WARNING: The following contains major spoilers for Superman: Heroes #1, by Brian Michael Bendis, Greg Rucka, Matt Fraction, Kevin Maguire, Mike Norton, Mike Perkins, Scott Godlewski, Steve Lieber, Andy Troy, Gabe Eltaeb, Nathan Fairbairn, Paul Mounts, Clayton Cowles, Troy Peteri and Simon Bowland, on sale now.
It's commonly held that superheroes maintain their secret identities, not just for their own safety, but also to prevent their friends and family from falling into the crosshairs of their greatest enemies. With Superman going public with his dual identity as the DC Universe's premier superhero as well as his civilian identity as investigative reporter Clark Kent, the superhero community is divided on Superman's decision. However, the most surprising reaction of them all comes from Superman's oldest friend and ally within the community, the other half of the World's Finest, Batman.
As ever, the Dark Knight is initially guarded when Superman assembles the various Justice Leagues together to discuss the potential ramifications of his decision. While the feedback is largely positive, there are voices of dissension among the teams -- perhaps, most notably from Aquaman who lost his own infant son to Black Manta years ago as part of the villain's longstanding quest for revenge against him and his wife Mera. It is only in the privacy of stately Wayne Manor that Bruce Wayne lets his guard down and confesses what he really thinks about Superman's decision: He's deeply jealous of Clark's ability to live without secrets.
Following the meeting of the Justice Leagues, Wonder Woman catches up with Batman, now dressed in civilian wear as he contemplates recent developments while visiting his parents' graves on the Wayne estate's grounds. Batman has lost a lot lately. Bane led a coordinated attack on every aspect of Bruce's life as both the Caped Crusader and a wealthy playboy in an effort to break the Batman physically, mentally and emotionally and seize control of Gotham City. This culminated in the murder of Batman's longtime surrogate father, Alfred Pennyworth, a death that continues to haunt the entire Bat Family.
Initially, Bruce reacts angrily because Superman didn't consult the rest of his fellow superheroes before making such a bold announcement. His decision not only puts his family at risk but the identities and livelihoods of the entire superhero community that Clark Kent has ties to. However, upon being gently pressed further by Diana Prince, Bruce admits that he is jealous that he can never live a life without secrets like Clark; Bruce has lived a double life that he has kept from the general public since he first started training to become Gotham's guardian superhero.
Bruce's surprise moment of vulnerability is the most emotional sequence in the Superman: Heroes #1 special one-shot. While everyone from Swamp Thing to Booster Gold gets their chance to comment on Superman's big reveal, the most importance reaction to such a momentous move is from Batman, his oldest friend in the business. And while his initial angry response is certainly expected, with Batman, there's always more emotion simmering under the surface.
The repercussions of Superman revealing his secret identity will reverberate across the DCU for years to come. While his allies remain committed to continue serving alongside him, the most shocking revelation is that Batman is jealous of the Man of Steel's continued open, honest life -- something that will always elude the Dark Knight. And while Batman will likely never go public himself, perhaps the private admittance of his admiration for Superman's decision will help bring the two men even closer together.