A few Marvel characters have religious backgrounds. The Thing is Jewish, although he is not practicing. Magneto is also either Jewish or a Gypsy. The Avenger Firebird is a Catholic missionary. Daredevil and Nightcrawler are Catholic. Punisher was Catholic (I'm not sure now). Aurora from Alpha Flight is very Catholic in one of her split personalities. Dagger is Catholic (not sure about Cloak). Bushwhacker (a villain) is Catholic. Venom's Catholic (Eddie Brock that is). Doom is Catholic.

In the DC world... Superman is Methodist, Protestants are Justice Leager the Green Arrow, who really did die, go to Heaven, and return, as well as Metamorpho and Hal Jordan (Green Lantern).

For a quick run down of each superhero, scroll to the bottom.

Thor

Spider-man

Rogue

Batman

Nuff said

The Might Thor

Thor seems to be getting a bad raps from Christians, so here goes....

Thor and God

There are many issues of Thor featuring the famed titular superhero as well as other fellow Asgardians speaking of a creator or higher supreme being who created their race. Odin was the father and ruler of the Asgardian gods, but he was not regarded as omnipotent. In fact, Odin died in recent Marvel continuity. There was a memorable issue of Namor (written and drawn by John Byrne), in which Namor the Sub-Mariner was on trail. Thor was one of the witnesses. The bailiff naturally hesitated when it came time to swearing Thor in on a Bible, but Thor said he had no problem acknowledging a greater God, and we was quite willing to be sworn in just as anybody regular person would be.

In Avengers issue #171, Thor is with the Avengers when they walk into a Catholic convent (looking for Jocasta):

Wanda: You seem a bit uncomfortable, Thor? 

Thor:(who has taken off his winged helmet) Aye, Wanda, verily! 
This house of Christian worship hath no regard for the Asgardian god of thunder! 

Wanda: Should it? 

Thor: Nay, milady! E'en my father, mighty Odin, 
who is called all-powerful, doth lay no claim to 
supreme divinity... and yet t'would seem that many 
mark my very existence as an affront to this edifice! 

Thor admitted that neither he nor Odin actually claim any sort of supremacy, but that many members of the church find Thor to be offensive. The point seemed to be that Thor does not consider himself a "God" in the same sense that most contemporary monotheists use the word. But the strongest moment came about in the classic "Whatever Gods There Be". In that story Thor saved a Catholic priest from a collapsing church. The priest had been losing faith and wondering whether he should have been worshipping Thor, a god he could see, all along. Thor, mightily supporting the church, tells him that though there are great powers in Asgard, there is One whose radiance outshines us all, and (and you really have to see the issue to get how dramatic this is.) "Thy faith is NOT misplaced!" Thor and Odin have both referred to God as "The one to whom every knee must bend, and whose light outshines us all." >

Spider-Man

Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Joe Quesada has stated in his JoeFridays column that Peter Parker is "most likely of Christian Protestant beliefs" (http://www.newsarama.com/NewJoeFridays/NewJoeFridays28.html).

Infinity Crusade

Spider-Man was one of 33 characters who were identified as the most religious superheroes in the Marvel Universe in Infinity Crusade (June 1993). In this issue, a powerful being who identified herself as "the Goddess" kidnapped the superheroes she had identified as being the most religious active superheroes at the time. The Goddess was a manifestation of the "benevolent" side of Adam Warlock, and she planned to use these heroes in her crusade to rid the galaxy of evil and usher in a new golden age of peace. After these 33 characters had been kidnapped by the Goddess, the remaining superheroes gathered to try to figure out what was going on. The Vision analyzed data about who had been taken and who had not, and explained his analysis (Infinity Crusade #1, page 32): Peter Parker and Prayer Above: After warning of impending danger, Doctor Strange suggests that the next thing Peter Parker (Spider-Man) should do is pray. Spider-Man does pray, beginning with, "Hey, God? It's Peter again..." [From The Amazing Spider-Man volume 2, issue #46, pages 6-8; written by J. Michael Straczynski with art by John Romita Jr. (pencils) and Scott Hanna (inks).] Peter Parker, Spider-Man #48 is another issue which depicts Peter Parker in prayer, or having a "conversation with God." In this scene, we can even hear God's answers to Peter (or at least what Peter imagines God's answers are, or would be). It is probably not the intent of this scene to suggest that God is speaking directly to Peter Parker, but clearly Parker is thinking about God and pondering why God would allow terrible things to happen to him. Peter seems to find at least partial answers to his questions both in this scene and in the coming story arc. [Peter Parker sits on his bed in his apartment, staring at his Spider-Man costume, which is draped over the back a chair.]

Peter's Aunt May: Protestant Christian

It has been well established that Peter Parker's Aunt May is a Protestant Christian. This is the woman who has had the most influence on Parker, and who raised him during most of his life.

Above: When Spider-Man gets a glimpse of his future, he sees the tombstone of his Aunt May. Note the Christian cross that marks the gravesite of May Parker, Peter's beloved Aunt May, the woman who raised him.

