History HoYay / Batman

* The Joker makes a couple of HoYay jokes about Robin in GrantMorrison's ''Comicbook/{{Arkham Asylum|ASeriousHouseOnSeriousEarth}}''. After the Joker greets Batman with a slap on the buttocks (throwing him into a rage), he asks, "How is the Boy Wonder? Started shaving yet?" Later, when Batman claims to see nothing in an InkblotTest card, the Joker says, "Not even a cute little long-legged boy in swim trunks?"

** It probably is just something about Bats - being the archetypal CelibateHero, we know he's not likely to wind up with anyone (it'd cut into his brooding time, as WonderWoman lampshades). [[ShippingGoggles Still, it's fun to dream.]]

* Just look at [[http://superdickery.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=387:oracle-and-black-canary-get-all-wet&catid=32:seduction-index&Itemid=36 this.]] Batgirl is basically made of [[HoYay Les Yay]]. [[{{Fanservice}} Not that I'm complaining...]]

* The thing is, Loeb was by no means the first writer to make you doubt the heterosexuality of Superman and Batman. I would dare say that honour goes to Doug Moench in [[http://the-isb.blogspot.com/2005/11/where-they-went-wrong-superman-and.html ''World's Finest'' #289]], also covered [[http://asylums.insanejournal.com/scans_daily/813229.html#cutid1 here]]. It starts off with the two seeking comfort in each other at the Fortress of Solitude one lonely night and Holy Mother of God, does it go downhill from there (or [[LampshadedDoubleEntendre uphill, depending on your point of view]]). It ends with - swear to God - tentacles, and the two of them embracing. And with dialogue like this (emphasis ''so'' not mine):

* In the first issue of Harley Quinn's solo series, a theme park is opened, with versions of Batman and Robin. Robin is cast as a curvaceous, pretty young woman, which the producer explains that:

* [[http://pics.livejournal.com/icon_uk/pic/000acth3 This image]]
* The '''first two pages''' of the 1960s ''Batman'' manga have Dick being incredibly angry and offensive just because a random woman starts talking to Bruce at a fashion show.

* There's also a bit of HoYay between Bats and {{Superman}} as well, which was gloriously sent up in the Superman/Batman Annual #1 (Or, as [[CaptainErsatz Slade's parallel-universe twin]] called it, "Brokeback Titanic"). They even [[http://scans-daily.dreamwidth.org/1346854.html?#cutid1 share a bed]].

* {{ComicBook/New52}}, Batman/Superman #18, we have [[http://missmithen.tumblr.com/post/109099825978/batman-superman-18-oh-well-okay-then this]]. The villain wants to break Superman's heart by going after the person Superman is going to miss the most if gone forever. Guess who ended up becoming the target?

* Also, three words: Harley and Ivy. There are even ''fast-food placemats'' that insinuate these ''Franchise/{{Batman}}'' villainesses might be a lesbian couple.

* That's nothing, look at [[http://superdickery.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=387:oracle-and-black-canary-get-all-wet&catid=32:seduction-index&Itemid=36 this.]] Batgirl is basically made of [[HoYay Les Yay]]. [[{{Fanservice}} Not that I'm complaining...]]

* In one issue, when having fun with ComicBook/TheCreeper, Joker mentions to him ''"That laugh of yours... It just makes me tingle all over"''

* What about the numerous times Superman carried Batman, bridal style, throughout their history? Such as [[http://41.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_luitohCpQc1qcs3pdo1_500.jpg this]], and [[http://40.media.tumblr.com/54b4cd8afea5ea8114536ade997ddf62/tumblr_nij2kgYBHd1qdskzqo1_500.jpg this]].

* {{ComicBook/New52}}, Batman/Superman #18, we have [[http://missmithen.tumblr.com/post/109099825978/batman-superman-18-oh-well-okay-then this]] and [[http://40.media.tumblr.com/54b4cd8afea5ea8114536ade997ddf62/tumblr_nij2kgYBHd1qdskzqo1_500.jpg this]]. The villain wants to break Superman's heart by going after the person Superman is going to miss the most if gone forever. Guess who ended up becoming the target?

