Summary
-
Batman shuts down the manufacturer of the weapon that killed his parents in “Brick by Brick.”
-
Batman’s origin story continues to resonate, with new layers added to the classic tale.
-
Bruce Wayne’s actions foreshadow his growing interest in addressing systemic issues.
Warning: Contains spoilers for “Brick by Brick,” which appears in Batman #150!
Batman uses his vast fortune to help keep Gotham City safe, but his first act of becoming a billionaire only heightened his most important message. Even after 85 years, Batman’s origin story continues to yield new developments, as seen in the story “Brick by Brick”, appearing as the second feature in Batman #150. THE The story makes a stunning revelation about the consequences of what happened in Crime Alley.
“Brick by Brick”, appearing in Batman #150, written by Chip Zdarsky and drawn by Mike Hawthorne. The story begins with Bruce Wayne at the old corporate headquarters of Sims Firearms. There, he reveals that the company was the manufacturer of the weapon that killed his parents. When Bruce inherited his family’s fortune at age 18, he immediately purchased the company and closed it, offering the laid-off employees jobs at Wayne Enterprises.
Bruce reflects that he dismantled the company, brick by brick.
Batman’s origin story is iconic and continues to resonate across generations
DC has found new ways to keep Batman’s origin fresh, even after 85 years
At this point in his career, Batman’s origin story is known throughout the world. Portrayed in countless adaptations, Batman’s origin is one of the best in comics and still hasn’t lost its impact decades later. While it may seem like there’s nothing new left to tell about Batman’s backstory, generations of writers and artists have managed to do so. In 1976, Denny O’Neil and artist Dick Giordano introduced Leslie Thompkins, a Crime Alley doctor who comforted Bruce while the police examined the crime scene. Instead of cheapening the original story, it enriches it.
This fits into a pattern of Batman’s life: taking advantage of his extreme wealth and privilege to fight crime. Furthermore, it foreshadows your growing interest in addressing systemic issues.
Now, another layer has been added to this classic story. Joe Chill was instrumental in almost every version of Batman’s origin, but the weapon used was never discussed. Years would pass before Batman brought Joe Chill to justice. In the meantime, buying the manufacturer of the weapon Chill used was the next best option. Bruce was not completely heartless, however, in offering Sims’ employees jobs at his company. This fits into a pattern of Batman’s life: taking advantage of his extreme wealth and privilege to fight crime. Furthermore, it foreshadows your growing interest in addressing systemic issues.
Batman continues to use his wealth for good purposes
Batman is preventing future tragedies
In addition to foreshadowing these concerns, Batman’s first act of becoming a billionaire adds a layer to his anti-gun beliefs. Upon losing his parents to gun violence, Batman has a strict no-guns policy, which he has only wavered from in a handful of quotes, mainly during Final Crisis. Years of watching the chaos and misery that guns have caused Gotham’s citizens have only strengthened his resolve. Batman purchasing firearms from Sims ensured that generations would not suffer the same fate as him.
Batman #150 is on sale now from DC Comics!
|
“Brick by Brick”, appearing in Batman #150 |
|
|---|---|
|
|
|