The release of The Batman on HBO Max gave fans another opportunity to explore Matt Reeves' exciting take on Gotham City. The Batman explored the Dark Knight's developing relationship with Catwoman and his sometimes tense friendship with the Gotham City Police Department.
Of course, Batman has made quite a few close friends in the comics that always have his back. He may be seen as a loner in the DC Universe, but Batman has built a loyal family of heroes around him. He has also managed to develop and maintain close friendships with a few of his superhero peers in the Justice League and beyond.
10 Batman Was Good Friends With Tommy Elliot Before He Became Hush
One of Bruce Wayne's first friends was a boy named Tommy Elliot, who eventually grew up to become a skilled surgeon. Tommy and Bruce maintained a close friendship over the years, or so Bruce believed. In reality, Tommy harbored a grudge against Bruce and his family after Thomas Wayne saved Tommy's mother from a near-fatal car accident that Tommy had caused.
Elliot eventually returned as the super-villain known as Hush. He learned Bruce Wayne's greatest secret and used it to torment his old friend. Hush even surgically altered his face so he could impersonate Bruce Wayne to further ruin his life. Hush is one of Batman's most dangerous villains despite his beginnings as Bruce's closest friend.
9 Dr. Leslie Thompkins Helped Bruce Wayne After His Parent's Death
When Bruce Wayne's parents were shot and killed, Dr. Leslie Thompkins quickly took it upon herself to help care for the young child. She was one of Thomas and Martha Wayne's close friends, and she holds a special place in Bruce's heart as one of his adopted parents. Dr. Thompkins even knows of Bruce's secret life as Batman, though that has created tension in their relationship.
She never approved of Batman's life as a vigilante. During Batman's controversial War Games storyline, she faked Stephanie Brown/Spoiler's death in order to get her out of the life. She also hoped to teach Batman a lesson about his constant endangerment of children. Unfortunately, her plan backfired and Batman removed her from his life and his city.
8 Black Lightning Is One Of The First Batman Calls When He Needs Help
Jefferson Pierce is an educator who used his electrokinetic abilities to fight crime in his neighborhood as Black Lightning. Batman and Black Lightning have worked together for years. Pierce is one of the few heroes that Batman trusts completely.
Black Lightning was one of the first heroes who Batman asked to join his powerful team of Outsiders. Pierce was also Batman's first choice to help him train some of Gotham City's younger heroes like Orphan and the Signal. This only further proved the trust that Batman has in Black Lightning thanks to their close friendship.
7 Zatanna And Batman's Friendship Started Before The Cape And Cowl
The tight friendship between Batman and Zatanna dates back to when they were children. Bruce's father Thomas and Zatanna's father Zatara were close friends which first brought their children together. After the death of Bruce's parents, he would use that connection for another reason. Zatara helped train young Bruce Wayne alongside his daughter Zatanna.
Batman would later use the skills of escapology and illusions that Bruce learned from Zatara. Bruce and Zatanna's friendship would continue as they evolved into superheroes. However, the friendship was challenged by one of DC's most important events Identity Crisis. Zatanna wiped her old friends' memories, breaking a long-lasting trust that they are still rebuilding.
6 Lucius Fox Is One Of The Few Who Bruce Wayne Trusts With His Secret
Bruce Wayne and Lucius Fox have a long history as business partners and close friends. Fox helped him set up the Wayne Foundation which led to a position with Wayne Enterprises. He quickly became one of Bruce Wayne's most trusted financial advisors and eventually became the CEO of Wayne Enterprises.
Fox is one of the few non-superheroes who know of Bruce Wayne's identity as Batman. He has used the resources of Wayne Enterprises to help Batman in his mission for years. Two of Lucius's children have also become vigilantes. Luke Fox previously operated as Batwing while Tim "Jace" Fox has become The Next Batman in New York City.
5 Wonder Woman And Batman Have Grown Closer Over The Years
Batman and Wonder Woman are part of DC's Trinity. They set an example for the rest of the universe's heroes. Bruce and Diana have worked closely as superhero allies for years, which has resulted in a deep amount of respect and admiration for each other.
The pair grew even closer after they spent hundreds of years fighting together against an unstoppable horde in a timeless dimension. Bruce and Diana's close friendship has almost evolved into a romantic one on a few occasions. However, they remain close allies who can count on each other to help in a good fight when needed.
4 Alfred Pennyworth Is Bruce Wayne's Family And Batman's Closest Ally
While outsiders might see Alfred Pennyworth as playboy Bruce Wayne's butler, the truth is much deeper. Alfred worked with Thomas Wayne for years and established a close bond with the family. When they were killed, Alfred took it upon himself to raise the grieving child.
Alfred aided Bruce in his mission to become the Dark Knight and has tirelessly continued to serve him as Batman's closest ally. Bruce Wayne and the rest of the Bat-Family lost a close friend when Alfred was tragically killed by Bane in the "City of Bane" storyline.
3 Commissioner James Gordon Is Batman's Closest Profesional Friend
Batman hasn't always had the best relationship with the Gotham City Police Department. However, he found an ally early in his mission named Jim Gordon who would eventually become the GCPD Commissioner. Gordon and Batman have worked closely together for years in their fight against Gotham City's never-ending crime.
They have established a deep trust and respect for each other that is sometimes strained but never broken. Aside from their rooftop meetings by the Bat-Signal, Batman and Commissioner Gordon also connect every New Year's Eve to share a brief toast to their ongoing efforts.
2 Dick Grayson Was The First To Join Batman's Crimefighting Team As Robin
There have been quite a few heroes who have joined Batman's fight in Gotham City over the years, but Dick Grayson was the first. After the death of his parents, Grayson was taken in by Bruce Wayne as his ward. He eventually joined Batman as Robin the Boy Wonder, becoming one of the most effective versions of the Dynamic Duo.
While Batman was close with all of his charges, a special friendship exists between Bruce and Dick. Their relationship has survived over the years despite a number of hurdles. It was his friendship with Dick Grayson that ultimately broke down some of Batman's walls. This allowed him to establish close relationships with other sidekicks and heroes in the DC Universe.
1 Superman And Batman's Friendship Remains Strong As The World's Finest
Superman is the final member of DC's Trinity, and he shares close relationships with both Batman and Wonder Woman. His close friendship with Bruce Wayne has continued to grow and evolve over the years. Batman and Superman have become DC's World's Finest when they work together in costume.
However, it's during their more private moments that the true bond of friendship between Bruce and Clark is revealed. Batman is the only one that Superman trusts with a deadly kryptonite deterrent in case he ever becomes a problem. In return, Superman is always there to help Batman when he needs it, even if the Dark Knight isn't always capable of asking for help.