DC Animated Universe
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"It would appear, sir, that it preferred to sacrifice itself, rather than allow innocent lives to come to harm; somewhat like you".
"It seems it was more than wires and microchips after all.
"
Alfred and Batman

Before H.A.R.D.A.C. was destroyed, there was one final duplicate made—Batman.

History

File:Duplicant's plan.jpg

The Duplicant plots his ascension.

This robotic duplicate of Batman was created using detailed computer records copied from the Batcave's central computer when H.A.R.D.A.C.'s agent infiltrated the Batman's headquarters in search of technical schematics. The Batman Duplicate was reactivated during an attempted robbery in a warehouse. Due to its programming being incomplete due to H.A.R.D.A.C.'s destruction, the duplicate thought it was the real Bruce/Batman. Indeed, this duplicate knew numerous details about Bruce Wayne; even referring to Alfred as an"old friend." In his search for answers about his origins; the duplicate broke into the police evidence lockup and found a computer chip that was part of H.A.R.D.A.C. and followed an implanted directive to insert the chip in to it's electronic brain. When the chip came online; it activated a repair sequence and imprinted H.A.R.D.A.C.'s core programming onto the duplicate. Once it did discover the truth it followed it's programming and let H.A.R.D.A.C. take control of its mechanical body, but still seemed to question H.A.R.D.A.C..

File:Duplicant sword.jpg

The Duplicant duels with the genuine article.

The duplicate drove to the Batcave and planted H.A.R.D.A.C.'s core programming chip into the computer in order to reactivate it and continue replacing humanity with duplicates. In a final bout with Batman, the Batcave was seriously damaged and the real Batman injured and believed to be dead; it had all but won, but when the duplicate believed it had taken a life, it sacrificed itself to stop H.A.R.D.A.C.'s plan. After the battle was over, Bruce mused that, perhaps the duplicate had a soul after all.

Background information

This robotic version of Batman reappears in the Batman 75 Anniversary short, Batman Beyond, based on the series of the same name.

Appearances

Batman: The Animated Series

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