Howdy Inter-Webbers. I’m Matt Cohen. And I dig Batman.

Hellboy and Green Arrow may be my all time faves, but for some reason I have always identified the most with good ole’ bats (which is odd, because I come from a great, happy family which is very much not murdered). I think that is part of the appeal to Batman though, the fact that any man, woman or child could “Technically” do what Bruce does. He’s hasn’t got amazing powers. He hasn’t been sent from some distant planet. He’s not infallible, like his boring buddy Clark. Batman is basically a brooding teenager who decided to get pro-active (not the acne medicine) and everyone can relate to that at some point in their life. And though the baddies might change, and the cowl may shift every few years, Batman will always remain, and I, for one, will be in the passenger seat of the Batmobile until Bruce kicks me out.

This week, Comics & Comics is extremely proud to present, a special guest piece written by my friend and yours, Mr. Jesse Letourneau, simply entitled “Batman”.

But first, as always, lets take a quick peek through this week’s new release shelf a bit, shall we?

Spoiler Alerts Ahead

———————————————–
DC

Booster Gold # 7: Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz continue to present one of the funniest, sharpest and most interesting comic in mainstream books today, with the latest issue of Booster Gold. Finally, the much awaited reunion of Blue and Gold (Booster Gold and The Blue Beetle) is upon us and it certainly didn’t disappoint. This issue finds Michael and the freshly resurrected Ted Kord dealing with the time-stream issues creating by Boosters jaunt into the past to save his best friend. And though this issue, like the others in the run, can get kind of heavy handed on all the time science speak sometimes, the sheer likableness of Booster and Skeets (and now Ted) pulls the reader in. Throw in some OMACS, a new multiverse planet to explore and a cool splash page with Green Arrow and Hawkboy, and you’ve got another very good issue of what is shaping up to be a must read series.

Salvation Run # 5 This book is bad ass. I know, not the most eloquent of reviews, but very true when talking about my current favorite book in comics, Salvation Run. The concept was simple enough, send most of the worlds super villains to an uninhabited planet and let them fend for themselves. The execution of the book however, is something to not be missed. With a cast of villains, the reader is finally “allowed” to root for their favorite baddie, without feeling those pangs of guilt for supporting killers, lunatics and talking gorillas (R.I.P Grodd). In the fifth issue of the series there is no less action nor laughs then in the previous stellar issues. With the stakes getting quickly ramped up (Jon Jonz anyone?) and the “baddies” resorting to dirtier and more vile means, Salvation Run is a unfettered view into the life of a D.C rogue, complete with all the murder, betrayal and cheesey one liners that come with it. The last page of this book promises the finale to be nothing less then epic. Awesome read.

Notable: Green Arrow and Black Canary # 6, JLA Classified # 54

——————————-
MARVEL

X-Factor # 29: Jamie Madrox is pissed. And with good reason. He “abandoned” friend and teammate Layla Miller in the future, there are marauders attacking him from every angle, and his love life is in shambles. Also, he’s a father to be (With Siryn) and has absolutely no idea. This issue finds the folks at X-Factor Investigations at a turning point. The team split up, Mutant Town in shambles and no real idea as to who is orchestrating the demise of the X-Factor. Peter David continues to script an excellent book, even throwing some unexpected curve’s this week when the series went “Cosmic” for a panel or two. (That crazy Rictor) and then got all horror movie on our collective asses. This book is week in and out a rich, engrossing and increasingly filmic read, and if you haven’t jumped on board yet, now would be a great time. On a side note, the last panel of the issue is worth the price alone, but I wont spoil it here. Tis a good’un though.

Avengers the Initiative # 10: The cover image says it all. “One Will Die!”. With a hook like that, it was hard not to be excited to read the current issue of “The Initiative” (also, I’m a sucker for SlapStick). Well, that title hint turned out to be kind of a cop-out, but luckily the issue is most definitely the best of the series so far, and quite frankly one of the better issues I’ve read of any title in a few months. The action is as ramped up as it can be for the entire book, with former team leader M.V.P now dead and seeking his revenge against the initiative under the clever handle K.I.A. This issue is pretty much a giant brawl between K.I.A and his ex teammates and what a brawl it is. Gauntlet, whom I never really took a shine to comes into his own in this issue as a hardcore hero, and I for one would love to see the ensuing fight between him and K.I.A animated one day, because it had such a great visual quality to it. The last panel is a fun surprise and anytime Steve gets to use his hammer I’m a happy camper. Excellent issue.

