Episode 7 – I Shall Become a Bat!
Because criminals are a superstitious and cowardly lot, this month, Mike and Pól are talking about Batman!
From his pulpy beginnings in 1939’s Detective Comics #27, Batman has undeniably become the most popular superhero in the world, dominating comics, television, animation, merchandise and the silver screen.
We explore the Dark Knight’s enduring popularity, his versatility, and how his very name has become synonymous with awesome. We dig into the controversies of his creation, giant typewriters, and the darkening of the character over the past couple of decades.
THIS MONTH’S RECOMMENDATIONS:
BATMAN: KING TUT’S TOMB by writers J.M. DeMatteis, Christina Weir, Gerry Conway, and Nunzio Defilippis and artist José Luis García-López
This story was originally published as 3 issues of a series called Batman: Confidential, in which different creative teams would write short, self contained stories which exist independently of what’s going on in the current Batman titles, and introduces the mainstream DC Universe version of ‘King Tut’, who was character created for the 1960’s TV Series, and played by the wonderful Victor Buono.
The tale begins with a series of bizarre murders… and at the crime site, a mysterious clue in the form of a riddle. And so, next stop, Arkham Asylum, to check to see if The Riddler, is still in his cell… which he is. Insulted by someone stealing his gimmick, the Riddler is only too happy to help… as long as he can tag along and help out. Reluctant at first, Batman is forced to acquiesce, and the crimefighter and his costumed foe form an unlikely partnership… as Batman races against time to decipher the clues and prevent further murders, all the while keeping a wary eye on his unlikely ally, whom he knows is looking for the slightest opportunity to betray him.
This is a great story for a number of reasons. Firstly, it’s got that great procedural tone. Batman is the world’s greatest detective, and in this story, we get to see him actually using those skills… many modern interpretations like to put this in the ‘too hard’ basket, relying on increasingly improbably gadgetry to solve crimes. Secondly, Batman is presented as driven, professional and dedicated, but not the increasingly deranged, ruthless and paranoid version we’ve been seeing lately. Another thing which is really striking about this is its elegant simplicity. It’s quite content to be a thrilling action adventure tale, and to let the plot,