Currently Reading: Batman Birth of the Demon

From DC Comics

As a Batman fan, my favorite stories involve Ra's al Ghul, Talia al Ghul, and the League of Assassins. If The Joker is a mad dog off the leash, Ra's al Ghul is the wolf on top of a mountain. Birth of the Demon is a collection of three graphic novels: Son of the Demon, Bride of the Demon, and Birth of the Demon. I plan to do a thorough review once I get through the whole book; but right now, I'm reading it whenever I have the opportunity. It's not new or anything; and I'm about halfway through 'Bride . . . '.


What I like about being away from Gotham City is that we get to see exotic locations; more of the action takes place in the daytime, the action is on a grand scale (environmental threats . . . and airplanes!); Batman does great detective work; and most of all, there is romance.

Many fans think the art is a bit old-fashioned, but in my opinion, it's a nice departure from the modern, stylized Dark Knight we've grown accustomed to. And frankly, the art is a compliment to the story; not the other way around. I plan to take advantage of more "lulls" in my day by getting into more of this great collection!

Batman's Greatest Villains: Ra's al Ghul

The Demon's Head

When you talk about Batman's greatest villains, the first one that usually comes to mind is the clown-faced guy in the purple suit--what's his name? I think I have his card somewhere . . .

But I would argue that while The Joker and Batman are completely opposite on the surface yet similar on a darker level; Ra's al Ghul and Batman are very similar characters with opposing viewpoints.

Both are highly-skilled masterminds with extensive training in the martial arts. Ra's (pronounced "Rache") even refers to Batman as "Detective". But whereas Batman's goal is a noble one that values life; Ra's al Ghul's goal is an idealistic one that necessitates death.

I won't go into detail of Ra's al Ghul's origin and the League of Assassins (that's what comic books are for); but one thing he is known for is bathing in the veritable fountain of youth called the Lazarus Pit to regain his strength and vigor. The man is supposedly centuries old. As a wellness enthusiast, if the Lazarus Pit existed in real life, I'd probably be one of the people in line.

His daughter, Talia, is one of the many love interests of Batman. She and Batman even give birth to the fifth Robin, Damian Wayne. In Bane of the Demon, Ra's considers Bane as a possible heir to his empire and wants Bane to marry Talia. Talia rejects the idea after being pursued by Bane, as she sees Bane as an animalistic Brute. It's actually quite entertaining--I love romantic interludes in the Batman universe!

I'm also extremely thrilled that Ra's al Ghul, one of the major but less "cartoony" villains, is portrayed in The Dark Knight Trilogy, and in grand fashion.

I would also highly recommend watching the Batman: The Animated Series two-part episode, "The Demon's Quest". If you've already seen it, watch it again! It's so good, it could have been extended into an animated film.