Batman

I am a Marvel girl. It sounds ridiculously nerdy, but Marvel Comics have always held a special place in my heart. Dc Comics rule, but at some point, we have to choose a side, and while the Justice league, superman, and the teen titans will always be kings, I still tend to lean closer to the Marvel world. Impossible stories of people rising above their circumstances, gifted with amazing talents, in a fight for survival with a team who had your back.... X-men, the Avengers, the Fantastic Four; hell, even the Acolytes or the Brotherhood. Fact is, Marvel rocks and whether it be comic or movie, they are my usually my first choice for my comic fix.

BUT. There is one character in the DC universe that stands above all others combined, no matter whether it be Marvel, DC, Dark-Horse, or Phantom. A character that i believe is so strong, so deep, and so noble that he should be recognized not as comic material, but as a masterpiece of fine art. That character is Batman. It sounds silly, but I believe it to be true.

The character of Bruce Wayne and the Gotham world is complex, deep, fantastical, yet believable. It is dark, gritty, mournful, and hopeful. There is tragedy, loss, horror, depression; yet there is also redemption, honor, justice, and beauty. The entire thing is like a macabre dance, one that is lovely but so sad that it is sometimes hard to watch.

I have been a comic fan for as long as i can remember, and in no other series have i ever encountered a world as meaningful as this. You love the characters, but almost hate them at the same time. Among my favorite comics is the story of Arkham Asylum, it is bone chilling, and in certain places, disgusting. However, it maintains a small thread of silver light, one that pulls you through each page as you encounter the horrors that our knight must endure. The end is never happy. Merely satisfying. It is always right.

Among the batman universe, there are beautiful pieces that also illustrate the story. We have Novels, multiple cartoon series, animated films (admittedly, these are my favorite), and actual films. At the pinnacle of this franchise (in my opinion) are Christopher Nolan's batman trilogy.

Nolan has created a masterpiece in this trilogy, one that I deeply believe will be hard to surpass. There are few film series that come to mind with as much detail, plot, character, beauty and awe as these three; in fact i am hard pressed to name any aside from Peter Jacksons adaption of the lord of the rings, or possibly the original star wars trilogy. There are certain films that take on a life of their own. They are the ones that inspire others. The ones that you continue to watch and know will eventually show your children.

Nolan is a champion in his own right, one that i salute him for. While prior to the films he created i was a fan, i must say that this mans work of art has made my love for Batman's world deepen to ridiculous depths.

Thank you Mr. Nolan.
I believe in The Dark Knight.