* {{ComicBook/New52}}, Batman/Superman #18, we have [[http://missmithen.tumblr.com/post/109099825978/batman-superman-18-oh-well-okay-then this]]. The villain wants to break Superman's heart by going after the person Superman is going to miss the most if gone forever. Guess who ended up becoming the target?

* {{ComicBook/New52}}, Batman/Superman #18, we have [[http://missmithen.tumblr.com/post/109099825978/batman-superman-18-oh-well-okay-then this]]. They stop being subtle some while ago, apparently.

* Comicbook/New52, Batman/Superman #18, we have [[http://missmithen.tumblr.com/post/109099825978/batman-superman-18-oh-well-okay-then this]]. They stop being subtle some while ago, apparently.

** Basically the entirety of [[BatmanAndTheOutsiders Outsiders]] (the JuddWinick one), with a few coy references in [[ComicBook/TeenTitans Titans]] (the Devin Grayson one).

* Type in "Batman and Robin" to google images. On the first line of pictures there will be a picture of the two making out. That says it all really.

** Among other things, [[SelfDemonstrating/TheJoker Joker]] is occasionally thought to have feelings for Batman that go beyond simple obsession and into romantic obsession. In one scene, he tortures LexLuthor, and Lex Luthor asks him if he is upset that Batman loves Catwoman more than him. Joker looks almost adorably bewildered for a moment before flying into a rage and jacking up the torture level.
--->"Joker, does it ever bother you... really bother you... that Batman will always like Catwoman better? Blow up his city all you want, he'll never take you to the prom!"
*** Subverted in a Batman Confidential, when Batman commits a crime as his criminal persona, Matches Malone, so he'll get sent to jail, get put in the cell next to Joker's, and pick his brains. After Joker recognizes him-in about five seconds-Batman changes clothes right there, causing Joker to turn around and cover his eyes. "Don't worry. I like-a the ''ladies''."
*** More or less confirmed in the ''Cacophony'' mini-series where Joker's stated dreams are to humiliate Batman, kill him, then violate his corpse sexually. (What? You were expecting something ROMANTIC or even ''sane'' from the Joker?)
*** Then, of course, you have Joker in ''ComicBook/BatmanTheDarkKnightReturns''. "Batman. Darling."
* Also, three words: Harley and Ivy. There are even ''fast-food placemats'' that insinuate these ''Franchise/{{Batman}}'' villainesses might be a lesbian couple.
** {{Lampshade|Hanging}}d by Comicbook/{{Batgirl}} [[http://media.photobucket.com/image/harley%20batgirl/Insanely-Random/Cartoons/batgirlharley.jpg?o=7 once]], when she [[EnemyMine teamed up with Harley]]. Harley got her right back:
%% Found in [[http://community.livejournal.com/scans_daily/5275280.html 'Brave and the Bold Cartoon Officially Announced']]
---> '''Harley''': Oh, Ivy can't hurt me. She gave me a special shot once so we can play and I won't get sick at all.
--->'''Batgirl''': You mean you two...?
--->'''Harley''': What?
--->'''Batgirl''': You and Ivy are... well... *crosses her index and middle fingers in that "I'm implying you're in a relationship" gesture* friends...
--->'''Harley''': Yeah...?
--->'''Batgirl''': Y'know... friends... like...
--->'''Harley''': Like what everybody says about you and Supergirl?
--->'''Batgirl''': What?! Who says...? Forget it! Forget it!
** Harley's expression when talking about how Ivy can't hurt her is effin' ''priceless''.
** The suggestive drawings of the two by BruceTimm don't exactly serve to disprove the implications between them.
** Let's face it. It's not even subtext, it's just... TEXT.
** Dini has confirmed their relationship as romantic and sexual. Not that WordOfGod was needed in this case. Unless you were denser than lead.
** That's nothing, look at [[http://superdickery.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=387:oracle-and-black-canary-get-all-wet&catid=32:seduction-index&Itemid=36 this.]] Batgirl is basically made of [[HoYay Les Yay]]. [[{{Fanservice}} Not that I'm complaining...]]
*** GailSimone agrees. She's [[WordOfGod stated]] that far as she's concerned, ComicBook/BlackCanary is a non-practicing {{bi|TheWay}}sexual. And the above panel is from ''before'' she took over Comicbook/BirdsOfPrey.
*** The Bat and the Cat storyline from Batman Confidential. Long story short, Batgirl and Catwoman chase each other all over Gotham for possession of an important notebook. And at one point, [[http://tytempletonart.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/batgirl-2.jpg this]] happens. It certainly does look like angry sex.
** Two throw-away characters in a Harley and Ivy comic (based on the animated series) are depicted as being gay themselves as a sort of joke, a pair of lumberjacks called Slash and Burn (Slash has chainsaws, Burn has a flamethrower). When they try to bring in Harley and Ivy, the two try to get them to let them go free by asking if they would do it for a pair of cute girls like themselves. The two just look at each other knowingly before jumping into combat.
** In the Batman Black and White backup comic "The Bet", written by Paul Dini, we see Harley saying that she misses men, with pictures of several specimens on the wall of her cell. She asks Poison Ivy, in the next cell, if she ever gets "the lonelies". Red says she has everything she needs. She's lying on her bed with her plants...and pictures of her and Harley. [[note]]Including her sleeping. And one that appears to be of Supergirl.[[/note]] Harley's response? "No. I mean, like, for guys." Ivy admits that she does need to "mist her fern" every once in a while.
** The relationship continues into the New 52: Harley's first annual, written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner, features her deliberately kissing Ivy to break her out of brainwashing (it doesn't work, but still), and in a separate moment declaring they have a connection beyond what most people can even begin to understand.

