On March 30, 1939, batman made his debut in the comics. That first appearance occurred in the magazine Detective Comics No. 27, in an adventure in which his abilities as an investigator were already explored. In fact, under the title The case of the chemical union, the story summarized part of what would later be canon for the hero. From his tragic family loss, desire for justice to his atypical appearance. The plot covered the main points of a universe that has become more detailed and complex over the decades.
After eighty-four years of his arrival in the world of heroes, Batman can still boast of being one of the publisher’s most popular characters. To remember it, since July 23, 2014, the company remembers the importance of Gotham caped crusader on Batman Day. On the first occasion, DC Entertainment celebrated the 75th anniversary of the adventures of the masked man. But from that date on, the third Saturday in September, he is dedicated to exploring both his best-known stories and his impact on the world of entertainment. Which includes the animated universe, responsible for delving into several of the best plots in which it is a central character.
We leave you five recommendations to celebrate Batman Day and also, cLearn a little more about the most atypical adventures of the DC antihero. A perspective on the figure that reminds us that, beyond the cape, there is one of the most interesting symbols of the good of the publishing house to which it belongs.
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight
Batman has always been closer to a sinister character than a traditional hero. Something that this animated film released in 2018 takes advantage of to tell an unusual story with Bruce Wayne at the center. Based on the Brian Augustyn comic of the same namethe film is set in an alternate version of Gotham in the 19th century, during the Victorian era.
Bruce Wayne, a man with a turbulent past, will face Jack the Ripper, a murderer who also seems linked to hidden forces. The idea of mixing the so-called best detective in the world with one of the most well-known criminals, creates a violent gothic plot. But better yet, he makes Batman a heartless man in the middle of a dangerous city.
A point that is also surprising is the way the script shows the duality of the antihero and his alter ego. Little by little, the plot suggests – like many others – that Batman is very close to being a criminal. In the end, the only thing that separates him from being one is his decision not to cross the critical line of murder. An element that plays an important role in this feature film.
Batman and Superman: Battle of the Supersons
This free adaptation of the comic strip of the same name by Bob Haney and Dick Dillin published in 1973, reveals a very unusual side of the Batman. That is, being the father of Damian Wayne, the result of his complicated relationship with Talia al Ghul, daughter of the villain Ra’s al Ghul. The plot also makes things even more complicated by adding Clark Kent’s family to the story, which includes his young son Jonathan.
The children of great heroes will have to deal not only with unusual parents. Plus, with an alien invasion that brings back Starro the conquerorpresented by James Gunn in The Suicide Squad. In the midst of an attack that controls the minds of many of the world’s heroes, the two boys will have to find a way to discover a way to defeat the creature. At the same time, deal with their differences and in the end, become a great youth team.
Although Batman is not the center of the plot, his relationship with Damian is. For the history of comics — and the antihero’s awkward moments — the hug that both characters share once the danger has passed. A demonstration that, despite his evolution, Batman is not a man very in tune with his emotional side.
Batman: The LEGO Movie
The DC character is known for three things. His traumatic past, the complicated relationship he has with the Joker, and his habit of acting alone. Chris McKay took all of the above and turned it into a parody that mocks the character, but also humanizes him like few others. The feature film is a spin-off of success The LEGO Movie and focuses on the life of Bruce Wayne, but within the world of LEGO.
Which allows the director to tease the hero’s more solitary and self-centered aspect with wit. On this occasion, he must also face his archenemy, but the film makes it clear that the confrontation with jokerit’s more than just a rivalry.
At the same time, it is the only real relationship Batman has in his life. A point of view that will lead the plot to mock the hero, make him work as a team and confront his fears and prejudices. With an ending that announced a sequel that was never filmed, is still considered one of the best incarnations of Bat-Man.
Batman: The Killing Joke
This animated version of the famous graphic novel of the same name by Alan Moore does not reach the level of cruelty of the original. However, he manages to explore batman and his world from a premise: what makes him a hero, it could also make him a villain.
The plot of the film focuses on the confrontation between the antihero and the joker. In fact, it explores the villain in his transformation from a failed comedian to one of the most well-known supervillains in Gotham. Which, finally, allows us to understand his violence and, without a doubt, his desire for revenge against the city that made him the man he is.
The argument also includes Alan Moore’s well-known reasoning about the origin of evil. As for the Joker, he will carry out a twisted plan to prove that anyone can go crazy after a bad day. His main objective is to torment Commissioner James Gordon and his daughter Barbara, also known as Batgirl. For its final scene — which clears up one of the comic’s most controversial twists — the film proves that Batman can be just as twisted as those around him.
Justice League: Injustice
That batman be the voice of sanity, is not a common point in the various stories in which he stars. What makes this version of the video game Injustice: Gods Among Usa rarity in hero-related content.
In the same way as in the original, batman will have to face a Superman maddened by the death of Lois Lane, who will make a decision. That of imposing a totalitarian peace, at any cost and killing anyone who gets in its way.
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The antihero of Gotham must fight not only against the persecution of Clark Kent, in its most aggressive version, but also that of the heroes who support him. The result is a dark, pessimistic story in which the question of what good is is posed from various points of view.