BAT-GENIUS Denny ‘O Neil The Best Batman Writer of All Time

Denny ‘O Neil named Optimus Prime and was the best Batman writer on the planet, those being the least of his achievements. Denny was a teacher, a journalist, a writer, an editor, he served in the Navy, and in interviews comes across as humble and kind. In comics he wrote stories based around real world crimes, racism and drugs in a time when company heads would rather have not even touched such topics. Denny pushed the envelope and was part of the new blood at companies such as DC, the successors to the old time comics writing legends, creating fantastic Batman (and other) stories with Neal Adams in a legendary run.

and HE WILL BE MISSED .

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A few years back Kevin Smith did some fantastic long form in depth interviews several hours long with Denny ‘O Neil that cover his life, career and work in comics. They are fantastic talks well worth listening to, I have listened to multiple time. If you would like to listen to them in full they are linked below. You can also save them for offline audio listening.

FOB#60 Denny ‘O Neil PART#1

FOB#61 Denny ‘O Neil PART#2

FOB#61 Denny ‘O Neil PART#3

By Super Festivals from Ft. Lauderdale, USA – IMG_0127, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=91984448

BATMAN BASICS ARE BEST – ALWAYS SEEK OUT SIMPLICITY

In a world of ever increasing confusion, complication and complexity…

Batman relies on key basics to keep him grounded and focused.

Batman takes the complex and refines his unorthodox unique skill set down to the basics.

To what is absolutely essential, reducing wasted effort at every step.

“Little of what we spend our time on actually counts. By concentrating on those thing that do , we harness the power of that result producing 20%” – Richard Koch on the 80/20 Principle

CHOKE HOLDS AND BODY SLAMS

While Batman has famously studied multiple styles of martial arts, those skills are like icing on the cake. The core of his hand to hand skills is good old wrestling, boxing and gymnastics. They form the foundation, the bedrock upon which all other physical skills are built. Combined with strength training they make Batman a formidable foe in any arena.

In life and combat, it is not the daily increase, but daily decrease that leads to proficiency.

Streamlining a cluttered mess of archaic techniques down to what works, what scores, what gets it done is the habit of every high level wrestler, boxer, martial artist, soldier or combat athlete.

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TRUE DETECTIVE

Like Sherlock Holmes Batman possess superior deductive reasoning, observation, and inference abilities. These skills involve keen observation of details, logical thinking, and the ability to make accurate deductions based on evidence.

The Batman is a pure detective all about process and working through hypothesis based on available evidence filling in gaps patiently one puzzle piece at a time.

Attention to detail, objective evidence, accurate deductions and presentation of facts and evidence form the core of Batman’s  Dark Knight Detective skills.

A dogged persistence and determination keep Batman going when the trail grows cold, but mean nothing without the skill set to focus his attention upon.

 

DUCKING AND DIVING

The Batman has studied criminals by becoming a criminal, learning their trade and becoming better at it in order to beat them and catch them at their own game. Having studied with master thieves, escape artists and the common criminal – the Batman improved upon his skill set exponentially.

Sleight of hand, and non telegraphed body language conribute to Batman’s pick pocketing skills, while knowing how to gain entry (and leave undetected) give Batman the edge in burglary.

Knowledge of locks, handcuffs, shims and picking techniques combined with constant preparedness such as keeping clips, pins or picks in his utility belt belt, combined with knowledge of escaping seemingly impossible situations make Batman a master escape artist.

BREATH OF THE BAT

The Batman is a master of his own breath.

Lifting a heavy weight of any type requires mastery of the breath and muscular nerve tension.

Holding the breath underwater while escaping from yet another impossible death trap requires mastery of the breath and near total calm under extreme duress, as well as previous conditioning to increase the ability of the lungs and blood pathways to stay underwater for longer.

The Batman is a master of his own body, and his own breath.

Like the great Yogis, Strongmen, Nave SEALs and Escape Artists of days gone by – The Batman masters his breathing, one breath at a time, one moment at a time, one day at a time.

MASTER OF DISGUISE

Sometimes the best perspective in Gotham is not one from high on a rooftop or perched upon  a Gargoyle, but down deep in the underworld, blending in to the underbelly of the city

Good old spirit gum, a wig, mustache and a change of clothes allows the Gotham playboy to seamlesslesy slip into the underworld to feel the pulse of the city.

As a Master of Disguise Bruce Wayne combines skills of the best actors and old fashioned prop men, improvising simple disguises that allow to him pass like a stealthy ninja, blending into his environment, invisibility by being part of the furniture in a dive bar, local dock or warehouse.

