Alex Carter
Ever wondered how Bruce Wayne, the billionaire behind Batman, spends his fortune? This question often perplexes those who aren’t avid comic readers. Some argue that he could combat crime more effectively by investing in social programs rather than donning a mask and cape. Two intriguing narratives in Batman #150 delve into this very topic, shedding light on the philanthropic deeds Bruce Wayne undertakes outside his nocturnal crime-fighting escapades.
The story “Brick by Brick” penned by Chip Zdarsky and Mike Hawthorne, takes us back to Bruce Wayne’s early years. It reveals the first significant action he took after gaining control of his family’s wealth. Bruce purchased and subsequently shut down the company that manufactured the gun that ended his parents’ lives.
Despite this bold move, Bruce realized it was not a comprehensive solution to his mission of preserving lives. He ensured no innocent lives were disrupted by offering jobs to all the factory workers. However, he was still grappling with how to combat those who profited from death. This brief flashback underscores that even before he became Batman, Bruce Wayne was acutely aware of the need for social justice in the fight against crime.
Batman’s Fortune: A Healing Balm for Gotham City
The second narrative, “Be Better,” explores the concept of Bruce Wayne using his wealth to directly combat crime. Crafted by Chip Zdarsky, and brought to life by artists Denys Cowan and Jorge Jiménez, “Be Better” revolves around Teddy, a career criminal with a college-age son. When Teddy discovers Bruce Wayne’s secret identity, he plans to sell this information, making him Gotham’s most wanted. The criminal underworld targets Teddy, desperate to uncover Batman’s secret and eliminate Teddy before anyone else discovers the truth.
While on the run, Teddy reconnects with his estranged son, who was on the brink of following in his father’s criminal footsteps. However, an encounter with Batman set him on a different path. Batman helped Teddy’s son secure a scholarship, and he turned out to be an exceptional student. To Teddy’s dismay, Batman had been more of a father to his son than he had ever been. This realization prompts Teddy to seek help from Bruce Wayne, who agrees to help him start afresh in Metropolis. All he asks in return is for Teddy to “Be better.”
The comic also features a montage of Batman aiding people in ways that extend beyond battling supervillains. This underscores a point that comic enthusiasts grasp but critics often overlook. Bruce Wayne is well aware that his wealth can be used for good beyond his Batman persona, and he does just that. However, these acts of philanthropy are often overshadowed by the thrill of Batman’s face-offs with the likes of the Joker.
Get your hands on Batman #150, now available in comic shops everywhere.