** Not to mention in a very similar case of taking over the asylum and having fun with ComicBook/TheCreeper, Joker mentions to him ''"That laugh of yours... It just makes me tingle all over"''

** The relationship between Batman and his Robins is explicitly stated as being not ''quite'' father-and-son. Dick's affection for Bruce, in particular, is canonically judged by other characters as being, well, a little too much.
*** ... Issue numbers? Links?
*** Basically the entirety of [[BatmanAndTheOutsiders Outsiders]] (the JuddWinick one), with a few coy references in [[ComicBook/TeenTitans Titans]] (the Devin Grayson one).
*** During the Hugo Strange arc in Batman: Gotham Knights, Hugo psycho analyses Dick's feelings for Batman as being sexual in nature.
*** To be fair, that arc was written by Devin Grayson, who has long held the view that Dick has a deep rooted sexual attraction to Bruce Wayne, his father figure who is not actually his father.
*** Also, during this arc, Strange is depicted as extremely, y'know, ''[[VillainousBreakdown crazy]]''.
*** Not to mention that the second Robin (who was the first child to be adopted by Bruce, years before even Dick), Jason Todd, went on a RoaringRampageOfRevenge after he came BackFromTheDead that was mostly motivated by his finding out that Bruce hadn't broken [[ThouShaltNotKill his one rule]] to avenge Jason's death.

** Taken to truly ridiculous levels in the ''ComicBook/SupermanBatman'' comic series written by Creator/JephLoeb (oh, and [[SlashFic as if that title wasn't putting it in neon lights either]]), in which pretty much every thought-caption that Superman and Batman had about each other was describing the other in the most ludicrously fawning tones about how the other really was the best hero ever, to the point where it really wasn't funny any more.

** The thing is, Loeb was by no means the first writer to make you doubt the heterosexuality of Superman and Batman. I would dare say that honour goes to Doug Moench in [[http://the-isb.blogspot.com/2005/11/where-they-went-wrong-superman-and.html ''World's Finest'' #289]], also covered [[http://asylums.insanejournal.com/scans_daily/813229.html#cutid1 here]]. It starts off with the two seeking comfort in each other at the Fortress of Solitude one lonely night and Holy Mother of God, does it go downhill from there (or [[LampshadedDoubleEntendre uphill, depending on your point of view]]). It ends with - swear to God - tentacles, and the two of them embracing. And with dialogue like this (emphasis ''so'' not mine):

