THE DARK KNIGHT: Now What?
I went in worried. I’ve never seen a buzz build around a movie like that that’s formed around THE DARK KNIGHT. I mean, critics have compared it to GODFATHER II. GODFATHER II?! Is there any way a Batman movie could possibly live up to that kind of hype?
Well, while it isn’t perfect, the film is everything that’s been promised. This nail biting, rollercoaster ride will affect you long after you’ve left the theater. Epic in nature, THE DARK KNIGHT is more than just a genre-bending blockbuster; it’s more than just summer entertainment; this is a morality tale of the highest caliber, a film that dares to challenge its viewers, showing you that the war waged between good and evil isn’t a showdown that takes place on the streets of Gotham, but instead, is a battle fought every day inside of us all. This is the Batman movie comic readers have longed for. Finally, this is OUR Batman.
So…now what?
We finally have a movie that accurately portrays what comics are all about. It’s being seen by millions of people this weekend, and better still, they love it. What can we do to show these folks that this is what they’re missing when they drive past their local comic shop?
It’s already a tough sell. The first line of Roger Ebert’s review says it all. “Batman isn’t a comic book anymore.” You see, the public has this preconceived notion that THE DARK KNIGHT isn’t a strong representation of the comic BECAUSE of its depth and meaning. Joe Public’s been programmed. He doesn’t think this movie is anything like the comic book because, well, in his mind, it’s just too damn good to be a comic book.
So what should our industry do? This is a great opportunity. I’m sure DC will sell a lot more books this quarter – but will it last? What can we do to prove to DARK KNIGHT fans that there is plenty more where this came from? What can we do to turn these moviegoers into the Holy Grail our industry is after – new readers?
July 20th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Nice writing style. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Chris Moran
July 21st, 2008 at 5:46 pm
I don’t read DC (or Marvel) becuase they don’t pay attention to little things that I find important. Things like continuity, character development, and plot that’s more than just “Which bad guy is trying to take over the world this week?”
But don’t mind me. I enjoyed the movie and look forward to more like it. I just prefer smaller comics like ElfQuest, Hellboy and Girl Genius over the Big Two.
July 21st, 2008 at 6:05 pm
@Ana: I’m with you. I don’t read a lot of big two books (although I do keep Marvel and DC classics close). I guess my question is this: do you have friends, Ana, that loved DARK KNIGHT but don’t read comics at all. What would it take to turn them on to Elf Quest or Hellboy?
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Bah, DARK KNIGHT? (Why’s it spelt in capitals by the way?) Totally overshadowed Wall-e which was a better film which will now frankly, do crap, seeing as everyone else and their dog will be prancing around in a geeky fandom dance to the mighty collosus of comic-film transaction. Mind you the two appeal to two different audiences but that didn’t stop some 5-6 year olds managing to break through my local cinemas iron hard security to go and see the film. Bloody scamps… where’s my 12-guage?
July 25th, 2008 at 12:03 am
@nerfball you may say it will overshadow wall-e which as you rightly say is brilliant in all ways, but going to the cinema yesterday, wall-e was packed…completely. Plus im pretty sure alot of us were doing geeky dances to the silly litttle nerdy references in Wall-e ( star trek red alert, Also sprach Zarathustra (or 2001 theme) and the HK47 voice of the security bots) either way both movies are excellent and will do well so see both. oh and here borrow mine…slug or ball bearing shell?
July 25th, 2008 at 2:54 am
“This nail biting, rollercoaster ride…”
Just wanna say, the actual roller coaster at Six Flags sucks. Y’know, in case you really wanted to know that or something.