Hugh Neeld: The Curmudgeon Report

Here I sit, impatiently awaiting the arrival of my Social Security check so I can go see the new Batman movie, The Dark Knight. Of course, by the time I pay the price of admission and buy some Milk Duds and a big Pepsi, my entertainment allowance for the 3rd quarter will be gone.

I’ve been a Batman fan since 1939 when I was in the fifth grade. That’s when he was first introduced as a comic book hero and was an immediate success. I’ve seen the trailers of The Dark Knight and was quick to note that he has aged far more gracefully than I.

In case there are some of you who are not familiar with Batman and his origins, here is a little background:

Bruce Wayne (Batman) is born to Dr. Thomas Wayne and his wife, Martha, two wealthy and charitable socialites in Gotham City. Bruce is brought up in Wayne Manor, with its wealthy splendor, and leads a happy and privileged existence until the age of 8, when his parents are killed by a small-time criminal while on their way home from a movie theater. Bruce Wayne swears an oath to rid the city of the evil that has taken his parents’ lives. He engages in intense intellectual and physical training. However, he realizes that these skills alone would not be enough.

“Criminals are a superstitious and cowardly lot,” Wayne remarks, “so my disguise must strike terror into their hearts. I must be a creature of the night, black, terrible.”

As if on cue, a bat suddenly flies through an open window, inspiring Bruce to assume the persona of Batman.

In early comics, Batman’s career as a vigilante initially earns him the ire of the Police Department. During this period, Wayne takes in a young boy, Dick Grayson, an orphaned circus acrobat, as his ward and sidekick. Also, during this time, a butler, Alfred, arrives at Wayne Manor, and after learning the Dynamic Duo’s secret identities, joins their service.

When I think about it now, I’m somewhat amazed that my dad didn’t seem to have a problem with the way I held Batman in such high esteem. Think about it; here’s a grown man, wealthy and well educated, never married and no women in sight. He lives in a secluded castle-like mansion on a mountain with a young boy, his ward, and a manservant. When he goes out at night he dresses in tights, a cape and a mask. Would you want your son to have this character as a role model? I think not.

Well, times have changed, and situations that might cause a raised eyebrow or knowing wink today were not even thought about back then.

I still view Batman as an important part of pop culture in the world. So he still displays obsessive behavior and likes to dress funny occasionally, so what? His new movie did gross $203.8 million in its first five days. I’m willing to cut him some slack and am still looking forward to seeing his movie.

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A question to ponder:

Did you know that the only thing we have to fear is rising crime, the greenhouse effect, toxic waste, ozone depletion, old age, earthquakes, wild fires, floods, terrorists and fear itself?

putterhugh@suddenlink.net

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Hugh Neeld is a freelance columnist for TylerPaper.com.

Hugh Neeld is a freelance columnist for TylerPaper.com.
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