I’ve spent a lot of time trying to figure out what my first post for The Keeg should be. There are so many different things that I want to talk about, and eventually will. However, I think the best place to start is with the character that started it all for me: Batman.

People often ask me why I love superheroes, and more specifically, why I love Batman. Let’s face it: The world is a scary place. You turn on the news, and all you hear about is war and violence. It can make you feel pretty helpless. Superheroes allow me to escape to a world where somebody can do something about these problems. When terror strikes in our world, it feels like all we can do is wait for it to end. When terror strikes in Gotham, Metropolis, or Central City, people know that Batman, Superman, or the Flash will soon be there to save the day and return order. In a world with superhuman abilities, there are endless possibilities.

But what about Batman? First created in 1939 by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, Batman is one of the most recognizable superheroes, second probably only to Superman. He is iconic beyond belief, yet he has no superpowers. So, why is it that this superhero is so widely popular with people like me?

My first introduction to superheroes was Justice League, the animated series, in 2001. Batman was a stand out. I was fascinated by him. 

Here is a man with no significant powers, who holds his own among the likes of Superman and Martian Manhunter, and against the world’s most powerful supervillains. He is the peak of human strength and physical form, but just that – human. He is only as strong and skilled as a normal man can be through physical training. Of course, thanks to his wealth, he has an unlimited supply of high tech gadgets and gizmos that assist him in his adventures. However, Batman would be nothing if not for his incredible intelligence and skills in hand-to-hand combat.

Still though, as a man, he is vulnerable, just like the rest of us. While the other members of the Justice League may be risking their lives to a degree to save the day, their superhuman abilities keep them pretty safe. However, Batman is risking his life on a daily basis for the citizens of Gotham, and sometimes the world. 

As a mere mortal, he often thinks things through a lot more than heroes like Superman. I remember as a kid watching Justice League and noticing that while Superman appeared to be the leader of the team, it was really Batman that was running the show. Superman tended to act on instinct and just rush into action, often getting him into trouble, while Batman, knowing his limits and risks, would evaluate the situation and come up with a more tactical plan.

Batman is a symbol of what we could be if we pushed ourselves to be the best version of ourselves possible. While most superheroes are incredible fantasies that could never be, Batman could exist. He is a hero who could bring real change in our often broken world. I think knowing that someone could be the Bat, brings me a sense of hope and comfort.