Anyone else notice a disturbing Anti-Batman sentiment?

[Chad G.]

I have started to notice what is IMO, a rather disturbing trend. More and more, in posts, and threads that are started, are what I will call Bat-Bashing. For whatever reason, its open season on the Bat. Whether it be complaints about his technical ability, claims he is meta-human, or claims of the fact that most of the DCU "jobs" to him, quite a few people seem to have taken a major issue with Bruce as a character. And the argument could be made that Batman is a vital member of not only the JLA, but the DCU in general. Now outside of Ollie and Carter, I don't really despise any character. But there is a signifigant percentage of folks who right now seem to hate Batman.

Any ideas on the subject?

[metalhead_dave743]

The venom is more against the writers than the character himself.

[Captain Jim]

Well, I'd say it's against the current practice of portraying him as a real jerk.

[Chad G.]

Well, I'd say it's against the current practice of portraying him as a real jerk.

Thats a good point. Now I personally like the "Bat-Dick"persona, but even I feel it gets carried too far. Remember in the "Tenth-Circle" JLA run, after the Vampires are defeated, and Batman makes the comment about "his heart being in the right place". He is walking off and everyone has this shocked look on their face trying to figure out if he made a joke or not. And Batman has this sardonic little grin on his face. THAT is a good Batman. But admittedly, right now, Bruce has a lot on his plate. And he didn't put all of it there.

[literally exaggerated]

I know what you mean. I think it stems from a number of factors:

1.) Batman has been written as a really, really big dick for a while now. He's self-righteous, paranoid, conniving, and a really big asshole. This not only pisses off some fans on principle, it also pisses off fans of other heroes who he is a huge dick to. An avid WW fan might take offense at Batman's self-righteous outright condemnation of her post-sacrifice, for example.

2.) The Bat books are arguably the darkest of the mainstream DCU books. As such, many fans see them as part of an overall "problem" of excessive grittiness for shock value. The torture of Spoiler, the betrayal of Leslie, etc. For fans who want a return to happier comics in which heroes are clearly heroes and whatnot, Batman may represent everything they loathe about the modern DCU.

3.) Many fans believe that recent Bat books have had pretty bad writing, and that this has been the case for a while. Its hard to love a character when he's being written badly.

4.) Lots of people job to Batman. This hardly endears him to fans of those who job to him, e.g. when Darkseid or Captain Marvel or Hawkman or somebody jobs to Batman, fans of those characters are likely to be pissed, and blame Batman.

5.) Overexposure. Batman, even aside from the half dozen titles of his own, plus the team books he shows up in, plus the minis, seems to make cameos everywhere. He's not quite Wolverine, but the dude is still pretty ubiquitous.

6.) Unreasonable abilities/tech. Many fans feel that Batman has over years gone far, far beyond his core concept as a "realistic" superhero, a well trained, intelligent wealthy man who dresses up like a bat to scare criminals, and has instead become some sort of fusion of Reed Richards and Captain America. He's great at basically everything, including fighting, his tech is not only really, really advanced/plot deviceish (I mean, Brother Eye alone is just ridiculous), but also inconsistent. For all intents and purposes, Batman has a superpower. Its called "being best at absolutely every human discipline".

7.) Somewhat hand in hand with the above point, Batman's insane abilities have lead to many fans (and some writers) coming to believe things like "if Batman has enough prep he always wins", and voting for him or supporting him in rumbles or conflicts that non-Batfans don't feel he really deserves to win.


Now, I agree with some of the above, although not most of it. But I think those are the major complaints.

[Alan2099]

When well written, I have no problem with Batman.

When he's the absolute best at everything, can trade blows with people that should give Superman a run for his money, and acts like a huge jerk to everyone around him, that's when I have problems with him.

Tone the guy down some and he'll be fine.

[Arkham Resident]

I guess writers depict him not strictly as a 'Hero'. Well, not like the way they portray Superman or the others in DCU. When a character is portrayed like a dick it'll be more susceptible to criticisms. Hence, the bashing.

Im not saying that the bashing is planned but just an after effect of the character portrayal.

Well, bashing or praises, considered, my definition of 'HERO' is relative and for me Batman is still the Hero i can easily relate with.

[Alan2099]

Not being a hero I can deal with. It works for plenty of characters I like such as Punisher and Wolverine. The problem there is that Batman comes across as an ever bigger jerk than they do. You at least know where you stand with the Punisher.

If he likes you, he likes you. If he wants you dead, he wants you dead. He's not plotting to kill people in the event that they might one day do something wrong, and he doesn't yell at other people when they make mistakes.

[colossus34]

The biggest problem with a character being written as a mega JERK is that as a reader you do not sympathize or feel anything for the character. I realize that it is adamint for a character to have flaws to be human, but at the same time he must be worthy as a protagonist, for us to identify ourselves with him/her.

This is IMO the reason their is so much "Bat-hating" going on everywhere, the character is being written in the books as having almost no redeeming qualities and therefore we fail to care about him.

It's about time he be written as a HERO!!!!!

[literally exaggerated]

My personal problems with Batman, who, I may note, is and always has been my favorite comic character ever, by a mile.

1.) Moral inconsistency. I don't mind that he's this obsessive, crazy guy who bitches out other people for minor mistakes or moral lapses and who severely distrusts other heroes. What I do mind is that he himself has minor moral lapses. You wanna bitch out WW for killing a guy because its taking the easy way out? No problem. Just don't then go letting Leslie Thompkins go when she murders Spoiler.

2.) Tech inconsistency. One minute he's swinging from grappling guns and tossing modified shuriken, the next he's busting out boom tube gloves and creating vr chips that take over your brain. Choose one, I like both, but it drives me nuts when he uses slightly more advanced real world tech against guys like Killer Croc and then busts out insane supertech when tackling high end metahumans.

3.) Bad writing/botched personality. He's a hard character to do right. Not because he's basically insane, paranoid, obsessive, arrogant, etc. But because he's more than that, which is something most writers don't seem to realize.

4.) Badly written fights/jobber aura. I love nothing more than to see Batman utterly wail on and humiliate some high end metahuman. But the thing is, I've got to believe it. If he takes on Captain Marvel by busting out magic draining tech, or manipulating him to somehow turn back to Billy, awesome. But when he just beats the crap out of him with no prep, it doesn't wow me, it just makes me say" hey Captain Marvel is really a big pussy".

