'Batman: Damned' gets all the hype for all the wrong reasons
Last March, DC Comics announced a new publishing imprint, DC Black Label. This new imprint was reported to bring edgy and provocative stand-alone stories to expand the deep lore of DC Comics. One of the stories that was reported to premiere for the new imprint was Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo's BATMAN: DAMNED.
The story revolves around Batman's sanity and his involvement in the mysterious death of The Joker. Batman can't remember a thing but the more he tries to remember, the more he doubts his own sanity. It has a one of a kind premise for a detective story written by Azzarello and is perfectly complimented by great interior artwork by Bermejo.
Days prior to the release of Batman: Damned #1, comicbook sites reported that the book contains three panels worth of Bat-dong. Yes, After 79 years of existence, fans finally see a glimpse of Bruce Wayne's junk.
This report broke the internet and has kept fans laughing about Bat-penises jokes and memes. After confirming the reports, Batman's penis became a thing and even went as far as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert making jokes about Batman's loosely hang batarang. All talks about Batman's penis has created a high demand for the book that some retailers have already inquired additional re-orders from Diamond Comic Distributor. Unfortunately, the book has already sold out and retailers are already waiting for DC Comics to announce a second printing for the book. The demand created for the book even caused the price to skyrocket in the range of $150 - $200 a pop.
While it is good that everyone is talking about this new Batman book, I believe that it can easily overshadow the great story written by Azzarello and the hard work put in by Bermejo. Last week, prior to the release of the book, I received my complimentary early-release digital copy. I saw Batman bled. I saw his struggles and the demon inside his psyche. I saw a great story and beautiful interior pages. I was shocked when it was reported that the book contains Batman's junk and had me reviewing the early-release copy that was sent to me. Yes, it contains uncensored material, but thats besides the point. When the smoke finally clears, I hope that fans will finally appreciate Batman: Damned for all the right reasons.
DC Comics already announced that future printings of the book will censor Batman's penis as it does not add to its story. But its starting to look like Batman's shlong is the bigger story for Batman: Damned #1.
Paolo Ollero, 29, working law student, a comicbook enthusiast and a Batman historian, is one of the co-founder of The Dark Knight Philippines -- the premier Batman group in the country. He also contributes reviews and write-ups in Geekend Gladiator and Flipgeeks.