Source: The Amazing Spider-Man #500 (December 2003), titled "Happy Birthday, Part Three", pages 2-3; written by J. Michael Straczynski, pencilled by John Romita Jr. and John Romita Sr., inked by Scott Hanna; reprinted in: The Amazing Spider-Man: Happy Birthday trade paperback, Marvel Entertainment Group: New York City (2004). Above: Note the hand-stitched "God Bless Our Home" wall hanging on the wall of the kitchen in Peter Parker and Aunt May's home. Source: Spider-Man: Blue #1, Marvel Entertainment Group: New York City (July 2002), page 20; written by Jeph Loeb, illustrated by Tim Sale; reprinted in Spider-Man: Blue hardcover collection (2003).

The demon, called Green Goblin, tries different strategies to disarm the one who stands in the way of his plans. He tries temptation, lies, flattery - ideas that are neither creative nor new. To demoralize Spiderman's fighting spirit, he even tries to touch the people Spiderman loves most - the woman he loves, and his elderly aunt, who brought him up instead of his mother. But power is found in unexpected places, and she is a committed believer. When the demon tries to attack her, she (who seems so weak) prays the Lord's prayer 'But deliver us from the evil one...' - a prayer with power!

From: "Spiderman: A Man with a Mission" page on "Facing the Challenge of Our Times" website (http://www.facingthechallenge.org/spiderman.htm; viewed 1 December 2005): Above: When Aunt May was going to marry Dr. Otto Octavius ("Doctor Octopus"), it was in a Protestant Christian church, in a Protestant ceremony, officiated by a Protestant clergyman.

Source: Peter Parker, Spider-Man Vol. 2 #50 (November 2002), titled "And Here, My Troubles Begin...", page 23; written by Paul Jenkins, pencilled by Mark Buckingham, inked by Wayne Faucher; reprinted in: Peter Parker, Spider-Man Vol. 4: Trials and Tribulations trade paperback, Marvel Entertainment Group: New York City (2003). PETER PARKER (thinking): I can bench press a car. I can climb up the side of a wall. Fight twenty guys to a standstill. Swing across chasms thirty stories deep. Feel a bullet coming my way and move fast enough to get clear. But something in her makes me gentle. Makes me shy. Makes me strong. Makes me happy to be alive. And maybe that's it. Maybe that's what it really comes down to. She makes me. Makes me whole . . . She completes me . . . (Chill out Christians they are married to each other here.) Reminiscent of other examples of Peter Parker's "talks with God," there are some notable, powerful scenes in Amazing Spider-Man #33 (vol. 2) - the 9/11 issue focusing on the aftermath of the destruction of the World Trade Center. In this story, Spider-Man appears to argue with God about to why these things have happened. Prayer for Peter Parker occurs mostly during times of extreme crisis, and sometimes as an expression of overwhelming gratitude.

"A little divine intervention..."

Perhaps in answer to Peter Parker's prayers (both on- and off-panel), J. Michael Straczynski even used a little divine intervention to help save the marriage of Peter and Mary Jane in issue #49 of The Amazing Spider-Man (volume 2). In what was certainly one of the most moving and most mature stories of Straczynski run on the series, this issue, titled "Bad Connections," features no physical battles and no villains. Peter Parker never even dons his Spider-Man mask. The story is about Peter and Mary Jane trying to come to terms with the emotional distance that has come between them as they've been living such separate lives, one as a super-hero, the other as a successful model and fledgling actress.

The issue begins with Peter in Africa, where Ezekiel has brought him so that he could survive his confrontation with Shathra. Rather than returning directly to New York City, Peter trades the first-class ticket Ezekiel purchased for him for a coach class ticket all the way to Los Angeles, where Mary Jane was filming a movie. In a romantic/tragic/comedy of errors type of situation, Mary Jane travels to New York to try to reconcile with her husband at exactly the same time. We see Peter in Mary Jane's hotel room and Mary Jane in Peter's New York apartment at exactly the same time, as they both contemplate their marriage and their recent past. Of course, both encounter empty rooms, assume the worst about the state of their relationship, and decide that their marriage is over - that it's time to move on. Peter boards a plane to fly back to New York and Mary Jane boards a plane to fly back to Los Angeles.

As the marriage of Peter and Mary Jane seems to shattering, a bolt of lightning grazes the airplane that Peter is on, doing no real damage, but forcing the pilot to land in Denver to check the electrical system. Miraculously, this the very airport that Mary Jane is at, while her plane is making a scheduled stop on its way to L.A. Peter does indeed meet up with Mary Jane at the Denver airport, and they begin the steps toward full reconciliation and saving their marriage, chronicled in further excellent stories that take place over subsequent issues. Using lightning - perhaps the most common symbol of direct action by deity, whether by Zeus, Jove, or Whomever - in this way seems almost like an intentionally un-subtle way of saying that Peter's continuing altruism and heroism has earned him a break, and that God wants Peter's marriage to last. (Note, in particular, how in the last panel of the scene it is finally revealed, against a backdrop of billowy - heavenly - clouds, that Peter's "bad luck" at having to make an unscheduled landing will actually put him in Denver.)