*** As a commenter said, "I think the only way this would be less subtle without actual porn is if it ended with a tasteful shot of them snuggling in bed together."
*** [[http://www.cracked.com/article_18957_the-8-most-awkward-sexual-moments-in-comic-book-history.html Cracked.com agrees.]]
*** Superman/Batman [[CaptainErsatz pastiches]] Apollo and Midnighter in ComicBook/TheAuthority were explicitly a gay couple.
*** There was an [[http://scans-daily.dreamwidth.org/1280377.html?#cutid1 Elseworld comic]] in which Kal-El's rocket landed in medieval Japan, and the medieval Japanese equivalent of Batman was a woman. The results were...predictable.
*** Further referenced in their [[WesternAnimation/SupermanTheAnimatedSeries animated]] [[WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries series]] crossover, when Bruce Wayne's obvious interest in Superman leads to Lois asking "You want me to fix you two up?"
** Maybe it's just something about Batman-- there are even some moments of HoYay between him and Jim Gordon. Such as the scene from ''ComicBook/BatmanNoMansLand''. Tim's right: it ''does'' feel like your parents are fighting. Bonus points when you consider Comicbook/{{Ba|tgirl}}bs has [[FridgeLogic two dads]].
*** It probably is just something about Bats - being the archetypal CelibateHero, we know he's not likely to wind up with anyone (it'd cut into his brooding time, as WonderWoman lampshades). [[ShippingGoggles Still, it's fun to dream.]]
** The relationship between Tim and Dick lends itself plenty to this interpretation. On the one hand you've got {{Nightwing}}, who's unbearably [[IDidntMeanToTurnYouOn friendly]], unbearably [[ChickMagnet handsome]], and unbearably [[BigBrotherMentor cool]]. On the other, you've got [[BadassBookworm Tim]], who once saw Dick at the circus when he was three and imprinted so much that he was [[AwesomeByAnalysis able to recognize him]] solely by his acrobatics six years later, and who then [[StalkingIsLove proceeded to stalk both his identities for several years]].
** Batman does have a history of sneaking into the bedrooms of attractive, naked young men. See his relationship with Comicbook/GreenLantern [[TheWoobie Kyle Rayner]], when he did so to assure Kyle that the League thought of him as the true Green Lantern. Kyle was a bit of a Batman [[AscendedFanboy fanboy]], as well.
** Even ''Alfred'' has his moments. In ''ComicBook/AllStarBatmanAndRobinTheBoyWonder'', there's a scene where, thinking to himself, he describes Batman as his "black-eyed, brilliant, willful angel". As if Batman's interactions with Robin weren't {{Squick}}y enough...

* [[http://pics.livejournal.com/icon_uk/pic/000acth3 This image]]
* In Batman: Hush, Catwoman refers to Tim Drake as Batman's 'toy wonder' several times. Interesting nickname choice.
** This is made even more amusing (and confusing) because of the fact that the first time she says this, she has just been kissing Batman. The second time, she's in a full relationship with Batman.
* Creator/GrantMorrison claims homoerotic themes have been present in Batman from the beginning.
* Batman and Robin is currently the page image for SafeWord!

* Also, three words: Harley and Ivy. This contributor even remembers a ''fast-food placemat'' that insinuated these ''Franchise/{{Batman}}'' villainesses might be a lesbian couple.

--->'''Batgirl''': You and Ivy are... well... * crosses her index and middle fingers in that "I'm implying you're in a relationship" gesture* friends...

** In the Batman Black and White backup comic "The Bet", written by Paul Dini, we see Harley saying that she misses men, with pictures of several specimens on the wall of her cell. She asks Poison Ivy, in the next cell, if she ever gets "the lonlies". Red says she has everything she needs. She's lying on her bed with her plants...and pictures of her and Harley. [[note]]Including her sleeping. And one that appears to be of Supergirl.[[/note]] Harley's response? "No. I mean, like, for guys." Ivy admits that she does need to "mist her fern" every once in a while.

*** During the Hugo Strange arc in Batman: Gotham Knights, Hugo psycho analyses Dick's feelings for Batman as being sexual in nature

* Batman and robin is currently the page image for SafeWord!

