Batman Authorities Run Rampant August 28, 2008

 

“Everyone has become an authority on Batman.”

This statement, spoken by a friend at about midnight last night, was the statement that spurred a very lengthy and interesting conversation about the world’s new found interest in comics. I say it was a conversation, but that word probably doesn’t justly describe what it was we had. What we had, me mainly, was more like an educational experience.

Allow me to expound. I, with my limited knowledge of comic books and growing curiosity, usually turn to my friend Mag (we’ll call her that for lack of a better name) for information on different aspects of the comic book world. Not that she is an expert in the strictest sense, nor would she ever claim to be one. But it has been one of her loves for many a year and when you’ve been in, what she calls, a “relationship” for that long, you tend to learn a few things about that person, or in this case the characters of the Marvel and DC universes, as well as any other interesting information also crowded beneath that particular umbrella.

But, getting back to Batman (And why wouldn’t you want to get back to him?). Mag and I were discussing how it seems that now, after the release of what may become one of the most memorable if not one of the most highly grossing films of all times, The Dark Knight, that everyone is talking about this new kind of “dark hero.” Although, of course, this hero is not new at all. In fact, this hero was actually introduced back in the 80s with comics like Frank Miller’s Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and Alan Moore’s Watchmen, as well as others, and that they actually helped to usher in what is known as the Dark Age of comics. But not many, with the exception of comic followers, know this. I didn’t even know this until about two years ago, and even then I didn’t pay too much attention.

But again, back to Batman. Everyone has become an authority on him. They saw the movie (they may or may not have even seen Batman Begins) and now they know everything there is to know about him.

Well how presumptuous is that?

I don’t even presume to know my neighbor that well and I’ve lived next to him for fifteen years. Actually, that’s a lie, I’ve never lived in one space long enough to have had a neighbor for that long, but I could have. And, the point remains; it’s hard to really know anyone. So, why are people picking on Batman?

Answer: Because it is cool.

Even my Shakespeare professor, who has never read a comic book in his life (And like I said I’m not one to talk, my comic book reading experience still borders on virginal. But I’ll get back to that in a moment), even he is comparing the joker, a very complex character mind you, to certain figures in Shakespeare’s plays. Granted, he may be justified in his comparisons and I may one day wholeheartedly agree with him, but the fact that he has never picked up a comic book in his life makes me doubt his credibility. How can you claim to know the characters if all you know about them comes from one interpretation? Yes, it happens to be Christopher Nolan’s interpretation, and, let’s face it, he’s pretty much amazing, but the fact still stands.

Back up the things you say with the things you know.

This is the gist of the “conversation” I had with Mag. Mainly, she ranted, I listened, I added my little anecdote about my Shakespeare professor to stir the coals a bit, and then listened to her rant some more. It’s just more fun that way. But, as she talked I realized more and more how much I didn’t know. And, this not knowing (and I really dislike not knowing) made me come to a kind of resolution.

Read more comic books.

If I am going to continue my love affair with Batman and perhaps others in the world or universes of comic books, I need to perform the tasks every stalker and obsessed lover takes upon themselves when in pursuit of a conquest. I need to learn his history, where he came from, and the motivations for his actions. That way, I can say things like “Wow, that scene in Batman Begins where Batman is riding a horse through the ghetto is reminiscent of a scene in Miller’s graphic novel, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (I have read that one).”

So, in order to do that, each week I will pick a new comic book. It doesn’t necessarily have to be Batman, but he will probably be a recurring theme. And, after I read it I will post my impressions of the comic book here, in my blog, because that’s what all the other cool kids are doing, and also because I’m receiving a grade for it.

If, you are a comic book guru you can laugh and point out my numerous naiveté’s when it comes to my comments, and that’s okay. I welcome your criticisms and your knowledge. But, if you are a comic newbie perhaps you will sympathize with my wondrous appreciation and, read along with me. (Wow, I kind of sound like the guy from the Reading Rainbow. Ha ha).

Anyway, it’s time to go. If I were the Joker I might end my blog with a joke, a “Killing Joke,” that is. But, I think I’ll leave that for next time. You know the old saying about jokes; timing is everything.