A popular adage among comic book fans is that "with enough prep time, Batman can beat anyone." We've seen this displayed over the years, with the Dark Knight triumphing over ridiculously powered metahumans and even gods, but how would he fare against those who know his techniques inside and out? Those who he's trained and let become a part of his life?

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The Bat-Family contains numerous former sidekicks, partners, vigilantes, and hangers-on. Even though some have distanced themselves over the years, once you're part of Batman's inner circle, it is hard to leave. Many of these individuals have proven to be more than effective on solo missions, utilizing skills and abilities that surprise even Batman himself. Could any of them ever have the capacity to take down the Caped Crusader?

8 Cassandra Cain

Right off the bat (no pun intended), Cassandra Cain probably has the best chance of anyone in the Bat-Family of taking down Batman in hand-to-hand combat. The daughter of two of the deadliest assassins in the DC Universe, David Cain and Lady Shiva, she was trained from birth to be a living weapon.

Cassandra might not have the crazy gadgets that Batman has or as many years of experience under her belt, but having spent every waking moment of her life training to master dozens of martial arts styles, explosives, and weapons of all kinds, she'd be able to edge out the Dark Knight in a brawl. Also, keep in mind that Cassandra is only a teenager, and will probably get even deadlier over time.

7 Red Hood

Red Hood firing his guns at the viewer

There's no question that when it comes to fighting technique, available tech, tactical planning, and experience, that Jason Todd, aka the Red Hood, has nothing on his former mentor. What could swing a matchup between the two in his favor? He's much more unhinged than Batman, and would probably not fight fair.

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When Red Hood began his revenge campaign against Batman shortly after his resurrection, he actually had the opportunity to kill the hero with a bomb hidden under the Batmobile. The only thing that prevented him from setting it off was the knowledge that Batman would never know the person responsible for his death.

6 Bat-Mite

Batman's biggest fan from an alternate dimension, Bat-Mite has been an affable nuisance to the Caped Crusader since his first appearance in Detective Comics #267 in 1959. Though less antagonistic than the similar Superman villain Mr. Mxyzptlk, he shares many of the same reality-warping powers.

If Bat-Mite were to turn against his idol, Batman would have to react very quickly in order to beat the ultra-powerful Imp. One slip up or moment of hesitation would allow Bat-Mite to snap his fingers and morph the Dark Knight into a pineapple or make him dance the Batusi for weeks on end.

5 Batwoman

Batwoman from DC.

While her combat skills are considerable, it's doubtful that Batwoman could beat her cousin in a straight brawl. She does, however, have a similarly high-powered arsenal of gadgets at her disposal, and her military discipline would allow her to side-step many of the mistakes that regular villains make when facing Batman.

Batwoman is more than familiar with Batman's strategies, and just a bit more ruthless in her pursuit of justice. With a little planning, it's fair to say that Batwoman could get the drop on Batman and take him out. Whether she would fare as well in round two of the fight is another story.

4 Damian Wayne

Similar to Cassandra Cain, Damian was raised to be a living weapon, albeit this was so he could be worthy of succeeding his grandfather Ra's Al Ghul as the leader of the League of Assassins. Even at such a young age, Damian is already a deadly fighter and could possibly hold his own against his father Batman.

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Damian and Batman's relationship is another factor that works in his favor. Depending on how aggressive Damian would be during the fight, Batman would find himself conflicted over the proper use of force needed to K.O. his only child without causing him too much harm. These hesitations could be easily exploited by a character as ruthless as Damian Wayne when he's in the zone.

3 Azrael

Azrael DC Comics

Among the members of the Bat-Family, Azrael is a true zealot. He's a crazed holy warrior, who believes wholeheartedly in the cause for which he has spent his life training. It is doubtful Batman could intimidate Azrael the same way he does the villains he faces.

While Batman holds the advantage when it comes to hand-to-hand fighting, Azrael's enhanced speed, strength, and agility would allow him to hold his own. Azrael's fanaticism and resistance to pain would keep him fighting at a point where most others would concede defeat. Have we also mentioned that he has a flaming sword that gives enemies visions of their greatest failures? That alone would be a real doozy for Batman.

2 Alfred Pennyworth

Don't be fooled by his age or prim and proper demeanor, Alfred Pennyworth absolutely has the means to wreck Batman if it ever came to it. While he's not as young and strong as he once was, it's implied that Alfred has retained years worth of combat experience from his time in various branches of the British Military and intelligence communities.

Alfred is much tougher than he looks, but that doesn't necessarily mean he can go toe-to-toe with the Dark Knight. While that is true, out of everyone in the world, Alfred is the only one who knows Bruce Wayne better than he knows himself. Alfred has been part of Batman's crusade against crime since day one, and if anyone would know how to take down the Caped Crusader, it would be his butler.

1 Batman (New Earth)

While never really mentioned as an actual member of the Bat-Family, the Batman from New-Earth (the pre-New 52 continuity) is much closer to the current Batman than any of the others on this list. After all, they are one and the same, just victims of different circumstances (thanks a lot, Dr. Manhattan...)

The only difference is that the Batman of New Earth is older, meaner, and much more experienced. This is the Batman of Knightfall and No Man's Land, and while his tech might not be as advanced as that of his New 52 counterpart, he's more than battle-hardened enough to handle whatever his younger self throws his way.

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