Holy compassion, Batman!

Dressing up as Batman makes subway commuters treat each other more nicely, a recent study from Italy found — in a victory for everyday superheroics sure to make the Joker frown.

Milan-based researchers tested whether an out-of-the-blue disruption — such as a weirdo in a Caped Crusader costume on a metro train — could KAPOW! SOCK! ZZWAP! people into helping others, namely a woman who appeared pregnant.

The experiment found 67% passengers were far more likely to offer the pretend pregnant woman a seat with the Dark Knight brooding nearby, compared to 38% when he wasn’t.

“Such ‘Batman effect’ supports the hypothesis that disruptions to routine can heighten awareness of one’s surroundings and enhance sensitivity to the needs of others, ultimately promoting prosocia

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