Batman Beatdowns
Batman comes across as the uncontested king of DC, able to take down any threat with enough prep time. Depending on the version or story, Batman eventually comes out on top. However, here’s a list of 20 times he got his cape handed to him.
1. Deathstroke
Batman is known as the world’s greatest detective, but it’s surprising how many times he takes on trained combatants hand-to-hand. That being said, he certainly lost the fight when he took on Deathstroke one-on-one in City of Assassins.
2. Jason Todd
In a big twist, Jason took everything Batman taught him and used it to subdue the caped crusader and force him to make the ultimate choice. Perhaps Batman was hesitant to go all out against his former protégé, but this was a fight he certainly lost.
3. Predator
In a fun crossover event, the characters of Aliens Vs. Predator made their way into DC comic books. During the event, Batman found himself unprepared against a vicious Predator, leading to a long healing process in a body cast. Of course, he wins the rematch with his power armor later on.
4. Harley Quinn
If you’re a fan of Batman: The Animated Series, then you remember the adored “Mad Love” episode where Harley Quinn successfully captures Batman in an inescapable trap. She would have gotten away with it too, if it wasn’t for that meddling Joker.
5. Bane
Bane’s infamous "breaking the Batman" scene has appeared in comic books, video games, and movies alike. This is a pivotal loss for Batman, proving that even he isn’t invincible, especially when it comes to fighting characters that are physically far stronger. Bane basically did the prep work, ensuring Batman would be too sleep-deprived and exhausted when it came time to fight.
6. Superman
Bruce and Clark may be the best of friends, but they’ve been pitted against each other more times than anyone can count. Although the ending varies depending on the writer, most people agree that without a handful of kryptonite, Batman is beat.
7. Wonder Woman
Okay, think about this for a second. Superman and Wonder Woman are basically on equal playing fields, except Wonder Woman doesn’t have any kryptonite. While Batman is infamous for having contingency plans against every hero, it’s known that he often relies on Superman to keep her in check, because, in reality, he has no way of beating Wonder Woman himself.
8. Catwoman
This one isn’t as serious, but if you think about it, Batman really can’t beat Catwoman. Not because he necessarily doesn’t have the strength, but simply because he would never choose to. Despite her thieving ways, this is one cat he simply won’t mess with.
9. Lady Shiva
Lady Shiva usually sticks to the side of good, but she has also infamously beaten Batman to a pulp. Although she was trying to train him, no one can deny how quickly and effectively she ended the battle.
10. Nightwing
Jason Todd wasn’t the only former Robin to fight Batman. In fact, Nightwing came out on top in a fight in the Grayson comics. It took quite a while, but the younger Grayson was able to rely on his training and acrobatic abilities to get the upper hand.
11. Swamp Thing
While Swamp Thing is considered an environmentally friendly hero these days, during his first encounter with Batman, things got a bit hectic. The fight ended pretty badly for Batman, who wasn’t ready for the violence and rage displayed by the green avatar.
12. Bronze Tiger
Before Batman became more of a myth than a person, he was still pretty human during his run-in with Bronze Tiger. While the two were once sparring partners, this version of the Tiger had been brainwashed by the League of Assassins. Much to Batman’s shame, the Tiger was able to take down the Bat with one careful kick.
13. Deacon Blackfire
Few fans have heard of the supervillain that is Deacon Blackfire, a zealot and cultist who famously broke Batman’s mind and spirit after chaining him up with no food. Bane might have won a physical fight, but Deacon got Batman to give up.
14. Cassandra Cain
Although she’s now known as Batgirl, during one comic run she found herself under the influence of a powerful rage-enhancement. This led to an all-out fight with the Bat, where her training from the League of Assassins and insider knowledge ensured her victory.
William Tung from USA on Wikimedia
15. Wolverine
This one is more of a thought experiment as there isn’t any proof of either side winning over the other. Due to Logan’s innate healing abilities and vicious combat style, the Bat would likely be beaten unless he had a giant magnet at the ready.
16. Captain America
There was a crossover event in which Captain America and Batman fought toe-to-toe, leaving the Bat to admit that the Captain would have likely beaten him if the fight continued. This adds up as Steve is immune to fatigue.
17. Ra's al Ghul
In some versions, Ra’s served as a mentor to Batman before their true intentions turned them into enemies. Not only is this villain equipped with immortality and centuries of martial arts training, but he’s even successfully beaten Batman in physical matches in the past.
18. Hulk
One final Marvel contender equipped with the strength and brutality to beat the Bat is undoubtedly the Hulk. A well-timed thunderclap is all he’d need to put Batman down. Unless, of course, there was some sleeping gas hanging around.
19. Darkseid
The ultimate DC baddie is known to give every superhero a run for their money. In a Final Crisis event, the Bat had the opportunity to go up against Darkseid, only to get fried by his omega beams.
20. Joker
Many Batman fans have heard how the caped crusader is responsible for all of Joker’s crimes since he constantly throws him at the revolving door that is Arkham. In a way, Joker’s antics are something Batman has to live with, as he can’t bring himself to beat Joker. Permanently, that is.