I still love him. I don't mind the dickery, or the darkness, though I fully acknowledge both are very much present. I don't think he's overexposed because I can't get enough of him. But those are my few complaints with how he's been handled recently.

[Arkham Resident]

Not being a hero I can deal with. It works for plenty of characters I like such as Punisher and Wolverine. The problem there is that Batman comes across as an ever bigger jerk than they do.

i agree with you on that.

But being a jerk sometimes has its advantages for Bats. He works better when he's alone. For him too much attachments distracts and weakens. plus writers seemed bent on not allowing Batman to be emotionally close to anyone. Those close to him either dies or gets into trouble (His parents, Jason Todd, Dick Grayson fall-out, Barbara Gordon, Tommy Elliot,Alfred, need i continue?).

Somewhere, i read a conversation between Batman and Superman:

Batman: ' your problem is you trust too much..'
Superman: ' Problem with you is you dont'

[Chad G.]

4.) Badly written fights/jobber aura. I love nothing more than to see Batman utterly wail on and humiliate some high end metahuman. But the thing is, I've got to believe it. If he takes on Captain Marvel by busting out magic draining tech, or manipulating him to somehow turn back to Billy, awesome. But when he just beats the crap out of him with no prep, it doesn't wow me, it just makes me say" hey Captain Marvel is really a big pussy".


True. But a lot of people have this belief right now that he should not have the ability(even with prep time)to stand on even ground with someone like Marvel. The example that keeps getting brought up is the fight between him and Darkseid in S/B. Me. I LOVED it. But everyone is making this big deal about Darkseid losing. Darkseid beat the piss out of Bats. But he got outsmarted. But several posters would have you believe that isn't possible. I think thats crap.

[DWEarhart]

no. it's the writers.

[mwm1331]

I think the real reason is that in thier heart of hearts, every fan knows that Bruce is just more of a man then thier favorite heroes.
Its jealousy, lets face it, if bruce had even half the power of some of the Big Guns, he could rule the entire DCU.
I also don't buy the whole Bat-dick, thing. He sometimes comes across as a dick, but as he told Catwoman in a recent Detective Comics, he feels everything. In fact he feels things more intensely IMO than other heroes, which is why he sometimes comes across as a dick, its a necessary defense mechanism.

[Ender]

I recently watched the first season of House M.D. and I know it seems irrelevant but House in a lot of ways is the Batman of diagnostics. He knows everything always has an answer and he's a huge jerk. Sarcastic bastard to say the least. When you watch the show you note that his humanity is revealed through his young team of assitants. If the show was all House even though his meaness is funny it would become annoying. Without those around him to force him to occasionaly be human. Either via questions or challenges. Hell Sherlock Holmes had Watson. And Batman has... well who does he really have? He used to have Robin at his side all the time.

My main problem is that Batman has a very emotional and private origin. But his humanity has all but gone. All that's left now is the mission. His motives would require a at least small measure of compassion. But there is no reflection of this in the character. Very often his mission is described as protecting "his" city not its people.

I hate to be yet another person that claims this but the JLU cartoon is the best Batman. In that show he's protrayed as more no nonsense then total egomaniac.

[xnef1025]

I like the House analogy Ender. That's how I think Batman should be written.
Alfred=Wilson
Selina=Cameron
Tim=Foreman
I don't know about Chase and Cuddy. Who can Bats love to torture, but need thier skills. And who can he respect but sexually harrass at the same time?

[Ender]

I like the House analogy Ender. That's how I think Batman should be written.
Alfred=Wilson
Selina=Cameron
Tim=Foreman
I don't know about Chase and Cuddy. Who can Bats love to torture, but need thier skills. And who can he respect but sexually harrass at the same time?
That's funny because I was gonna add something like this to the post. Mine goes:

Wilson=Alfred
Cameron=Batgirl(Minus the Sex thing) only because I had
Stacie= Selina
Chase=Robin
Foreman=Nightwing
Cuddy= Superman

I just kept intact their overall role. Not really plot points. I don't think Bats wants to sexualy harass Supes but if he did I guess that would explain a lot of things. Supressed feelings can be an ugly thing.

[VietN]

I think the real reason is that in thier heart of hearts, every fan knows that Bruce is just more of a man then thier favorite heroes.
Its jealousy, lets face it, if bruce had even half the power of some of the Big Guns, he could rule the entire DCU.
I also don't buy the whole Bat-dick, thing. He sometimes comes across as a dick, but as he told Catwoman in a recent Detective Comics, he feels everything. In fact he feels things more intensely IMO than other heroes, which is why he sometimes comes across as a dick, its a necessary defense mechanism.


Haha I like that. You're a dick. ;)
------------

Sometimes the 'dick' part is just overdone or gets old. I'd settle for him acting indifferent than going out of his way to be a jerk.

[f.ram]

My main problem is that Batman has a very emotional and private origin. But his humanity has all but gone. All that's left now is the mission. His motives would require a at least small measure of compassion. But there is no reflection of this in the character. Very often his mission is described as protecting "his" city not its people.

i think this is an issue that is acknowledge regularly by the supporting cast of bat-books. when other heroes outside of the bat-family challenge batman's role it's just that, a challenge. but the bat-family itself can see bruce's humanity through all of batman's bullshit. whatever criticism they may have for batman (usually behind his back, except alfred & dick) comes from a deep love & respect for the man that just barely exists anymore. i do see that barbara, tim, & cassandra have all been pushed away by the excessiveness of this, but dick & alfred are the core of his family & couldn't abandon bruce if they wanted to.

i can't help but think that this constant trend to widdle away the human orgin of batman to nothing more than obsession is all part of the hell that countdown & crisis will have on the character. batman is facing one life-altering tragedy after another w/ little levity in between. i predict that by the end of crisis, batman will no longer be teetering on the edge of insanity but completely over it.

[Alan2099]

I thought Dick did leave Batman.

[CaptMagellan]

It's the writers and editors.

I remember an interview with Denny O'Neil from the late 80s early 90s. He said the biggest disagreement he had with Miller, and the stance that was his number one rule as Bat editor was that Batman WASN'T a nutjob. O'Neil's stance was that Bruce was a hero because, after the vengeance angle began to rub off, he CHOSE to fight the good fight in order to help others NOT because he was obsessed.

Tony Isabella agrees in that he blames the increased obsessiveness of Bats on the retconning of Joe Chill out of the bat mythos.

