Back in May, we posed the question “Which Superhero Would Make the Best Boyfriend.” And author Amanda Hocking—whose Wake, first in the all-new Watersong series, comes out in August—tweeted at us that of course it had to be Batman. So we asked her to explain in detail. Thanks, Amanda!
(And if you haven’t seen it, be sure to check out our reveal of the gorgeous bonus poster to be found in the hardcover edition of Wake. Plus, enter for a chance to win a copy of Wake on H&H’s Facebook page!)
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In the current era of superheroes—Superman, Spiderman, Iron Man, and about any other “Man” out there—it would be hard to say which one would make the best romantic partner, especially when most of them are so swoon-worthy.
But, I think I’ve narrowed it down to the best possible choice—Batman. Okay, full disclosure; he was always at the top of my list. Ever since I saw Batman Returns in theaters, I knew that was the guy for me.
It’s not just that he’s incredibly strong, and brave, and will protect the people he cares about from anything. Or that he’s a fallible man constantly working to be an infallible hero to save innocent people and the city he loves. Or that his alter-ego is handsome, debonair, rich playboy Bruce Wayne. Or how he looks in tight black costumes.
It’s that he’s all of those things—noble, brave, handsome, insanely intelligent, and probably the most altruistic person that ever lived. He has an unfailing sense of justice and what’s right, and he’ll do anything to uphold it.
And there is a downside. Batman would be gone most evenings, fighting crime and all that. There’s also the risk of his arch nemesis figuring out that Batman’s fond of you, and then kidnapping you and holding you hostage to get after Batman.
That is a risk of dating any superhero, though. Their lady friends and sidekicks are always collateral damage in their unending pursuit of justice and truth.
So with all that danger, and all the caped crusaders out there—some with superpowers—what makes Batman stand out above the rest?
The real reason is that he’s a good guy wrapped up in a very bad boy package. He drives the fast cars, stays out all night, wears all black. He’s dark, brooding, and mysterious—but he has a heart of gold. Batman isn’t going to step out on you. He’s not going to forget your anniversary or birthday (or at least, Alfred won’t let him forget). He’s dangerous, but he’d do anything to protect you.
That’s not to knock other superheroes. I personally have a soft spot for Captain America, and his chivalrous and respectful nature. I can’t say that I’m completely impervious to Tony Stark’s quick wit or Superman’s strong arms either.
But there’s something about Batman. I’m not the only one, either. Since his creation in 1939, Batman has graced the pages of hundreds of comics, several successful television series—both live action and cartoon, video games, action figures, bed sheets, and over a dozen movies, including the Dark Knight trilogy by Christopher Nolan which stands to break all kinds of box office records. The world loves Batman.
The greatest appeal of Batman, I think, is that he’s just a man. He’s not endowed with preternatural strength or abilities that come from a freak accident or another planet. He’s a mere mortal who made a deliberate choice to fight crime. What separates him from me and anyone else is really a lack of determination.
Sure, he has an unlimited bank account where he creates all kinds of toys and gadgets that help him achieve his goals. But when it comes down to it, when he’s toe to toe with any number of villains, the thing that saves him is always his intellect and his unwavering belief in doing the right thing.
With all that going for Batman, what’s not to love?
Amanda Hocking is the author of the New York Times bestselling Trylle trilogy and six additional self-published novels. She made international headlines by selling over a million copies of her self-published books, primarily in eBook format. She lives in Minnesota, where she’s at work on the next book in the Watersong series.