Combined with his various disguises Wayne uses his abilities as an actor to infiltrate local gangs for intel, seamlessly and effortlessly.

Inspiration of The Batman

Batman, also known as the Dark Knight, is a popular comic book hero who has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of people around the world. Beyond his extraordinary abilities and iconic suit, Batman embodies several inspirational qualities that make him a role model for people of all ages.

First and foremost, Batman is a symbol of perseverance. Despite losing his parents at a young age, he dedicated his life to becoming the protector of Gotham City and fighting against crime and injustice. He trained both his body and mind to be the best that he could be, turning his tragedy into a force for good. This unwavering determination is a powerful example of how one can overcome adversity and use their experiences to help others.

In addition, Batman is a symbol of intelligence and creativity. He is a master strategist and problem-solver, always finding innovative ways to defeat his enemies and protect the people of Gotham. He also uses his wealth and resources to create gadgets and tools that give him an edge in battle. This combination of intelligence and creativity is an inspiration for people who strive to think outside the box and find unique solutions to the challenges they face.

Batman is also a symbol of courage and selflessness. He puts himself in harm’s way to protect others, without seeking recognition or reward. He stands up for what is right, even when it means going against powerful enemies. This unwavering commitment to doing the right thing is a shining example of true bravery and selflessness.

Finally, Batman is a symbol of hope. In a city plagued by crime and corruption, he serves as a beacon of light, inspiring the people of Gotham to believe that a better future is possible. He shows that even the darkest of circumstances can be overcome through determination, intelligence, courage, and selflessness.

In conclusion, Batman is much more than a comic book hero – he is a symbol of hope and inspiration for people everywhere. Whether facing personal struggles or larger societal problems, his qualities of perseverance, intelligence, courage, and selflessness provide a roadmap for how to overcome adversity and make a positive impact on the world.

TOP 5 AUTHENTIC STRENGTHS OF THE BATMAN

How about a small, simple definition for strength? Ability. To be strong is to have ability. In life, in the gym, and in relationships. The ability to overcome the physical, emotional, or subjective obstacles that hinder our progress as human beings. That is strength – Todd Hargrove

1. STRENGTH OF THE BODY

“The most effectual means of preventing all the disadvantages and evil consequences of a neglected exercise of body and muscles is methodical physical training” – George Hackenschmidt

Muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility, mobility, explosive power, grip strength, reaction timing, a strong back, neck and bones thickened from vigorous physical demands are the way of the Bat.

Strength training (also known as Resistance Training) is a kind of voluntary temporary stress imposed upon the body in order to stimulate growth of the heart and lungs, muscle tissue, tendon, ligaments and bones.

Growth in physical culture and in Life comes from Resistance. No Resistance = No Growth

We endure voluntary stress, in our own way, in order to be more capable.
So that in times of in-voluntary stress, we are physically and mentally more adapted to the unpredictable circumstances of life that challenge us beyond our everyday norms.

Our body is our slave and must listen to our mental commands. A weak mind produces a weak body. Doing nothing is an insurance policy in failure. There are many ways to strengthen ones body, mind and spirit freely available.

The Batman employs as many as he is able to, and why should we not do the same?

For a man to be truly strong, in addition to correct physical training he must also posses something intangible and priceless that can not be taught by even the greatest of teachers – the will to be strong. – George Hackenschmidt

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2. STRENGTH OF THE WILL

The Batman forges his strength of will in the heart of his suffering. His will power, as a self willed man is almost unparalled (notable others being Lex Luthor and Hal Jordan). His mind set, will and determination are key characteristics of his psyche.

From suffering and tragedy comes greatness for The Batman. Not all human beings can turn their most painful experiences into reasons for being and living beyond ordinary conditions. Without pain, struggle and sacrifice, life would be meaningless. Without difficulty, Bruce Wayne would lack the capacity to rise above the conditions of his life.

From resistance comes strength.

Strength of of the body, strength of the mind, strength of the will and psyche.

Properly exercised and exorcised, The Batman’s mind is his greatest weapon in the unrelenting struggle not just for against evil and for survivial, but against the unrelenting chaos of an unfair universe and existence itself.

Bruce Wayne has develeoped supreme determination, forbearance and concentration.  From hells heart he stabs at thee.

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3. STRENGTH OF VULNERABILITY

“Vulnerability is not winning or losing- it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness – it’s our greatest measure of courage.”

