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FanSided 250: Where are the Batman fans ranked?

By Mark Lynch

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: A Batman costume from the 1995 Batman Forever film worn by Val Kilmer and designed by Rob Ringwood and Ingrid Ferrin is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: A Batman costume from the 1995 Batman Forever film worn by Val Kilmer and designed by Rob Ringwood and Ingrid Ferrin is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) /
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Where are the Batman fans ranked in this year’s FanSided 250?

Batman always seems to be talked about. He doesn’t need a movie in theaters, a program on TV, or to be the focus in a DC Comics crossover to be talked about. Why? Because he’s Batman. Sure, it’s a cliché saying, but it doesn’t make it any less true.

The Dark Knight isn’t like Gambit or Luke Cage. He’s surpassed his comic book peers to become one of the (if not the) most recognized characters in any genre. Not having powers and still beating beings that are considered gods will do that. He’s more versed in hand to hand combat than almost anyone and seems to have a plan for everything.

Each year, FanSided 250 (formerly Fandom 250) ranks the greatest fanbases in the world in a list that ranges from entertainment to sport. In this year’s ranking, The Dark Knight (along with the Joker) was ranked at 82. Is his placement shocking? That’s a complicated answer that requires an in depth explanation.

Why is this shocking?

If we’re looking at this realistically, Batman hasn’t had a big year in the movies or theaters. Other than Hush and Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles there haven’t been any projects. A good percentage of his fans are those who know him from the movies and TV shows. Since he hasn’t had any major live-action projects, it’s still a great feat that he’s managed to break into the top 100. It’s the pop culture fans that set him over the top. If this was just a comic book ranking, he may have been too low.

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The Dark Knight is having a terrific 2019 in the comics. The Batman Who Laughs run (it started in December of 2018 but finished in 2019) was phenomenal. The Batman Who Laughs took his counterpart to the brink of insanity and then some. This led over to a Batman/Superman series that’s been intense. Last, but certainly not least, there’s Tom King’s run of DC Comics Rebirth: Batman.

If you’re not a Dark Knight fan, read this run. It’ll change the way you look at the Dark Knight. It’s been as close to perfect as you’ll get from a comic. And this is coming from a guy who’s a heavy Marvel Comics fan. But, alas, this isn’t based on comic books.

Why isn’t this shocking?

You may have noticed Batman isn’t alone in this year’s FanSided 250 ranking. His entry ranking is titled Batman/Joker. In fact, this year’s Joker is probably the reason that he is on this list at all.

Joaquin Phoenix was flat out incredible playing Arthur Fleck (the man who would become the Joker). Despite not having a big connection to the comic book lore, Joker still loved grossing over a billion dollars, which says a lot considering this wasn’t the normal comic book flick.

You did see Bruce Wayne in the movie, but not his alter ego. If there wasn’t Joker, this article could very well have been asking why The Dark Knight wasn’t in this year’s FanSided 250 ranking at all. Since him and Joker always seem to be connected (especially in terms of fanbase), it makes sense that they shared the category.

Next. All 7 DCEU films ranked from worst to best. dark

Batman is always going to be popular. It doesn’t matter if he has an off year, especially when you factor in the growing interest in 2021’sThe Batman. The Dark Knight will always be one of the people’s favorite heroes, so it’s a testament to his popularity that he managed to make the list on such a quiet year for him.

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