The current editors and writers seem to have a problem believing in Batman as a hero first and a victim of tragedy second. They focus on the victim of tragedy aspect and have thrown out the choice to be a hero aspect out the window.

[f.ram]

I thought Dick did leave Batman.

yeh. a million times. but he keeps coming back.

[xnef1025]

That's funny because I was gonna add something like this to the post. Mine goes:

Wilson=Alfred
Cameron=Batgirl(Minus the Sex thing) only because I had
Stacie= Selina
Chase=Robin
Foreman=Nightwing
Cuddy= Superman

I just kept intact their overall role. Not really plot points. I don't think Bats wants to sexualy harass Supes but if he did I guess that would explain a lot of things. Supressed feelings can be an ugly thing.
Yeah I like yours. That'd be perfect. :D

[Chad G.]

I think the real reason is that in thier heart of hearts, every fan knows that Bruce is just more of a man then thier favorite heroes.
Its jealousy, lets face it, if bruce had even half the power of some of the Big Guns, he could rule the entire DCU.
I also don't buy the whole Bat-dick, thing. He sometimes comes across as a dick, but as he told Catwoman in a recent Detective Comics, he feels everything. In fact he feels things more intensely IMO than other heroes, which is why he sometimes comes across as a dick, its a necessary defense mechanism.

I like the way you think. I don't doubt that is is jealousy that more and more of people favorite characters are falling to the wayside while the Bat-line of books continues to grow.

[trickster]

The biggest problem with a character being written as a mega JERK is that as a reader you do not sympathize or feel anything for the character. I realize that it is adamint for a character to have flaws to be human, but at the same time he must be worthy as a protagonist, for us to identify ourselves with him/her.

This is IMO the reason their is so much "Bat-hating" going on everywhere, the character is being written in the books as having almost no redeeming qualities and therefore we fail to care about him.

It's about time he be written as a HERO!!!!!

No redeeming quality? How about being the JLA strategist? Or saving the day most of the time?

He's self-righteous
Riight. And that makes Superman what? "There's always a way. " Reminds me of Star Wars: "Only a Sith deals in absolutes". Gimme Lex Luthor and Batdick over Superman any day.
I think Superman would have had to trade blows with Booster and Guy at the least in case Diana hadn't gasp! shock! killed Max Lord, to prevent them from killing the guy himself.
And Batman is a dick? Ok, maybe he is. But at least he does make up for it with solid facts. He was the one who walked out on the US Congress when they condemned Gotham to No Man's Land. And he's out in Gotham every night risking his life fighting criminals and saving human lives, which makes him a hero indeed. What does Superman do besides being a sanctimonious preacher?

[Calybos]

There IS an anti-Batman sentiment among many comics fans--I'm one of them. And I think it's more than justified.

Batman (as usually shown) is not only a control-freak jerk with no ability to empathize or treat allies as human beings, let alone 'decently,'--he's also got a serious case of "cape envy." He despises people with powers and has a constant mad-on to prove himself superior to them, when he's not concocting plans and devices to neutralize them in his spare time.

This makes for a callous, manipulative, megalomaniacal, abusive control freak... and you wonder "Where's the love?" I wonder how anyone could LIKE the jackass.

[Mia]

Personally I like the arrogant and imperial Batman. It’s the one flaw that makes him bearable. If he were happy and personable in addition to his skills he would be annoying. Besides his bark is worse than his bite. He might be harsh but you can count on him to help you if you need it.


I frankly think that most of the anti Batman sentiment comes from the writers. I can tell by reading a book whether a writer really likes and respects Batman and those who don’t. And of course there are those who just who just don’t get the character (and don’t want to). IMHO I think that it is due to jealousy. I think that Bruce Wayne is too rich, good looking babe magnet. And to paraphrase the guy who did my tattoo. Batman is cool. He’s the kind of man who elicits much envy.




I am a bit disappointed with this whole IC project and what it has done to Batman. Batman is supposed to be a genius who is not above getting his hands dirty for the greater good. He is supposed to be a survivor and people…like that aren’t rigid. It saddens me greatly to see Batman sulking like a child over the actions of others who acted for the greater good.




Also with the shoddy lazy writing that permeates the Batbooks (when was the last time you saw Batman do some detective work?), it really makes like a lousy characterization. In order to write Batman as he was really intended and meant to be requires research which it seems many writers are unwilling or unable to do. So they take the path of least resistance and turn him into the Punisher without guns or a knuckle dragging Neanderthal and brute (Hello Frank Miller!). As opposed to the suave genius Messer’s Kane and Finger envisioned.


And of course the reverse of that is those writers who worship Batman. I don’t mind Batman being super competent. But having him competent while leaving everyone else stands around is stupid or passive. Or writing Batman as arrogant and rude and having other characters put up with it, Is irritating. I mean how many of us would allow someone like Batman talk down to them like that (unless of course they are signing you pay cheque)

I really believe that the character needs to be put back on track. And by authors who respect the character.

Oh and who are willing to put in the time to put out a good story.

[Mia]

No redeeming quality? How about being the JLA strategist? Or saving the day most of the time?


Riight. And that makes Superman what? "There's always a way. " Reminds me of Star Wars: "Only a Sith deals in absolutes". Gimme Lex Luthor and Batdick over Superman any day.
I think Superman would have had to trade blows with Booster and Guy at the least in case Diana hadn't gasp! shock! killed Max Lord, to prevent them from killing the guy himself.
And Batman is a dick? Ok, maybe he is. But at least he does make up for it with solid facts. He was the one who walked out on the US Congress when they condemned Gotham to No Man's Land. And he's out in Gotham every night risking his life fighting criminals and saving human lives, which makes him a hero indeed. What does Superman do besides being a sanctimonious preacher?


PREACH IT BROTHER!!!!!

[CaptMagellan]

This makes for a callous, manipulative, megalomaniacal, abusive control freak... and you wonder "Where's the love?" I wonder how anyone could LIKE the jackass.

When a fictional hero is turned into what you describe, I blame the writers and editors that choose to portray him that way, not the character.

[Calybos]

Huh? What do you mean, "Blame the character?" The "character" doesn't exist, except as various writers write him. Disliking the way a character is written isn't the "fault" of the character; how would it be possible to blame a fictional entity for anything?

If you're saying that the character used to be different, in the hands of other writers, then say so. But "Batman, the character" has no independent existence, or any personal reputation to protect. Or feelings to hurt.

