Warning: Spoilers for Detective Comics #1093
Batman’s costume has shielded him from many threats over the years, but it has one glaring flaw that just cost him his secret identity. The latest villain to arrive in Gotham has learned that Bruce Wayne is Batman, and this outcome could have been avoided if his Batsuit didn’t have a dangerous oversight. For now, Batman’s costume is endangering his civilian life, and this situation is no one’s fault but his own.
InDetective Comics#1093 by Tom Taylor, Mikel Janín, and Wes Abbott, Batman attempts to save a young man’s life from a serial killer known as Asema, then ends up brawling with the mysterious criminal. Through this battle, Asema manages to catch Batman off guard and draw his blood, which she then uses to unveil his identity as Bruce Wayne.
Asema is able to steal Batman’s blood due to a critical weak point in his costume: his cowl.If Batman’s cowl had protected him more effectively, Asema would not have learned his secret identity.
Batman’s Costume Doesn’t Conceal His Face, Costing Him His Secret Identity
The Batsuit Successfully Covers Batman’s Entire Body - Except His Face
The Batsuit serves as a defensive measure against most attacks Batman takes from enemies due to the enhanced material it’s made of. Batman’s armor is evenstronger than Kryptoniansand can withstand their immense power, proving its merit. However, it has a design flaw in that it encompasses every part of his body except one.Although most of Bruce’s head is concealed, the bottom portion of his face is vulnerable, allowing Asema to strike him.Leaving his skin uncovered causes his blood to be drawn, when such an outcome could have been easily avoided with a quick upgrade to his classic costume.
Was Bruce Wayne Becoming Batman a Bad Choice? DC Comics Isn’t So Sure.
Bruce Wayne’s decision to fight crime as Batman seems noble on the surface, but his father just revealed why it might not have been the best call.
In general,Batman’s cowl exposing the lower half of his face is an impractical decision on his part. While it allows him to speak and breathe freely, it also opens up the potential for him to take direct hits to his body without the extra protection of armor. Furthermore, Batman’s face can be recognized upon close inspection. After all, the visibility of his face hasrevealed his identity as Bruce Waynein the past, so it’s about time he learned from such experiences and covered up. CertainBatsuitshe’s worn have included a mask over his whole face, so Batman’s main costume should feature the same addition.
Batman Needs to Update His Cowl Before More Villains Follow Asema’s Example
Asema Won’t Be the Last Opponent to Target Batman’s Weak Spot
Asema carrying a needle that she injects into Batman’s cheek may not be a common occurrence for the Dark Knight, but before long, other villains may attempt similar strategies to learn who he truly is - or simply drug him, as Asema also does. His face being on display makes it a major target for foes, and Asema’s successful attempt at procuring a DNA sample from him could set a dark precedent.Batmanshould either devise an upgrade to his costume that hides his face from attackers or practice guarding his face himself, otherwise more enemies will take advantage of his suit’s weakness.
Detective Comics#1093is available now from DC Comics.
Batman
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.
