As one of DC Comics' oldest and best-known heroes, Batman has been through a lot over the decades. He has taken on many roles, from the grim avenger of the night fighting street crime to the science fiction hero going on impossible adventures. Batman's stories and even his world may have changed around him, but he has certain consistencies.

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Batman has been rebooted and revitalized, and aspects of his character have been changed and tweaked. But much like Batman's unwavering devotion to justice itself, Batman operates like a force of nature that stops evil in all its forms. Throughout all of his adventures, some moments stand out above others, and there are certain comic panels that perfectly embody who Batman is.

10 Bruce Wayne Made A Vow On His Parents' Grave

Young Bruce makes a vow at his parents' graves to make war on all criminals in DC.

The definitive moment in Bruce Wayne's life is the night he witnessed the murder of his parents. Bruce was traumatized, but he needed to make himself powerful and control his fear.

In The Untold Legend of the Batman #1 by Len Wein, John Byrne, Jim Aparo, Glynis Wein, and John Costanza, young Bruce knelt over his parents' grave in the middle of a rainstorm. He swore that he would not only bring their killer to justice, but that he would make war on all criminals. He became Batman in that moment.

9 Batman Is A Detective Who Is Never Without His Tools

Batman shows Superman the portable crime-lab in the Batmobile in DC.

Like many costumed heroes, Batman has his own personal gimmicks. He prides himself on being a detective and has many bat-themed gadgets that aid him in his investigations.

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In The Man of Steel #3 by John Byrne and Dick Giordano, Superman met Batman for the first time. They formed an uneasy alliance in chasing after Magpie, and Batman showed Superman the portable crime lab he keeps in the Batmobile. Because Batman doesn't have the powers of Superman, he uses his wealth to invest in state-of-the-art technology to help him along.

8 Batman Uses Intimidation Against His Enemies

In John Jones' apartment Batman, says he has been spying on him in DC.

Batman isn't just fearless — he is also a hero who knows how to use fear in combat. Batman is often outnumbered or overpowered, but with his analytical mind, he can prey on his opponents' fears.

DC: The New Frontier by Darwyn Cooke and Dave Stewart was a miniseries that reimagined the Silver Age. In Issue #3, Batman broke into the apartment of John Jones, the disguise of Martian Manhunter. Batman used an intimidation tactic and told him that he had been spying on Jones and knew his weakness.

7 Batman Found A Kindred Spirit In Dick Grayson

Batman says he sees himself in young Dick Grayson in DC.

Batman began his mission alone, and while he had allies in Alfred and Commissioner Gordon, he never thought to have a partner. Batman has mentored many partners over the years, which started with Dick Grayson, the original Robin.

Batman remembers meeting Dick in Batman #232 by Neal Adams and Dick Giordano. Dick lost his parents to crime, and Batman felt an instant bond with Dick. Batman may be an instrument of vengeance, but Bruce Wayne is a compassionate man and took Dick in to help him deal with his trauma.

6 Batman Proves To Be Invaluable To The Justice League Of America

Superman appreciates Batman's worth to Red Tornado, Green Lantern, Atom, Green Arrow, Black Canary, Aquaman in DC.

The Justice League of America has the most powerful heroes in its roster, and Batman is one of the highest-regarded members. Although powerless, Batman constantly proves his worth.

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In Justice League of America #112 by Len Wein, Dick Dillin, and Dick Giordano, the android AMAZO neutralized and stole the powers of the heroes. As the League unsuccessfully fought AMAZO, Batman came up with a plan to stop him, causing a feedback loop with AMAZO's powers. Batman saved the day, and Superman said how important he was to the team.

5 Batman Always Leaves A Way Out

Batman and Batgirl escape through the ship's portal in DC.

One of Batman's greatest strengths is his ability to assess a situation and think things out. He is a master in preparation, and that means he knows how to escape danger.

In Batman: Gotham Knights #2 by Devin Grayson, Dale Eaglesham, John Floyd, Bill Oakley, Pamela Rambo, and Wildstorm FX, Batman and Batgirl had to perform an evacuation on a sinking ship. Batman was mentoring the new Batgirl, and he explained to her that he had left a way out, which speaks to how he keeps his calm.

4 Batman Doesn't Believe He Has Done Enough

Batman thinks what he does is never enough in DC.

Batman has made a huge difference in Gotham. He has foiled robberies and saved the city from the brink of destruction, and while he could quit knowing how much he has done, he never will.

Detective Comics #500 by Cary Bates, Carmine Infantino, Bob Smith, John Costanza, and Adrienne Roy posed the question of just how much one man can do. Batman would never think that he has done enough because that would mean he could quit. He keeps going by telling himself he hasn't done enough for the city.

3 Batman Relies On His Brains

Batman explains that guns are the weapon of the enemy and his weapons are precise.

The Dark Knight Returns may be an alternate version of Batman, but it proved that there are some things about Batman that never change. As driven as he is in his mission, Batman remains consistent with his methods.

Batman took leadership over the mutant gang in The Dark Knight Returns #4 by Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, and Lynn Varley. Batman gave them a lecture on weapons. He explained that guns are the weapons of the enemy, while their weapons are precise. Batman emphasized the importance of smarts in a battle.

2 Batman Falls Victim To His Heart

Batman and Catwoman kiss in DC.

As often as Batman says he is devoted to protecting Gotham alone, he has a human side. Between being Bruce Wayne and Batman, he has romanced many women and, from time to time, considers letting someone into his heart.

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During "Hush," Batman saved Catwoman from Killer Croc. In Batman #610 by Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Richard Starkings, and Alex Sinclair, Catwoman wanted to thank Batman. She leaned in, and they kissed. Batman isn't all business all the time and occasionally gives in to his passions.

1 Batman Refuses To Kill

Batman tells Jason Todd he wants Joker dead, but he won't allow himself to go down that path in DC.

Batman's No Kill Code is one of his most important and well-known rules. He is constantly tempted to put a permanent end to the criminals he fights, but he always shows restraint.

In Batman #650 by Judd Winick, Eric Battle, Rodney Ramos, Pat Brosseau, and Alex Sinclair, the freshly resurrected Jason Todd captured Joker and tried to get Batman to kill him. Batman refused and insisted that he would never kill because if he did take a life, there would be no coming back from that.

NEXT: 10 DC Comics Panels That Perfectly Sum Up Superman