Let's say that Batman was good when Writer A worked on the book, but now he's annoying with Writer B. Is it really that big a jump to saying "Batman used to be good, but now he sucks?" Of COURSE it's the writing that made the difference, but that doesn't say anything about whether Batman is inherently good or bad.

So when I describe how Batman has been shown in most of the appearances I've seen (post Silver Age), it's a shorthand way of saying "I don't like the approaches those writers took, or the use they made of the character." Someone else could come along and make Batman a slap-happy jokester next week; who knows, maybe I'd like that Batman better.

Batman, as he stands right now and in the books I've read in recent years, IS a jerk (in my view). It's no more sensible to say that's blaming the character than it is to give credit to the character when he's good (i.e., when the writers make a character interesting, entertaining, or sympathetic).

[Mia]

There IS an anti-Batman sentiment among many comics fans--I'm one of them. And I think it's more than justified.

Batman (as usually shown) is not only a control-freak jerk with no ability to empathize or treat allies as human beings, let alone 'decently,'--he's also got a serious case of "cape envy." He despises people with powers and has a constant mad-on to prove himself superior to them, when he's not concocting plans and devices to neutralize them in his spare time..

Okay if that's the case then. Why is Batman on/in the JLA? If he envies them and hates them as much as you say. Then why work with them? And if he has no ability to "empathize" with others. Then why put his life on the line and to help those who can not help themselves.



This makes for a callous, manipulative, megalomaniacal, abusive control freak... and you wonder "Where's the love?" I wonder how anyone could LIKE the jackass.



No he isn't. People with these qualities don't help others. And I've seen Batman do that.

[f.ram]

i can't help but wonder how much of this anti-bat sentiment is based on the portrayal of batman in non-batspecific books like JLA & OMAC, as opposed to his own titles.

[Alan2099]

Batman treats the JLA like he treats his vehicles. They're tools. He uses them to do things he couldn't otherwise do.

[CaptMagellan]

Huh? What do you mean, "Blame the character?" The "character" doesn't exist, except as various writers write him. Disliking the way a character is written isn't the "fault" of the character; how would it be possible to blame a fictional entity for anything?


Exactly and my point is a subtle one.

Instead of people discussing why Batman deserves or doesn't deserve the 'hatred', I'm wondering why people aren't discussing whether or not they agree with the approach of these writers and the editorial directions mandated to them.

People are suddenly wondering "why all the Bat-hate": Simple answer - the PTB are writing him in a manner that engenders a hateful response and have been for over a year now.

Some people may really like the obsessed psycho bat-dick. But for those who like a Batman who can be looked up to and admired (and no, I'm not advocating turning him into an Adam West version), they should be addressing the source, not arguing and justifying poorly written fictional motivations.

[Mia]

Batman treats the JLA like he treats his vehicles. They're tools. He uses them to do things he couldn't otherwise do.


I've read the JLA, but I haven't studied the books in depth. And I think the team in general uses each other. I don't get any feel amongst them that they are a family or buddies. They strike me as being colleagues or respect each other. But nothing more. I am sure the rest of the members view Batman the same way he views them. An asset to get the job done. Nothing more

And isn't Batman financing the JLA anyway? I know he does in the cartoon. I have no doubt that extends to the comic book. Batman uses the JLA for their powers and they use him for his money and brain. Sounds like an even deal to me.

[f.ram]

i get the impression that there is a core commradare between specific members, but not necessarily throughout the entire team. obviously ollie & hal are best-buds. both were very close to barry allen & therefore view wally as somewhat of a nephew-type character. i think that out of all the leauge, superman & wonder woman are the two characters that batman trusted most, but the countdown to IC has revealed that he hasn't been very trusting of even them over the past few years. but then again, it seems that none of the league has been trusting of each other in quite some time.

[Alan2099]

To my knowledge, Batman doesn't finance the JLA. I may be wrong though.

[Kid Kamikaze10]

I don't think I would put up much of a fight in this agrument, but to Omega and Mia.....

Fight the Power!

Good going you guy and gal, I like this current and the past Batman's, so the anti-Bat stuff ticks me off too.

Personally, I can see Batman's point of view in IC as a whole.

[Chad G.]

Hummmmppphhh.

There IS an anti-Batman sentiment among many comics fans--I'm one of them. And I think it's more than justified.

Batman (as usually shown) is not only a control-freak jerk with no ability to empathize or treat allies as human beings, let alone 'decently,'--he's also got a serious case of "cape envy." He despises people with powers and has a constant mad-on to prove himself superior to them, when he's not concocting plans and devices to neutralize them in his spare time.

This makes for a callous, manipulative, megalomaniacal, abusive control freak... and you wonder "Where's the love?" I wonder how anyone could LIKE the jackass.

Doesn't care abot his allies? So is there an explanation for when he helped PM with the issue with his child being out of control. And I think that the last thing that Bats has is a case of "cape envy", considering that most "capes" look up to him. Who does he have to look up to? He is the most feared hero in the DCU, and that suit me just fine. Not everyone needs the boyscout loving Big Blue gets. What does he have to prove to them. They are normally coming to him for help.

Batman treats the JLA like he treats his vehicles. They're tools. He uses them to do things he couldn't otherwise do.

Batman is one of the better, for lack of a better term, "battlefield commanders". He barks orders, and expects them followed. But I have NEVER seen him use people like tools. Can you find me an example of where Batman has made a self-righteous decision and used someone elses powers for his own personal gain? Just one example please.

but then again, it seems that none of the league has been trusting of each other in quite some time.

And all of that was brought on by a few mis-guided individuals with delusions of godhood in IDC.





I am a bit disappointed with this whole IC project and what it has done to Batman. Batman is supposed to be a genius who is not above getting his hands dirty for the greater good. He is supposed to be a survivor and people…like that aren’t rigid. It saddens me greatly to see Batman sulking like a child over the actions of others who acted for the greater good.


Mia, I agree with everything you said but this. Are you saying that you were comfortable with the decision made to wipe Batman?????

[megladon8]

What exactly does it mean for a character to "job" another character? I have never heard this term.

[Bloopinator]

The reason why people don't like them is cause they have a different opinion thank you. Get used to it

[Kid Kamikaze10]

I think Mia means either IdC (which I would disagree on) or Sacrifice, in which in this case I would have to agree. Bruce knows that Diana would kill someone if neccessary, but if it was Supes, then him being angry I would have no problem with (because they share the same no-killing policy).

