Warning: SPOILERS for Superman: Heroes
Batman seemingly has it all. Money, cool cars, all the best gadgets, a giant penny, but there’s one thing he doesn’t have that Clark Kent does. Bruce Wayne doesn’t normally seem like the jealous type. In fact, most people wish they were him! However, with Superman revealing his identity to the world, Bruce believes this gives Clark and his family a sense of freedom that he feels he will never know. In a surprisingly frank conversation he had with Wonder Woman in the Bat-Cave, Bruce expresses his feelings in a vulnerable way readers don’t see very often.
In the pages of Superman: Heroes, readers are offered a rather quiet scene between Bruce and Diana as they talk about the fallout from Clark’s decision. At first, Bruce makes the case that Clark is simply being selfish. That Clark revealing his secret identity to the world is a way of putting what he wants above what his friends and family need. Bruce also points out the other reason that most superheroes have secret identities in the first place; to protect those close to them from danger. For most heroes, this line of thinking makes perfect sense.
However, Jon Kent, Lois and Clark’s son is the new Superboy! So it takes quite a lot for him to be in danger. And given the fact that Jon is now a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes, he’s probably safer than ever. As for Lois, well she’s one of the most famous reporters in the world and she’s married to Superman! Clark’s family is about as safe as a family could possibly be in the DC universe.
It doesn’t take much for Diana to find out what’s really bothering Bruce and what he’s actually jealous about. Bruce admits that he’s jealous that Clark has a family and no longer has anything to hide. Being Batman means living a secretive life and it can be lonely. Even Bruce’s apprentices leave his side eventually. For all the money and resources in the world, Clark’s ability to live an open life is the one thing Bruce feels he can never have. It’s a very powerful moment between two of DC’s legendary trinity in the quiet confines of the Bat-Cave.
But don’t feel too bad for Batman just yet. After all, Batman and Catwoman are starting a family of their own. While they still have their secret identities, it does seem like Bruce will have a little bit of that life that Lois and Clark seem to enjoy. As long as nothing crazy happens (which, when has that ever happened in comics?) then it looks like brighter days are in store for the Bat-Family. To check out the full scene, pick up Superman: Heroes on store shelves now.
Next: Superboy & Robin To Join DC’s Legion of Super-Heroes
