Editing Batman (section)

== Supporting characters ==
{{Main|List of Batman supporting characters}}

Batman's interactions with both villains and cohorts have, over time, developed a strong supporting cast of characters.<ref name="pearson pg 186" />

=== Enemies ===
{{Main|List of Batman family enemies}}
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:BatmanRoguesGallery.jpg|thumb|upright|Batman surrounded by his enemies, art by [[Alex Ross]]]] -->

Batman faces a variety of foes ranging from common criminals to outlandish supervillains. Many of them mirror aspects of the Batman's character and development, often having tragic origin stories that lead them to a life of crime.{{sfnp|Boichel|1991|p=8}} These foes are commonly referred to as Batman's ''[[List of Batman family enemies#Classic rogues gallery|rogues gallery]]''. Batman's "most implacable foe" is the [[Joker (character)|Joker]], a homicidal maniac with a clown-like appearance. The Joker is considered by critics to be his perfect adversary, since he is the antithesis of Batman in personality and appearance; the Joker has a maniacal demeanor with a colorful appearance, while Batman has a serious and resolute demeanor with a dark appearance. As a "personification of the irrational", the Joker represents "everything Batman [opposes]".{{sfnp|Boichel|1991|p=9}} Other long-time recurring foes that are part of Batman's rogues gallery include [[Catwoman]] (a [[Burglary|cat burglar]] anti-heroine who is variously an ally and romantic interest), the [[Penguin (character)|Penguin]], [[Ra's al Ghul]], [[Two-Face]] (Harvey Dent), the [[Riddler]], the [[Scarecrow (DC Comics)|Scarecrow]], [[Mr. Freeze]], [[Poison Ivy (character)|Poison Ivy]], [[Harley Quinn]], [[Bane (DC Comics)|Bane]], [[Clayface]], and [[Killer Croc]], among others. Many of Batman's adversaries are often psychiatric patients at [[Arkham Asylum]].

=== Allies ===
[[Alfred Pennyworth]], Batman's loyal [[butler]] and father figure, first appeared in ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #16 (1943). After Bruce Wayne's parents were killed, Alfred raised Bruce and became one of the few people to know his secret identity. He is often portrayed as a steadying presence in Bruce's life, offering both emotional support and practical assistance in Batman's crime-fighting endeavors. More than just a caretaker, Alfred is a trusted ally and sometimes sidekick, sharing [[Wayne Manor]] with Bruce and contributing to Batman's mission.{{sfnp|Boichel|1991|p=8}}

One of Batman's most crucial allies is Commissioner [[Jim Gordon (character)|James Gordon]]. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to justice in Gotham City. In ''[[Batman: Year One]]'', Gordon and Batman learn to trust each other, which transforms their efforts against crime into a more effective partnership. Gordon's perspective as a police officer complements Batman's vigilantism, allowing them to tackle Gotham's challenges together. Another important ally is the [[Justice League]], which further emphasizes the importance of collaboration. Batman's relationship with Superman showcases how their contrasting ideologies can complement each other. In stories like ''[[World's Finest Comics|World's Finest]]'', their friendship highlights how Batman's methods benefit from Superman's optimism and strength.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kurten |first=Guillermo |date=2024-01-14 |title=Does Batman Work Better Alongside His Allies Or Alone? |url=https://www.cbr.com/dc-batman-works-best-with-close-allies/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref>

===Sidekicks===
{{Main|Robin (character)}}
[[File:Batman & Robin (Batman vol. 1 -9 Feb. 1942).jpg|thumb|Batman and [[Robin (character)|Robin]], art by [[Jack Burnley]]]]
Robin, Batman's vigilante partner, has been a widely recognized supporting character for many years; each iteration of the Robin character, of which there have been five in the mainstream continuity, function as members of the Batman family, but additionally, as Batman's "central" sidekick in various media.{{sfnp|Boichel|1991|p=7}} Bill Finger stated that he wanted to include Robin because "Batman didn't have anyone to talk to, and it got a little tiresome always having him thinking."<ref>{{cite book|last=Langley |first=Travis|title=Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight|year=2012|publisher=John Wiley & Sons |page=179}}</ref> The first Robin, [[Dick Grayson]], was introduced in 1940. In the 1970s he finally grew up, went off to college and became the hero [[Nightwing]]. A second Robin, [[Jason Todd]] was introduced in the 1980s, following Dick Grayson's departure from the role. Initially impulsive and rebellious, Jason's tenure as Robin was controversial among fans. In 1988, DC held a fan vote to determine his fate in the iconic ''[[A Death in the Family (comics)|A Death in the Family]]'' storyline, where the [[Joker (character)|Joker]] brutally beat Jason with a [[crowbar]] and left him to die in an explosion. The fans voted for his death. However, Jason was later resurrected and returned as the antihero [[Red Hood]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mills |first=Taylor |date=2024-07-16 |title=After 36 Years, DC Squeezes the Last Drop of Trauma from Jason Todd's Iconic Death |url=https://screenrant.com/jason-todd-death-in-the-family-robin-lives-sheila-haywood/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref>