“People who wade into discomfort and vulnerability and tell the truth about their stories are the real badasses.” – Brene Brown

Being vulnerable means being open to life. It means growing up and showing up, daring to act rather than hide away and attempt nothing. Life can and will kick you in the balls (or uterus), and any time you dare to achieve anything, you are going to be vulnerable to your own doubts and insecurities, as well as those looking to take you down a peg in the arena of life. As Brene Brown said in Rising Strong “We can choose courage or we can choose comfort, but we can’t have both. Not at the same time”.

Being vulnerable means not running from our own emotions and daily challenges in life, but facing them and knowing that we will likely fail more often than we succeed.

Being vulnerable is not limited to suffering, we find vulnerability in joy, vulnerability in  confidence and all aspects of life. To live is be vulnerable. To pretend otherwise is ignorance.

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4. STRENGTH OF CHARACTER

“We can always better understand and appreciate a man’s real character by the manner in which he conducts himself towards those who are the most nearly related to him, and by his transaction of the seemingly commonplace details of daily duty, than by his public exhibition of himself” – Samuel Smiles

“No man is bound to be rich or great – nor to be wise; but every man is bound to be honest” – Sir Benjamin Rudyard

Aside from Batman’s well known physical attiributes and strength of will, one of his greatest strengths is his personal character. Known to superheroes and villains alike for his honesty, integrity and willingness to sacrifice himself or save a life for a principle. The Batman’s character is beyond reproach. Even his enemies know this to be so.

But what is CHARACTER? Character is the overall qualities or atttributes of an object or thing. Applied to living human beings such as Batman however, it is a combination of all his qualities and things that make him distinct and unique.

Attributes such as Honesty, Integrity, Reliability – in addition to the Batman’s virtues and vices. The Batman’s reputation is well established in the DC Universe, and few would doubt his word or true motivations, such is his character. His personality, his motivations and most of all his actions add up to his personal character.

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5. STRENGTH OF COMPASSION

The purpose of developing Compassion is not to avoid difficulties – it is quite the opposite. Compassion is about having the courage and the strength to turn towards pain and difficulty within ourselves or for others, because this is what is needed. – Dr Andreas Comninos,  Clinical Psychologist

The Batman perhaps more than anyone is motivated by a desire for people not to suffer.

His own experiences mean when he encounters someone suffering whom he can help he acts from a place of choiceless awareness. Without compassion The Batman would be an unfeeling unsympthetic monster, or a remorseless killing machine.

Compassion distinguishes The Batman from other vigilantes and creatures of the night, making him a unique force for good while operating in the shadows and underbellies of society.

Compassion is seen by the weak and selfish as a weakness, but for those such as Bruce Wayne who have and develop their compassion for their fellow human beings, it is truly a Strength among Strengths.

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CREDITS

Todd Hargrove Quote on Strength:

https://www.bettermovement.org/blog/2011/what-is-strength

https://toddhargrove.substack.com/about

Samuel Smiles quote from “Character”, page #15

George Hackenschmidt quotes from “The Way to Live in Health and Physical Fitness”

Compassion Quote from Mindfulness and Clinical Psychology Solutions

https://mi-psych.com.au/compassion-an-overview/

TOP 5 BATMAN HAIKUS

I asked CHAT GPT for some Batman Haikus, and the results were good enough that I am posting them right here. Please note that all my articles are my own original content, and if I post anything like this again as an experiment, I will mention it in the intro. One should never be a lazy writer, but one should also use all tools in ones Bat utility belt wisely.

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Gotham’s dark knight waits, Silent protector at night, Justice never sleeps.

Caped crusader soars, Fearless, vigilant, and strong, Evil meets its end.

Amidst the shadows, Batman strikes fear in their hearts, Hope for the helpless.

Beneath the cowl’s mask, A hero fights for justice, Gotham’s dark defender.

The Bat-Signal shines, A beacon of hope and strength, Batman is on guard.

Batman’s cape billows, As he perches on the edge, Ready to take flight.

Gotham’s hero stands, Silent guardian of the night, Watching over all.

Bruce Wayne’s alter-ego, Protector of the helpless, Vengeance for the lost.

Batman strikes quickly, His foes are left in dismay, Justice is served well.

A symbol of hope, The Dark Knight rises again, To vanquish evil.

The Batmobile roars, As Batman rushes to save, Gotham City’s fate.

The Joker cackles, But Batman’s calm and focused, Ready for battle.

A solitary figure, The Caped Crusader stands tall, Defender of good.

The Bat-Signal glows, The night sky is illuminated, Batman responds swiftly.

Gotham’s protector, A legend in black and grey, Forever vigilante

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