Below: A young Peter Parker wonders if God is punishing him for entertaining thoughts of a relationship with Felicia Hardy (the Black Cat), from Ultimate Spider-Man #53, "Daughters", page 4, reprinted in Ultimate Spider-Man: Cats & Kings trade paperback volume 8 (Marvel Entertainment Group: New York City, 2004). Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Pencils by Mark Bagley. Inks by Art Thibert.

An example of young Peter Parker invoking God in Ultimate Spider-Man appeared in issue #53, in a story titled "Daughters", written by Brian Michael Bendis. Peter Parker is, once again, feeling considerably put upon because of the many problems in his life. His girlfriend Mary Jane Watson recently broke up with him, and at about the same time he met Felicia Hardy, a cat burglar known as the "Black Cat." Hardy is a beautiful woman and Parker/Spider-Man was intrigued when she invited him to meet her for what looked essentially like a date. Although very much in love with Mary Jane, Parker wondered what it would be like to be romantically involved with the Black Cat. Later, Mary Jane runs away because of the constant verbal abuse from her manifestly atheist father. Peter Parker is very worried about Mary Jane. Among the many thoughts that go through his head while he worries about her, he wonders if God is punishing him for entertaining the idea of being with the Black Cat. Peter Parker's thoughts as he goes to Mary Jane Watson's bedroom and sees for himself that she has run away are as follows: After these thoughts go through Peter Parker's mind, suddenly inspiration hits him and he realizes where Mary Jane must be. He heads straight to the abandoned warehouse which they think of as their "little private hiding place" and sure enough, Mary Jane is there. She is cold and despondent, but Peter is relieved that he found her. In another issue of Ultimate Spider-Man, Peter Parker has recently lost his Spider-Man costume for the second time in a row. Among his many troubled thoughts is the question: Is this a sign from God that he should quit being a super hero?

Below: Peter Parker wonders if his losing his Spider-Man costume for the second time in a row is a message from God. From Ultimate Spider-Man #40, "Average Bear", page 3, reprinted in Ultimate Spider-Man hardcover collection volume 4 (Marvel Entertainment Group: New York City, 2004). Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Pencils by Mark Bagley. Inks by Art Thibert.

Everybody has a dark side the black suit represented his dark side But what matters most is choosing which side you fall into... He chose the good side...kick ass Spidey! Peter Parker has never been depicted as a regular churchgoer and could probably not be said to be religiously observant on a daily basis in any organized way. Nevertheless, Parker has exhibited a clear belief in God from time to time, and his Protestant Christian background has always been strongly manifest in his behavior and personal code of ethics. But Prayer and Spidey do go hand and hand.

Rogue of the X-Men

Rogue has been explicitly identified as a "Southern Baptist" in the pages of X-Men comics. One example of this was in X-Men #172 (2005). This issue features a scene in which Rogue calls her boyfriend a "Cajun boy raised in a Catholic household" and Gambit in turn calls her a "Southern Baptist girl." In the new "Ultimate" line of Marvel comics, Rogue is far more religiously devout than her original counterpart in mainstream Marvel continuity. Almost from the time that the "Ultimate Rogue" character was introduced, her denominational affiliation was overtly identifies as Southern Baptist. One example of the more overtly religious nature of this version of Rogue took place in Ultimate X-Men #40, when Rogue met Angel for the first time. From: Ultimate X-Men #40 (February 2004), titled "New Mutants, Part 1", pages 6-8; written by Brian Michael Bendis, pencilled by David Finch, inked by Art Thibert; reprinted in reprinted in Ultimate X-Men Vol. 8: New Mutants, Marvel Entertainment Group: New York City (2004):

The Batman

On the subject of Batman's religious affiliation, there is some disagreement among fans as well as among writers about whether the character is a mostly lapsed Catholic or a mostly lapsed Episcopalian. There is universal agreement that the character is not an active churchgoer in any faith.

Below: Batman in prayer? If so, it probably isn't a common occurrence for the adult Bruce Wayne. Below: As a child after his parents were murdered, Bruce Wayne said his prayers every night.

Below: When Tim Drake travels ten years into the future, he sees the headstone of Bruce Wayne (Batman): a Christian cross.

Note that most of the headstones in this cemetery are not crosses. The choice of a cross for Bruce Wayne's headstone is not an accident, and was not a default choice. Perhaps the future Bruce Wayne will be more actively religious than the contemporary character. This headstone may have been selected by Bruce Wayne's wife, possibly Selena Kyle. A later panel shows Kyle's headstone, which is not a cross, despite the fact that she has been portrayed as a Catholic in some comics.

Below:: The headstone of Selina Kyle ("Catwoman"), possibly Batman's future wife. Tim Drake ("Robin") visited this cemetary when he accidentally found himself ten years in the future. Catwoman's headstone, as depicted here, is not a cross, but Batman's headstone is. Source: Teen Titans #18 (2004), written by Geoff Johns, pencilled by Mike McKone and inked by Marlo Alquiza; pages 16-17; reprinted in Teen Titans: The Future is Now trade paperback, DC Comics: New York City (2005).

