Tom King’s Controversial Batman Run: Why It’s Actually Amazing

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As a devoted comic book aficionado, I firmly believe that Tom King stands among the elite writers in the industry today. However, his 85-issue stint on “Batman” is notorious within the comics community for all the wrong reasons – a reputation earned through infamy. King has had his fair share of controversial comics, but this one takes the cake as the most divisive.

During its run, it attracted endless criticism that reached a crescendo when fans anticipated the marriage between Batman and Catwoman in issue #50, only to be left disappointed when Selina abandoned Bruce at the altar. This event sparked a wave of disdain among the comic book community towards King’s run, which was subsequently torn apart by many.

While it’s hard to deny that this run had its flaws, particularly in the later issues, dismissing the entire body of work is something I simply can’t condone. In my humble opinion, Tom King’s Batman storyline was nothing short of extraordinary – one of the finest runs in Batman’s illustrious history. And I’m more than prepared to defend that statement.

Let’s first discuss why this particular storyline generates such intense dislike, before we delve into what makes it appealing. The primary source of the anger can be traced back to the sense of deception, as many readers felt betrayed because the promised wedding never took place. It wasn’t just about Batman and Catwoman making a promise to marry; DC Comics and King’s run went to great lengths to make audiences believe that this was a genuine event. Pre-wedding stories were published for each Robin, and multiple arcs were dedicated to explaining why Batman and Catwoman complemented each other so well.

Fans were led to believe that this was a significant change in Batman’s status quo, a scale of alteration only seen during a Crisis event. Therefore, when the wedding did not occur, the disappointment and betrayal ran even deeper because they had invested so much hope into this development.

Absolutely, let me rephrase that for you in a more conversational style:

You know, there were a couple of issues I had with this comic series, especially in the second half. For one, the storylines often felt too drawn-out, like certain arcs went on for three or four issues too many, particularly the “Knightmare” arc which seemed to last forever as Batman struggled to free himself from the nightmare machine.

Another thing that bothered me was how everything Batman experienced in this run turned out to be part of Bane’s grand scheme to break him. While it was an interesting twist, having Bane orchestrate events like hacking Booster Gold’s robot Skeets and recruiting Flashpoint Batman, Thomas Wayne just didn’t make sense to me. And let’s not even get started on how Thomas Wayne managed to take out the entire Bat Family on his own!

On top of all that, this run is infamous for killing off Alfred and giving us the headshot that turned Nightwing into Ric Grayson. Needless to say, many fans will hold a grudge against it for that reason alone.

With All the Negatives, What Makes it So Good?

One notable strength in Tom King’s writing lies in consistently weaving a central theme throughout his entire storyline. Although numerous themes emerge within this extensive series, the overarching one revolves around the enduring query as to why Bruce Wayne became Batman originally. The initial scene hints at an answer when Batman appears ready to sacrifice himself by steering a crashing plane into Gotham Harbor. On the brink of impact, Batman seeks validation from Alfred regarding the worthiness of this death and whether his parents would approve. Despite appearing mortally wounded, Batman manages to survive. This pivotal scene sets the tone for the recurring examination of this central question.

In the recurring encounters with Bane and his allies, Batman is often faced with the thought of meeting a noble end. During the “I Am Bane” storyline, Batman and Bane nearly killed each other, with Bane goading Batman about how after years of an unbeatable conflict, Gotham and Gotham Girl might have appeared as a chance to finally emerge victorious, but unfortunately, Gotham perished and Batman would continue to endure until he found another means to win the war on crime. After defeating this titan, Bruce experiences a vision of his deceased mother, who concurs with Bane’s analysis of him, yet Batman refuses her interpretation of why he fights. Batman explains that he fought Bane because Gotham Girl required assistance, and that was the reason. Martha expresses pride in Bruce without requiring a heroic death, to which he responds that he is aware.

The recurring theme throughout Batman’s ongoing crusade revolves around the query of what motivates him. Consistently, it is portrayed that he fights due to a deep-rooted compulsion to help those in need. This drive originated from the promise he made the night his parents were taken, a vow to prevent others from experiencing the same agony he endured. It’s not about seeking retribution for them or punishing the wrongdoers, but to shield others from suffering the same fate. As Issue #66 suggests, Batman embodies that vow above all else. Despite pain, death, love, and every other aspect of life, this vow stands supreme in his existence. Batman is who he is because of his relentless desire to aid others, and it’s this selflessness that enables him to overcome not just Bane, but Thomas Wayne, who symbolizes the concept that Batman fights to avenge his parents. However, Thomas underscores why this isn’t true by demonstrating that Batman’s fight is not merely about revenge; instead, it’s a continuation of the vow he made to protect Gotham, even its criminals, from the same fate that befell his parents. The death of his parents was the catalyst for Batman’s transformation, but Batman transcends Bruce’s pain. He is the guardian for all, ensuring no one else feels that pain.

Not only does this storyline offer intriguing explorations of Batman’s personality and themes, but it also packs some truly exciting scenes and battles. The narrative kicks off with a thrilling moment where Batman takes control of a plummeting plane from its rooftop, which is nothing short of spectacular. The “War of Riddles and Jokes” delves into a criminal conflict between the Joker and the Riddler, with one of Batman’s most profound regrets serving as its core. The intense showdown between Batman and Bane in the “I Am Bane” arc is one of the most iconic scenes in Batman’s entire history, symbolizing his unwavering resolve never to be defeated by someone like Bane.

As a die-hard movie buff, let me tell you, King’s run barely scratches the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the incredible moments this story holds. With its share of epic scenes and deep emotional depth, yes, there are issues, but let’s face it, no run is flawless. What sets King’s apart is its insightful exploration of Batman’s character and some of the most chilling Batman moments in recent memory. It might not be perfect, but when it shines, it truly outdoes itself, and I’m sick of pretending that it doesn’t deserve recognition for being simply extraordinary.

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2025-04-21 15:10