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For alternate versions of Thomas Wayne, see Thomas Wayne's Character Hub.

"I bet your parents taught you that you mean something. That you're here for a reason. My parents taught me a different lesson, dying in the gutter for no reason at all. They taught me the world only makes sense if you force it to."
Batman to Superman[src]

Thomas Wayne was the father of Bruce Wayne. He was shot to death along with his wife Martha by a mugger, leaving Bruce orphaned and in the care of their faithful butler, Alfred Pennyworth.

Biography[]

Early Life[]

"My father sat me down right here. Told me what Wayne Manor was built on."
"Railroads, real estates, and oil."
"The first generation made their fortune trading with the French, Pelts and skins. They were hunters."
Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth[src]

Thomas Wayne was born in 1942 from Patrick A. Wayne, into the Wayne family, one of the most powerful and influential families in Gotham City. Upon reaching adulthood, Wayne inherited his ancestor's family business, Wayne Enterprises. Wayne married Martha Wayne, with whom he later had a son named Bruce Wayne.[1]

During his company leadership, a portrait of Thomas Wayne was placed in the board room of Wayne Enterprises, next to the portrait of his father.[2] Thomas sat young Bruce down in Wayne Manor next to where their family crest was engraved, and told him how despite the manor itself being built on railways, real estates and oil, the first generation of Waynes had made their fortune as hunters, trading pelts and skins with the French.[1]

Murdered by Joe Chill[]

Bruce with parents (IMAX)

The Waynes leave the theatre

"Martha..."
―Thomas Wayne[src]

On 1981, Thomas was having a family night out at the Aragon Theatre in Gotham City with his wife Martha and son, Bruce. After returning from the theatre, the Wayne family was stopped by a mugger, Joe Chill, in an abandoned street.

Thomas Wayne dies

Wayne is killed by Joe Chill

When the mugger drew a gun, Thomas tried to disarm him but was shot. The mugger also shot Martha who had put up a similar resistance, leaving the young Bruce to cry out in shock and horror. His father then called out his mother's name "Martha" with his last dying breath.[1]

Legacy[]

"You know, I never thought I’d see the defenders of Earth united and fighting as one. It wouldn’t have happened without you, Bruce. Your mother and father would be proud."
Martian Manhunter to Bruce Wayne[src]

The death of Thomas and Martha left shockwaves amongst Gotham's communities and its aftereffects would be felt long after their deaths. The biggest effect arguably centered around the Batman, a vigilante spawned as a direct result of the traumatic events of that day. The symbol of justice that their son Bruce took upon in a one-man war of terror upon the criminals of Gotham. For more than two decades, Bruce waged his war in their name.

When attempting to kill the alien superhero known as Superman, Bruce mentioned his parents, stating how they had taught him the lesson of dying in the gutter for no reason at all. Just as Bruce was about to strike the killing blow upon Superman, Superman mentioned the name "Martha" in his pleas. The mention thus triggered memories of the fateful night in question, including his father calling out the name with his last dying breath.[1]

Personality[]

Thomas was known to be a loving father and husband, and, like his son Bruce, was extremely brave and protective of his loved ones, since he notably tried to fight back against Joe Chill when the latter had his family at gunpoint, determined to protect his wife and son. Thomas was apparently proud of his hunter ancestors and Wayne family history, going out of his way to pass on that knowledge to his son. As an adult, Bruce worries about being unable to live up to his father, despite already be older than Thomas had ever been, so he uses this as extra justification for his argument that he needs to bring down and kill Superman.

Relationships[]

Family[]

Allies[]

Enemies[]

Behind the Scenes[]

References[]

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Preceded by:
Patrick A. Wayne
CEO of Wayne Enterprises
Unknown - 1981
Succeeded by:
Bruce Wayne
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