Given the wealth of support for both major theories about Batman's religious background (Catholic and Episcopalian), it seems most likely that both are correct, and that Bruce Wayne's father (the source of Batman's surname, English heritage, wealth and social standing) was an Episcopalian, while his mother (the key source of Bruce's early religious upbringing and ingrained religious feelings) was a Catholic.

Batman's religious affiliation is listed as "Episcopalian/Catholic (lapsed)" in various places, we have noticed a few people who incorrectly interpret this as an indicator that Batman is a "lapsed Catholic" who has now become an Episcopalian. This is certainly not the case. What is meant is that Batman is an "Episcopalian/Catholic" who is lapsed in the bi-denominational upbringing of his childhood. It is a valid observation that children raised in homes with a split religious identity are more likely to be lapsed or religiously non-observant as adults than children of parents with a united religious identity. Batman is certainly no exception to this trend, although it is possible to think of many reasons other than his parents' inter-faith marriage for his lack of traditional religious observation and identification as an adult.

Many comic book fans regard Batman as an atheist or agnostic, albeit one who has personally witnessed the fact that powerful god-like entities and gods of mythological pantheons actually exist. Batman has appeared in literally thousands of stories, and not all of these are in agreement with regards to the character's theological views. On rare occasions, stories have been published in which Batman has simply identified himself as an atheist or a Christian. It is reasonable to assume that, as with other people, Batman's precise beliefs, spirituality and relationship to God vary over the years, and sometimes shift depending on his experiences. The religious aspects of Batman's character also vary depending on the writer.

Here we see Batman kneeing before the gravesite of his parents

An important part of Batman's religious history which is sometimes forgotten by the general public was that before donning the cape and cowl he traveled in the Orient for many years, studying in various monasteries of Eastern religions. His teachers during this time were for the most part Buddhists, and Bruce Wayne actively studied not only martial arts but also various Eastern religious philosophies, practices, and mysticism. Bruce Wayne's travel and training in the Orient is not simply a creation of the 2005 movie Batman Begins, which made this time period a vividly portrayed major part of the film. This part of Bruce Wayne's history is a long-established part of the character's mythos, and the key element in understanding how a pampered rich boy became one of the world's greatest hand-to-hand combatants.

In addition to his past Buddhist training, even the contemporary Batman of Gotham City can be regarded as a sort of quasi-Buddhist in some ways. Acclaimed comic book writer Grant Morrison referred to Batman as "the super-confident, zen warrior" of his Justice League of America stories. (See Morrison's notes on page 66 of the script for Batman: Arkham Asylum, printed in the 15th Anniversary edition of this graphic novel.)

In Detective Comics #599, part of the 3-part "Blind Justice" story arc that commemorated Batman's 50th anniversary, flashbacks about Batman's training in the Orient show him studying under Chinese and Japanese spiritual/martial arts teachers, both speak in Buddhist language, referring to "the Way" (the Eight-Fold Path), seeking "enlightenment" and "enduring suffering." Bruce Wayne states that during this time he was not just training martial arts, but was studying "Eastern mysticism" and seeking "spiritual discipline." In addition to studies with Japanese and Chinese masters, Bruce also studied in Korea and Thailand. This gave Bruce Wayne exposure to a broad cross-section of world Buddhism, encompassing most of the religion's major branches. Mahayana Buddhism is predominant in China, Japan and Korea, while the older Theravada Buddhism is practiced in Thailand. Other comic book stories as well as the movie Batman Begins (2005) make it clear that Batman studied in Tibetan, where he was exposed to Tibetan Buddhism (or Vajrayana Buddhism), typically regarded as the third most significant branch of contemporary Buddhism (although sometimes classified as a subset of Mahayana Buddhism).

Bruce Wayne studied Buddhism, participated in Buddhist practices such as meditation, and spoke in clearly Buddhist terms during his time in the Orient. Nevertheless, Batman is not known to have ever overtly identified himself as a Buddhist, nor is known to have practiced Buddhism in any religious sense since returning to Gotham and embarking on his career as Batman. Certainly there are those who would regard Batman's overt (and arguably self-serving) use of physical violence as a "solution" to Gotham's crime problem as a rather non-Buddhist approach. This would constitute a reductionist view of the possibility of Buddhist characters and Buddhists in general, as most Buddhist cultures have longstanding traditions of Buddhist warriors and Buddhist vigilantes. This is beside the point, however, as Bruce Wayne is not a Buddhist.

Batman's religious and theological beliefs, including the specific (but by no means all-encompassing) question about whether or not (and how) he believes in God are, of course, a separate matter from the character's religious upbringing and religious affiliation. As the facts about a person's religious history, upbringing and family background do not change, it is possible to reveal these facts about a character without limiting the ability of future writers to take the character in different directions with regards to his current religious beliefs and practices.

