It’s only a matter of time before makes his debut in James Gunn’s DCU, and while there’s no shortage of great movies starring the Dark Knight, there’s one key element from the comics that Gunn should seriously consider to make his interpretation of Batman stand out: Bruce Wayne’s characteristic and fan-loved dry sense of humor.

Batman’s dry sense of humor is one of the best yet most underrated and underutilized aspects of his character, particularly in live-action portrayals. Although there have been a few memorable moments that highlight his trademark wit, especially in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, recent portrayals have largely overlooked this defining trait.

This absence has left a noticeable gap in capturing the full depth of Bruce Wayne’s character. For that reason, it would be a smart move for James Gunn to draw from the comics and.

More casual fans of Batman who have had limited exposure to the Dark Knight in the comics, especially through his deadpan and often dry sense of humor. While this humor may not be one of his most prominent traits, it remains a major appeal of the character for many longtime fans. Over the decades, there have been numerous examples showcasing Batman’s dry wit, though a few standout moments are particularly memorable. One such example comes from Mark Waid and Dan Mora’s Batman / Superman: World’s Finest run, which does a fantastic job highlighting the more humorous side of the Dark Knight.

In Waid and Mora's World’s Finest #8 Batman playfully teases Robin about Dick’s budding relationship with Supergirl. Setting aside his usual spirit-of-vengeance demeanor,, making pointed comments that suggest Dick should ask her out. With lines like, “She’s right over there, you know,” and, “Did you ask her what she’s doing Saturday night?” Bruce shows a more lighthearted and human side. While fans undoubtedly enjoyed this moment, Dick himself was less amused, delivering a sarcastic, “You’re a riot,” in response.

While World’s Finest does a superb job of showcasing Batman’s more lighthearted nature, usually expressed through his embrace of a fatherly role, examples of his dry humor specifically can be found in Tom King’s Batman run. One of the most notable moments appears in Batman #37, where Bruce and Clark switch costumes to gain entrance to a fair. As they change in separate dressing rooms, Clark mentions that his iconic “S” shield stands for hope. Batman responds with: This is a perfect example of Bruce’s dry, understated humor at its finest.

Another standout moment of Batman’s dry wit takes place in Batman #50 by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo. Earlier in the series, Bruce Wayne had gone missing, leaving Gotham without a Batman. In response, Commissioner Jim Gordon stepped up to wear the mantle, uncertain whether his friend would ever return. Just when things are looking grim for Gordon during a battle, Bruce reappears. His first words to Jim since disappearing are a perfectly timed quip:This moment, like many others, proves that despite his typically stoic nature, the Dark Knight has a sharp and often overlooked sense of humor.

When it comes to adapting Batman’s characteristic dry humor from the comics, no medium has done it better than the DC Animated Universe. One of the most iconic examples comes from Justice League: War (2014), during a scene between Batman and Green Lantern. After mistakenly assuming Bruce was some kind of metahuman, Hal incredulously asks, “Wait, you’re not just some guy in a bat costume, right?” Batman simply turns around and smirks. This moment has become iconic among fans and remains one of the most beloved on-screen portrayals of the Dark Knight’s humor. With that in mind, it would be epic to see James Gunn bring this dry wit to life in upcoming live-action debut.