Well, I’m finally at the end of Batman Month. I have to say
that it has been fun looking at these stories, movies, and TV shows. Just like
Superman, Batman has been done in all sorts of ways. He’s been dark, light, and
everything in between. Still, There is one question that I don’t think I’ve
answered: why do I like him? It’s really something I haven’t really thought
about. I went back to my Greatest Heroes' list and see what I said about Batman.
It sounds about right, but it still feels a little empty.
So, what drove me to Batman in the first place? Was it the
coolness factor, the costume, the attitude, or the gadgets? I really don’t
know. It’s probably all of the above. My first memory of the Batman had to have
come from either the 1989 movie or some cartoons from the 70’s. I probably just
saw his cool gadgets and stuff and got sucked in. I didn’t actually read his
comics on the stands unlike with other characters. It was mostly Superman, the
X-Men, Spider-Man, or the Justice League for me.
I think what really made me a fan was the 90’s animated series.
I still have some episodes recorded on VHS at the house. I don’t know how many
times I saw those things. I think they still work. I even saw Batman and Robin
in theatres with my family. I don’t even know why we did in the first place.
Unfortunately, my radar for taste hadn’t developed yet. I can at least say that
I was about at the right age for that movie.
I think the gadgets and stuff he had mostly did it. He had
Batarangs, gliders, planes, boats, and the Batmobile. I mean, the car just
looks cool… if it isn’t handled by Miller and Nolan. The skills and the
intelligence probably helped set my fondness in motion. I’m always a sucker for
martial arts and I like mysteries for the most part. Then, there’s the attitude.
He’s disciplined, he’s stern, dark, and can be adaptable to most situations. He
also has what’s probably the coolest secret identity. He’s a billionaire!
Yeah, I still want this car! It's freakin' awesome!!!
I think another thing
that makes Batman cool is his supporting cast. He has one of the biggest and
most diverse rogues’ gallery. You have villains like the Joker, Two-Face,
Catwoman, and Ras Al Ghul to give Batman a challenge. A lot of them are pretty interesting. His
allies are also pretty cool and interesting. He has the Justice League on his
side. While he has other help like Robin (former and current ones) and Batgirl,
he also has ordinary folk like Commissioner Gordon and Alfred to help him out.
Overall, Batman’s just a cool character to get behind. Has
he had his bad times? Yeah, but there is even something I can find in that
badness that is a little entertaining. I know I’ve already said this, but
Batman: the Animated Series (and other Timm/Dini shows) really did the
character and his world justice. They did it by taking the best elements (light
and dark) from Batman’s long history. The Nolan films are good too, but they (except for Batman Begins) aren't the best interpretations of the characters.
Well, I’m finally tired from talking
about the “Cotton-picking, butt-kicking, woman-getting, boy-training,
man-handling, black-wearing, crazy-looking, money-making, hot-blooded,
gosh-darn” Batman! I doubt I’ll do another Batman month, but there are things
that I may still do that are related to the character. This is Ryell saying
peace, God bless, and Happy Thursday! The day has to be
special for someone out there. Now, if you will excuse me, I'm going to go read a book about some "dang, dirty, apes."
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