[SdotCopp]

What exactly does it mean for a character to "job" another character? I have never heard this term.

basically it means to kick his ass...if hawkman 'jobs' to batman, it means he got his ass kicked by batman. term is also used in wrestling for the wrestler who agrees to lose a particular match

[Alan2099]

Close. It means when a person get's their butt kicked when they shouldn't.
For example, if Batman was to kick Cyborg Superman's butt, you could say Cyborg was jobbing.

[Chad G.]

What exactly does it mean for a character to "job" another character? I have never heard this term.

The term has it's origin in pro-wrestling. If you just "lay down" and let someone else beat you, you have "jobbed to them".

[Chad G.]

The reason why people don't like them is cause they have a different opinion thank you. Get used to it

Wow. That was very informative. Thanks! :cool:

I think Mia means either IdC (which I would disagree on) or Sacrifice, in which in this case I would have to agree. Bruce knows that Diana would kill someone if neccessary, but if it was Supes, then him being angry I would have no problem with (because they share the same no-killing policy).

I'll go with you on that. I am not a big fan of the "no kill" policy, and thought Bats was an a$$ when he threw Diana out of the cave. But he was wronged in IDC, and I think that is a fair statement, IMO.

[Lord Grog]

Rather than enter into the larger debates in this thread, I just want to say that I love Batman. Although I would like a somewhat lighter Bats (a la Batman: TAS, my favorite take on Batman), I am enjoying the current storylines. Don't get me wrong, some of the complaints are completely valid, and I think a lot of the complaints are coming from big fans that are upset that one of their favorite characters is being portrayed in the wrong fashion.

LG

[Ruthless_Pryde]

Thats a good point. Now I personally like the "Bat-Dick"persona, but even I feel it gets carried too far. Remember in the "Tenth-Circle" JLA run, after the Vampires are defeated, and Batman makes the comment about "his heart being in the right place". He is walking off and everyone has this shocked look on their face trying to figure out if he made a joke or not. And Batman has this sardonic little grin on his face. THAT is a good Batman. But admittedly, right now, Bruce has a lot on his plate. And he didn't put all of it there.


I'm with you on this, I don't mind him being a jerk, per se, but it has really been carried to all new heights. Get a new angle on the character.

[dancj]

What exactly does it mean for a character to "job" another character? I have never heard this term.

Careful - this is a kid friendly board.

[Eliseu Gouveia]

Jobbing basically means a character takes a fall so the one who beat him looks good.

[VietN]

I just want to say I still respect Batman in IC. The greater good, emphasis on greater when it comes to the good.

[Guts/Batman]

Less BatGod. Less BatDick. Less Batman. More Bruce Wayne.

This is what I feel needs to happen.

[CURSD BLADE]

To tell you the truth, I love Batman in his current incarnation.

I love that his amazing intellect is his deadliest weapon, one that puts him on par with those with unimaginable power like Superman.

I love the fact that he is but a lowly human, yet all the "god-like" heroes fear and/or respect him.

I love the fact that he is so cold, mythotical, and brooding. Batman should be an loner who cannot express his feelings and is so short with the rest of the DCU. It shows just how emotionally scarred he was by his parents deaths. He cannot get close to anyone or trust anyone and it adds a whole new dimention to his character.

I love that Batman is Batman, not Bruce Wayne. Wayne should be the mask IMHO. Showing just how relentless and devoted he is is yet another dimention that shows how emtionally flawed and insecure his parents deaths have left him. While he is a genius, he has the emotional maturity of that young boy who watched his parents die. I love it.

I don't want him to be "light", to joke with Tim, to play wrestle with Dick, to give Sups high-fives, to lose the darkness that makes him so interesting and relatable in the DCU.

[Guts/Batman]

I don't want him to be "light", to joke with Tim, to play wrestle with Dick, to give Sups high-fives, to lose the darkness that makes him so interesting and relatable in the DCU.

Who said they wanted Superfriends Batman? Talk about going from one end of the spectrum to the other.

Though there are some here that would say that would prefer SF Batman to BatDick.

I find current Batman hardly relatable.

[CURSD BLADE]

Who said they wanted Superfriends Batman? Talk about going from one end of the spectrum to the other.

Though there are some here that would say that would prefer SF Batman to BatDick.

I find current Batman hardly relatable.

I guess I didn't mean "superfriends" but still...

I think Batman isn't so much a "dick" as he is "mentally scarred" which causes his distance and his intollerance. Its quite interesting.

As for relatability, he is the human figurehead for the DCU IMHO. He represents what we could be if we had his drive and dedication, and is the personification of human achievement in the face of all these god-like entities.

He is also relatable (at least to me) because he should have this amazing life, yet is shackled down by these emotional scars and flaws and this obsessive drive that will never relent enough for him to ever find true happiness. It grounds him.

[Guts/Batman]

I guess I didn't mean "superfriends" but still...

I think Batman isn't so much a "dick" as he is "mentally scarred" which causes his distance and his intollerance. Its quite interesting.

As for relatability, he is the human figurehead for the DCU IMHO. He represents what we could be if we had his drive and dedication, and is the personification of human achievement in the face of all these god-like entities.

He is also relatable (at least to me) because he should have this amazing life, yet is shackled down by these emotional scars and flaws and this obsessive drive that will never relent enough for him to ever find true happiness. It grounds him.

Yes, he is the human figurehead in DCU. However, current Batman is a paranoid, controlling asshole (with OCD) who doesn't confront "friends" when they wrong him, he creates contingincy plans to put them in their place if they get a lil out of whack. (See Brother Eye)

I find the current Batman to be a spoiled rich boy who clings a very childish emotion and refuses to go past it. He may call it justice but it is an amalgamation of justice and vengeance. This Batman is petty as well.

His current emotional state holds him back on so many fronts:

1) He should be a mentor to Cassie, Tim and Dick. But he is not.
2) He should be able to confront friends about their transgressions without building spy satellites. But he isn't.
3) He should be more of a team player. But he isn't.
4) His moral guide should be just that, a guide not something set in stone with no exceptions. But it isn't.
Etc...

[IamtheRock3]

I just want him to be NOT a F up

not THIS MANY THING that goes wrong in DC should be his fault


It one thing to be a know it all Jerk

Other charcter do it well. HOUSE, Alan shore (The practice), Shield


But being a Jerk..who doesnt know what he doing is another..


Imagine if House end up killing his patient every Week. LET STILL ACTED the way he does.

