So…. I’m watching “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”. Again. (I’ve lost count). I’m cleaning my sister and I’s room and I wanted to watch something relaxing. (I know, right?)
And I just wanted to express how much I appreciate the sequence of scenes depicting Superman’s introduction into Metropolis (yup, the one where Superman and General Zod tear into the city). I love it because, beyond Bruce’s origin story (for which are were gifted a beautiful opening sequence), we are given a glimpse into Bruce Wayne as a boss. In canon, he has a well-known “playboy billionaire” persona – women in fancy clothes (or lack thereof) draped over him, galas, skiing trips, etc. – which is as much a disguise to him as his Batsuit.
However, I rarely see any discussion about him as a businessman, or more interestingly, the boss of Wayne Enterprises. I mean, what’s he like in the board room, right? We see bits and pieces in comics, TV series, and movies, sure, but… not often like this.
In the film, we’re shown a boss whose first instinct when the catastrophe hit was to rush into a Wayne Enterprises building intent on saving as many lives in it as he can. It wasn’t to fetch his Batsuit or send in a battalion of rescue choppers on the company’s dime, but to literally run into the wreckage in a desperate attempt to save people who worked for/with him.
Clearly, this sequence was included as a catalyst, a motive for Batman to ruminate on as he readied himself for a showdown against this Superman. And, to make it extra personal, the victims/casualties were people Bruce personally knew – as Bruce Wayne, not Batman.
And the thing is, this is so believable to me because I remember a set of panels that shows what kind of boss Bruce really is. One he doesn’t claim to be, but just is (and behind the scenes, too).
** Though, I have yet to remember exactly where they were from… but, I vaguely remember Alex Ross’ illustrations? Or not. Maybe not. Hmmm. I’ll post it should I find it again. **
Anyway. I remember that someone (maybe a member of the board) was telling Bruce that Wayne Enterprises had to lay some of its employees off because the company was losing money, and Bruce flat out refused, explaining that they had to think about the families that would be affected.
I mean… right? For all we know, that was even a branch funding his underground family/vigilante operation.
In the real-world corporate setting, Bruce’s decision may be considered absurd. Lay offs are a practical but painful reality. And since Bruce is a fictional character, I guess he could afford to say no.
But, regardless, I think the writers meant to showcase the side of Bruce Wayne that makes him a legitimate superhero (as if being Batman weren’t enough).
I’ve said it before – as have Bruce’s colleagues in the DC universe – that all those walls he built around himself are a defense mechanism because, well… Bruce just cares too darn much.
In conclusion, whenever Keefe says, “You’re the boss, Boss” after Bruce frees him from the rubble, I want to shout “Darn straight!” every time.
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