The third Robin in the mainstream comics is [[Tim Drake]], who first appeared in 1989. He went on to star in his own comic series, and goes by the name [[Red Robin (comics)|Red Robin]], a variation on the traditional Robin persona. In the first decade of the new millennium, [[Stephanie Brown (character)|Stephanie Brown]] served as the fourth in-universe Robin between stints as her self-made vigilante identity the Spoiler, and later as [[Batgirl]].<ref>Langley, 180–210</ref> After Brown's apparent death, Drake resumed the role of Robin for a time. The role eventually passed to [[Damian Wayne]], the 10-year-old son of Bruce Wayne and [[Talia al Ghul]], in the late 2000s.<ref>{{cite web | last = Esposito | first = Joey | title = Why Damian Wayne is the Best Robin | website = IGN | date = March 5, 2013 | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/03/06/why-damian-wayne-is-the-best-robin/ | access-date = February 17, 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140301042547/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/03/06/why-damian-wayne-is-the-best-robin| archive-date = March 1, 2014}}</ref> Damian's tenure as ''du jour'' Robin ended when the character was killed off in the pages of ''[[Batman Incorporated]]'' in 2013.<ref>{{cite news | last = Saul | first = Josh | title = DC killing off Batman's 'Boy Wonder' Damian Wayne in new comic book | newspaper = The New York Post| date = February 25, 2013 | url = https://nypost.com/2013/02/25/dc-killing-off-batmans-boy-wonder-damian-wayne-in-new-comic-book/ | access-date = February 17, 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140429184730/http://nypost.com/2013/02/25/dc-killing-off-batmans-boy-wonder-damian-wayne-in-new-comic-book/| archive-date = April 29, 2014}}</ref> Batman's next young sidekick is [[Harper Row]], a streetwise young woman who avoids the name Robin but followed the [[Ornithology|ornithological]] theme nonetheless; she debuted the codename and identity of the [[Bluebird (DC Comics)|Bluebird]] in 2014. Unlike the Robins, the Bluebird is willing and permitted to use a gun, albeit [[Non-lethal weapon|non-lethal]]; her weapon of choice is a modified rifle that fires taser rounds.<ref>{{cite web | last = Franich | first = Darren | title = Batman has a new female sidekick: Meet Bluebird | publisher = Entertainment Weekly Popwatch | date = February 12, 2014 | url = http://popwatch.ew.com/2014/02/12/batman-bluebird-female-robin/ | access-date = February 17, 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140222134700/http://popwatch.ew.com/2014/02/12/batman-bluebird-female-robin/| archive-date = February 22, 2014}}</ref> In 2015, a new series began titled ''[[We Are Robin (comic book)|We Are...Robin]],'' focused on a group of teenagers using the Robin persona to fight crime in Gotham City. The most prominent of these, Duke Thomas, later becomes Batman's crimefighting partner as [[Duke Thomas (comics)|The Signal]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Truitt |first=Brian |title='We Are Robin' stars a movement of kid heroes |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2015/03/09/we-are-robin-comic-book-exclusive/24635301/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Romantic interests ===
Batman's romantic history spans decades, filled with relationships that reflect his struggle between personal happiness and his duty as Gotham's protector. His first love interest was [[Julie Madison]], introduced in ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #31 (1939). Though engaged to Bruce Wayne, she left due to his distant and playboy persona, highlighting the conflict between Bruce's dual life and his desire for a normal relationship.<ref name="loveinterest">{{Cite web |last1=Allan |first1=Scoot |last2=Harth |first2=David |date=December 1, 2020 |title=Batman: All of Bruce Wayne's major love interests (in chronological order) |url=https://www.cbr.com/batman-bruce-wayne-major-love-interests-chronological-order/ |access-date=June 10, 2024 |website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] |language=en}}</ref>

Selina Kyle, also known as [[Catwoman]], is perhaps the most notable figure in Batman's romantic history. Debuting in ''[[Batman (comic book)|Batman]]'' #1 (1940), their relationship is characterized by a blend of romance and rivalry. Over the years, they have shared intense connections, often navigating the fine line between love and conflict. Their relationship culminated in an engagement during the [[DC Rebirth]]''.''<ref name="loveinterest" />

Another important figure is [[Vicki Vale]], a journalist introduced in ''Batman'' #49 (1948). Vicki's attempts to uncover Batman's true identity lead to a complicated romantic involvement that waxed and waned over the years, especially during the early 1980s when their relationship became more serious.<ref name="loveinterest" />

[[Talia al Ghul]], introduced in ''Detective Comics'' #411 (1971), is another key player in Batman's love life. Their relationship is fraught with conflict due to her father, [[Ra's al Ghul]], and his criminal ambitions. Despite the challenges, their love story resulted in the birth of [[Damian Wayne]], who would grow to become the latest [[Robin (character)|Robin]] and add a new layer of complexity to Batman's character.<ref name="loveinterest" />

Additionally, Batman's relationship with Wonder Woman has been explored in various storylines, including a passionate kiss in ''[[JLA (comic book)|JLA]]'' (2003) during a moment of crisis. However, their relationship remains largely unexplored, often overshadowed by their respective commitments.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Colucci |first=Brian |date=2022-01-11 |title=Wonder Woman's Batwoman Persona Made Her Gotham's Darkest Knight |url=https://screenrant.com/wonder-woman-batwoman-persona-gotham-darkest-knight-jla/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref>

One of the most controversial romantic pairings emerged from the animated adaptation of ''[[Batman: The Killing Joke]]'' (2016), which depicted a brief romantic involvement between Batman and [[Batgirl]] ([[Barbara Gordon]]). This portrayal sparked significant criticism among fans, reflecting the challenges and complexities of Batman's romantic entanglements over the years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Samantha |date=2021-07-07 |title=Even Batman Knew The Killing Joke's Romance with Batgirl Was Weird |url=https://screenrant.com/batman-batgirl-killing-joke-romance-wrong-inappropriate/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref>