Batman 1989's Glaring Weakness Proves Costly in Battle Against His DC Comics Alter Ego
Batman's victory over his film counterpart is cut short when his DC Comics variant exposes a critical weakness: a debilitating stiff neck
This week, DC Comics features the thrilling return of Batman, portrayed by Michael Keaton, in a dream match that takes a dramatic turn when Batman's stiff neck becomes his downfall. The ongoing Batman saga, Mindbomb, presents The Dark Knight with his most formidable adversary yet: himself.
The storyline involves Batman's alter ego, The Batman of Zur-En-Arrh, taking over Batman's body and attempting to eliminate The Joker. As a result, Batman is compelled to battle versions of himself from different dimensions controlled by Zur-En-Arrh. Essentially, this offers the chance for DC's Batman to face off against different iterations of himself from various media. Fans were excited to see the comic book Batman versus Michael Keaton's iconic film portrayal, but the outcome may not have met their expectations.
The Dark Knight just beat the Michael Keaton Batman by exploiting his stiff neck
In issue #140 of Batman, the Caped Crusader battles with various iterations of himself within his own psyche. However, he cleverly outwits them by luring them into his mental palace, where he stores all his memories.
Batman takes on the various Zur-En-Arrhs one by one in an exhilarating display of combat. The showdown between the Batman of DC Comics and the 1989 film Batman, as played by Michael Keaton, is a highly anticipated moment for fans. Ultimately, the comics Batman uses a sound tactical strategy to win the fight with one strong kick, despite Batman '89's attempt to gain the upper hand with some acid rounds.
DC Comics
Michael Keaton's portrayal of the Dark Knight is hindered by a stiff neck, a well-known issue with the design of the Keaton Batman suit. The immobile neck of the cowl, made of thick foam rubber, prevents Keaton's Batman from turning his head.
The minimal movement limitations actually worked in the character's favor, resulting in a unique and somewhat graceful clunkiness that fans find endearing, even though it also became the subject of many jokes.
Fortunately, modern Batsuits no longer have the same restrictive movement issues, with The Dark Knight utilizing a two-piece design and Ben Affleck's Batman suit incorporating collapsible baffles for improved mobility.
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Editor's P/S
As a Batman fan, I have mixed feelings about the recent storyline in which Batman's stiff neck becomes his downfall in a battle against his DC Comics alter ego. On the one hand, I appreciate the fact that the writers are acknowledging the limitations of the original Batman suit, which was designed with a thick foam rubber cowl that restricted Michael Keaton's head movement. On the other hand, I feel that the storyline is a bit too gimmicky and takes away from the seriousness of the Batman character.
Overall, I think the storyline is a fun and creative way to explore the character of Batman and his various iterations. However, I hope that future storylines will focus more on the character's strengths and abilities, rather than his weaknesses.
