The Bat-Family is gearing up to take flight in the DC Universe! While fans are excited to see Damian Wayne teaming up with his dad in The Brave and the Bold, the idea of a ‘Bat-Family’ movie hints that we might see some beloved characters joining the adventure. Iconic figures like Dick Grayson/Robin and Barbara Gordon/Batgirl are likely to make an appearance, but could we also see some lesser-known members of the Bat-Family stepping into the spotlight?
It’s quite remarkable how the Bat-Family has evolved over the years, featuring a diverse range of characters from Harper Row, also known as Bluebird, to Duke Thomas, who goes by The Signal, and even Henry “Hank” Clover Jr. as Gotham, along with Ace the Bat-Hound. Among all these unique members, Bat-Mite stands out as the most unconventional. Even though the DC Universe is still in its early stages, there have already been hints that could pave the way for Bat-Mite’s exciting future.
Who is Bat-Mite?
Bat-Mite made his debut in Detective Comics #267 in 1959. This whimsical, imp-like character hails from the Fifth Dimension, much like Superman’s foe, Mister Mxyzptlk. However, unlike Mister Mxyzptlk, who often clashes with Superman, Bat-Mite is portrayed as Batman’s biggest admirer. He embarks on quirky adventures in an effort to impress the Dark Knight. While he’s often seen as more of a nuisance than a true ally, he usually leaves on his own terms. Given the Bat-Family’s tendency to face danger, this might be for the best.
Unfortunately, Bat-Mite’s irritating personality caused him to be put on the back burner in 1964, as editor Julius Schwartz sought a more serious version of Batman. After the Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline, Bat-Mite was mostly absent, only making a brief comeback in the 2000 World’s Funnest Elseworlds special. After nearly 42 years of being sidelined, Bat-Mite rejoined the main continuity in Superman/Batman #26 in 2006. He also made an appearance during Grant Morrison’s run, showing up as a hallucination to a Batman who had lost his grip on reality.
Even though Bat-Mite has been somewhat overlooked, his legacy lives on. He made a cameo as a background photo in Batman: The Killing Joke and was once considered as a name for Dick Grayson before he chose Robin. The wait paid off in July 2024 when DC Comics officially welcomed Bat-Mite into the Bat-Family, providing him with a much-needed backstory in Batman/Superman World’s Finest. Along with revealing that he left DC history due to its changes, Bat-Mite was celebrated as a member of the Bat-Family, with his suit showcased after helping to defeat the Sixth Dimension villain, Doom-Mite.
Even though Bat-Mite has a dedicated fanbase, he hasn’t quite made it into the mainstream spotlight. Lou Scheimer lent his voice to the character in The New Adventures of Batman, and an animatronic version made an appearance in the beloved Batman: The Animated Series. He also became a playable character in Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham. With Bat-Mite showing up in Batman: The Brave and the Bold, voiced by Paul Reubens, the fact that Andy Muschietti is directing this new project presents a fantastic chance to embrace the character’s quirky side.
Could Bat-Mite Really Appear in the DCU?
While the DCU has introduced the wonderfully eccentric Creature Commandos, it may be challenging for some to envision how Bat-Mite would fit into a project like The Brave and the Bold. However, considering the Superman trailer features a massive fire-breathing kaiju, it’s evident that franchise leader James Gunn is open to embracing a playful approach. With Creature Commandos kicking off the official DCU canon, Bat-Mite has already received a warm welcome.
The episode of “Priyatel Skelet” that aired on January 2 is often remembered for a quick cameo by Batman, which might have caused some viewers to overlook the Bat-Mite reference. In one scene, after Rick Flag Sr. (played by Frank Grillo) ends up in a coma due to an encounter with Clayface, John Economos (Steve Agee) and A.R.G.U.S. Director Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) receive the news. They learn that “some type of monster” brought Flag to the emergency room. Although the ‘monster’ in question is actually David Harbour’s Eric Frankenstein, Waller inquires, “What kind of monster?” Economos then proposes a few possible villains, saying, “Reptaloid? Amphibious? Simian? Mite? Poltergeist?”
The mention of Bat-Mite may not be as surprising as it appears. In a post on Threads in 2024, Gunn shared:
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Bat-Mite! I even have some statuettes displayed at home. Just picture having a tiny imp who dresses like you, adores you, and is a bit unsettling, all while getting you into tricky situations just for fun. What a fantastic character! I first discovered my love for him in a book I read back in sixth grade. I received that book along with the Superman one for Christmas, and I still consider them the best gifts I’ve ever received.
Considering Gunn’s love for the character, it’s not unexpected that he’s being mentioned. Waller’s Non-Human Interment Division at Belle Reve has already featured cameos from Orca, Vegetable-Mineral Man, Congorilla, and others. While Bat-Mite might appear too niche to join the Bat-Family in The Brave and the Bold, he seems perfect for a cameo in the upcoming season 2 of Creature Commandos, likely teased by the post-credit scene from season 1.
Bat-Mite has been mentioned before! In the first season of Peacemaker, Economos talked about a “two-foot-tall interdimensional imp who is a huge fan of Batman.” This reference is considered part of the canon, especially since Gunn has clarified which elements of the DCEU are continuing into the DCU. Unfortunately, Gunn has confirmed that Bat-Mite won’t be part of Peacemaker season 2. However, if Gunn is open to exploring Creature Commandos, a standalone Bat-Mite project could still be a possibility. Just picture an adult animated series similar to Creature Commandos, mixed with a touch of the ‘90s The Tick cartoon!
The DCU is moving towards a more cohesive vision, and even if Bat-Mite were to have his own animated series, he could still make appearances in live-action, sharing the screen with the Dark Knight. If utilized properly, Bat-Mite could help clarify the DCEU and DCU connection. While some speculate that Barry Allen’s timeline changes in The Flash caused the DCU reset, Bat-Mite’s unique ability to traverse dimensions and break the fourth wall could serve as a clever meta joke. This mischievous little imp seems perfectly suited for the more humorous aspects of the DCU that Gunn is known for, but for now, Bat-Mite remains one of those exciting possibilities that the DCU is keeping under wraps for the future.