841 – Bat-Baby

Batman de-aged to Bat-Baby in Batman #147, Mar 1962
Batman de-aged to Bat-Baby in Batman #147, Mar 1962

In Batman #147 (March 1962), a criminal gang and a renegade scientist use a ray to de-age Batman to the age of about four. DC’s fascination with their heroes in toddler-form continue, with Bat-Baby being added to the likes of Super-Tot and Wonder-Tot.

Little Brucey with the speed bag in Batman #147, Mar 1962
Little Brucey with the speed bag in Batman #147, Mar 1962

Fortunately, little Brucey kept his mind and his strength, condensed into a 4-year old body. Of course. I can’t think of anything more silly than… oh wait I got it, let’s dress him in a little kid jumper and socks too… awk-ward!

The grim spectre of Bat-Baby arises in Batman #147, Mar 1962
The grim spectre of Bat-Baby arises in Batman #147, Mar 1962

The height of humiliation? No… no, not quite, let’s put him on a toy-horse while in action:

Bat-Baby on his horsey in Batman #147, Mar 1962
Bat-Baby on his horsey in Batman #147, Mar 1962

I’ve talked about how silly and puerile the Batman stories became once Robin joined the Bat Family, but this story is a new low. Changing Batman’s direction can’t come soon enough for me. Now where’s my sippy-cup filled with whiskey?