Christopher Nolan’s film „Batman Begins“ draws from various comic book sources, with a notable but lesser-known influence being the 1989 comic „The Man Who Falls,“ written by Dennis O’Neil and illustrated by Dick Giordano. This comic offers a concise yet profound narrative of Bruce Wayne’s journey from childhood to becoming Batman.
In just 16 pages, „The Man Who Falls“ begins with a dramatic portrayal of Batman literally falling through skylights, then shifts to Bruce Wayne’s formative years. The story recounts his traumatic experience of witnessing his parents‘ murder and his subsequent travels around the world, where he learns martial arts and criminology, ultimately shaping his crusade against crime.
Publication Background
This comic was first released as part of the collection „Secret Origins of the World’s Greatest Super-Heroes“ during DC Comics‘ 1986 universe reboot. While more famous Batman stories like „Batman: Year One“ and „The Dark Knight Returns“ have overshadowed it, „The Man Who Falls“ remains a vital piece in understanding Batman’s character development.
Nolan’s Approach to Batman
In the DVD featurette „Genesis of The Bat“ for „Batman Begins,“ Nolan and writer David Goyer explained their motivation to depict Batman’s origin story, filling in the narrative gap between Bruce Wayne’s childhood trauma and his emergence as the Dark Knight. They aimed to provide a comprehensive view of Bruce’s transformation, influenced significantly by „The Man Who Falls.“
Comic’s Impact on the Film
Nolan utilized the themes from „The Man Who Falls“ to inform the character’s essence. The comic illustrates Bruce’s internal struggles and the development of his persona as Batman. It emphasizes the idea that Batman is not just Bruce Wayne in a suit but a symbol of hope and fear for Gotham City.
The film’s structure mirrors the comic’s storytelling, albeit with a more complex narrative. While „The Man Who Falls“ follows a straightforward chronology, „Batman Begins“ interweaves flashbacks of Bruce’s childhood with his current challenges, enhancing the depth of his character arc.
Conclusion
Ultimately, „The Man Who Falls“ serves as a crucial reference point for understanding Nolan’s portrayal of Batman. The comic’s exploration of Bruce Wayne’s psyche and his continuous struggle against darkness aligns with the overarching themes of Nolan’s trilogy, reinforcing the notion that even when Batman falls, he always rises again.
For further details, visit the original article here.