On Batman and Stoicism

Last updated on 2024-12-20

I was recently a guest on The College of Stoic Philosophers Podcast. Mark, the host, surprised me a little with a question about what I'd recommend to someone coming to Batman for the first time. I kind of blanked and said Batman 66 for live action and The Long Halloween for a comic. I don't think either of those are bad, but as soon as we hung up, I realized I missed a huge chance to introduce people new to Batman to the versions of Batman I love and that don't get enough attention from people unfamiliar with the character.

So what do I wish I had shared? For something to watch, I don't think there's anything better than Batman: The Animated Series. It's a Batman who isn't silly, isn't overly dark, and has a pretty balanced social life. It's a Batman who is balanced, looks to make the best possible choices in any given situation, and worked to benefit the All. The Animated Series Batman is probably the most Stoic of all the film and TV Batmen. For an in-depth look at the development of the show, check out this documentary about BTAS produced by Warner Bros.

For something to read, Halloween is a great story that introduces the whole cast of characters in Batman's world. But it's spread so wide that Batman and Bruce Wayne don't get deep coverage. A book that does go deep on the neurosis that plagues Bruce and Batman is Ego. It's a one-shot that has minimal action and most of the book is Bruce alone with Batman in the Batcave. He's wrestling with the two sides of himself. He asks philosophical questions of himself. He debates himself on the merits of letting Joker die. You see Bruce come to terms with Batman. This gives the reader a better chance to see Bruce's sense of justice and possible Stoic nature.