You hate even more

[Chad G.]

Yes, he is the human figurehead in DCU. However, current Batman is a paranoid, controlling asshole (with OCD) who doesn't confront "friends" when they wrong him, he creates contingincy plans to put them in their place if they get a lil out of whack. (See Brother Eye)



"Tim, you left the keys in the 'mobile again"

ZAP, AN OMAC TEARS ROBIN IN HALF!

Give me a break. Batman(who has already had a portion of his mind stolen by several leaguers with delusions of godhood) is always planning for a worse case scenario. Oh, I don;t know, like maybe some telepath taking control of, oh lets see, SUPERMAN. If Diana hadn't pasted Maxwell, someone would have had to take Supes down. Those are the instances that Batman plans for. Not maling sure Ollie or Wally don't cheat on their taxes.

[Alan2099]

Yeah, and that plannign he's did nearly killed the JLA on a couple of occassions. Face it, we wouldn't be dealing with hlaf the problems we have no if Batman hadn't created a super superior spy satleite to try and track everybody at all times.

[IamtheRock3]

I dont know What did the Satlaite Accomplise really

Omac were there. Max all reayd had a lot of Info from working on the JLA reading his mind..After all he read mind enough to get Batman plans..so he know Bruce ID..just by that he know a lot of there ID's

He knew a lot of people ID's
Know Checkmate been had info on a lot heroes. They knew who Bruce was in Fugitive and seem to have info on others.

[Chad G.]

Yeah, and that plannign he's did nearly killed the JLA on a couple of occassions. Face it, we wouldn't be dealing with hlaf the problems we have no if Batman hadn't created a super superior spy satleite to try and track everybody at all times.

He might not worry about spy satelites if he didn't have to worry about being mind-raped by his, hummmpphh, teammates. I would watch my co-workers every chance I could too. With friends like the other JLAers, who needs enemys?

[Alan2099]

yeah, expecially when your friends are constantly watching you to figuring out how to kill you, right?

[Guts/Batman]

"Tim, you left the keys in the 'mobile again"

ZAP, AN OMAC TEARS ROBIN IN HALF!

Give me a break. Batman(who has already had a portion of his mind stolen by several leaguers with delusions of godhood) is always planning for a worse case scenario. Oh, I don;t know, like maybe some telepath taking control of, oh lets see, SUPERMAN. If Diana hadn't pasted Maxwell, someone would have had to take Supes down. Those are the instances that Batman plans for. Not maling sure Ollie or Wally don't cheat on their taxes.

The mere fact that it was a semi-autonomous AI makes it a high risk. A much higher risk than, say, calling out Carter, Atom, Ollie or Zatanna on their "practices".

Alan is right IMO. Half the problems in DCU now, have happened because Batman is so secretive. That's what happened in Tower of Babel as well.

He has a history of doing exactly this.

It doesn't make him interesting. It just makes him a controlling, compulsive, paranoid asshole.

[IamtheRock3]

yeah, expecially when your friends are constantly watching you to figuring out how to kill you, right?


To be fair his friend does have a tendecy to turn Evil and get mind controled


Remember PART of omac promblem was ANOTHER fellow DC hero going rouge and using the info he learn (from reading Batman minds and other) slowly building them not..and admited making the JLA ineffectual on PURPOS

that man was Max Lord...was a team mater that turn evil cause no one was watching thing. Batman is Parnoid but not Panoid ENOUGH!!


Yea it not Superman fualt he get mind controled like for the 50th. STILL GOT TO PLAN for stuff like that. If these hero goes Crazy due to mind controled..your still as good as dead regardless

Really I would even take in personly if some was planning against me if I sometime went Crazy

"Yea it sucks you dont trust but I DID PUT YOU in a coma..and tried to take over the world ounce. Yea didnt mean to..but it happen and it a PRETTY darn good change it will happen again"

Heck Superman gave him a Green Rock for that Reason


Problem is Security in comis SUCK..no matter how much security you got it wont be enough. Bat is a F up..but he an F up for security. It is partly his fault

Sometime his parnoid plans help. He was the only one who had a back up JLA for Obsianda Age. He assumes the worst because he has to

But dont blame him for the actual CREATION of his prodicals..just wish he found a way to keep a better handle on them

[Guts/Batman]

The funny thing is...we still don't know why or when Max went bad.

That's so...bad it is almost funny.

Almost.

[Alan2099]

So, Batman always plans for everythiong and is insanely paranoid, and yet people always manage to get by him, catch him by suprise, and steal his stuff anyway?

Nice. Reeeeaaal nice. :D

[Guts/Batman]

So, Batman always plans for everythiong and is insanely paranoid, and yet people always manage to get by him, catch him by suprise, and steal his stuff anyway?

Nice. Reeeeaaal nice. :D

Murphy's law at work... ;)

[IamtheRock3]

The mere fact that it was a semi-autonomous AI makes it a high risk. A much higher risk than, say, calling out Carter, Atom, Ollie or Zatanna on their "practices".

Alan is right IMO. Half the problems in DCU now, have happened because Batman is so secretive. That's what happened in Tower of Babel as well.

He has a history of doing exactly this.

It doesn't make him interesting. It just makes him a controlling, compulsive, paranoid asshole.


Yea but if he called them on it..it a very good change they would scan his mind..see if he had any Tape recordes to get his mind back, if not mindwipe him again

He really has ZERO reason to trust those six. They were going "Gee bats why your so parnoid" When they mindwipe him and heck maybe even LOBOTIMIZE catwoman. least THOSE six cant be trusted for him to CONFRONT them till he has a plan to keep his mind in place..brother eye was such a plan and even then they very well could of did it again. And people actully want to give them CREDIT..for not fing with his mind a second time. You dont get CREDIT for not doing something Awfull

note he was aware it was other Lobtomizations and mindwipes. So it was a BIG RISK to confront them.


And note Tower of babel happen around the time of the Starro, and Hal Jordan (pre cop out yellow fear monster) incident happen

he couldnt tell him the plans cause if they happen again they would know and go after him firs

[IamtheRock3]

The funny thing is...we still don't know why or when Max went bad.

That's so...bad it is almost funny.

Almost.


He expalin it well

he was ALL WAYS bad..planning agiant the League. He said he made them ineffectiual..which kind of an insult to Griffen leauge but Oh well in continuty now

Also he dont see himself as bad..He kind of Like batman in a way..suprise nobody made the comparriosn

both feel the heroes cant be trust..But feel THEY can and maybe only them

[IamtheRock3]

So, Batman always plans for everythiong and is insanely paranoid, and yet people always manage to get by him, catch him by suprise, and steal his stuff anyway?

