BACKGROUND ON GOTHAM'S OWN BILLIONAIRE PLAYBOY PHILANTHROPIST
WRITTEN BY VICKI VALE
I'm sure by now we all know the story. But to truly get to the deepest understanding, I believe we should begin where it all started.
As with the custom, I will choose to announce that if you have difficulty reading about horrific topics, such as parental death, issues with pregnancy and birth, teenagers having relations with older individuals, and otherwise potentially upsetting topics, you may wish to skip this piece.
Bruce Wayne was born to Dr. Thomas Wayne, and his wife Martha Wayne, previously known as Martha Kane.
His father, a well respected surgeon as well as the CEO of Wayne Enterprises, who donated his time to Gotham's hospital, offering free surgeries to those who desperately needed it but were unable to afford it.
His mother, Martha Wayne, a brilliant, generous, beautiful socialite most well known for her charity work. The Kane family was often considered to own the half of Gotham that the Wayne's hadn't owned. Including what is now known as Ace Chemicals, formerly Kane Chemicals.
She met Thomas Wayne back when she herself was a reporter for Gotham Gazette, holding an interview with Thomas Wayne over the start of The Wayne Foundation. They fell in love, and married within three years.
Bruce Wayne photographed by Stephanie Diani
From their union, came Bruce Wayne. Born on February 19th, 1996, 7 pounds and 5 ounces. Though not much was known around then, we have discovered that Martha gave birth to him via C-section, after a particularly difficult labor that nearly cost her her life. As such, she was unable to have another child.
He was truly the highlight of his parents lives, though they rarely showed him off to the media. Martha regularly was asked about him at her charity events, however she'd merely state that she wants to maintain privacy where her only child was concerned.
Naturally, Bruce had a truly privileged life growing up. Though, we have noticed, between Thomas' surgeries, events, and eventually promotion as he ran for Mayor, as well as Martha's charity events and volunteer work at the children's hospital and children's shelters, he appeared to most often be left home with only the family butler, and his godfather, Alfred Pennyworth, to take care of him.
Bruce Wayne, aged 8, photographed by unknown.
Then, the story we all know took place. During a riot against Thomas Wayne, after seeing a film with his wife and son, Thomas took his family through Crime Alley, we assume to escape the chaos of the night. Unfortunately, that decision turned out terrible for him and his family.
Though not ultimately known what took place, though it is alleged to have been a mugging, we do know that both Thomas Wayne, and Martha Wayne, were shot and killed in the alleyway, right in front of Bruce's eyes. He was eight years old at the time.
The police report stated the unknown assailant wore a clown mask, that we know now holds association with Arthur Fleck, also known publicly as The Joker.
Not much has been known about Bruce Wayne since the night his parents died, as he'd kept largely out of the media limelight. We do know that Alfred Pennyworth, as well as Bruce's Godmother, Dr. Leslie Thompkins, took care of Bruce up until he was around 13 years old.
At age 13, Bruce went on his own to the United Kingdom, studying abroad for various college courses. However, despite being a college student up until he was 17 years old, he never attained a degree. Dropping out of courses right and left, some wondered if this was his rebellion phase, or a lingering depression episode.
When he was between the ages of 15 and 17, it is known he had a 19 year old girlfriend, who took great pleasure in announcing her affair with the teenaged orphaned billionaire. He never chose to comment on this fact. However, anytime he's been asked, his expression noticeably darkened. Bad break up, perhaps? Or something deeper?
We are aware that he has gone from the United Kingdom, to various parts of Asia, and multiple other countries. Taking multiple courses in varying topics, though none were willing to divulge just what the courses were in.
As of last August, Bruce Wayne has moved back to Gotham City. Starting his return with a fairly surprising choice: Visiting Arthur Fleck in Arkham Asylum. A decision many have questioned.
Since his return, he's taken his place as CEO of Wayne Enterprises. We've seen him in public, occasionally witnessed him having bar fights, or other brawls with paparrazi. Often not even his own.
For his birthday this last year, his Butler adopted Ace, a black German Shephard that came to the pound from an unknown source. Though the volunteers stated he'd undergone an abusive situation before coming to them.
Bruce Wayne photographed by Jorge Fuembuena
Rarely has he given an interview outside of new tech for Wayne Enterprises, or some other form of charity effort. We all continue to wonder the true version of Bruce Wayne that he doesn't show to others, the man under the enigmatic, philanthropic billionaire playboy.