Badass on Paper: Difference between revisions

* In an episode of ''[[Batman: The Animated Series|Batman the Animated Series]]'', an ordinary, bumbling crook manages to frustrate Batman's attempts to catch him by being a bumbler. Then, during the tussle, Batman supposedly falls to his death. Within hours, the word's gotten out that he's [[Red BaronSobriquet|"The Man Who Killed The Bat"]]. It's technically true, but the title is loaded language: in truth, it was all based on pure luck. Now, because [[Asskicking Equals Authority]], every criminal in Gotham wants to take him out to prove they're tougher. (The Joker wants him dead because [[The Only One Allowed to Defeat You|he took away his chance to kill Batman.]]) However, through Batman's (offscreen) help, the bumbling crook not only survives, but his legend grows because of the crooks he "beat". The story ends with him going to prison with all sorts of [[Villain Cred]]: when he arrives in prison he's lauded as The Man Who ''Almost'' Killed the Bat (which is true), and the one who helped make the Joker look foolish (which is again true). It's Batman himself who points this out to make him feel better.