressed in a GENERAL love/emotional attachment to Gotham City as a surrogate... ergo his obsession with saving Gotham.

This is not only with Catwoman. Even with Dick Grayson there's a strong undercurrent/conflict of Batman not being "checked in" in his emotional dealings. Or even his dealings with his most trusted partner Superman... whose relationship is portrayed as conflict almost as often as it is partnership. the man simply cannot form normal emotional attachments nor express it in day to day life. he's certainly not going to express it sexually

and to Capt Picard above me... you make not like it but clearly Batman's tradition of pedastry in the comics leaves open the analogy to Sparta. it doesn't mean he is definitely gay but logically it leaves the door open. keep in mind that before the 20th century the idea of being "gay" as we know it didn't exist. Spartan dudes had wives and heirs and regular lives and packing fudge was just something they did sometimes it didn't "define" them. IMHO Batman is not actually gay... he's ascetic and it's possible that his development ******ed and his sexuality never concretely developed (the only thing he can "love" is Gothan). But be mature. It's not like Capt Picards has to beam in whenever someone raises that legitimate point

as for sex it's obvious. for all the reasons above Batman isn't going to have sex as a means to express emotional connections. The only other reason is for pleasure. And if any of you noobs can actually post that Batman... a man who dedicates his life to discipline and the NEGATION of PLEASURE in pursuit of his ideals is going to engage in the most hedonistic activities for no reason other than pleasure... well you're smart keep posting

the riddler and joker and all those cats however... have "gotten down" on catwoman as has a cast of thousands... if that makes you feel any better

1. The Batman TV Show got Batman right in ways most versions have yet to accomplish, and in fact, they portrayed the Batman/Catwoman relationship perfectly. Batman has always wanted Catwoman. Anyone who actually reads Batman comics understands this. The reason why they're relationship is compelling is because part of Batman wants to tear her clothes off. Not only that, I can tell you havent read any bat books in the last ten years, because there have been several scenes of Bruce proclaiming love for selina, and even having one night stands with her.

2. The only thing you're right about is that Bruce has some emotional issues...but definetely not to the extent you claim.

3. Where has Bruce trained all his life to negate pleasure? He gives into pleasure all the time...Vicki Vale, Selina, Talia, Silver St. Cloud...do you actually read any Batman comics?

4. To quote Batman himself "This...is...not...Sparta". Bruce is a 20th-21st Century Man. He's either gay or he isnt. You're theory is weak.

5. In fact, you're whole argument is weak. You're one of those "I read Frank Miller, so I MUST know what Batman's about" fanboys. Remember, being condescending only works if you have a semblance of common sense and credibility. Your posts so far lack both.

 

[tekken]

no way guys. batman is most definitely straight edge to every point.

he's a 30 year old virgin, who doesn't drink, smoke, or do drugs...except venom that one time. yes, you could say damien wayne is proof for batman having sex, but...he's a test tube baby. there's no proof he had sex. lol. thalia just probably got some of his dna some how...probably similar to how terry was born. that reminds me...i bet by batman beyond-time, bruce STILL didn't have sex. terry mcginnis? he probably did..

in some interpretations, like tim burton's, batman's not so straight edge...but the batman i know is. BTAS, nolan bats, comic bats, etc.

 

[The Batman]

no way guys. batman is most definitely straight edge to every point.

he's a 30 year old virgin, who doesn't drink, smoke, or do drugs...except venom that one time. yes, you could say damien wayne is proof for batman having sex, but...he's a test tube baby. there's no proof he had sex. lol. thalia just probably got some of his dna some how...probably similar to how terry was born. that reminds me...i bet by batman beyond-time, bruce STILL didn't have sex. terry mcginnis? he probably did..

in some interpretations, like tim burton's, batman's not so straight edge...but the batman i know is. BTAS, nolan bats, comic bats, etc.

Lol....I'm starting to think most people just talk out of their ass when it comes to Batman

 

[The Joker]

no way guys. batman is most definitely straight edge to every point.

he's a 30 year old virgin

You lost me here. Batman's had sex with Silver St Cloud, Selina Kyle, and Talia.

 

[cokebabies]

I'm pretty sure I saw Bruce Wayne at an Earth Crisis show.

