2.14.2006

Pow! Slam! Bang!

Pow! Slam! Bang!
It's been a while since I've purchased a comic book, but I still do get the occasional graphic novel. (The last one I got was Hellboy.) I can't help but be titillated by the news that Frank Miller, the revered author of the acclaimed Dark Knight Returns story, is in the middle of writing a new graphical novel where Batman battles the fundaterrorists:
    During his WonderCon panel, Frank Miller discussed his next graphic novel. Once again, Miller returns to the world of the Batman, this time with Holy Terror, Batman!. Though the title plays with Robin's classic catchphrase, the book deals with a serious subject. Gotham has been attacked by Al Qaeda and Batman sets out to defend the city he loves. The book, which Miller has inked through 120 pages, is expected to run roughly 200 pages total...

    The reason for this work, Miller said, was "an explosion from my gut reaction of what's happening now." He can't stand entertainers who lack the moxie of their '40s counterparts who stood up to Hitler. Holy Terror is "a reminder to people who seem to have forgotten who we're up against."

    It's been a long time since heroes were used in comics as pure propaganda. As Miller reminded, "Superman punched out Hitler. So did Captain America. That's one of the things they're there for... These are our folk heroes. It just seems silly to chase around the Riddler when you've got Al Qaeda out there."
His timing couldn't have been better. Imagine that, a cartoonist who is going to stick to his guns. It may be interesting to see when this comes out what the fundaterrorist reaction will be. Maybe they will rename Batman "Muhammed's Big Gumby Snack" (see their renaming prowess below). Via Wretchard.

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