Who truly knows how Batman thinks...?

[Frank White]

I was watch IFA yesterday and the Joker's quote about knowing how Batman thinks got me thinking. Who really does know how he thinks? Alfred, Catwoman, Batgirl, Joker, etc...

[Drachentöter]

In terms of crimefighting and the job? His more intuitive villains, including Joker, Riddler, and Ra's Ah Gul.

In terms of personal feelings, doubts, private thoughts, I'd have to say Alfred. Alfred and no one else. Superman will occasionally guess what's in his friend's mine, but the only one with any constant inkling of what Bruce is thinking of is Alfred.

[NightwingWC]

I doubt that even if J'onn used all of his telepathic abilities that he could understand how bats mind works. Probably the one that comes the closest are alfred and dick. in MOTP, batman said somethin like, u think u know me don't u, and alfred responded, I should certainly hope so, sir.

and dick in old wounds told batgirl, you don't know him like I do, he manipulates people, pulls strings, anything to get what he wants.

______________________________________________

I am... dramatic pause... THE CREEPER!

[TimTwoFace]

Of everyone in the world, I think Alfred would know Batman the best. He's been around Bruce since before his birth, was right there with him through all his training, and, for a time, was the only man to know Bruce's secret (until Dick came along). He's Bruce's #1 confidant, and even if Bruce doesn't come to him, Alfred knows what he's feeling - and he is more than willing to shake some sense into Batman on occasion if need be.

As for the villains, all of them have a good idea on how he operates - Joker, Penguin, Catwoman, Riddler, Two-Face, Scarecrow, Mad Hatter, Freeze, Bane, Ra's Al Ghul, Hugo Strange, Talia...everyone knows the "Batman" side of his personality. The only big difference here is that Ra's Al Ghul, Talia, Strange (and, later, Joker) knows Batman's secret identity, whereas the others don't. (Well, OK, Penguin and Two-Face knew as well, but they didn't realize it. :D)

-Tim

[NightwingWC]

Actually, ur wrong Timtwoface. before dick, Andrea Beaumont knew brucees secret, and so did Doctor Leslie!

Just a little tidbit! :p

__________________________________________

Marge: Homer, I've got someone here who can help you!
Homer: Is it Batman?
Marge: No, it's a scientist.
Homer: Batmans a scientist.
Marge: IT'S NOT BATMAN!

[Barb Gordon]

Well, if you want to get technical...he said "only man", which neither Andrea nor Leslie are! :p But easily, Alfred knows the man inside and out, more then anyone else.

"I diapered your bottom...I bloody well ought to."

~Barb

[BeastBoyWonder]

Originally posted by NightwingWC
Actually, ur wrong Timtwoface. before dick, Andrea Beaumont knew brucees secret, and so did Doctor Leslie!

Just a little tidbit! :p

__________________________________________

Marge: Homer, I've got someone here who can help you!
Homer: Is it Batman?
Marge: No, it's a scientist.
Homer: Batmans a scientist.
Marge: IT'S NOT BATMAN!


Actually, Andrea Beaumont knew Batman's secret after Dick learned it... in "Beware the Creeper", it stated that the Joker had been around for about seven years... therefore, Mask of the Phantasm had to have taken place somewhere around seven years before that. Dick, however, was in his early to mid twenties in TNBA, so he must have known Bruce's secret for at least 12 to 15 years.

[TimTwoFace]

Originally posted by NightwingWC
Actually, ur wrong Timtwoface. before dick, Andrea Beaumont knew brucees secret, and so did Doctor Leslie!

Just a little tidbit! :p


Actually, no - Batman never told Andrea his secret. It wasn't until the present-day in MASK OF THE PHANTASM that she found out - and that happened well after Batman first met the childish imp known as Dick Grayson.

Leslie Thompkins - well, she obviously knows, and outside of the folks in the Batcave, is the only one Batman WILLINGLY told his secret. She's been a family friend since his childhood, but as is clearly stated in ROBIN'S RECKONING, Bruce tells Dick that he's "the first...correction, second person" to be let in on his secret - the first being Alfred. Leslie was probably the next in line, cuz she definitely knew before Tim, Barbara, Ra's, and Talia learned.

Either way, no matter what, I still say that Alfred knows the man better than anyone else.

-Tim

[murmur]

Well, it depends on what aspect of his character you're talking about. Overall, and on an emotional level, Alfred knows best. Nightwing, and possibly Superman, know best how he works as a partner. Bane knows Batman's strategies, Joker knows how to get under his skin, etc.

[katfairy]

Definitely Alfred. I really don't think Dick knows Bruce/Batman half as well as he thinks he does. Clark.... means well :p . Barbara has a good idea, probably even better than Dick because she doesn't have all the emotional baggage. Tim is too young and hasn't known him long enough, and Terry has the same problem in Beyond continuity.

As for the villains, I don't think any of them really get it. If they did, he wouldn't kick their butts so often. :D

[The Detective]

Definatnly Alfred. He has been perhaps Bruce's only friend throughout his life. Barbara never has been with Bruce enough, same thing for Tim. And with the strain on Bruce and Dick's relationship I don't think I could say that he knows him all that well. Yep I would definantly have to say Alfred.

[wonderfly]

Who knows how the Batman thinks???? THE SHADOW KNOWS!!! :p

[BeastBoyWonder]

Originally posted by TimTwoFace
Actually, no - Batman never told Andrea his secret. It wasn't until the present-day in MASK OF THE PHANTASM that she found out - and that happened well after Batman first met the childish imp known as Dick Grayson.

Leslie Thompkins - well, she obviously knows, and outside of the folks in the Batcave, is the only one Batman WILLINGLY told his secret. She's been a family friend since his childhood, but as is clearly stated in ROBIN'S RECKONING, Bruce tells Dick that he's "the first...correction, second person" to be let in on his secret - the first being Alfred. Leslie was probably the next in line, cuz she definitely knew before Tim, Barbara, Ra's, and Talia learned.

Either way, no matter what, I still say that Alfred knows the man better than anyone else.

-Tim

Once again a correction... he said the quote about people being let into the Batcave... it is very possible that Leslie knew and was never shown the Batcave.

[NightwingWC]

HAHA! I WAS RITE AND YOU WERE WRON! NAH NAH NAH NAH NAH!
LOL!

______________________________________________

AHHH, A BUG!
in your salad?
NO, BEHIND YOU!

[Stewie]

Good question.

I'd have to agree with what's been said before.
Joker knew the Batman side best. Alfred knew the Bruce side the best.

I don't think anyone really knew him all that well though. I doubt even Bruce/Batman knew why he was the way he was.

[TimTwoFace]

Originally posted by ragingdrummerboy
Once again a correction... he said the quote about people being let into the Batcave... it is very possible that Leslie knew and was never shown the Batcave.

Possibly, but it's very likely that if they knew his secret, they would've been in the cave at some point. I seriously don't think anyone knew prior to MASK OF THE PHANTASM (besides Alfred), and that Robin was the second to know. Leslie is #3 for me.

And NightwingWC, calm down - you're just being silly now.

-Tim