Notable: Last Defenders # 1, Nova V.4 #11, Thunderbolts # 119, Punisher MAX # 55

———————————————-

And now, without further ado, Jesse Letourneau presents,

“Batman”

Frank Miller dubbed him the Dark Knight. Kids’ WB calls him simply “The.” Since its debut in 2004, Kids’ WB’s The Batman has depicted the adventures of the Caped Crusader to mixed reviews. Last Saturday (March 8) saw the show’s end. This week we will look back at what they got right and what they got wrong. (I believe the Joker is something they got right.)

Before we look at what the series has done right, let’s address some concerns.

It’s not as good as the original. The most common complaint of the show is that it is not as good as Batman: The Animated Series which aired from 1992-1995. Guess what. It’s not.

The work that came from Paul Dini (author of Quick Stop’s very own Monkey Talk), Bruce Timm and many others, was a masterpiece. Taking the very best of the character’s history and infusing it with their own style, those that worked on Batman: The Animated Series (BTAS) created what many (myself included) believe to be the best version of Batman ever put on film. However, just because a better version exists, does not mean that The Batman does not hold its own as a valid and entertaining edition to the Batman mythos

It is just a kids’ show designed to sell toys. It is unfair to dismiss The Batman simply because its primary audience is children. The Batman is indeed a kid oriented show designed in part to sell plastic heroes and villains. However, there have been many shows in the past that were conceived primarily as half hour commercials. He-Man, G.I. Joe, and TMNT were all shows designed to sell toys and comics. That doesn’t mean they were a complete waste of time.

The re-imagined villains are horrid. Many argue that the villains of The Batman are the worst part of the show. I am inclined to agree. Personally, I don’t care for the show’s interpretation of the Riddler, Poison Ivy, Clayface, Mr. Freeze, and Killer Croc. However, most of these villains took a back seat in the later seasons.

Those who tried it during the first two and half seasons (the series weakest efforts) and then gave up on the series missed out. Those who stayed with the show witnessed the animation, stories, and characterizations improve. Despite all its faults, The Batman is worth checking out.

In order to appreciate The Batman, we have to know what makes the character work. In my opinion there are three elements needed to have Batman at his absolute best. Bruce Wayne (Batman’s alter ego) must face tragedy, protect Gotham, and have the balancing influence of Robin to be the best Batman he can be. I propose that the animated series has all these elements, and is fine interpretation of the character and his world.

The death of Batman’s parents is the lynchpin that made him into the hero he is today. Being an orphan is nothing unique in the four colored world of superheroes. Both Superman and Spider-Man grew up not knowing their parents. Yet Batman is not simply an alien estranged from his heritage or a teen who lost his father figure.

Batman lacks the love and support enjoyed by other heroes (Super-Man and the Kents, Spider-Man and Aunt May). Taking nothing away from the catastrophes in the lives of these two heroes, young Bruce faced one of life’s most traumatic experiences. He was subjected to witnessing the murder of both his parents. His childhood was cut short. Light and joy were not comforts Bruce had has he grew up. It is the figurative shadows of loss that gave birth to the man who now waits in the literal shadows.

The Batman while geared for kids still addresses the reality of Bruce’s loss of his parents.
While certainly not the show’s focus, the death of the Wayne’s has not been retconned away or ignored. A recurring element of the series is a picture of young Bruce and his parents taken shortly before their murder. It is not uncommon to find an episode opening or closing with Bruce meditating on this photo, recalling why he persists in his fight against crime.

Young Bruce filled the loss of his parents not only with darkness and shadows, but with purpose. Bruce’s parents loved and served the city of Gotham. They gave of their wealth, they gave of their time, and they led by example. Yet, as far as Bruce is concerned, it was the city itself that murdered his parents. Batman’s purpose is to make Gotham into the city his parents envisioned it could be.

Bruce has found a way to serve the city. Batman fights the elements that seek to corrupt Gotham. He battles the elements that seek to destroy his city. In protecting Gotham, Bruce protects the memory of his parents. If only he could cause the city to live up to the vision of his parents, then maybe the darkness will leave the heart of little Bruce Wayne. Maybe then Batman could find peace.

The season four episode Artifacts, perfectly demonstrates Batman’s commitment to protect Gotham. Wikipedia describes the story as filled with references to current comic continuity as well as the Frank Miller work The Dark Knight Returns. While both elements are present, Artifacts stands on its own as arguably the best episode of the series. I believe it could even hold its own along side the work of BTAS.

The episode is set in two different times. The near future, where we see Batman defeating Mr. Freeze; and the far-future, where Batman is gone, and Mr. Freeze has found a way to not only survive but cripple the city in his icy grip. Hope is not lost. The Gotham City police send a team to uncover the legendary Bat Cave. It is there they find information and resources, left behind by Batman, to defeat Mr. Freeze. Even from the after life the Batman fights one last battle to save Gotham.

