Batman Rich Again and Making Use of His Funds to Advance Gotham
A clone created from Bruce's DNA, Steve Lieber, Michele Bandini, Nick Filardi, and Clayton Cowles' Batman #149 has the Robin that Zur-En-Arrh manufactured prowling Gotham. Batman does tests on the young guy after rescuing him and returning him to Bruce's house finds the clone is dying from accelerated aging. Batman tries to go back into his memories, believing Zur-En-Arrh had to find a means of stopping the fast aging clone Bruce.
For the first time in months Bruce Wayne visits Wayne Enterprises and searches his office for any hints that Zur-En-Arrh might have left behind. Bruce discovers a secret panel buried away in his office that his backup ego had left behind. Batman investigates and finds out that Zur-En-Arrh had accumulated billions of dollars in covert accounts, money Bruce now owned. Unfortunately, Bruce, the clone, suffers from natural causes following old age and finds no benefit from the cash windfall. Batman calls his family to meet him at a manor some later. Bruce tells his staff he bought the mansion using his money as a fresh place for his family to call home. Not only that but Batman has acquired dozens of Old Gotham properties with his newfound wealth with an eye toward renovation. Thanks to Batman, hundreds of abandoned, run-down buildings will be converted into green space, philanthropic organizations, and reasonably priced homes.
Batman Lost His Fortune and Had to Change His Approach
Over the years, the Joker has done rather horrible things to Batman. Still, he chose to strike Batman where it truly hurt during the 2020 crossover event "Joker War." The Clown Prince of Crime felt it would be funny to pilfers all Bruce Wayne has to name. Thanks to Catwoman’s aid and a touch of torture to Batman's confidante Lucius Fox, Joker stole hundreds of billions of dollars from Batman, along with his company, his armament, and even Wayne Manor.
After the events of “Joker War”, the Wayne fortune was given to Lucius after the government declared Bruce unsuitable to care for the fortune. With no home or Batcave, Batman had to drastically restructure his business. He moved into a brownstone in downtown Gotham and had to get by with a smaller quantity of cash than normal. Batman was still affluent than most, but he no longer had the safety net his fiances offered him. Not to mention it took a while for Wayne Enterprises to get back onto its feet. Though Bruce’s billions were out of reach, Batman continued his superhero duties, both as Gotham’s protector and as a member of the Justice League. Despite having to be a bit thriftier than normal (as well as trim back on his gadgets), not much changed in Batman’s quest. Granted, his public image as Bruce Wayne took a significant damage and it made it harder for him to pass himself off as a carefree playboy. But Batman took his financial fall on the chin and kept up his excellent work in Gotham.
Batman is Using His Money the Way Critics Wished He Would
While things have been reasonably easy for Batman since he lost his riches, they are sure to be considerably better now that he’s got many billions to his name once more. Bruce isn’t taking this development lightly either. Rather than taking his money and utilizing it to finance updated Batsuits or a flashy new Batmobile, Batman is putting it into things that are needed. Not just for himself or the Bat-Family. Batman’s using his money in ways that are going to benefit Gotham City.
It's not uncommon to see discourse online about how Batman doesn't use his finances to truly help the city and instead spends it all on his war on crime. Those arguments generally fail to consider how much money Bruce has actually donated the other years and how entrenched Gotham is in systemic corruption. But nonetheless, it’s an argument that’s somehow prevailed in the last few years, even as Batman’s finances were scaled back considerably. But even those who have leveled those kinds of accusations at Batman can’t argue against the plans he has for his new mission. Now that he’s got a substantial amount of money again, Bruce is investing in his community. Yes, he’s setting aside parts to ensure he and the Bat-Family can thrive. But it’s clear Batman wants to make big, bold changes to his city and he’s willing to put his money where his mouth is.
Batman is Using His Fortune to Build a Better Gotham
One could argue that this kind of plan is what Batman should have been doing all along. But what’s important is that Bruce is doing it now. By helping create the city he wants Gotham to be, he’s not just treating the symptoms, he’s addressing the causes of Gotham’s problems. That doesn’t mean the city doesn’t need Batman anymore, but it does mean Bruce is using his fortune to improve the city in any way it needs. Hopefully, that’s something even Batman’s biggest critics can get on board with.
Batman #149 is available now from DC Comics. Batman #149 (2024)
Batman: A Symbol of Hope in Gotham City
One of DC's most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world's leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the Dark Knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
Batman's latest mission to revitalize Gotham City is a testament to his commitment to his city and its people. He understands that fighting crime is not enough and that addressing the systemic issues that plague Gotham is crucial to creating a better future. By investing in affordable housing, charitable organizations, and green spaces, Batman is demonstrating a proactive and compassionate approach to making a difference in the lives of Gotham's citizens. This new direction for Batman highlights his evolution as a hero and his dedication to creating a more just and equitable Gotham for all.
