Warning: contains spoilers for Justice League Infinity #1!
After many years of character development, Batman and Wonder Woman finally appear to have a true friendship in Justice League: Infinity #1, written by J.M. DeMatteis and James Tucker, with art by Ethen Beavers, colors by Nick Filardi, and letters by Tom Napolitano. The two heroes, mainstays of the DC Universe, have grown together over the course of the DCAU's Justice League stories. Now, as the animated series continues in comic form, readers can finally see Batman's trust in Diana on full display.
Batman and Wonder Woman's first team-up in the comics occurred in 1968's The Brave and the Bold, and the duo have continued to work well together ever since. Occasionally the pair have disagreements - especially when Diana's message of hope clashes with Bruce's fear-based tactics - and they often fulfill different roles in the Justice League's missions, with Wonder Woman on the front lines while Batman traditionally sticks to the shadows and is rarely seen during daylight hours. But during the Justice League animated series from 2001 to 2003, Batman and Wonder Woman's relationship received a surprising amount of focus, birthing a dynamic that's continuing into Justice League Infinity.
In Justice League Infinity, the core seven members of the original League are no longer a team, with the Martian Manhunter leaving the League to live his own life. That hasn't stopped the remaining members from operating as heroes, even throwing the Flash a birthday party. Batman is the only guest not smiling, making a public note that he hates birthdays. Diana asks Wally to forgive Bruce - after all, "He has a difficult time expressing his feelings. Don't you, Bruce?" Batman replies "You would know," with the barest indication of a coy smile on his face. Loyal Justice League viewers will note that this is not the first flirtatious exchange between the two.
In the episode 'This Little Piggy' from the Justice League Unlimited animated series, Batman rejects Wonder Woman's not-so-subtle flirtations, expressing concern that any romantic partner would be a target for villains. Still, it's hinted this deflection might be an excuse, and that Bruce is simply too distrustful of others to maintain a long-term relationship. While Justice League Infinity #1 doesn't go so far as to depict a romantic connection, Batman's willingness to let down his guard and joke around with Diana shows a bond fans seldom get to enjoy outside the DCAU's version of these characters.
Justice League: Infinity #1 could tease a future in which Bruce and Diana actually confess their feelings directly, but for now it's enough to see Bruce opening up with some prompting from his teammate, portraying a Justice League team who actually enjoy being around each other and bringing out the best in their fellow heroes. While readers can look elsewhere for dysfunctional versions of the team - such as Justice League: Last Ride, where Batman and Superman's feud has shattered the team, much to Wonder Woman's irritation - Justice League Infinity's handling of what these heroes mean to each other is unique, offering comic fans another way to see Batman and Wonder Woman while DCAU fans get to see the next chapter of this somewhat surprising friendship.