Batman: Origin - Discussion

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Batman: Origin Part One

Been wanting to read this series for a long while now. Though I'd say I'm only a casual Batman fan - watching all Burton and Schumacher films (enjoyed the Burton ones, hated the Schumacher ones) as a child and obviously later loving the Nolan films, I was intrigued at a take at the "origin" story of Batman.

The introduction of characters in quick succession I think was pulled off very well. The early part of the script was very well written and really introduced us into this unexplored era of Batman. Though any casual or diehard Batman fan knows the vague story here, it's great to see an in depth look at these characters and the lead up to the eventual gunning down of Thomas and Martha Wayne.

The Bruce/Alfred relationship was fascinating to read. Alfred went from essentially being uneasy around this child to becoming his guardian within the space of a couple of days because of this event, which begins the Batman legend. I can't wait to read further installments to see this relationship continue.

The second half of the script fell off a bit for me. I think the major irk in the story was how it was played out that Lew Moxon was this massive threat to Thomas Wayne and his company, and that it was perceived as almost impossible that nothing could stop him from taking over from Wayne. Within literally a page that threat was gone when Thomas gathered all his executives in the boardroom and showed some footage. It just seemed way too easy.

Ironically one of my favorite parts was actually in the second half of the script -  Bruce breaking out of his room in the pouring rain and thunder, climbing down the wall and jumping the cemetery gate with a hook and rope was a real highlight. The vision of him crying on his parents graves as the bats flew up would be something I'd love to see on film.

So all in all. Not fantastic, but not too bad either. A solid introduction to the Batman origin story. I'm looking forward to reading part 2!

[Dr. Kyle Banner]

Hey, thanks for reading.  And you've chosen a great time too, because Part IV is released on Saturday.

Thanks for the kind comments, I agree with pretty much all of that.  The problem I had while writing is that I wrote essentially whatever came into my head and I didn't stop to consider whether it worked or not.

So the first Part of the script is strong as a result and the second part is weak mainly due to my not knowing what to do.

The Alfred/Bruce relationship will continue and I've been told multiple times that it's the best part of the show.  Hopefully you'll agree.

Thanks again for reading and I look forward to seeing your thoughts on Parts II, III and IV.

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Batman: Origin Part Two

Well after part one, the next logical evolution of the story was to seen Bruce as a teenager. And we got that. It was fascinating to see how he'd developed since part one, after the death of his parents and having Alfred as his guardian. What we've found is a Bruce who despises the "bully", for obvious reasons. And takes it upon himself to fight them. Again for obvious reasons.

At this point I've just got to say I love the continual reference to bats. His horned hair, Meatloaf's "Bat Outta Hell" etc. The image of the bat has been with him since his parents death and ultimately turns him into the person he's going to become.

Having a love interest for Bruce, I think was a great move in this story. Corrine was a great character and I think it's a shame that we (probably) wont see her again. But she did serve her purpose here which is the important thing. Love the reference to Metropolis as well.

Now I have to say, probably one of the real gems of this story is Alfred. The way he comes to the rescue of Bruce of Corinne is just golden. Just the thought of Alfred carving up those thugs and then having them run off scared for their lives is brilliant. Certainly a cool new angle to that character.

What really set this apart from part one, and ultimately made it a stronger script, was the fact it was fresh and original material. And I think a fantastic job was done to it. It's much more consistent and was certainly a step up from the last one and a really good read. Well done.

[Dr. Kyle Banner]

Oh, wow.  Thank you for that.

Yeah, Part II is probably one of my favourites out of the four.  Alfred's new angle, as it were, was born out of something I read once on another forum.  Someone had posted that they wished they could see a younger kick-ass Alfred if a Batman prequel were to be made, ala Smallville.

So that comment definately influenced how I wrote the character.

I'm glad you think this was stronger and I look forward to your comments on Parts III & IV.

[aussie_rules]

Batman: Origin Part Three

Woo-hoo, I got to review this before Part IV came out!

This story shoots us 13 years down the track from the second part, showing us a 29 year old Bruce Wayne. We find him in Bangkok continuing to learn martial arts, in the hope of returning to Gotham one day. I think the characters in this storyline were really well done. Lady Shiva and Lin were both very memorable characters. Lin, especially was a great foil for Bruce. Both have grown up without their parents. We see in Lin what could of happened with Bruce, if he hadn't tempered his rage and lust for vengeance. Her ultimate fate was sad, but probably predictable for such a troubled soul.

It was good to see more of Lucius Fox in this installment. I think the storyline with him and Alfred and the return of Lew Moxon was a solid one, even if it did only fill in the gaps for what is to come ahead.

I had extremely high hopes for this episode. I'd be lying if I didn't say I was a little disappointed, especially after the slick second part. I think this ultimately fell down, because it seems to be a massive set up for Part IV - which in a way is a good thing, because it does make me look forward to the final installment even more. One of the unfortunate parts of this story as well is the fact we didn't get to see the Bruce/Alfred relationship - though no doubt we'll see in the next one.

So now onto Part IV!!!

[Tony O'Stark]

And at long LONG last the Origin concludes with Part Four now live.

Enjoy - and apologies for such a long wait!

[aussie_rules]

Nice. Going to be reading this when I get home from work. Can't wait!

[aussie_rules]

Batman: Origin Part Four

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The final episode in the origin saga certainly did not disappoint. Though it started slow it certainly got going and didn't stop until all the way to the end. The action scenes were great and the batmobile chase a real highlight.

What was great to see was the reuniting of Alfred and Bruce. These characters that have played off each other so well in earlier installments, really didn't disappoint here. They continued where they left off and certainly added that spark to the story that probably wasn't there in part III.

Continuing with the origin of Batman, the scenes showing us the birth of the batcave were very memorable. And Bruce getting to tell the crook, "I'm Batman!" was gold. Loved the nod to the old school Batman, with the mention of "shark repellant spray". I had a good chuckle at that!

One thing I thought was a bit odd, was how quickly Gordon put his trust in Batman, straight off the bat. I know he was obviously skeptical, but he seemed to put a lot of faith in him without knowing anything about him. I guess he'd seen so much shit in Gotham during his career, that someone like Batman was a godsend.

So all in all, I was really impressed with the final chapter. It was a fitting end to what was a pretty solid mini-series. Now you've obviously laid a nugget in the final scenes, that you're wanting to continue the story beyond the origin. All I've got to say is this - Please do!

[Dr. Kyle Banner]

Thanks for that.

I have laid a nugget.  Whether he's in the next one... if there is a next one... we shall have to wait and see .

I'm glad you enjoyed it and the series as a whole.  I do think Gordon trusts Batman easily, but then I suppose you're right.  Gotham is meant to be the biggest shit hole in America, so Gordon would probably jump at the chance to work with Batman.

Also, I wanted a bit of give and take there, not only to establish their relationship but to point out what their relationship is exactly.

Alfred was a joy to write for all four episodes.  His sarcastic wit was not a preconcieved notion and it just appeared during the writing stage.  I'm glad it did, tho.

So thank you for reading this mini and congrats on being the first person to read all four.

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I have laid a nugget.  Whether he's in the next one... if there is a next one... we shall have to wait and see .

Oh, there will be a next one!  haha