My comic is semi-reality - I don't own a bat! Nearly all of the conversations in my comic are real and most of the situations, but the bat is there totally just because I've always wanted one. ¬Ý(if you were god
of your own world, what would you do? :-P)
I've researched it thoroughly and they'd be really unhappy as a pet! ¬ÝIt's like trying to adopt a monkey (actually probably worse b/c of their rarity) - really intelligent and need extremely specialized attention - and there are no vets around that can properly treat them.¬ÝAlso its illegal in the US and many other countries unless you're certified.
There are a ton that are endangered too - especially the adorable smart fruit bats.
If you were able to get a pet bat, likely it was kidnapped from its habitat by someone looking for profit at animals' expense.
More about pet bats...
If you really want to be able to interact with a bat (or other exotic wild animals) in real life, I'd say you might look for a local bat sanctuary (at a zoo or reserve - find with a Google search) and volunteer there. ¬ÝThen both you AND the bat would be happy. I actually met a reader at a con who does this in Baltimore and loves it! Also you can build/buy a Bat House!
Personally, volunteering is something I'm not making time for right now so instead I read about bats and donate to help them at Bat Conservation International. They do awesome stuff and they have great stories in their e-newsletter and adorable bat pics!
