Also called Smiling Batman · Batman Before and After · Val Kilmer Smiling
Batman keeps a straight face until one extra detail makes him smile. Use the first panel for the ordinary news and the second for the part that changes his mind.
The two close-ups show a small but unmistakable change in expression. The serious face sets an expectation; the smile tells the reader that the second detail matters.
This is useful for a quiet win or a private reason to be pleased. The smile can reveal that an apparent inconvenience actually benefits the person reacting.
Val Kilmer plays Batman in the film that supplies the reaction images. [1]
Place one short caption near the top of each panel, above Batman’s eyes. Use the same wording where possible, changing only the detail that makes the news better.
A setup such as an early train becomes good news when it means reaching home for dinner. The lower panel should answer why this particular person is pleased.
Original captions to try with this template.
The meeting becomes more appealing once the venue is revealed.
The schedule change has a benefit that explains the smile.
Bad weather is good news for someone hoping to avoid a chore.
References for this template. Example captions are original.
DC’s film page confirms the title, year, and Val Kilmer’s role.
Identifies these two reaction frames as coming from Batman Forever.
