On a more serious note, I can't help but notice these distinct similarities between Batman and Angel. Batman is a ninja that has serious hand to hand fighting skills. Angel, while he can't be classified as a ninja, also relies on his hand to hand skills (which I guess stem from his vampireness). Angel's rather large and noticeable collection of "equipment" also brings to mind the caped crusader, most notably his use of the grappling hook (which is a Batman staple, at least in his latest movies). As an aside, this comparison is based off the Christopher Nolan films, since I have not had enough exposure to the Batman comics to use them as a source. Anyway, back to the similarities. Loosing girls comes remarkably easy to these two individuals, with Batman constantly alienating Rachel with his vigilante activities (culminating in her death in "The Dark Knight") and Angel alienating Buffy because of his "unstable nature" and eventually separating from her. In addition to this, Angel manages to loose a potential love interest within the space of ONE episode. Sorry guys, best of luck to you both in the future.
I'm not sure what I was hoping to accomplish with this set of similarities, save to state the fairly obvious. Angel is heavily reminiscent of Batman. Whether that is a good thing or a bad thing I'm not sure yet, but I can say that if Whedon is going for a fanboy nod to Batman I'm totally on board. If not, I may not be too happy and mutter something to the effect of "rip" under my breath...
5 comments:
This post made me laugh, Jonathan! Great humor! I especially loved "...and seems to excel at losing girlfriends. Its Batman in L.A., folks!" and "Sorry guys, best of luck to you both in the future."
Seriously though, I think there are some similarities between Angel and Batman that really work. The similar relationship dilemmas are particularly interesting to me. These guys have commitment issues and have dangerous jobs that interfere with their ability to become close to someone, which Batman and Angel both experience. Buffy, too, experiences this problem. That's why I found the Buffy/Angel relationship to be heartbreaking; they're in the same dilemma with each other. Both of them are obligated to dangerous duties that jeopardize their relationship. Torturous, right?
On the other hand, the optimistic side of me asks: don't the Angel/Batman type make the best of boyfriends because they'll, you know, save your life? I guess that's a pretty significant appeal. :-) Something has to make them such a catch, and for girls to put up with it--if they don't get killed first.
I think this is a common character pattern, this male vigilante lacking a proper girlfriend thing - I have seen it not just in T.V. series, but in a game that I am playing (more on that in my own post).
It does seem to be a popular character archetype, though; often these are the types of males, as Hannah put it so succinctly, that have are seen as "such a catch."
And now I feel dumb as I made the same comparison but with less backing. you made some great points I never even thought about, like the whole Rachel/Buffy girlfriend thing.
Angel and Batman are both dark, reluctant heros, and this makes people, real normal people, root for them because their sense of morality is there, but not out of whack like some crazy zealot.
Post a Comment