See also: "Batman Crucified: Religion and Modern Superhero Comic Books," by Bruce David Forbes (http://wacc.dev.visionwt.com/wacc/publications/media_development/archive/1997_4/batman_crucified_religion_and_modern_superhero_comic_books)

The character of Batman was created in 1939 by Jewish comic book artist Robert Kahn (24 October 1915-3 November 1998), who is better known by his adopted professional and legally-changed name, Bob Kane. Jewish comic book writer Bill Finger was the co-creator of the character, although he was not officially credited. The major, influential early comic book characters at both DC Comics (then known as "National Publications") and later at Marvel were created by predominantly by Jewish writers and artists. Yet Batman was clearly non-Jewish, as were nearly all of the characters produced by this generation of comics professionals. Like nearly all major superhero characters created during the 1930s and 1940s, Batman was based on a sort of "all-American" template, including having a vaguely but not overtly identified Christian background. Batman has, for example, been shown celebrating Christmas many times throughout his long history. Some historians find themes of Jewish assimilation in characters such as Batman, who succeeded in masking his truly unusual heroic self via his successful, normal-seeming and quintessentially American Bruce Wayne identity.

Although Batman's Christian background (as opposed to a non-Christian background) is essentially taken as a given among writers and fans alike, the character's precise denominational affiliation has been a matter of disagreement.

Visually there is so much similarity between Episcopalian churches, cemeteries, graveyard headstones, clerical dress, Christian iconography, etc., that these religious elements as they have been drawn in Batman comics over the years could be interpreted as either Episcopalian or Anglican. We are not aware of any comics in which Batman himself has explicitly been identified as belonging to either denomination.

Chuck Dixon's Batman: The Chalice (2000), which is set within mainstream DC Universe continuity, portrayed Batman as a believing Christian and the latest in a long line of guardians of the Holy Grail. Although it is canonical within DC continuity, this volume has been criticized by some reviewers for presenting Batman out of character. Regardless of whether or not the degree to which Batman expresses Christian belief in this story is in keeping with how he has been portrayed previously, The Chalice does not appear to address whether Batman is Catholic or Episcopalian. The Holy Grail and its defense could be an element in either Catholicism or Episcopalianism (which is the American province of the Anglicanism, which is headed by the Church of England).

Batman has personally witnessed the power of religion and the veracity of various religious beliefs many times. These experiences extend the beyond the beliefs of the religions he has the most experience with personally (Christianity and Buddhism). In Batman #552, a rabbi's knowledge of the Jewish belief that the sound of breaking glass can repel spirits helps him and Batman deal with Ragman's renegade rag-spirits. In the critically acclaimed DC Comics graphic novel Batman/Houdini: The Devil's Workshop (pub. 2003, an Eisner Award nominee), Houdini repelled a vampire with a Star of David necklace.

Influential DC Comics writer Elliot S Maggin (a self-identified observant Jew) has stated flatly that he thinks of Bruce Wayne/Batman as Episcopalian. Maggin said that he explicitly identified the character as an Episcopalian in his DC Comics novel Kingdom Come (Warner Books, February 1999), which was an adaptation of the near-future DC Universe graphic novel Kingdom Come, by Mark Waid and Alex Ross. Kingdom Come is widely regarded as one of the best, most literate comic book-based novels ever written.

On the other hand, Frank Miller has stated that the Bruce Wayne/Batman is Catholic. Miller's writing about Batman has been more widely read and far more influential on how the character is handled anything written by Maggin. (Maggin is known for his important work on Superman, who is focal character in Kingdom Come.) Frank Miller is the author of such character-defining modern Batman stories as Batman: Year One (largely the basis for the movie Batman Returns) and The Dark Knight Returns. Miller has said that Batman and Daredevil were so obviously Catholic that to write them any other way would be completely nonsensical.

DC Comics writer Chuck Dixon and artist Graham Nolan had a memorable collaboration producing Batman comics. On his official website Dixon discussed Christianity in comics (http://www.dixonverse.net/NEWSITE/ARTICLES/christ.html) and describes their view of Batman: "Graham Nolan and I had an ongoing argument about whether Bruce was raised Catholic or Protestant. I recently conceded to Graham than he must be Catholic. No Protestant ever suffered guilt the way Bruce does."

The Dark Knight and Prayer

In a scene from Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Batman has recently returned to action after a decade of retirement. While diffusing a bomb, Batman considers praying. He observes, "And if I had the time or the right -- I'd say a prayer." [Source: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1 (1986), DC Comics: New York City; reprinted in Batman: The Dark Knight Returns hardcover edition, DC Comics: New York City (2002), page 50; written and pencilled by Frank Miller, inked by Klaus Janson, colored by Lynn Varley.

It is clear why Batman doesn't have the time for prayer at this moment: he is facing a bomb, which is set to go off any second. But the other limitation that prevents him from praying is interesting. Bruce Wayne appears here to be musing that he doesn't have "the right." This is likely due to a feeling of spiritual unworthiness on his part. There could be a number of reasons for Batman to feel that way, most likely of which are either a feeling that he has committed too much evil and violent acts in his role as a vigilante, or a feeling that because he has not prayed or attended church services for so long during times when his life wasn't in danger, a sudden prayer now would be dishonorable or fall on deaf ears.

