Those who keep up with Batman comics probably have heard of Batman RIP, as it is a current ongoing story arc. So far the arc has had some surprising moments but I feel hands down the most bizarre thing to come out of the arc is a shocking revelation about Bruce Wayne’s parents.

Now the Waynes have always been a vital piece of the Batman mythos. In fact they are the core to his mythos. It is because of their murder that Batman is who he is. In the 69-year history of Batman many elements have changed from interpretation to interpretation. Yet one thing that has remained constant and is rarely tampered with is the murder of the Waynes.

But in Batman RIP the whole Batman origin story is turned completely on its head. The change is brought about by a detective who reveals to Commissioner Gordon some information long kept secret. This information is really heavy so those of you with weak constitutions might wish to look away for the next paragraph. All right enough stalling, here we go:

Thomas Wayne, the man loved and respected by the citizens of Gotham City, led a double life. By day he was a doctor doing his best to help the people of Gotham. But by night we was an alcoholic who abused his wife. He got Martha hooked on heroin and forced her into orgies which included, among others, their faithful butler Alfred. There even exists photographic proof of the orgies. When Thomas found out about his wife’s extramarital affair with Alfred he snapped and concocted a plan to get revenge. He hired a gunman to murder his wife and also fake his own death on that faithful night that forever changed Bruce Wayne. Therefore Thomas Wayne could very well still be alive having successfully gotten away with the murder of his wife.

Now if after reading the above paragraph you feel a little faint of heart you are not alone. Indeed such slanderous claims about Thomas Wayne have struck a chord with many a Batman fan. It’s quite amazing how one story can simultaneously destroy so many characters. It devalues Batman’s oath to avenge his parents, turns Thomas Wayne into a complete monster, makes Martha Wayne a complete victim, and taints the good nature of Alfred.

Granted it is still very early in the story arc. So by the time the arc concludes who knows where the information will stand. It could turn out to just be a lie, conceived by the main villain of this arc to drive Batman into insanity. Or perhaps it will remain true and forever change Batman’s understanding of his mission. I’m not going to do too much speculating right now; instead I will sit back and watch the screwy story unfold.