I don't take it for granted there are certain comics (and we can call them graphic novels too), that have led me to accept many comic characters as archetypal creations... I mean, I titled this place Modern Mythology for goodness sake.
Even more obvious, I agree that this concept doesn't apply to every comic character. (Howard the Duck has his appeal but even I haven't figured out how to work him into a mythology yet.)
Nevertheless, it was good to sit in with a book group club at Geoffrey's Comics in Gardena as they dissected Grant Morrison and Dave McKean's "Arkham Asylum." Published in 1989, an unforgettable story - whether you like it or not - where the inmates of the asylum (Joker, Two-Face, etc.) are free and holding hostages until Batman turns himself in to them.
While he is their prisoner the Joker plans to drive him insane.
The artwork and writing were progressive and aggressive. Both creators turned out to be stars in their own right 15 years later. Morrison is a top writer at DC Comics and McKean directs films and is a well-known collaborator of Neil Gaiman ("Sandman," "Coraline").
I learned a thing or two while listening to the "Comic Book Club" examine the graphic novel's art, pacing and meaning.
"This story is Batman 'Through the Looking Glass,'" said Geoffrey Patterson Jr, who co-manages the store and runs the book club.
Some even described the story as Batman's descent into hell. Each ex-enemy he visits he is judged by.
Morrison and McKean play with several pieces of cultural judgment mythology. Even using the image of Anubis over the entrance (the Egyptian trickster figure.) as Joker welcomes Batman into the asylum.
Enough from me, check out some excerpts from the video of the gathering if you haven't already. Hopefully, I'll bring you more insights and discussion from the group in the near future.
Leave a comment