Batman: The World is finally circulating, and that is why we spoke with Alberto Chimal, author of the Mexican adventure of the Knight of the Night.
Alberto Chimal is one of the most recognized Mexican writers of fantastic literature. His works include numerous collections of short stories and several novels, although he has also written plays, essays, poetry and graphic narrative. Now you can add to your extensive creative resume that you are the only Mexican author to have officially written a history of the Dark Knight.
We spoke with Alberto Chimal about his participation in the choral work Batman: El Mundo, as well as his love for the character:
What is your first memory with Batman?
I met Batman with reruns of the 1960s television series, and shortly after with Novaro’s comics. I remember that it struck me that the character was very different in both versions, but that it did not bother me. He had no concepts to describe that disparity, and in any case the important thing was not how serious or dark it was, but the adventures he could have.
What are your favorite comics?
Currently? A bit of everything, from experimental things to the occasional DC or Marvel title. I was following Rainbow Rowell’s Runaways until they canceled it, for example, next to novels around like What I like the most are monsters by Emil Ferris. Three all-time favorites: From Hell by Alan Moore, Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo and Love and rockets of the Hernández brothers.
And what is your favorite Batman story?
In my teens it was Return of the lord of the night (The Dark Knight Returns) by Frank Miller, which on a formal and artistic level is wonderful, but for me it has worn away over time. Currently, my favorite must be the Grant Morrison series from the beginning of this century (with illustrations by Andy Kubert, Tony Daniel and others), which has been through various magazines and ranges from the introduction of Damian, the son of Batman, to the failure due to the ambition of Batman and his entire group in Batman Incorporated.
Do you have a favorite Batman in film, television or animation? And why do you like it.
My childhood favorite was Adam West, and now I am very amused by the “wayward kid” version of Lego Batman.
It seems that the origin of Batman can be told over and over again, or that the writers can place it in any context and time and still preserve the values of Batman. What elements make Batman narratively so adaptable to different proposals?
In part it is that Batman is a human being, without superpowers, and that is why he adapts easily to telling stories with at least one “realistic” component that is easier to assimilate and that is found in many different sub-genres.
Why do you think he is one of the most popular entertainment characters in the world?
Batman’s current popularity stems from that versatility he mentioned. At the same time, it must be remembered that it is bigger now than it was in other times. There was a time when Superman was much more popular than him, for example. I think now Batman, or what Batman stands for, can be seen as a kind of counterweight to the pervasive sense of insecurity and uncertainty in many Western societies. As I said, more or less words, Frank Miller, Batman is the character who, not finding order in the world, strives to impose one on him, even if it is invented. For better or for worse, today there are many people who ask for more order and stability, of whatever kind, in the world around them.
What was it that motivated you to write about Batman?
The truth is that I did not expect to do so. Even if he had been obsessed his whole life with writing for DC Comics, he wouldn’t have known where to start. I was invited by Editorial Televisa, which was in charge of the realization of the Mexican part of Batman: El Mundo, and I accepted.
Tell us a bit about your Batman proposal in Mexico …
After several attempts to come up with an argument that everyone involved would like, the proposal that managed to settle was one that mixes a police plot (of those that are the deepest root of Batman) with the mythical past of Mexico City. . Batman comes, decides to investigate a crime and discovers more than he bargained for in a few blocks from the Historic Center of the city.
If “Funeral” had a sequel, what would it be about?
Of another character that appears in the story and that is not Batman. In fact, I’d love for DC to pick her up and add her to their cast of regular heroes and heroines, even if I didn’t write her stories myself.
Any key to “Funeral” that you give our readers or an Easter egg?
I make a pretty conspicuous cameo (wink, wink).
Have you ever imagined writing a Batman story?
No. Not in a hundred years. It really was a huge surprise. Precisely because it was such an unlikely thing, she had to try.
It is now available in our online store:
DC Comics Deluxe – Batman: The World
The Dark Knight’s fight for justice has gone global!
Batman has long been waging his war on crime within the twisted confines of Gotham City. But when he looks beyond bridges, alleys, and skyscrapers, the Dark Knight realizes that the call for justice knows no borders and that there are evils to correct everywhere. When Bruce Wayne’s travels take him around the world, Batman is there to stop any wrongdoing that may arise. No matter what region you are in, it will always be Batman!
Batman’s battle against crime spans the globe in this new hardcover anthology Batman: The World. This 192-page book is a one-of-a-kind publishing event, with stories from the past and present of the Bat Man, told by the world’s best creative teams, taking place in their home countries. This incredible collection also includes a sketch section detailing some of the Batman costume designs that appear in the stories.
Batman: El Mundo contains “Funeral”, the story of the Dark Knight in Mexico by Alberto Chimal and Rulo Valdés.
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