Nice. Reeeeaaal nice. :D

when HAS secruity worked in comics
Securtiy sucks

it Jobs like Death
and prison

[Guts/Batman]

He expalin it well

he was ALL WAYS bad..planning agiant the League. He said he made them ineffectiual..which kind of an insult to Griffen leauge but Oh well in continuty now

Also he dont see himself as bad..He kind of Like batman in a way..suprise nobody made the comparriosn

both feel the heroes cant be trust..But feel THEY can and maybe only them

I didn't clarify good enough. I meant, when he found out about Brother MK1 and gained control of it.


I was thinking about that just now.

When Max is sounding more like Batman than Batman is, there is a serious problem.

[Chad G.]

yeah, expecially when your friends are constantly watching you to figuring out how to kill you, right?

LOL, your words, not mine.

The mere fact that it was a semi-autonomous AI makes it a high risk. A much higher risk than, say, calling out Carter, Atom, Ollie or Zatanna on their "practices".

Alan is right IMO. Half the problems in DCU now, have happened because Batman is so secretive. That's what happened in Tower of Babel as well.

He has a history of doing exactly this.

It doesn't make him interesting. It just makes him a controlling, compulsive, paranoid asshole.

Of course. Batman(a mere non metahuman mortal ) is responsible for a full 1/2 the problems throught the cosmos. I knew he was good, but thanks for filling me in on the fact that he was that good. WOW!

Let be real people. All the characters in the DCU can't be boy scouts like Superman. Or wishy washy fence straddling liberal like Ollie. Or the next step up on the evolutionary scale from cro-magnon like Hawkman. People like Batman are needed, whether anyone, be it readers or fans, like them or not.

Batman had a great line in S/B. He said something along the lines of he doesn't look for the good in people. That way he isn't disappointed in them. That pretty much sums up a very smart take on working relationships.

[palaeomerus]

Max Lord is like Jean Loring or the Golden Eagle guy that they brought back from the dead just so he could go nuts after pretending to be Hawkman for like four issues.

It just happened 'cause they are KA-RAYZEEE!!!

Heck a guy killed the Mayor of San Francisco and his aid once and he got off on the insanity plea because he insisted that only a guy who was going nuts would eat as many twinkies as he did...

[trickster]

I just want him to be NOT a F up

not THIS MANY THING that goes wrong in DC should be his fault


It one thing to be a know it all Jerk

Other charcter do it well. HOUSE, Alan shore (The practice), Shield


But being a Jerk..who doesnt know what he doing is another..


Imagine if House end up killing his patient every Week. LET STILL ACTED the way he does.

You hate even more


lil out of whack.

Sure, Superman meaning to kill Diana was a little out of whack. So was Hal Jordan when he destroyed Hal City. (Yeah, I'm being ironic.) And if you're gonna tell me they were not themselves when they did that, you'll just make the same point Batman did and why he set up Brother I. They are so powerful (close to unstoppable) they don't get that excuse.
Some people will claim the most outrageous s*** like Batman is responsible for half the stuff in the DC Universe.


So, Batman always plans for everythiong and is insanely paranoid, and yet people always manage to get by him, catch him by suprise, and steal his stuff anyway?

Nice. Reeeeaaal nice.


So what's your point? Even the best laid plans have a weakness. And goofing up something that was supposed to go flawlessly hasn't happened to you or anyone else?

[dancj]

Alan is right IMO. Half the problems in DCU now, have happened because Batman is so secretive. That's what happened in Tower of Babel as well.

I'm a bit behind on my trades so I don't know what current events your're referring to, but Tower of Babel wasn't because Bats was secretive. It's because he was silly enough to keep his plans on file where Ras Al Ghul could get at them. Having the plans in the first place was absolutely the right thing to do

[IamtheRock3]

Sure, Superman meaning to kill Diana was a little out of whack. So was Hal Jordan when he destroyed Hal City. (Yeah, I'm being ironic.) And if you're gonna tell me they were not themselves when they did that, you'll just make the same point Batman did and why he set up Brother I. They are so powerful (close to unstoppable) they don't get that excuse.
Some people will claim the most outrageous s*** like



So what's your point? Even the best laid plans have a weakness. And goofing up something that was supposed to go flawlessly hasn't happened to you or anyone else?


WOW you totaly change the tone of my topic

by adding the Lil Wack statment..from a total diffenr conversation..(lil out of wack was orginal talking about Dark Detetive)


Just said dont want batman to be just a F up

Hench why I said Imagine If house kept losing patient let STILL acted the way he does

Sure F up sometimes but not the string of f ups

Kind of agree with you on most of the stuff actully

To me it doesnt matter if the metas werent in there best state of mind. Bottom line is they got controled..happen before..will happen again

it be NICE to have a plan for that.

my only beef with Batman is bad security. Not the plans

[Alan2099]

Well, just in recent years, he's been responsible for the Tower of Babel, War Games, and the mess with Satelite.

it's not like he doesn't know the risks of that sort of thing either. He was there back when J'onn's plans got stodlen and the villians used the to capture and defeat all the heroes in the world.

It's funny really. Batman is worried about the other heroes messing up and going rouge when it's a lot more likely that he'll mess up and have all his stuff taken from him.

[IamtheRock3]

Well, just in recent years, he's been responsible for the Tower of Babel, War Games, and the mess with Satelite.

it's not like he doesn't know the risks of that sort of thing either. He was there back when J'onn's plans got stodlen and the villians used the to capture and defeat all the heroes in the world.

It's funny really. Batman is worried about the other heroes messing up and going rouge when it's a lot more likely that he'll mess up and have all his stuff taken from him.


Not Really lot more incidents of heroes being mind controled. Not an insult against them but it happen enough time that you got to plan. So really my beef is with security..then again security sucks in comics


Also it probally more incident of heroes outright tunring evil then batman messing up

Batman goes rouge he can be killed Easly

JLA go rouged the pretty much up poop creek

Also sometime his paranoid plans work


And again NOBODY give Supes BS for his VANISHING protocals. To be fair Tower of babel was 4 years ago mayve. Maybe not comic time..but if we factor comic time the JLa prbobally would of gotten mind controled like 50 times in one year..so that only helps bruce's case


War game was something he made YEARS!! ago and had no plan to use cause he thought it was a sucky idea. It was just an IDEA..not even something he really went long out to set up

That like blamming me if terriost made an attack base on some Civlazation 2 mod I did

[Guts/Batman]

I'm a bit behind on my trades so I don't know what current events your're referring to, but Tower of Babel wasn't because Bats was secretive. It's because he was silly enough to keep his plans on file where Ras Al Ghul could get at them. Having the plans in the first place was absolutely the right thing to do

More or less talking about OMAC.

