I stumbled onto this story over here. Thought that it sounded pretty cool.
“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.
Miller proudly announced the title of his next Batman book, which he will write, draw and ink. Holy Terror, Batman! is no joke. And Miller doesn’t hold back on the true purpose of the book, calling it “a piece of propaganda,” where ‘Batman kicks al Qaeda’s ass.”
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 moxy 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,” Miller said. “It just seems silly to chase around the Riddler when you’ve got Al Qaeda out there.”
Not so much brain washing but certainly indoctrination.
I hate Al Qaeda, but I don’t think we need to expose youth to hatred even if it is justified. Let them grow up first.
Richmond,
Yep.
Mrs. Aginoth,
I understand your concern but I think that brainwashing is a rather extreme term to use to describe this.
Elster,
It certainly feels like there is a lack of that these days.
SK,
You have to love the Dark Knight, there is something kind of cool about him.
The book is going to sell, that’s for sure.
Just hope that he enlightens us about real issues sisnce its supposed to be a serious book.
Fitèna
I like that Miller paralled our current struggles with radical Islam and Hitler – both idealogies threaten our way of life, yet people are too scared to get fatwaed by some crazy Imam. Kick some ass, Batman!
Good for Miller. You rarely see a pro American stance in the entertainment industry.
Of course, the war years disney cartoons are shown to students as examples of how NOT to use the entertainment media.
Allegory/satire is good. Outright political sentiments I’m not too sure about in what is basically a childrens medium. It smacks of brainwashing to me.
Wow. That is VERY refreshing…
Go Batman!