Marvel Confirms The MCU's Version Of Batman In The Worst Way

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for She-Hulk: Attorney at Law episode 8.In Matthew Murdock to She-Hulk), several elements of Patillo's personality prove that the MCU is using the character to subtly mock DC's most iconic hero, turning him into a figure of fun.

Later in She-Hulk episode 8, a thrilling team-up between Jen and Matt as their superhero alter-egos, leads Jen to the discovery that Leap-Frog is actually a villain, and has taken his suit-designer Luke hostage to force him to create a new costume. After successfully defeating Leap-Frog’s hired “hench-goons” (as She-Hulk aptly calls them) and rescuing Luke, Jen tries to reason with Leap-Frog and convince him to plead temporary insanity. Unwilling to cooperate, Leap-Frog attempts to escape by jumping through a window, resulting in severe injuries and his capture. While Leap-Frog could still return to the MCU, this seems to have effectively ended his run in She-Hulk season 1 after several decidedly unsuccessful attempts at heroism and villainy.

Though the inexperienced hero primarily acted as comedic relief in the series, Leap-Frog draws many parallels to a much more respected and skilled hero – DC’s Batman. Like Bruce Wayne, whose wealthy parents were killed, Eugene is a trust-fund billionaire, who takes up a life of vigilantism for his own amusement, even breaking the law if it serves his purpose. Neither “hero” possesses superpowers, so both employ the use of gadgets and technology to help them fight local crime. Furthermore, while arguably less cool, Leap-Frog also drives a Batmobile-esque car that he keeps at a not-so-secret hideout named the Lily Pad, reminiscent of Batman’s legendary Batcave. Unfortunately, Leap-Frog completely lacks Batman’s tantalizing broodiness, resilience and successful heroism. More of an entitled kid in a costume than a vigilante hero, MCU’s version of Batman highlights the inherent ridiculousness of the original character, making a mockery of the Dark Knight by deliberately riffing on the character's worst attributes.

Why Leapfrog's Batman Parody Is So Good

Although She-Hulk episode 8’s Leap-Frog leaves much to be desired where both heroes and villains are concerned, his batman-esque parody serves the series well. First, he’s a great example of the rich-kid-turned-superhero trope, something only touched on in the MCU. With rich parents to fund his lair, professional super-suit, and “hench-goons”, he has everything he needs to be a superhero – in theory. While his desire to be a hero is there, he lacks any sense of responsibility, ability or practical skills to be like other true heroes in the MCU, or his DC counterpart Batman. Not to mention, he completely lacks sense, inflicting more injury upon himself than his foes. This both differentiates him from Batman, while simultaneously pointing out some of the more nonsensical aspects of the original character – something in keeping with She-Hulk's knowing comedic tone.

From a practical narrative perspective, Leap-Frog's parodic role also provided the perfect link for Jen and Matt, not only resulting in their exciting encounter, but also Daredevil’s MCU return. Though a failure on his part, Leapfrog’s villainous turn also inadvertently led to She-Hulk’s super-suit reveal, a Daredevil and She-Hulk team-up, and a budding romance between the two lawyers/superheroes. Leapfrog’s Batman-like qualities in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law may have fell short overall, but they also helped the character’s storyline, turning him into a key plot device for the series.

New episodes of She-Hulk release on Thursdays on Disney+.

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