Absolute Batman flexing
By
TJ Mills
Published 23 minutes ago
TJ Mills is an editor on ScreenRant's Comic team, where she combines her lifelong passion for DC with her analytical background as a former Intelligence Analyst. Since joining ScreenRant in 2023, she has specialized in covering major DC storylines, character evolutions, and industry developments.
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Despite being fully human, Batman is famous for performing athletic feats that push the boundaries of human physical potential. But how close are real athletes to matching those extremes? When it comes to Bruce’s maximum bench-press weight specifically, it’s worth exploring just how realistic Batman’s “peak human” strength really is.
Batman Can Raw Bench Over 1,000 Pounds
Comic Panel Comes From Grant Morrison’s Batman #655 (2006) - Art by Andy Kubert
When it comes to Batman’s max bench press weight, answers vary depending on the writer, story, and era. However, thanks to one comic, fans have a pretty good idea of just how much the Dark Knight can bench press, and it’s an astounding number: over 1,000 lbs. This factoid comes from Grant Morrison’s Batman #655 (2006).
Readers with an eye for detail will notice that one of the weights on the barbell is labeled “500 lbs.” Since barbells are lifted with the same amount of weight on each side, this already brings the total to 1,000 lbs. However, as most fans point out, there are multiple plates on each side. Hence, the Dark Knight is bench pressing over 1,000 lbs.
The fact that this appears to be just a casual workout for Batman makes it even more impressive. This suggests that in an emergency situation, with adrenaline surging, he could easily clear 1,000 lbs. Fans would be hard-pressed to find anyone who could match Batman in this area, as the feat undeniably pushes beyond established human limits.
How Close Real Athletes Come to Matching Batman’s Insane Bench Press
Comic Page Comes From Tom King’s Batman #79 (2019) - Art by Clay Mann
A raw bench press of 1,000 lbs is far beyond human capability, even among elite powerlifters. To put Bruce’s lift into perspective, the current raw world record is roughly 782 lbs (as of 2023, Julius Maddox). And given that Bruce is lifting without a shirt, let alone a specialized bench-press shirt, it’s clear he’s performing a true raw press.
Even with equipment, very few humans can come close to 1,000 lbs, and that’s with years of specialized training, flawless technique, and supportive gear. Thus, even though Batman doesn’t technically have powers, it remains a superhuman achievement and highlights just how much stronger he is than the average person, including peak professional athletes.
Batman #655 (2006) is available now from DC Comics!
Batman
Created By
Bob Kane, Bill Finger
First Appearance
Detective Comics
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