You know for a while, I wasn't sure how DM would turn out after the original run, especially since I was used to taking my time writing over the course of a year, as opposed to writing them week to week. So I am pleasantly surprised with how it's turning out.
While I have an idea where I want to go with this overall, but still unsure of how I'm getting there. Which is new and a little exciting for me. I'm really not one of the "It's not the destination, it's the journey" types, but I'm kinda taking this attitude with Drake Mandible now. One of the joys of writing this series is that there are so many places I can take the story and so many characters I could introduce that I'm probably only scratching the surface.
Moving on.
Dad posed an interesting question last night/early this morning.
What is it that makes a hero iconic? For every Superman and Batman we have dozens of "Booster Golds," "Wildcats" and "Mister Miracles."
What is it that separates a particular character from the masses and elevates them to pop-culture icon? What is it that makes them endure for decades? Is it a certain set of ideals? Is it their personality? Is it what they can or cannot do?
And how can I bring some of these qualities to Drake? Does he have the potential to become bigger than a bunch of scribbling on some young punk kids social media page?
I've looked into this somewhat.
For Superman, it's about this alien being of immense power, who could split the earth in half if he ever felt like it, but would much rather save kitty cats from trees and helping old ladies cross the road. Or occasionally smack a superpowered nasty into orbit. A lot of people claim this makes him dull, but I think that's missing the point of Superman. This guy is a pillar of virtue, standing up for what's right and looking out for us all, by choice. He doesn't have to concern himself with us puny humans, but he does anyway.
He's not as cool or gritty as his more modern contemporaries but to borrow a quote from Phil Coulson (even if he does play for the other side) "People might just need a little old-fashioned."
If he is one thing, he is an embodiment of hope.
http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2013/jan/05/why-is-superman-so-popular
Then on the flip side, you have The Dark Knight.
If Supes is the All-American, All Round Nice Guy, Bats is the resident Bad Boy of DC. He's darker, edgier and often more brutal than the Big Blue, despite similar morals. Unlike his super-powered comrades, he had to work hard to become the World's Greatest Detective, making him the poster boy for Determination and Ingenuity.
He's also considered a lot more relateable as a character, a man disillusioned with the judicial system and subsequently takes matters into his own hands, a self-made superhero, constantly fighting the good fight however he can, using whatever methods necessary.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/quora/what-makes-batman-such-a_b_2777505.html
Personally, I don't think either one is better than the other. For me, they're both at their best when they work together, their dynamic is one of, if not THE best in comics, or anywhere for that matter.
Which is why I've kinda been mashing traits from both into the one character. Drake Mandible is a man with a lot of money, toys and training, but has fantastic people skills, a good public image and is respected more than he is feared.
And maybe one day, he'll get the powers too!
Stay Tuned, Ladies and Gents ;)
Nate.