There may be a lot of more of his devices out there currently that none of them knows about.

You know how the writers write Batman. They don't show him make the devices, he kinda just has them and then they explain how he makes them after the fact.

I wouldn't be surprised if there is anything else of his out in DCU right now. But we won't know til after the fact.

[Chad G.]

Sure, Superman meaning to kill Diana was a little out of whack. So was Hal Jordan when he destroyed Hal City. (Yeah, I'm being ironic.) And if you're gonna tell me they were not themselves when they did that, you'll just make the same point Batman did and why he set up Brother I. They are so powerful (close to unstoppable) they don't get that excuse.
Some people will claim the most outrageous s*** like



So what's your point? Even the best laid plans have a weakness. And goofing up something that was supposed to go flawlessly hasn't happened to you or anyone else?

Having the plans in the first place was absolutely the right thing to do

Great points folks. I couldn't have said it much better myself.

[trickster]

Hal Jordan... destroyed Hal City
Hmm. Guess Hal's still a megalomaniac. He had another city destroyed.:D

[Doesitmatter]

Once Denny O' Neil left, Batman lost his soul. He wasn't anyone you could relate to anymore.

I can trace it back to No Man's Land.

[Alan2099]

That's pretty much where I think things fell apart myself.

[Panman]

I love the fact that Batman's a dick to the other characters, it sets him apart from the rest of the jla. And he has A LOT to be annoyed about.

Besides, his life has pretty much been one tragedy after another. It's only a matter of time before he goes crazy.

[Kid Kamikaze10]

I have a question. If you are going through one tragedy after another, getting attacked physically and mental by both friends and enemies, and your "family" don't want to help you, I think you would be feeling really sh**ty right now, or in Bruce's case, extremely paranoid.

I think he has a right to feel this way because his life has been sucking for the past two years, and for those who don't like him at this moment, if you still don't think he has been knocked down enough, the crisis is here, and this time, I don't think Batman will be able to come out of it with a piece of sanity.

Not enough people around here to defend Bats. Really, only Omega and a few others have put up a fight.

[trickster]

Once Denny O' Neil left, Batman lost his soul. He wasn't anyone you could relate to anymore.

I can trace it back to No Man's Land.

Speak for yourself, I can relate to Batdick just fine.

[Tadhg]

I think he has a right to feel this way because his life has been sucking for the past two years, and for those who don't like him at this moment, if you still don't think he has been knocked down enough, the crisis is here, and this time, I don't think Batman will be able to come out of it with a piece of sanity.


You're treating him as if he were real, and these tragedies really happened. If you're looking at it that way, then yes, his behavior is explainable. I look at him as a piece of fiction and I haven't enjoyed a Batman book since before Murderer/Fugitive. The writers didn't have to write all these tragedies, they didn't have to beat the character into the ground, and they didn't have to turn him into what they have. Some people like it, others don't.

[Alan2099]

Speak for yourself, I can relate to Batdick just fine.
You must lead a sad and miserable life.






(just messing with ya'. No real offense meant.)

[Kid Kamikaze10]

You're treating him as if he were real, and these tragedies really happened. If you're looking at it that way, then yes, his behavior is explainable. I look at him as a piece of fiction and I haven't enjoyed a Batman book since before Murderer/Fugitive. The writers didn't have to write all these tragedies, they didn't have to beat the character into the ground, and they didn't have to turn him into what they have. Some people like it, others don't.


I thik that's who the writers have been taking it, like real life. Some of the Bat-books have sucked, but for the others, I'm still buying.

They didn't have to do all that stuff, but I'm okay, and many others are okay with it. Sorry to hear that it has been that long since you have enjoyed a Batbook, and I hope something comes up that you like. Keep your head up!

[Tadhg]

I thik that's who the writers have been taking it, like real life.


Personally, I think they're just trying to justify their portrayal of Batman.

[bannermanonemillion]

I agree with a lot of what's already been said regarding particularly how the writers keep throwing crap at Batman in the name of drama.

What irks me is how in books like JLA he keeps getting the same holier-than-thou speeches about keeping secrets, trusting, being a team player and now thanks to IC, basically every JLAer who's talked to Bruce like that except Diana and MM are total frelling hypocrites.

[Chad G.]

I agree with a lot of what's already been said regarding particularly how the writers keep throwing crap at Batman in the name of drama.

What irks me is how in books like JLA he keeps getting the same holier-than-thou speeches about keeping secrets, trusting, being a team player and now thanks to IC, basically every JLAer who's talked to Bruce like that except Diana and MM are total frelling hypocrites.

Good point. It seems like everyone likes to use the excuse of him keeping secrets. Seems to me he's pretty justified in his paranoia.

[jwd]

It's the writers and editors.

I remember an interview with Denny O'Neil from the late 80s early 90s. He said the biggest disagreement he had with Miller, and the stance that was his number one rule as Bat editor was that Batman WASN'T a nutjob. O'Neil's stance was that Bruce was a hero because, after the vengeance angle began to rub off, he CHOSE to fight the good fight in order to help others NOT because he was obsessed.

Tony Isabella agrees in that he blames the increased obsessiveness of Bats on the retconning of Joe Chill out of the bat mythos.

The current editors and writers seem to have a problem believing in Batman as a hero first and a victim of tragedy second. They focus on the victim of tragedy aspect and have thrown out the choice to be a hero aspect out the window.

Can Denny O'Neil come back then? :)
That's what I liked about the books back when he was editing. I like Batman as the hero who puts on the costume to make sure no one else goes through what he went through... I don't care for pyscho Batman like he's potrayed in All-Stars.

[Guts/Batman]

Batman should be a mentor to everyone in the Teen Titans and other 3rd and 4th generation DC heroes if they so seek his guidance. But current Batman just tells them to screw off.

He's too dark right now, IMO. Too brooding.

I can see why he is paranoid, yes, but he is just...a dick.

Why do the writers like writing him so?