Michael Keaton’sBatmanmay have an iconic catchphrase, but the planned line from the original opening scene might have been even better. Keaton’s delivery of “I’m Batman” is arguably one of the most memorable scenes from the film, cementing director Tim Burton’s vision of the iconic character as an all-time classic. But the comic adaptation of the movie reveals that the line was originally different - and possibly even better.
Batman: The Official Comic Adaptation#1 by Dennis O’Neil and Jerry Ordway faithfully adapts the screenplay of Burton’s 1989 film. As a result of adapting the screenplay, O’Neil’s adaptation of the comic has a few notable differences, including changing an iconic line from the film.
In the opening of the comic, when Batman menaces a duo of robbers, he holds one over the edge of a rooftop, giving him a warning about trespassing. When the criminal says that Batman doesn’t own the night,Batman simply responds “I am the night”before throwing him onto the roof and leaving.
According to an Official Comic, Keaton’s Batman Was Actually Supposed to Say “I Am the Night”
Batman: The Official Comic Adaptation#1 by Dennis O’Neil, Jerry Ordway, Steve Oliff, and John Costanza
While the screenplay and the comic adaptation used “I am the night,”Keaton famously improvised the now iconic “I’m Batman” linein its place, causing it to beone of the most memorable aspects of his performance as the Caped Crusader.Additionally, the line has been given a second life of its own, appearing in Christopher Nolan’s 2005 filmBatman Begins, as well as making multiple appearances in the comics themselves. Keaton’s catchphrase as Batman has earned its place as an iconic part of the character’s long and celebrated legacy.
Fans of Tim Burton’sBatmanand its sequelBatman Returnscan check outBatman ‘89andBatman ‘89: Echoes, which are comic-book sequels set in the same world as the two films.
But while iconic,the catchphrase is a break from how the comics have characterized Batman.The original version of the phrase - “I am the night” - is more in line with the character’s life on the printed page. The final version of the line has a campy charm to it that, while iconic, doesn’t quite fit with theimage of who Batman isand what he’s supposed to say. It comes across as a line that’s more for the benefit of the audience, and it ends up coming at the expense of the character.
It’s Official: “I Am the Night” Is the Better Batman Catchphrase
It’s Truer to the Text - And the Spirit of the Character
Typically, especially early on in his career, Batman makes an effort to depict himself as something macabre and otherworldly, emphasizing the “creature of the night” aspect of his persona. To this end, he typically introduces himself with terms such as “vengeance” or “the night” to aid this aspect of his persona. To Batman,being seen as a man isn’t enough;he must be seen by the criminals he faces as something more than a man. Calling himself “vengeance” or “the night” works here, since Bruce is making an active effort to elevate himself as a crime fighter beyond his human limitations.
“I am the Night” fits that atmosphere wonderfully, while also showing how Batman sees himself.
Additionally, Burton’s vision of Batman and the character’s world is rooted in a gothic aesthetic. The1989Batmanfilmsees Gotham City as a world of shadows and the macabre, with an oppressively dark atmosphere. “I am the night” fits that atmosphere wonderfully, while also showing how Batman sees himself. “I’m Batman” takes away from that tone, being so starkly different from the other aspects of Batman’s depiction in both Burton films.
“I’m Batman” Is an Iconic Line, but It Also Shows Its Age
From a Different Era of Batman History
While it’s possible for “I’m Batman” to work, it works best when Bruce has already enjoyed an established career as the Dark Knight with a history of victories that give him that mythic quality. For a Batman who is just starting out in his crime-fighting career, it feels weak, and doesn’t give the character the level of gravitas he needs as a vigilante. Instead of Batman trying to make it feel like he’s always been a part of the city, it feels like he’s new in town and wants to make a mark.
Ultimately,this version of Batman’s catchphrase isn’t needed anymore.While it has remained popular in pop culture, it’s also an artifact from a different era, one where the idea of a comic book film is very different from what it is now. In a world where characters such as Batman and others like him are popular, and one where accuracy to the comics is more important than ever,maybe it’s time for “I’m Batman” to be left in the past, or at least not to be used as often.
DC: 10 “I’m Batman” Lines In Movies And TV, Ranked
Batman has had many iconic introductions in the movies and tv shows. However, which actor would fans say delivered the iconic catchphrase the best?
Keaton’s original catchphrase as Batman was much different, at least according to the official comic adaptation, and it was much better than what ended up in the final film. While “I’m Batman” may be iconic, “I am the night” better fits the spirit of the character and aids in creating the gothic atmosphere of the film’s world. Despite its place inBatman’shistory, the popularity of lines such as “I’m vengeance” prove that the time of the catchphrase “I’m Batman” has come and gone.
Batman: The Official Comic Adaptation#1is available now from DC Comics.
Batman
One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
