Batman: How and why did Bruce Wayne become the Dark Knight

Comic book origin stories could be the most important part of a character’s personality. Uncle Ben being shot, planet Krypton exploding, and Steve Rogers taking the Super Soldier Serum are among the most popular and continue to help mold the characters decades later. Of course, there is the night in Crime Alley with Martha, Thomas, and Bruce Wayne.

If you’ve read a Batman comic book or seen one of his movies you know the story. The Wayne family left a movie theater (The Mark of Zorro) and took a shortcut down Crime Alley. While there, Martha and Thomas Wayne were shot and killed leaving Bruce alone. 

Besides it being known as Crime Alley, going down a dark alley at night is a mistake. Sure, people should be allowed to walk anywhere freely and safely. Nevertheless, mistakes were made. Now, some people don’t know the origin of Batman beyond the night in Crime Alley. There’s more to the tale and this article will highlight them.

Writer's note: The events after the tragedy were retconned. Originally, Alfred wasn't there to raise him. He came after Bruce became the Caped Crusader. This article will focus on when Alfred became Bruce's legal guardian instead of the original story.

It started with an oath

One of the forgotten moments is the oath. The night Martha and Thomas Wayne died, young Bruce Wayne got on his knees and made a pledge that helped him remain vigilant. He said, “And I swear by the spirits of my parents to avenge their deaths by spending the rest of my life warring on all criminals.” This started the journey of becoming the Batman we see today.

"Criminals are a superstitious cowardly lot. So my disguise must be able to strike terror into their hearts." -Bruce Wayne

Bruce traveled around the world learning from the best. He brought his body to peak physical health and athleticism and trained with the greatest fighters known and unknown. He even went against rational thought by studying with magicians to become an expert escape artist. Despite all the training, it wasn’t enough. Bruce knew he needed more to make good on his oath.

Bruce was shot by the police during his first night out as a crime fighter. He went home and thought he would die. Bruce knew Alfred would come if he rang the bell, but he would rather die than not avenge his parents. Bruce prayed to his father saying that he failed. Then, out of nowhere, the young vigilante was given a sign that changed his life.

As Bruce is about to give up, a bat crashes through the window. He remembers being scared of bats as a child. Now, in his time of need, he sees the animal again. He says, “...yes, father. I will become the bat.” And the rest, as the saying goes, is history.

Comic book sources

• Detective Comics No. 33
• Batman: Year One No. 1

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