ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses how the figure of Batman intersects with ideas of both heterosexuality and homosexuality and reveals cultural assumptions about sexual relationships across a broad spectrum. The partnering of Batman and Robin was an immediate hit and helped to lighten the tone of Batman's grim stories, thus broadening the comic book's appeal to a younger audience. Batman's initial solitary hypermasculinity and lethal violence is tempered by Robin's presence. The easy queer interpretation of Robin's relationship with Batman, an alternative reading exposed and vilified by Wertham, greatly effects the general perception of the superhero genre. The lingering concerns about Batman and Robin being more than just allies in a war on crime continue to circulate in popular culture. Batman disrobed may be momentarily vulnerable in a world of lascivious sexuality. Several modern comic book tales also explore the deepening of Batman and Catwoman's relationship within official continuity.