Frank Miller has clearly his stated his viewpoint that is a Catholic. The Batman of The Dark Knight Returns is, for the most part, not actively or overtly religious. But nor does he appear to be agnostic or unbeliever, as the character has been portrayed by some other writers.

Batman: The Knight Returns is not a "canonical" story and is thus not considered an official part of mainstream DC Comics continuity. It is, however, one of the most critically acclaimed comics in history, and is considered one of the most important and influential Batman stories ever published.

Further Discussion of Bruce Wayne's Episcopalian Versus Catholic Background

Those who believe that Batman comes from an Episcopalian family generally consider his immensely wealthy and aristocratic social standing, a niche that is certainly associated with Episcopalians more than any other American denomination. Proponents of this theory can also cite an old 1950s comic showing one of Bruce Wayne's ancestor Anthony Wayne (a Revolutionary War hero) buried in St. David's Episcopal Church Cemetery in Radnor, near Philadelphia.

However, a considerable amount of time passed between the Revolutionary War and the birth of Bruce Wayne, and it would certainly have been possible for the character's intervening forebearers to have converted or married into Catholic families. Despite the relative degree of poverty among first- and second-generation Catholic immigrants to America, there have always been wealthy Catholics in the country, going back to the Revolutionary War period, during which time devout Catholic families such as the Carroll family of Maryland and the Fitzsimons family of Pennsylvania controlled vast land holdings and were among the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Bruce Wayne's wealth and social status may be characteristic of Episcopalianism, but it does not preclude Catholicism. Moreover, if Bruce Wayne's Gotham is (as many believe) an analogue for Chicago, one could point out that Catholicism generally and wealthy Catholic families specifically are far more prevalent than Episcopalians in the Chicago area.

Were there only the character of Bruce Wayne to consider, there might be a larger continent of people who think of him as Episcopalian. However, a number of major and influential writers of the character in recent times (including Frank Miller) clearly believe Batman comes from a Catholic background, and write about the character with that textural detail in mind. This is because, from a psychological perspective, the character seems overwhelmingly Catholic and not at all Episcopalian. "Bruce Wayne," one should remember, is not Batman's true self, as far as the character is concerned, but is a mere front used to turn suspicion away from those who might try to learn his true identity. Batman consciously puts on an act when he appears in public as Bruce Wayne. Bruce Wayne's fun-loving, jovial and relatively narcissistic personality are intentional deceptions on Batman's part.

The brooding, vengeful, purpose driven (or clearly obsessed) Dark Knight is who Batman really is. He is constantly aware that he is not a normal person living a normal life, and he isn't even capable of relating to people who strive for such a life. Batman's mission is driven by the singular fact of having witnessed the murder of his parents when he was a child. Guilt, retribution and a desire for social justice intermingle in the character's psyche to create the peculiar motivations that compel him to dress as a bat and physically confront criminals.

From a psychological perspective, the traditional literary Catholic psyche provides a ready explanation for who Batman is on the inside. Privileged Episcopalianism, one of America's most liberal denominations, deeply entrenched within and also defined by normative mainstream American culture, seems as wholly at odds with Batman's persona as it is in keeping with Bruce Wayne's.

From: Bruce Bachand, "Interview: Elliot S Maggin", published in Fanzing (The Independent Online DC Comics Fan Magazine) Issue #9, August 1998 (http://www.fanzing.com/mag/fanzing09/iview.shtml; viewed 6 December 2005):

Elliot S Maggin was the principal scriptwriter for DC Comics' Superman titles during the 1970's up until the mid-1980's. He has written two Superman novels (Last Son Of Krypton and Miracle Monday, both which are currently out of print) as well as numerous other stories, articles, interviews and projects. One of his most recent publications is the novel KINGDOM COME (which is available through Warner Books) which came out in February 1998. It is based on the very successful DC comic book mini-series KINGDOM COME by Mark Waid and Alex Ross. (It is well worth mentioning that Ross contributes a number of new painted illustrations to the Maggin novel!). Sales have been steady for the Maggin novelization. It is over one hundred thousand words full of action, characterization, and plot sculpting.

BRUCE BACHAND: Do you see Superman as a man who prays and/or worships God regularly? If so, what would the Man of Steel pray about from your perspective?

