Batman is Billionaire Aristocrat Who Beats Up Poor People, Says Writer
Batman is “a billionaire aristocrat who beats up poor people,” according to comic book writer Garth Ennis. Although the sentiment has been gaining traction in recent years, it hits differently coming from an actual author of the Dark Knight.
Ever since Batman’s inception, he has been patrolling the streets of Gotham City in search of criminals. Much of the time, those criminals have been depicted as either poorer, disadvantaged members of society, or mentally ill. Sometimes, the members of the Caped Crusader’s rogues gallery who he fights are even a combination of the two. As longtime fans have considered what Batman would be like in the real world, they have also considered the consequences of his actions from a political perspective. Batman might make the city a safer place, but it involves sending some of the underprivileged to prison and Arkham Asylum.
In a recent interview while discussing upcoming miniseries Batman: Reptilian, writer Garth Ennis (Preacher, The Boys) criticized Gotham’s protector with this same assessment, that Batman is a billionaire who goes after poor people. According to him, this thought informed his approach to writing for the character. While talking about the miniseries with Comic Book Resources, Ennis said, ”What we're talking about here is a billionaire aristocrat who beats up poor people, as well as the mentally ill… I don't know what that has to do with a code of honor, but it certainly appeals to my sense of humor -- which was probably my way into writing the character and the reason I enjoyed writing him more than I otherwise might have.”
Based on Ennis’ comments, it sounds like Reptilian could make this popular take on Batman a relevant part of the premise. At the moment, little is known about the six issues that encompass the miniseries, aside from a reptile-like threat that is terrorizing the city. With that general plot, there is a lot of room for additional themes to take root. While some comics have come close to addressing Batman’s problematic crimefighting in the past, such as Batman: White Knight, no story has fully committed to the idea. In White Knight, the Joker is cured of his insanity, and makes the case that Batman is a menace to society, picking on those who are troubled to make himself appear as a hero.
Based on Ennis’ past works such as The Boys, incorporating such commentary regarding real world implications into a superhero story is in his wheelhouse. It isn’t even a difficult argument to make that he might be the perfect writer for the task, especially since the miniseries is being published through DC Black Label. In any case, the upcoming six issues of Batman: Reptilian written by Garth Ennis with art by Liam Sharp (The Green Lantern, Wonder Woman) are sure to poke some fun at the Dark Knight. The miniseries is set to debut on Tuesday, June 22.
Source: CBR