The arrival of Batman Begins was eagerly awaited by movie goers across the country, as well as by David Zimmerman, author of the InterVarsity Press book, Comic Book Character. David is an associate editor at InterVarsity Press and at midnight on the day the film opened was signing copies of his book at a local theater.
David’s weblog ““Strangely Dim,””:http://ivpress.gospelcom.net/campus/sd/ subtitled “using the light God gave us to make sense of the world around us,” has his review of the movie. In Batman Begins David was struck by the grim portrait of Gotham City on the eve of Judgement Day. “I’m reminded of Abraham’s negotiation with God over the fate of Sodom, in which justice and mercy are reconciled,” he writes. “The city is a main character in Batman Begins, just as the city has played a significant part in other recent films such as Sin City. I take some heart that filmmakers and moviegoers are willing to show concern not just for individuals but for the fate of whole communities.”
In Comic Book Character, David explores the mythic characteristics of fictional superheroes in popular culture and the universal spiritual issues suggested by their popularity. He opens a dialogue between the comic book heroes and the Christian story.
In his weblog, David explains why he thinks fantasy heroes are more popular than real heroes.
“I think there’s a control issue involved. We know what Batman will do—he will batter the bad guys without pulling a trigger; he will make things right no matter how much of his own blood, sweat, toil and tears he has to sacrifice. In contrast, we never know what to expect from our favorite sports figures, political figures, celebrities and pastors—and we can never with full confidence declare that their exploits will bring about truth, justice and whatever American way might currently inspire us—or, for that matter, that they are really fighting bad guys and not simply victimizing people who don’t agree with them.”
Since movies and comic books are a part of popular culture, InterVarsity staff members use them to begin a dialogue with students.
Film reviews and other film resources can be found on the home page of InterVarsity’s 2100 Productions media team. David has also produced a Superhero Investigative Bible Study Guide. David was interviewed for an article in the i>Indianapolis Star.
