If there’s one thing about Batman that’s true, he’s very good at reinventing himself every couple of years. Whether it be in the comics, movies, or TV, The Dark Knight is as permeable as Oil – he can be used in just about any situation. The best part of this permeability is the different ways that Batman is able to adapt to his particular situation in time and space.
From 1989’s Batman and Batman Begins to Batman: The Animated Series and Batman Beyond, there are countless examples of different Batman permutations throughout the years. To quote the LEGO Batman Movie, “I have seen you go through similar phases in 2022, and 2016, and 2012, and 2008, and 2005, and 1997, 1995, 1992, 1989, and that weird one in 1966.” For those of us who can’t spend a fortune reinventing ourselves all the time, here’s your guide to rebooting yourself like Batman every few years.
Cover Photo: Warner Bros.
Batman Reinvention Guide
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Switch Up Your Wardrobe
Batman has always been a master of deception. The same could be said for his style, which varies from outlandish (Batman ‘66) to uber-realistic (The Batman), and everything in between. If there’s anything to be learned from Batman’s wardrobe, it’s important to switch up your style every now and then.
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Respect Your Elders
Batman is all about respecting the past and embracing the future. Alfred is an important father figure for Bruce Wayne, which teaches us a lesson about the importance of respecting your elders. If anything, this also means having the ability to poke fun at your previous self once in a while (see: The Lego Batman Movie).
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Find a New Love Interest Every Now and Then
Along with being a master detective, one thing Bruce Wayne is very good at getting to know his femal counterparts… in the biblical sense. Much like James Bond, Bruce Wayne seems to have a magic penis. Every woman he comes into contact with wants to bone down. Maybe it’s just the money - It’s probably the money.
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Make Your Past Traumas Part of Your Persona
The family legacy of any man is something that he must grapple with his entire life. Such is the case with Bruce Wayne. If anything, Batman proves that to kill your demons, you must become them.
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Find a Reliable Wingman
Everybody needs a reliable wingman. Whether it be Dick Greyson or Damien Wayne, Batman always has his bases covered. Can you think of a better reason for having a trusty bat family by your side?
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Keep Your Friends Close, But Your Enemies Closer
Batman refuses to put his extensive Rogues Gallery to rest, which brings new meaning to the phrase “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” If there’s one key to reinventing yourself every few years like Batman, is that you need a good villain of the week to remain sustainable in the long run.
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Share Your Identity With Those You Truly Care About
There’s nothing better than sharing your true intentions with those you love. Sometimes, you’ll get caught up and reveal your deepest, darkest secrets with your mistress. This is definitely something that won’t come back to haunt you…
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Have a League of Outside Confidants
When it comes to reinventing yourself, it is important to get an outside opinion once in a while. Whether it be from allies like Lucious Fox and Jim Gordon or bitter rivals such as Catwoman and Joker, an outside opinion is always crucial. After all, there’s nothing better than having a good therapy session with the Justice League every now and then.
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Re-Align Your Morals
The key to attempting to reinvent yourself every few years is to re-align your morals depending on the mood you’re in. You can be happy go lucky, or you can revel in the subjugation of your victims. Depending on your mood and emotional state, you may want to adjust. Viewer discretion is advised.
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Be Rich
Perhaps the most important part of being able to reinvent yourself like Batman every few years is to be rich. When you have that kind of money, it’s easy to throw $200 million around every time you want to go on a new adventure. Most of us don’t have that type of liquidity, so we’ll just have to settle for some new inspiration when Batman is sure to evolve again in 2024.
