Batman (Thomas Wayne)

Batman (Thomas Wayne) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is an alternate version of Batman from a universe referred to as the Flashpoint universe. Unlike the traditional Batman, who is Bruce Wayne, Thomas Wayne assumes the mantle of Batman in a reality where his son, Bruce, is the one who is killed by a mugger, leading Thomas to become Batman, while his wife, Martha, becomes the Joker. This character was created by Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert and first appeared in Flashpoint #1 (2011).

Publication History

Thomas Wayne as Batman was introduced in the 2011 Flashpoint comic book miniseries. In this storyline, the timeline of the DC Universe is drastically altered after The Flash (Barry Allen) travels back in time to prevent his mother's murder. The resulting changes create a world in which Bruce Wayne was killed in the alley instead of his parents. Driven by the death of his son, Thomas Wayne takes up the mantle of Batman, but with a much darker and more violent approach to fighting crime.

Character Biography

In the Flashpoint universe, Thomas Wayne is a wealthy doctor who owns the Casino in Gotham City as a means to launder money for his war on crime. After his son's death, he becomes a brutal and ruthless version of Batman, willing to use firearms and lethal force, which contrasts sharply with the traditional Batman's no-kill policy. His wife, Martha Wayne, driven insane by the death of Bruce, becomes the Joker, setting up a tragic and twisted dynamic between the two.

Thomas Wayne's Batman is instrumental in helping The Flash restore the original timeline, though with some differences. Before the restoration, he writes a letter to his son, Bruce Wayne, expressing his love and hope that Bruce will never have to become Batman.

Powers and Abilities

Thomas Wayne does not possess any superhuman powers but is a skilled hand-to-hand combatant and strategist. He has access to vast financial resources and uses advanced technology and weaponry, much of which is more lethal than the gadgets used by Bruce Wayne's Batman. His medical knowledge also aids in his activities as Batman, allowing him to treat his own injuries and understand the human body in a way that aids in his combat strategies.

In Other Media

Thomas Wayne as Batman has appeared in various DC Comics video games, animated movies, and merchandise. His character was also alluded to in the live-action film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, where a letter from him is seen.

Legacy

The character of Thomas Wayne as Batman has added a complex layer to the Batman mythology, exploring themes of loss, vengeance, and the impact of choices on destiny. His existence has led to various storylines and discussions among fans and creators about the nature of heroism and the effects of tragedy on individuals and their decisions to fight crime.