2018 hasn’t exactly been kind to Batman in the DC Universe. For months, DC hyped up the wedding of Batman and Catwoman as the comic book event of the season. However, that bit of happiness was snatched away from Batman at the last minute, leaving readers with an angry and broken Bruce Wayne. And in the latest issue of Batman, we learned Bruce hasn’t just lost faith in himself, he’s also lost faith in God. Today’s Nerdist News explains why this is a big deal for Batman.

Join host and Gotham City’s goddess of podcasters, Jessica Chobot, as she walks us through Batman #53, which is just past the midpoint of writer Tom King’s planned 100 issue run with the character. Essentially, neither Bruce Wayne nor his alter ego are taking his break-up well. His Batman is angrier than ever before, and he may have sent Mr. Freeze to trial for a murder he didn’t commit.

It’s not a coincidence Bruce is on the jury of Mr. Freeze’s trial. But to sway the jury to his side and acquit Mr. Freeze, Bruce went unexpectedly personal with these strangers. He admitted he lost faith in God when he as a boy, after his parents were killed. Bruce also spoke about his belief in Batman, as almost an infallible replacement for God in his life.

Except Batman isn’t infallible, and Bruce wouldn’t have pulled this stunt if he didn’t have doubts about Freeze’s guilt. Considering Batman has seen more than enough evidence to prove that the afterlife is real, it’s very telling that he’s become so closed off to his once closely held beliefs. Bruce has even abandoned his new Batman costume in favor of his original outfit, just to find himself again.

What do you think about the recent events in Batman? Let’s discuss in the comment section below!

Images: DC Comics