[Batman] One Day, Batman Grew Tired of His Family

A Note Up Front: Uh, I admit it, I'm tired of this. I'm a completely devoted Batman fan. When I write about other characters connected to him, it's because I want to show some love to the people he loves. I've been enjoying the stories for a long time, but recently I suddenly started writing, and most of it has Bruce choosing to leave of his own accord. The more I think about it, the more I feel like reconciliation is impossible. The malice pouring out of both canon and fanfiction disgusts me. In stark contrast to the ensemble stories about the Justice League, I really have no interest in watching him serve as a tool for generating moral capital in a circle called the "Bat-Family," named after his own codename.

I'll leave out the blatantly malicious stuff. I wouldn't read it anyway. What really makes my sanity meter drop is the widespread, seemingly friendly arrogance and double standards hidden under a wholesome-family veneer. Either it's selective acceptance of writers' unhinged choices (I've basically never seen a fic heal Bruce based on an out-of-character comic that portrays the Robins as ungrateful, but every unhinged Batman comic is immediately turned into moral capital for the Robins), or it strips away the context behind Bruce's actions during ordinary and inevitable conflicts, making him seem like a lunatic who flies off the handle for no reason. Then, by an unfair standard, they condescendingly bestow forgiveness upon him. As long as he properly repents, gives in enough, and cooperates with the hurt/comfort tasks, he can earn the right to be loved again.

So I've decided to try having this family split up for good: when there are more tears than love, we shouldn't keep going. Batman has his work, his friends, his money, his wholehearted passion, and his willingness to give his life. Relationships that hurt both sides should end, not be patched up. Now that they've all grown up, they can each live their own lives.

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