Die Fledermaus (The Tick)
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Die Fledermaus is a fictional character. He is a superhero of The City in "The Tick" animated television series. He is voiced by Cam Clarke.
Like all the characters in The Tick, he is intended to be a parody. Die Fledermaus is a version of Batman wearing a brown and light brown costume. The costume has bat characteristics such as oversized ears, claws on the feet, and a realistic bat nose with huge nostrils. He has Batman-type equipment, but it is rarely seen. "Die Fledermaus", his name, is German for "The Bat." The appellation was most likely given due to the popularity of the Johann Strauss II opera, Die Fledermaus and is pronounced as such (not as it appears in English). To English-speakers not familiar with the German language, his name sounds like "Deflator Mouse." Interestingly, Batman, while incognito, has been known to adopt the alias of "Fledermaus"[citation needed].
Die Fledermaus does not conduct much crimefighting. During a very short time in which Arthur was his sidekick, Arthur remarked that all they did was "look at fashion magazines and hang out at the diner." He is a coward who usually faints when facing danger. His fainting one time happened during Proto-Clown's rampage. In "The Tick vs Arthur's Bank Account", The City's mayor notes that when the "Die Fledermaus signal" is turned on, he disconnects his telephone and leaves town for a few days. Mostly, he sits in the diner and tries to pick up women with his costume and lame lines.
Considering his expensive costume and gadgetry, it is safe to assume Die Fledermaus is fairly wealthy. Like all superheroes in The City, Die Fledermaus does not have a job or alter ego.
Throughout the animated series, it is implied that Die Fledermaus and the superheroine American Maid once had a rather intimate relationship, but broke up some time before the start of the series. The two of them are still hurting from and bitter about it.
There is a similar character in the live-action TV series called Batmanuel.
