10 Best Batman Heroes Introduced Since 2000

Bruce Wayne’s Batman may be the greatest hero in Gotham, but some of his allies come close. Since 2000, DC has introduced some awesome new heroes to Batman lore, supporting or challenging the Dark Knight in new ways. Here are the ten best, and what makes them great.

10

Orpheus, aka Gavin King

Debuted in 2001’s Batman: Orpheus Rising #1, Created by Dwayne Turner and Alex Simmons

Born in Gotham, Orpheus became a genius dancer and (thanks to Gotham’s bullies) fighter. But when he toured the world, he saw famine and corruption everywhere he went. In response, he created a technologically advanced camoflage suit and took to the streets of his hometown, Gotham.

Orpheus has a far more optimistic attitude than Batman and is a natural showman, working as a record producer in his civilian identity. Orpheus wanted to reduce crime by offering leadership to Gotham’s youth, and even took over the Hill Gang to steer it away from violence.

Orpheus died soon after his introduction, in the epic War Games event, but he was still a great character – a crime-fighter with just as much claim to Gotham as Batman, but a different approach to keeping the city safe.

9

Absolute Alfred Pennyworth

Debuted in 2024’s Absolute Batman #1, Created by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta

From Michael Caine to Andy Serkis, there are countless versions of Alfred Pennyworth, but the Absolute version is the biggest badass of the bunch. In this dark alternate universe, Alfred is an MI6 agent who assassinates targets around the world, hunting the man known as the Joker.

Alfred is initially tasked with neutralizing Batman, but instead ends up joining his crusade. While Absolute Alfred is Batman’s ‘man in the chair’ and patches up his injuries, he’s not afraid to join the fight clutching a gigantic minigun.

8

Julia Pennyworth, aka Penny-Two

Debuted in 2014’s Batman Volume 2 #28, Created by Gerry Conway and Don Newton, Revamped by Scott Snyder James Tynion IV

Back in mainstream continuity, Alfred’s long-lost daughter is also a secret agent, working for the Special Reconnaissance Regiment. After tracking down the father who never knew she existed, Julia temporarily took over his position as Batman’s second, joining Batman in the field in emergency situations.

Julia’s connection with Bruce is a fascinating aspect of the character – two children of the same man, but understanding his decisions and legacy in different ways.

7

Bluebird, aka Harper Row

Debuted in 2011’s Batman Volume 2 #1, Created by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo

Harper Row is a genius inventor from the mean streets of Gotham, and one of the only Gotham heroes who Batman allows to use firearms in his city. Bluebird specializes in electric weaponry, designing various taser rifles and other gadgets.

Harper is Batman’s opposite as someone who grew up in poverty, caring for her younger brother Cullen, but is just as much of a tech genius. Like the best members of the Bat-Family, she’s someone who will happily work with Batman, but doesn’t answer to him.

6

Ghost-Maker, aka Minhkhoa Khan

Debuted in 2020’s Batman Volume 3 #100, Created by James Tynion IV and Jorge Jiménez

Ghost-Maker is one of Batman’s newest and oldest allies – a hi-tech ninja who’s a literal psychopath, but also strives to be a force for good. While his comic debut was recent, the story retconned him as someone who knew Bruce when he was traveling the world, training to become Batman.

Ghost-Maker is just as skilled as Batman, but believes in lethal methods and extreme emotional detachment. Ghost-Maker’s arrival revealed that he and Batman had a standing agreement that he’d stay out of Gotham, explaining why he only recently appeared.

After clashing over Gotham’s future, Batman talked Ghost-Maker into playing by his rules, and even ended up asking him to lead the global superhero team Batman Inc.

5

Nightrunner, aka Bilal Alsselah

Debuted in 2011’s Detective Comics Annual #12, Created by David Hine and Kyle Higgins

Another member of Batman Inc, Nightrunner is ‘Le Batman of Belgium’ – a street vigilante who relies on his immense parkour skills to dismantle criminal operations.

Nightrunner is a rare Muslim superhero and one of the franchise’s greatest athletes, with a stripped-down, bare-knuckle style that’s begging for its own series.

4

​​​​​​​The Signal, aka Duke Thomas

Debuted in 2014’s Batman Vol 2 #21, Created by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo

A young hero whose parents were driven mad by the Joker, Duke was part of the ‘We Are Robin’ movement – teen vigilantes not affiliated with Batman. However, due to his skill and grit, Batman decided to train Duke as the Signal – a hero who would protect Gotham during daylight hours.

In a rare twist for a Bat-Family hero, Duke later discovered he’s a metahuman, possessing the power to manipulate light and darkness. Having grown into his powers, Duke is now more associated with the Outsiders, but is still a trusted Batman ally.

3

Lucas ‘Luke’ Fox, aka Batwing

Debuted in 2013’s Batwing #19, Created by Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti and Eduardo Pansica

For years, Lucius Fox has helped Batman source the advanced tech he needs to protect Gotham. It was therefore the perfect irony when his son Lucas became obsessed with the Dark Knight, training in MMA in hopes of becoming a Gotham vigilante. Eventually, Luke was pulled into the Gotham underworld, using his tech genius to construct an advanced suit as Batwing.

A billionaire genius, Batwing has since branched out from Gotham, forming a new team of Outsiders to investigate the weird and hidden mysteries of the DC Universe.

Luke’s brother Jace became ‘the Batman of the Future’ during the Future State event, and while his full-mask design is awesome, fans failed to take to the new hero for various reasons – not least because they wanted Luke in the role instead.

2

Batwoman, aka Kate Kane

Debuted in 2006’s 52 #7, Created by Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, Mark Waid and Alex Ross

Batman’s cousin on his mother’s side, Kate Kane fights against Gotham’s supernatural horrors, as well as her long-lost sister Alice – a psychotic killer inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

Kicked out of the army due to her sexuality, Kate fell into depressive alcoholism until being inspired by the Dark Knight and crafting her own vigilante identity. Batwoman has one of the greatest superhero designs of all time – part Caped Crusader and part vampire.

While Batman trusts Batwoman’s skills and tactical insight, the two disagree on killing the worst of the worst, and they more often work apart than together.

1

Damian Wayne, aka Robin

Debuted in 2011’s Batman and Robin Volume 2 #1, Created by Grant Morrison and Andy Kubert

Batman’s biological son with the villainous Talia al Ghul, Damian is the definition of a breakout character. Starting out as an arrogant child assassin, Damian has spent over a decade becoming a more moral person and forging a unique mentor relationship with Batman’s first son and sidekick, Nightwing.

Damian’s characterization is unique in Batman lore – a witty, haughty, aristocratic jerk who is slowly becoming a hero. Prickly and desperate to prove himself, Damian was a grenade that changed the Bat-Family forever, as well as intensifying the paternal relationship Batman has with all his Robins.

​​​​​​​Some fans love Damian, some hate him, but no-one could deny he’s a unique addition to Batman lore that has inspired countless stories and explored new facets of every major Gotham vigilante. Damian also introduced the character who should be our number one – his rescue bovine BAT-COW!

Those are our picks for the 10 greatest Batman heroes – let us know below what you think of our ranking, and which other heroes should appear on this list.