** Batman and robin is currently the page image for SafeWord!

** The thing is, Loeb was by no means the first writer to make you doubt the heterosexuality of Superman and Batman. I would dare say that honour goes to Doug Moench in [[http://the-isb.blogspot.com/2005/11/where-they-went-wrong-superman-and.html ''World's Finest'' #289]], also covered [[http://asylums.insanejournal.com/scans_daily/813229.html#cutid1 here]]. It starts off with the two seeking comfort in each other at the Fortress of Solitude one lonely night and Holy Mother of God, does it go downhill from there (or [[LampshadedDoubleEntendre uphill, depending on your point of view]]). It ends with - swear to God - NaughtyTentacles, and the two of them embracing. And with dialogue like this (emphasis ''so'' not mine):

*** GailSimone agrees. She's [[WordOfGod stated]] that far as she's concerned, BlackCanary is a non-practicing {{bi|TheWay}}sexual. And the above panel is from ''before'' she took over Comicbook/BirdsOfPrey.

* The notorious Tim Drake/[[{{Superboy}} Conner Kent]] pairing.
** The biggest amount of HoYay came from the aftermath of InfiniteCrisis, which Tim obsessing over trying to create another Con. There was also him dating Conner's girlfriend Wonder Girl, which was riddled with problems and came off as creepy.

* The Stephanie Brown/[[{{Supergirl}} Kara]] pillow fight. Too bad for the boys we only see the aftermath.

* GrantMorrison claims homoerotic themes have been present in Batman from the beginning.

** Maybe it's just something about Batman-- there are even some moments of HoYay between him and Jim Gordon. Such as the scene from ''BatmanNoMansLand''. Tim's right: it ''does'' feel like your parents are fighting. Bonus points when you consider Comicbook/{{Ba|tgirl}}bs has [[FridgeLogic two dads]].

** Taken to truly ridiculous levels in the ''SupermanBatman'' comic series written by JephLoeb (oh, and [[SlashFic as if that title wasn't putting it in neon lights either]]), in which pretty much every thought-caption that Superman and Batman had about each other was describing the other in the most ludicrously fawning tones about how the other really was the best hero ever, to the point where it really wasn't funny any more.

* The Joker makes a couple of HoYay jokes about Robin in GrantMorrison's ''{{Arkham Asylum|ASeriousHouseOnSeriousEarth}}''. After the Joker greets Batman with a slap on the buttocks (throwing him into a rage), he asks, "How is the Boy Wonder? Started shaving yet?" Later, when Batman claims to see nothing in an InkblotTest card, the Joker says, "Not even a cute little long-legged boy in swim trunks?"

** Not to mention in a very similar case of taking over the asylum and having fun with TheCreeper, Joker mentions to him ''"That laugh of yours... It just makes me tingle all over"''

** That's nothing, look at [[http://superdickery.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=387:oracle-and-black-canary-get-all-wet&catid=32:seduction-index&Itemid=36 this.]] Batgirl is basically made of LesYay. [[FanService Not that I'm complaining...]]
*** GailSimone agrees. She's [[WordOfGod stated]] that far as she's concerned, BlackCanary is a non-practicing [[BiTheWay bisexual]]. And the above panel is from ''before'' she took over Comicbook/BirdsOfPrey.

** Maybe it's just something about Batman-- there are even some moments of HoYay between him and Jim Gordon. Such as the scene from ''BatmanNoMansLand''. Tim's right: it ''does'' feel like your parents are fighting. Bonus points when you consider [[Comicbook/{{Batgirl}} Babs]] has [[FridgeLogic two dads]].

*** Superman/Batman [[CaptainErsatz pastiches]] Apollo and Midnighter in TheAuthority were explicitly a gay couple.

* Lord knows [[http://superdickery.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=32&Itemid=50 where]] they got it [[http://superdickery.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=32&Itemid=50&limitstart=72 from]] but many people interpret ''{{Batman}}'' as having plenty of HoYay. One {{Moral Guardian|s}}, Frederic Wertham, famously claimed that it was "homosexual propaganda". Some later writers intentionally joked around with this.

* Also, three words: Harley and Ivy. This contributor even remembers a ''fast-food placemat'' that insinuated these ''{{Batman}}'' villainesses might be a lesbian couple.