ELLIOT S MAGGIN: I give all my characters religions. I think I always have. It's part of the backstory. It's part of the process of getting to know a character well enough to write about him or her. Jimmy Olson is Lutheran. Lois is Catholic. Perry is Baptist. Luthor is Jewish (though non-observant, thank heaven). Bruce [Wayne] and Batman are both Episcopalian and I said so in the text though it was edited out erroneously. Clark - like the Kents - is Methodist... Chuck Dixon is a popular and influential comic book writer who has written many of the DC Comics' stories about Batman and other Gotham-basesd characters, including Nightwing. On a page posted on his official website, Dixon has reproduced a somewhat lengthy question about Christianity in comics, along with his response to it. From Chuck Dixon, "Christianity in Comics" page on DixonVerse.net website (http://www.dixonverse.net/NEWSITE/ARTICLES/christ.html; viewed 5 May 2007):

Q: Christianity in comics question Originally a question asked by VeeGee on January 30, 1999 at the Unofficial Birds of Prey Message Board

I just read a wonderful interview with Scott McDaniel where he let people know he was a Christian, and that you were too. I just recently returned to a relationship with Christ (although He never left). I have been thinking about why past attempts at Christian comics/characters have not been as well received as their secular counterparts. I remember the line Marvel tried to start several years ago... but each book cost $5.00. I would LOVE to see comic adaptions of Frank Perenti books and other projects that really intertwine the fantasy of comics and faith in Christ. I kind of enjoyed John Byrne's Wonder Woman novel--I thought it would have made a better comic "event" than "Genesis" did. Are there a lot of Christian creators in comics? Are there any other characters besides, Nightcrawler, who are devout in their faith? What are your thoughts? I guess the bottom line for me is that "with great power..." ya'know, comics reach a lot of people and in a world like the one we live in-messages of hope and faith and turning to Christ are few and far between. I find it ironic that DC would have several mini-series about the devil; "Underworld Unleashed", and the new Vertigo series but wouldn't let Rick Veitch have Christ in a single issue of Swamp thing.

Thanks for your time==I know this may be a touchy subject for some people. I do not want to start a debate..besides God always wins anyway (*wink*)

Chuck Dixon: To paraphrase George Foreman, "I think Christ and comics are a GREAT combination." I've always been disturbed by the portrayal of religious figures in comics. They're usually portrayed just this side of Dr Doom. I was guilty of it a few times in my own career (at least one time, anyway). But I think I've made it right over the past few years with positive religious figures in the comics. I don't go too heavy with it 'cause these characters aren't mine. But a belief in God is certainly evident with many of the folks I write and religion is a part of their world as well as a consistent morality. It's a "dirty little secret" that many folks in comics are devoutly religious. Some of the most devoted people I've met have been in this field. Wrong or right, when I was a kid Batman and Tarzan were role models for me along with Jesus. I don't see any reason why I can't include Him in my work.

Scott McDaniel and I have discussed doing a comic book with a Christian theme. He has some wild ideas for a book that would entertain even those who didn't heed the call. I think each creator sees the characters in their own lights. Scott McDaniel and I agree that Dick Grayson finds solace in religion. He's never been the cynical brooder that Bruce Wayne can be at times. Even though both went through the same childhood trauma Dick sought answers outside of himself. I think that's the basis of his belief in Christianity.

Graham Nolan and I had an ongoing argument about whether Bruce was raised Catholic or Protestant. I recently conceded to Graham than he must be Catholic. No Protestant ever suffered guilt the way Bruce does.

I find it peculiar that the idea of comic book heroes being Christians is "controversial". How many of our heroes are Buddhists or Druids or some other world religion and never raise an eyebrow? Maybe Christianity is too close to home and we want our heroes to have a more exotic belief system?

When I wrote Moon Knight over at Marvel I wanted to explore the fact that Marc Spector was Jewish. I was uncomfortable with the fact that a Jew wielded a power born of Egyptian myth. I wanted to deal with this in a storyline. My editor told me to ignore that aspect of his personality. And I was told this by an editor who is a Jew. Is there something in the mind of comics fandom and professionals that finds religion repugnant? Or are they simply avoiding the familiar?

From: Julia Baird, "A Sunday sermon from Superman", published 22 June 2006 in The Sydney Morning Herald (http://www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/a-sunday-sermon-from-superman/2006/06/21/1150845241006.html; viewed 21 June 2006):

...Superman is not the only superhero thought to be religious... Batman is said to be a lapsed Anglican or Catholic (because of the crosses on his parents' tombstones)...

From: Barry Caine, "If a superhero lands in the forest, does anyone hear it?" (Movie Guy column), published 24 July 2006 in Oakland Tribune (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4176/is_20060624/ai_n16506776; viewed 12 July 2007):

..."Superman Returns," which opens at 10 p.m. Tuesday... Superman's pending resurrection is inspiring super conjecture. For instance, Newsweek's "With Beliefnet.com" column has dubbed the Man of Steel a Methodist. ...while we're on the subject, the article uses data gleaned from Adherents.com to imbue other superheroes with their likely religious orientations... Because of the crosses on his parents' gravestones, Batman is either a lapsed Roman Catholic or a disaffected Episcopalian...

From: Hilary Goldstein, "Batman: The Chalice Review", published 9 June 2005 in Comics section of IGN.com Entertainment website (written by veteran Chuck Dixon, is not an Elseworlds tale; viewed 6 December 2005):

Religion is one area comics have always misrepresented. Characters are either agnostic or devout, as if there were no in-between. Batman is, in many respects, a character that could be ripe for religious conflict. However, that's never really been the case with Batman as religion has been almost non-existent in the Batman mythos. That makes a Holy Grail story a tough sell.

