What could be more Christmassy than Batman? especially in his morally ambiguous post-Dark Knight reinvention* chasing criminals through the underbelly of Gotham City, inflicting some horrendously arbitrary instant justice upon said criminals and then returning to his lair to brood some more about the violent death of his parents; it all just reeks of Christmas to me.
Well enter 2011 graphic novel Batman: Noël by Lee Bermejo. It is a graphic retelling of that literary masterpiece The Muppet Christmas Carol, from all the way back in 1992**, with Batman cast in the traditional Michael Caine role. Bermejo’s art is great, the illustrations are gritty and realistic but with a touch of otherworldliness about them^. In particular what impresses me is the cinematic way in which he arranges his layout, he strikes me very much as a man who thinks like a film director.
The challenge of course with any adaptation of a well-known source is exactly how to make it fresh and suspenseful, when after all, everyone knows the story arc. Bermejo passes this test with ease, he does the Muppets proud, teasing us with a tricksy narration that plays to the source, whilst the superhero stuff unfurls around us. There are also references to the more light-hearted Bat capers of the 60’s and 70’s in the background, contrasted purposefully with the lone, violent vigilante he has become now.
I can say very little about the plot without spoiling things considerably for any who may wish to read it; the identity of the various ghosts included. Suffice to say a few old friends from Batman’s past and the DC world guest. More to the point the story is told with real verve, humanity, a touch of humour and no little emotional clout. It may even have a happy ending. Batman: Noël Perfect for Christmas, in fact it would make a great present for the bat person in your life, particularly if that’s you.
Again, because I’m a considerate sort I’ve been very careful what to show you here by way of artwork and to just allow you a flavour, so what follows is mostly architectural – apart from the gratuitous shot of Catwoman’s booty, that is.
619 Down (still).
*I’m talking comics not the films, I don’t have a whole lot of time for them.
**you may know it from the crappy literary adaptation Charles Dickens did in 1843.
^I re-read A Christmas Carol recently and it shouldn’t be forgotten because of how familiar with it we are, how strong the elements of horror and the supernatural are before Scrooge’s rehabilitation.
At least Bermejo didn’t base this on that wretched ‘Scrooge’ musical/movie with Albert Finney. The thought of the Riddler singing “Thank you very much” in Arkham Asylum gives me goosebumps…and not the kind of goosebumps Selina Kyle’s booty does.
This looks like something I need to own. I may pick it up after I finish ‘The Killing Joke’. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Well isn’t this cool! I had no idea such a thing existed but that’s the continual pleasure of coming here to visit. Now, don’t hurt me, but I’m not the biggest Bat-fan in the world. For whatever reason I grew up reading Marvel comics exclusively. I really don’t know why that was, but I felt that one universe was enough for me to try and read!
Don’t worry, you’re safe here Mike. My folks collected both as kids and it all got passed on to me, so I’m bi-universal.
I really enjoyed this and it tweaked my emotional bits too.
In the UK they did annual Transformers Christmas comics. I would have loved those! I was horrified to discover as a kid, that while our TF book was monthly, yours was WEEKLY and we didn’t get all the stories!
I’m a bit older than you and so I didn’t pay them much heed, I just thought of them as kid’s stuff at the time.
So did most kids my age. But I was (and am) in a state of perpetual arrested development.
This looks intriguing – never read a graphic novel, a festive one might be the place to start!
Not read this – but looks great fun. Are there actually any muppets in it?
I read this. Frickin’ brilliant book.
have you read the Batman: Hong Kong book? It’s tons of fun too.
Ace! No I haven’t read that one yet, Batman: Hush is the next on my (huge) list.
I’d swear I’ve read Hush too, but I can’t find my old handwritten list of books. I have a list back to 2005… Anyway, I looked it up and it looks very familiar.
I also completely (COMPLETELY) recommend Penguin: Pain & Prejudice, too. Holy crap that book was awesome.
Also, Batman: Death By Design was really, really pretty eye candy!
This looks really pretty brilliant. Reckon Kermit & Co. would be pleased by this adaptation. Make up for that Jim Carey version, that’s for sure.
It is a great graphic novel. I’m just pleased I remembered to post a couple of festive things on here for once!
Man, I wish I could like this twice …
Deja vu?
Aye. Seems I made a hash of the comments #BrainDoesntWorkTooEarlyInTheMorning
This one looks like a real treat.
Imagine the music rooms you could have at Wayne Manor…a dedicated floor, even.
I was thinking more in terms of dedicating the East wing to my music, you know the one that looks out on the helipad and the aviary.
This is a really good Batman, quite moving too.
Ah yes, I understand now. As long ad there’s a turret.
I’m inspired to seek this one out.
You won’t regret it.
Thanks for another glimpse into the unknown world of graphic novels, Joe.
BTW, I’ve heard that the heating bills for Wayne Manor are horrendous.
This looks really pretty brilliant. Reckon Kermit & Co. would be pleased by this adaptation. Make up for that Jim Carey version, that’s for sure.
Likely need to have the central heating system upgraded, I’d imagine!
Nah, it’ll be fine. I’ll just cash in and go on MTV cribs to pay for it.
That’s good thinking … you’re primed for the celebrity lifestyle!
Don’t worry Bruce I’ll just burn antique furniture to keep warm.
LOL Zack! Both of you and everyone else have a merry Christmas
And to you!
Many actors have tried and failed to recreated Kermit the Frog’s gripping portrayal of Bob Cratchit. It’s purely criminal that he didn’t win the Oscar for that performance.
Man, I wish I could like this twice …
I know! I think Michael Caine’s puppet-like acting let the side down badly and hampered Kermit’s chances though.