Pastors also need a break from heavy theological reading! So here’s a Batman comic book review! After a long weekend of teaching youth group, teaching systematic theology on Saturday night and sermon prep, I need a break! I haven’t posted one of these once in a while!
Grant Morrison. Batman: Gothic. New York, NY: DC Comics, January 1, 1986. 128 pp.
5 out of 5
Purchase: Amazon
Want to read a fun 1980s Batman adventure? If so this story might be for you. I have to take a break from some of the newer Batman especially with DC Comics trying to bring in political agendas here and there mixed in with some issues that seems to be more fillers than anything worthwhile when all I wanted is just some good old fashion good story of a hero taking on a bad guy as a break from everything political around me. So while I haven’t read as much comics this year nevertheless I’m glad there’s 80s Batman to enjoy.
This story is about a villain that has a supernatural side to him name Mr. Whisper. Apparently he is a man without a shadow, but as the story progresses we learn there’s more to his supernatural ability than that. I love how this story gives us more information filling in the mystery of who this man is; I appreciate that since so often Batman being touted as a great detective yet there’s not as many comics with a mystery bent even as DC sell “Detective” comics as one of the popular lines of Batman comics. While this book is titled “Gothic” I felt it had a noir feel while also being reflective of Bruce Wayne’s own childhood journey. As the story moves along you see the experience of Batman’s childhood is important to cracking the case; I don’t want to give too much away for those concern about spoilers!
This story also made me think about what’s the difference between Batman and Mr. Whisper. At first seeing Mr. Whisper wiping out criminals seems like a good thing for those who think being a vigilante is a good thing but we learn of Mr. Whisper has a dark side that was first born out of pride that led to greater depravity and soon Mr. Whisper is such a problem that Batman has to stop him before the priority of fighting ordinary organized crime; one also learn how Mr. Whisper is so depraved that organized crime took it upon themselves to unite to fight him!
A fun story. I felt it break the mold of formulaic Comic book storytelling. Artwork is quite 80s but not bad. In fact I kind of like it and this style is growing on me.
[…] Batman: Gothic […]
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Thanks for the great review. I am sure you needed a break!
Blessings.
Wow, Mr. Whisper! I immediately thought of close brethren who had engaged with witchcraft and often suffer harassment of whispering spirits. It is very real.
No doubt this is a devilish character! I just read about him, “Mr. Whisper is a former monk who made a deal with the Devil for a long life…”
Oh brother, this couldnt be light reading for me! 😯
Wow your comment made me think of the character’s name in light of “whispering spirit.” Didn’t think of that. I didn’t realize it would take a demonic turn in the book. It is probably tame since this book is from the 80s compared to entertainment today with the obsessions of the occult and demonic…how was church yesterday??
Oh, so disappointed…one or more members got COVID so they went online Zoom. I was baking for the coffee fellowship and really looked forward to seeing everyone.
Well, we’ll be away next 2 Sundays. let’s see what the Lord has planned for 2022.
I hope all is well with you and your church!
One can learn from stories. Sometimes the authors themselves don’t know the real messages they are presenting which is where a reviewer’s insight comes in. I like your mentioning that there is a dark side to Mr Whisper’s seemingly good deeds.
Indeed there is a dark side to Mr Whisper. I thought this comic book also covered an aspect of human condition that is profound: pride was his first downfall that led him to do all the wicked things that are unimaginable. We should be careful of how pride drives other sins. It’s also what corrupts every outward virtues we have. Blessings to you today brother! Thanks for reading this!!
Thanks for the entertaining review! I hadn’t heard of Mr. Whisper before, and after reading Lisa Beth’s comments I googled him as well. What a devilish character! I would enjoy following Batman as he uses his detective skills to foil Mr. Whisper.
Googling shows how you are quite the nerd in a good way! One didn’t I didn’t remember to put in this review is how there’s discussion of Catholic abuses. Bruce Wayne here even went to Catholic school and recall it’s heavy handed ways. That reminds me of your upbringing of Catholic school. In some sense this reminds me that the idea of Catholic clergy has been around way before the Boston expose…and I imagine rumors of Catholic abuses were floating around even when you were a kid?
Responding to your comment: wow 12 F is cold! Ok that put our 50 degrees in perspective then…I have nothing to complain about! I’m going to take an easy day of homeschooling, reading and walking and enjoying family.
Interesting about Bruce Wayne being educated at a Catholic school. I didn’t know that. In high school, we noted that several of the brothers were gay-acting, but I can’t recall any public scandals at my childhood parish or at high school. That was an era when victims and families went along with hushing up any abuse.
Ach. I messed up. 16F was the overnight low but it’s actually 34F right now. Glad you’re having a low-key day. I’m doing lots of couch duty and even contemplating a nap.
Sounds like a fun read, actually. 😀
It was! Besides spiritual readings do you have any genres of fun reading Dora?
I throw in the odd mystery or two, but I haven’t read one in awhile. Movies seem to have filled that spot. :>)
Great review. It is nice to take a break once in a while.
Thanks for the two comments on my blog! Always appreciate them from you! How are you doing???
Doing great. Thank God.
Artistic cover
Amazing how they had Batman taking on the supernatural with no superpowers of his own. Ra’s al Ghul is another villain touched with the supernatural.
True batman fans from the frank millers era will love it. the new 52 and rebirth reader prob wont like it.. but the OG batman fans love it. To me its a masterpiece.. the intro was intense
I read the comics and read your review and I agree with everything you said here. Believers are to be discerning, have Christian liberty but not be judgmental
This sounds like a clean fun comic book; older ones might be better before DC went woke