Do Bat’s have Blue Eyes?
I watched this documentary on the invention of the superhero a while back and it was very interesting. It spoke about all their origins and how they changed based on what was happening in the world and who the world needed at the time. Batman came along in 1939 and didn’t even have his own series at first. But of course, he was a hit and ended up with his own spinoff in 1940. From there he goes through several transformations, (we’re just going to ignore 70’s Batman) but at his core he is always the same broken character. My love for Batman is intense. I’ll admit that it’s borderline obsessive and possibly destructive – but there’s just so much to love.
The writer in me: loves the complexity of this character. What a thin line he’s walking. As a writer, I know it’s tough to convey someone so bad that is so damn good. I’ve said before that a villain can make a story, and with Batman, you have your protagonist and antagonist all in one. Yes, there’s the Joker and other random characters they created so it looks like he has an actual nemesis, but Batman’s nemesis is himself. The true hero and villain of every Batman story is Batman. As people, I think our basic instincts are pretty messed up. It seems to me that the only thing keeping us from running a complete muck on this earth is fear. The only thing Batman is afraid of is himself. He’s so well written.
The human in me: loves that an ordinary, albeit rich, fella just got sick of everyone’s shit and decided to do something about it. How awesome is that? Bad people? NOT ON MY WATCH. I’m all about justice over mercy. People who hurt kids, animals and old people? No. Leave them with me and some sharp objects for a few hours. So much bureaucracy in the world and our government and here’s this guy in a mask who said, ‘Who gives a shit about your rules? I live by the code of right and wrong.’ Some would argue that it’s wrong to kill even bad people. Those are not my people.
The woman in me: do I even need to elaborate on this? Hot. Rich. Dominant. I VOLUNTEER! Hehe. Regardless of all that, a man who runs around saving the day and not asking for any of the credit is sexy as hell. Most men want a goddamn cookie if they take their own kids to the doctor and this guy saves lives without expecting a thank you. Yes, please. All the things yes. There are some women who would not do well with a man like Batman. I know two. Everyone else…you would eat it up and don’t even kid yourself thinking anything else. He’s a good man. Yes, he’s a little broken, but doesn’t that just make it all the more appealing? Because when he comes home to you, bleeding and bruised, it will be your arms he seeks for strength and your words and kisses that put him back together again. And God knows we women love to try and fix broken things.
And if I’m being honest, maybe I just need someone to save me these days. And maybe my good ol’ Southern upbringing still calls out for a knight.
But like seeks like.
So I’ll be needing a dark night. Please.