To counter the darkness and focus the purpose, Batman needs a balance. I am not a fan of kid sidekicks; however Robin is one of the few who work well. He is not a clone of his mentor in either powers or costume. Robin’s origin is similar, but his goals are different. Robin’s purpose is to serve the greater good, and to enjoy his work while doing so.

Robin isn’t bent on vengeance like his adult teammate. He represents for Batman not only the light to his darkness, but the lost childhood of Bruce Wayne. Robin is the one who reminds Batman that the fight for truth and justice has value in itself, and that the work can be fun. Robin is the one who keeps Batman from tipping over the edge and becoming the very thing he fights.

The Batman’s version of Robin is a pitch perfect interpretation of the character. While old school purist will miss the bare legs and pixie boots of Robin’s original costume from the comic books, everything else that makes Dick Grayson work as a character is present. Robin brings humor, joy, and the knowledge of youth (one villain is caught, due to Robin’s contact with him via on-line gaming) to Batman and the series.

However, I hear my fellow fanboys screaming at their computers, “A hero is only as good as his villains, and the new Joker looks like a purple and green gorilla.”

1989 2008
“Where did you get those wonderful dreads?”

I will grant you that the visual interpretation of the Joker is not the most pleasing version ever put on film. Yet, if you can look past the physical redesign you will find that the core of the character still exists. I will go so far as to say the characterization of the Joker is nearly flawless in his appearances on The Batman.

What makes a compelling Joker? Insanity, mayhem, and an unhealthy preoccupation on Batman are the key elements that make the Joker the best arch nemesis he can be. The Batman’s interpretation has these elements in spades.

The series introduces the Joker as newly escaped from Arkham Asylum and still barefoot and in his straight jacket. This first meeting between the Joker and Batman involves a blimp full of Joker gas. Joker’s plans are to expose all of Gotham to his deadly invention. Of course good wins the day, and the Joker is thwarted. From that point on, the Joker’s new goal is to take down the Batman. This episode, titled The Bat in the Belfry is the shows premier episode. Right from the beginning audiences were treated to an insane Joker carrying out capers of mayhem, and developing his unhealthy preoccupation of the Batman.

This complete interpretation of the Clown Prince of Crime is carried all the way to the end of the series. The shows final episodes deal with the story threads of Batman and his newly acquired super friends established at the end of season four. Episode Sixty-Two of Sixty-Five (The End of The Batman) gives us one last look at the rivalry between Joker and Batman. There is a new dynamic duo in Gotham, Wrath and Scorn who aid villains in their crimes. The Joker is outraged that anyone would come to Gotham and try to upstage him. Even when the new criminals learn the secret identities of Batman and Robin, the Joker is unimpressed. Posing as the police, Joker picks up the defeated Wrath and Scorn, and before they can tell a sole who lies behind Batman’s cowl, he exposes them to a diluted dose of Joker gas. He gives them just enough to cause them to go insane, and thus discredit their newfound knowledge. As the Joker drives off he makes it clear that if anyone is going to undo the Batman it will be him.

Much like the series itself, the Joker of BTAS is seen by many (myself included) as the best Joker ever put on film. However, I applaud the creators of The Batman for not simply creating a carbon copy of a character we have seen numerous times before. Instead they had the courage to radically reinterpret the Joker, without loosing the core of what makes him a great character.

The early seasons of The Batman have their ups and down, while season four and five stand on their own as interesting and satisfying additions to the mythos of Batman.

I would like to thank Matty and the crew at Quick Stop Entertainment for allowing me a chance to share some of my ideas with all of you.

——————————————————–

Jesse, you complete me…

Check back next week for a look at the comedy scene around Los Angeles. I’m new here, figure its time I threw myself in headfirst and faceforward (ouch.) The following week, Ill take you behind the scenes of the upcoming “Wizard World Los Angeles” comic convention, to tell you all about the good, the bad, and the Bendis. (I kid, but lose those damn thought bubbles!). See ya later, genetically enhanced alligators.

And as always,

“Keep em’ bagged and boarded”

–Matt Cohen is currently watching Uatu. Take that, ya perve!

Comments: 1 Comment

One Response to “Comics & Comics: And Bats, Oh my!” Americo Says: March 15th, 2008 at 1:54 am Very good job, Jesse. Oh, and I guess Matt did something there too. 😛 Leave a Reply Name (required) Mail (will not be published) (required) Website Δ