It’s been argued that, rather than “Batman” being a mask that Bruce Wayne wears, “Bruce Wayne” is actually a mask that Batman wears. “Bruce Wayne” died the moment he had to deal with his parents’ deaths. At that moment, a darker, brooding being was born: Batman. Haunted by the death of his parents, it drove him to aspire to perfection in every way possible. Sure, in public he adopts the Bruce Wayne persona, whom people see as friendly, funny, and, somewhat aloof. It’s all just a facade, though. No one can even conceive what really goes on in his head. He tries to keep the innocent happy and safe, but he can never really be happy himself. He’s sworn to protect the lives of families, knowing that it’s doubtful he will ever have one of his own. Basically, he’s a depressed, driven man, who suffers from a lot of hurt and loneliness. Yes, he’s just a man. And now, more than ever before, I think I’m beginning to understand why I’m drawn to him as a character.
