The Many Faces of Batman

1. "Ian thinks your Batman stories are terrible, but I think they're nice."

2. "I don't like the name 'Batman', but I like Batman."

3. Daniel's requested format for the opening of made-up Batman stories: "Once upon a time there was a man who liked to do stuff like Bats." [Ian contested this one, but I pointed out that indeed, Batman emulated Bats in various ways.]

4. Daniel is very concerned as to who knows, and who doesn't know, the alter-identity of Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson. He also wants to know what these names mean. Apparently his Batman identity sometimes spills over into that of Messrs. Wayne and Grayson.

5. Daniel on the stairs as I was leaving for work about a week ago:

Daniel: Daddy, may I pretend to be Batman?'

Me: Yes.

Daniel: Okay. I'm pretending to be Batman now.

6. On many occasions after I mistakenly address him as "Daniel" during pretend mode: "I'm not Daniel - I'm Batman!"

(May, 2010)

6. On many occasions: "I'm not