Buzz
The newest Batman film presents a grim and intense noir detective story, with Batman tasked with halting the Riddler, depicted as a deranged serial killer in this version. While this is undeniably thrilling, it’s easy to forget that Batman comics, both past and present, often embrace absurd and ridiculous elements.
Therefore, I believe it’s my responsibility to highlight the most bizarre and nonsensical moments and gadgets from Batman’s comic book history!
10. Shark Repellent
Fans of Batman, and even casual moviegoers, are likely familiar with the iconic scene from the 1966 Batman film featuring Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin. In this scene, Robin hands Batman shark repellent to fend off a mechanical shark deployed by the Penguin. This quirky item also makes an appearance in 2017’s The Lego Batman Movie, where Robin, voiced by Michael Cera, is fixated on the shark repellent.
A widespread myth about this item is that Batman keeps it in his utility belt. However, if you watch the 1966 film closely, you’ll notice the shark repellent is actually stored in the Bat Helicopter, not his belt. This detail is echoed in The Lego Batman Movie, where it’s showcased in the Batcave. Comic enthusiasts often correct this misconception, but ironically, the correction itself is flawed. The first appearance of shark repellent in any Batman media dates back to 1958 in Batman #117, where Batman and Robin encounter “shark-like” aliens. Batman uses his Shark Repellent Bat Spray to fend off the extraterrestrial creatures.
9. Lifting a 700-Pound Gorilla with a Bomb
Batman stands out as one of the few superheroes without superpowers. To make up for this, he ranks as the second-smartest person on Earth and maintains peak physical fitness. While achieving such a level of strength might seem to require One Punch Man-esque training, Batman found a more straightforward way to test his abilities—lifting a gorilla with a bomb attached to its chest.
While some might call this practice “inhumane” and “risky,” they’re not wrong. In Detective Comics #337, released in 1965, Batman faces a super-intelligent 700-pound gorilla threatening to bomb Gotham. His solution? Lift the gorilla and wait for the bomb to detonate. Why? Because they discovered the bomb wouldn’t explode as long as the gorilla wasn’t on the ground.
8. Becoming the First Robin
Batman’s iconic partner is none other than the Boy Wonder, Robin! His presence is integral to Batman’s identity, and the Dynamic Duo wouldn’t be the same without him. While many fans recognize Dick Grayson as the original Robin, Detective Comics #226, released in 1955, reveals an intriguing twist: Bruce Wayne himself was the first Robin.
In this issue, we discover how Bruce Wayne honed his detective skills under the guidance of Harvey Harris. Harvey provided young Bruce with a Robin-inspired suit and taught him the art of deduction. As an added tidbit, the name “Robin” originated from Harvey’s compliment, calling Bruce “as brilliant as a robin redbreast”—a phrase that remains a charming mystery of 1950s vernacular.
7. Bat-mite
Batman is widely regarded as one of the most beloved superheroes, sparking endless debates about his popularity. While fans of other characters might argue over their top devotees, Batman enthusiasts know the ultimate fan is Bat-mite, a fifth-dimensional imp who debuted in Bat-mite! Describing Bat-mite is no simple task, as his nature is as complex as the comic book medium itself.
In various stories, Bat-mite is portrayed either as a figment of Batman’s imagination or as a genuine, reality-altering entity. He proudly declares himself Batman’s #1 fan and uses his powers to make the Dark Knight’s adventures even more bizarre. Interestingly, Bat-mite’s most recent appearance (at the time of writing) was in a crossover comic featuring Scooby-Doo and Batman. While it’s amusing that this is his only notable appearance in the past decade, it’s even funnier that he keeps popping up in these team-up comics.
6. Ranking in the Top 10 for Gun Marksmanship
Batman has famously sworn off guns since Batman #15, released in 1943. Ironically, the issue’s cover depicts him wielding a trench gun loaded with what appear to be lethal bullets. Still, I’m not about to challenge Batman, especially when he’s armed. From that point on, he’s maintained that guns are tools for the weak and cowardly.
This stance is a bit awkward, considering his former protégé and adopted son, Jason Todd, is known for using firearms—but I won’t dwell on that. Surprisingly, Batman’s skill with guns is so refined that he ranks among the top 10 marksmen globally, as revealed in The Batman Who Laughs #3, published in 2019.
5. Bat-Milk and Cookies
This entry is a slight cheat since it doesn’t occur within the comics, but it’s too amusing to ignore. In 1972, the animated series The New Scooby-Doo Mysteries debuted, with its second episode featuring a crossover with Batman and Robin. In the episode “The Dynamic Scooby Affair,” Batman prepares to take the gang to the Batcave but insists on blindfolding them to keep its location secret.
As they prepare to head to the Batcave, Shaggy asks Batman if snacks will be available. Batman reassures him, promising “Bat-milk and cookies” for everyone. It’s unclear whether this is another instance of Batman adding “Bat” to random nouns (and occasionally verbs) or if it’s literal milk derived from bats. For now, it’s probably best to leave this mystery unsolved.
4. Trolling Internet Forums
Internet forums are infamous for hosting wild conspiracy theories, ranging from harmless claims like “Quarters are worth 24 cents, not 25” to bizarre assertions like “Aliens control processed cheese factories!” Regardless of the theory, conspiracies thrive despite a lack of evidence.
As comics evolved to reflect modern times, they inevitably tackled the internet and its conspiracy culture. In Batman Incorporated #6, released in 2011, Batman takes to online forums, spreading rumors that he is Bruce Wayne while also planting misleading theories. He suggests Batman is multiple individuals and even claims Bruce Wayne has been replaced by a body double. While this might seem unhinged, it’s a clever strategy: flooding the internet with misinformation ensures that if his true identity is ever exposed, it would be buried under a mountain of falsehoods.
3. Batarang X
Among Batman’s vast array of gadgets, the batarang stands out as one of the most iconic. Since its debut in 1939’s Detective Comics #31, the batarang has proven to be an incredibly versatile tool. Batman has even modified it to function as a grappling hook by attaching a rope to it. Over the years, he has developed numerous versions, including magnetic, explosive, remote-controlled, and electrified batarangs.
While many of these variants sound hazardous, none are as perilous as the infamous Batarang X. This massive red batarang is so dangerous that it’s stored under a tarp in the Batcave. Designed to be launched from the Batmobile, Batarang X serves as a unique mode of transportation for Batman. It first appeared in Detective Comics #244, published in 1957.
2. Batman Fakes Drinking Alcohol
As established, Batman maintains his body in peak physical condition, requiring strict discipline in his diet and lifestyle. This means avoiding fast food, junk food, sugary treats, diet sodas, and, of course, alcohol.
Despite this, Batman has occasionally been depicted consuming alcohol, though typically during moments of personal struggle. More often, he pretends to drink by substituting alcohol with ginger ale. This is highlighted in Batman: Tenses #1 (2013), where he orders a gin and tonic only to discard it. Similarly, in Batman #36 (2017), Superman casually asks, “Do you ever get tired of ginger ale?” to which Batman responds, “Every damn day.”
1. The Whirly-Bat
To combat crime swiftly, Batman requires a rapid means of traversing Gotham. While he has access to an extensive fleet of vehicles—Batmobiles, Bat-planes, Bat-Helicopters, Bat-cycles, and virtually any Bat-themed transport imaginable—his choices border on the absurd.
Among these eccentric options is the Whirly-Bat, which debuted in Detective Comics #257 in 1958. This compact, single-person helicopter was designed for aerial reconnaissance and combat. However, its effectiveness was questionable, as it was destroyed during its inaugural mission. Although Batman later rebuilt it, its initial failure speaks volumes about its impracticality.