 

[tekken]

You lost me here. Batman's had sex with Silver St Cloud, Selina Kyle, and Talia.

yeah, you right. but i think the 30 year old virgin thing still applies to BTAS and the nolan version of batman. but even the comic version of batman is pretty straight edge...for the most part anyway.

and i read one of the comments saying being straight edge is a fad or something...that's weird. i can't imagine anyone wanting to live such a boring life unless it was for religious reasons.

 

[frodawgg]

i live that way (except for the sex...but i AM monogomous). i don't find it boring at all; actually, i wonder WHY people need substances to have fun.

 

[sircubux]

Hi all, I am a new member of forum
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[Indrid Cold]

and, as far as sex, i think it's clear in the comics (at least the older ones) and movies (B89) that bruce has sex.

Naaa....Brucie just likes to cuddle!

 

[Daredevil_2003]

These threads make me lol. It's so painfully obvious that many of the individuals arguing in them have either barely read any of the Batman comics or are the recreational drug users, themselves. Maybe both.

It's great that there's so many fans of this character. I'm certainly not that much of a loner, and enjoy the company, t: but it's more than a little silly to see all of them flock, especially since TDK, to any question or debate topic such as this one and start going on like an accredited expert when the only exposure they've had is the cartoons from their childhood and 37 viewings of TDK.

There's nothing wrong with not being hardcore knowledgeable, I'm sure there's many who could school me all day. It's just the few who act as if they are, when they really only know jack and **** about Batman.

Batman is not 'straight-edge'. He drinks (how much varies), he makes plenty of the bang-boom, and he's even gone so far as to be addicted to a dangerous drug. It wasn't technically recreational use, but he was hooked nevertheless. Don't know if the story's canon or not, but it was basically Batman taking Venom (the drug that Bane uses) and getting hooked, I forget the specifics because it's been ages since I read it, and even then only one time. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

I also believe he may have dabbled in the recreational narcotics for training purposes, to know the taste, smell, effects, etc. But, I don't really know for sure, might have just made it up and think it happened. t:

Oh, and he's straight. A heterosexual. Likes to be the beef in the pink, stinky taco, if you know what I mean.

...Too much? Sorry.

Anyway, he's not gay.

Period.

 

[Indrid Cold]

People also still get confused by the Earth two Bats.. you know the one who even held a gun in a holster of his utility belt and used em a couple times.

I think Batman with a gun is a great idea. He could have it in his belt as a last resort ya know? Like if he finally may have met his end, in an act of desperation, he pulls it out and bang! Batman would go out of the world he was brought into by the same instrument.

 

[CJ]

I never thought about it before, but being straight-edge definitely makes sense for Bruce Wayne. That part where he tossed the Alcohol off the balcony in TDK is evidence of this.

He does show up with a lot of attractive women though.. Maybe it's just for show?

 

[Mandalore464]

I think Batman with a gun is a great idea. He could have it in his belt as a last resort ya know?

Ever heard of Batman famous "no-gun rule"? Batman hates guns, his parents were killed by a gun-totting criminal, and you really think Batman should have one?

In Batman Beyond, Bruce decided to hang up the mantle and pass it on to Terry because he was so old he had to use a gun to defend himself and got disgusted with himself for doing so. Yeah ok, Batman Beyond is no class-A canon, but it all makes sense to me that a guy whose sole dedication in life is to fight crime because of the trauma of witnessing his parent's shooting would definitely NOT use a gun, even as a last resort.

 

[Grommers]

I loved that episode, it gave a reasonable reason for Batman to retire.


I don't think Batman is totally straight edge, I don't think he's an alcoholic, but I do think he enjoys a good drink here and there, I mean he does have a certain status he has to maintain as Bruce. As for Sex.....yeah, definitely has it, but does he feel love from it? I really doubt it, and imagine the majority of time him just looking for a sense of fulfillment.

 

[elgaz]

Asking if Batman is straight-edge is too black and white.

From the films, comics and other media I've seen Batman in over the years, the one common denominator amongst them all is that Batman likes to be in control of a situation. He's the one in the shadows. He's the one watching and plotting. He's the one taking down the goons. He's the one doing the detective work behind the scenes. He's the one instilling fear. Control is his motivation; not a desire to live a straight-edge life.

Is he a control freak? Maybe, maybe not. But I don't believe he would take anything that may interfere with his ability to command a situation.

Drugs - no
Alcohol - maybe a little, but not enough to seriously impair him. He needs to maintain the Bruce Wayne playboy persona a little
Sex - There's a time and a place (obviously not when he's on a mission!), but in general there's no reason why he shouldn't