Bruce Wayne is, apparently, from a long line of Grail guardians. One day he receives a package addressed to his father. The contents, the Holy Grail. Batman is immediately examining the cup for scientific evidence of its spiritual veracity, but at the same time is professing to be a believing in Christ. There's certainly nothing wrong with Batman being a Christian, but it seems totally out of nowhere. Batman believing in a higher power? Who knew? Answer: No one.

The Chalice poses an interesting idea -- What if Batman were given the Holy Grail? However, the Bat doesn't want to do anything with it, just keep it safe. So what makes this a "Batman" tale? Nothing. This could have been a non-superhero tale and probably would have been better. Though Dixon is trying for something profound, The Chalice is just a bunch of loose ends wrapped around the holiest item known to modern man. It doesn't help that John Van Fleet's art feels muddy and distilled, instead of showing the power of the events surrounding the hunt for the Grail...

From: Brian J. Sullivan, user review of Batman: The Chalice order page on Amazon.com website, posted 9 January 2005 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/156389632X/002-2535171-5187214?v=glance&n=283155; viewed 6 December 2005):

The Chalice, by Chuck Dixon and illustrated by John Van Fleet is a promising concept, but ultimately fails by having too many cameos of the rogues gallery and not dealing with Batman's existential ponderings.

While one reviewer mistakingly asserts religion should not be in comics (after all, religion is such an important part of peoples lives, it is hard to imagine that these characters should not be developed likewise), I disagree, it is that unlike Miller's Daredevil, where religion is dealt with on a somewhat real level, this comic is more interested in "Indiana Jones" type serial comic action than dealing with real questions with possible answers.

I, however, still found the story enjoyable. Batman learns that he is to protect the Holy Grail (the bloodline obligation story is weak as another reviewer noted) and does his best to do so. The grail heals him when he takes a step in faith after being wounded, and he proposes to Batgirl/Oracle that the grail can restore her as well - she lacks faith and turns down the opprotunity. This should have been fleshed out more and could have been a compelling story - why some take the step toward faith, and others do not.

The artwork is good, but not oustanding or compelling. The story too short, but the ending is outstanding and allows the reader to see Batman for who he is - a man who will never give up, but also one who will submit his ego for the good of all, for he knows his strengths and his limitations.

From: Andrew A. Smith (Scripps Howard News Service), "Comics superheroes of many faiths", published 3 February 2000 in The Houston Chronicle (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/religion/446482.html; viewed 30 November 2005):

So, if you were going to dress up like a bat and fight crime, what church would you attend?

That was the question put to Captain Comics a few weeks ago, and after much thumb-sucking, he decided Batman was probably Catholic. His reasoning was (A) Bruce Wayne's parents were accepted readily in wealthy East Coast social circles; (B) Batman's sense of guilt; (C) Superman, his polar opposite, is likely Protestant; and (D) nuns also dress in black.

OK, just kidding about that last one. But, as you can see, the Captain's other reasons were pretty flimsy. Fortunately, his readers came swinging to the rescue:

"If (Batman's) America has any similarities to ours, there was a lot of anti-Catholic bias in its history," wrote Leah via the Internet. "I have trouble picturing a Catholic Wayne family being fully accepted in high society (in the '40s), money or not. My vote would be high-church Episcopalian/Anglican, which is basically the same as Catholicism as far as beliefs go but would have been more socially acceptable.

Jeff Trexler of Dallas came to much the same conclusion.

"Your column on superhero religion ... jogged my memory back to an old (1950s) Batman time-travel story where he met his ancestor 'Mad' Anthony Wayne, a Revolutionary War hero. (Mad Anthony) was from the British elite families who colonized the area around Philadelphia, and he is buried in the cemetery appropriate to the Wayne family's wealth, status and pedigree: St. David's Episcopal Church Cemetery in Radnor."

So is Gotham's guardian Episcopalian? John McDonagh of Worcester, Mass., found different evidence of more recent vintage:

Further, he said, in Final Night No. 4 (1996) former Green Lantern Hal Jordan mentions "the harsh God you believe in ... Batman." Could Batman be a Calvinist?

"I gotta say," Trexler said," (Batman's) obsession with the darker side of human nature makes me wonder if he wouldn't be more at home in hard-core Calvinist Presbyterianism, although there IS an ardent, albeit relatively small group of Calvinists even in the contemporary Episcopal church."

McDonagh agreed -- sort of -- by noting that "there are fundamentalist Protestant denominations and groups that are more extreme than even pre-Vatican II Roman Catholicism was."

From: Ted Olsen, "Weblog: Sure, Superman's Protestant, But What's Batman", published in Christianity Today, 7 February 2000 (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2000/106/13.0.html; viewed 3 June 2006):

Is Batman Catholic, Episcopalian, or Presbyterian? [link to news article in Houston Chronicle