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Matt Vs. Batman

Batman is the world's most famous superhero. While Superman may be older and more iconic he does not have the billion dollar movies franchises, critically acclaimed  video games or legendary storylines that the Dark Knight possesses. My knowledge of Batman began like most people of my generation through Batman the Animated Series which debuted in 1992 and older Superfriends reruns. While the Tim Burton films were definitely an influence, (ignoring the punishing Batman& Robin) the Animated Series Batman voiced by Kevin Conroy is how I view Batman. The fact that he voiced Batman in the Arkham series along with Mark Hamil's Joker is further proof of his longevity and popularity. All in all DC animated Batman had an outstanding run from Batman Animated to Justice League Unlimited. Batman is a mass media icon whose reach is nearly infinite.  The other version of the Dark Knight comes from the pages of  Detective Comics, introduced along with Robin the Boy Wonder over seventy years ago.

One of the earliest Batman trade paperbacks I've owned was Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns which I have only greater appreciation for as time goes on. These were eventually followed by Year One, Hush, and the Long Halloween. Only recently have I delved into the Batman of Scott Snyder and Grant Morrison. Morrison's take while convoluted at times proved to be a very enjoyable and adventurous take on Batman. I enjoyed its colorful tone amplified by the fantastic art of Chris Burnham. I have read a decent portion of Scott Snyder's run on Batman but it hasn't gripped me the same way. I just feel that some parts such as Death of the Family were overdone and I may be suffering from Joker fatigue. Morrison whom I originally read in the excellent All Star Superman, introduced my favorite new character Damian Wayne.

The concept of Batman having a biological son shakes things up especially since he is the son of international terrorists. Both Morrison's and the current Batman and Robin run illustrate the struggles of duality between both Bruce Wayne and his son. Batman and his secret identity and Damian's nature vs. nurture struggles. The loss of Bruce Wayne's family forge the person would become the Caped Crusader and the return of his family would bring greater growth to the character. I feel that among the Robins the new 52 should have boiled them down to 'Nightwing' Dick Grayson, a dead Jason Todd and Damian Wayne.  Morrison killing Damian in Batman Incorporated felt like a loss not only to the Batman and Robin book but to the mythos as a whole. Two broken individuals learning how to be deal with each other as partners and family members brings is in my opinion more interesting than Batman vs Joker or Two Face. It just feels fresher. DC's new 52 may have cleared away some of the extra material but I feel it needs greater focus on individuals, transforming a  dark brooding caricature to an actual character. Also would a less sad Batman be such a terrible thing?

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