Batman has some controversial villains, however his most twisted enemy is losing his potential

from Batman The rogues' gallery is stuffed with twisted and deranged villains, however few are as controversial as Professor Pig- and surprisingly, it surpasses even the Clown on this regard. Whereas the character undeniably has potential, it's laborious to not query whether or not he's crossed the road of no return, cementing himself as a grotesque caricature of humanity's most wicked and reprehensible impulses.

To be frank, Professor Pyg makes me sick. I really like a great villain - one which makes me cringe or truly scares me - however Professor Pyg pushes the boundaries. He's too grotesque, too disturbing, and lacks the nuances that make a villain compelling. An amazing antagonist wants no less than one redeeming high quality, one enjoyable trait, or one darkly satisfying factor.

Pyg, nevertheless, embodies pure evil in a method that's neither participating nor entertaining. It feels uncomfortably near the horrors of the actual world, reflecting the darkest and most wicked facets of humanity. Due to this, I've at all times had problem connecting with the character and I usually discover it tough to undergo the comics the place he seems.

Professor Pyg's character made me abandon a comic book e book collection for 9 years

Comedian panel comes from Batman and Robin #3 (2009)

Regardless of showing for the primary time in Batman #666 (2007) by Grant Morrison and Andy Kubert, my introduction to Professor Pyg got here by the e book by Morrison and Frank Quitely Batman and Robinand run. At 16, I eagerly dove into the collection, blind to what was coming. Nevertheless, I rapidly discovered myself extra disturbed than entertained, notably in the course of the story the place Pyg kidnaps Robin, Damian Wayne. Though Robins' kidnapping is a recurring tropethe interplay between Pyg and Damian left me so shaken that I deserted the collection and didn't return to Morrison's collection for 9 years– such was its impression on me.

Whereas Two-Face's brutalization of Dick Grayson and Joker's torment of Jason Todd had been undeniably horrific, Morrison Batman and Robin took the “Boy hostage” trope to a brand new and disturbing excessive. What makes this particularly stunning is that it wasn't even a comic book from Black Label or Vertigo, that are identified for pushing darker boundaries. I gained't delve into the small print of Pyg's habits in the direction of Damian whereas he was in captivity, however suffice it to say that it was deeply inappropriate – particularly contemplating Damian's age. It's this disturbing habits that, in my view, makes Professor Pyg irredeemable.

Professor Pyg: a one-dimensional villain outlined by Gore and Shock Worth

Comedian panel comes from Batman and Robin #3 (2009)

Full disclosure: I are inclined to keep away from tales that includes Professor Pyg, so I'm not claiming to be an knowledgeable on the character. Nevertheless, from what I've seen, my preliminary evaluation of Batman and Robin nonetheless stays: Pyg's character is overwhelmingly outlined by deviance. This deal with deviance, in my view, is the foundation reason behind why he feels underdeveloped and empty regardless of being a memorable and emotionally provocative determine. There's little to Pyg past shock worth and gore, and whereas these components could make an impression, they'll solely take a personality thus far.

I consider Professor Pyg might have advanced a lot additional if his persona and motivations expanded past his inherent depravity. Some may argue that it's his deviance that makes him distinctive and full, however I've to ask: if that's the case, why doesn't he function extra prominently in DC narratives? So far as I do know, Pyg hasn't contributed considerably to a plot in years. When he seems, it's normally extra of a scare than something. than a personality with any actual substance.

Professor Pyg is definitely an especially well-developed character – however DC's narratives have failed to indicate him

Comedian panel comes from Batman and Robin #3 (2009)

One of many best tragedies of Professor Pyg's character is that he was properly developed, nevertheless, that depth hasn't translated into DC's storytelling. In BAtman and Robin Vol. 1: Batman Reborn TPthere's a bonus part titled "Batman Redesigned" that provides "a guided tour of the creation of Batman and Robin"by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely and Philip Tan. It was right here that I realized how fastidiously crafted the character of Pyg was. Morrison delves into the mythos of Pyg, sharing the story and inspirations that formed the villain, together with the music Pygmalism by Nick Currie and the musical My Stunning Womanwhich was impressed by the play Pygmalion.

Pygmalism is concerning the Greek fable through which the sculptor Pygmalion falls in love with a statue he sculpted and the goddess Aphrodite brings it to life. My Stunning Woman introduces Professor Henry Higgins, who bets he can remodel the unrefined Eliza Doolittle into a classy society girl. Each tales share a typical theme of "creation"— particularly molding somebody into what the creator considers their excellent — which straight influences Professor Pyg's obsession with the creation of his Dollotrons. As Morrison explains, Pyg "turned all these connections into a daunting private fable, constructed to justify his loopy actions..."

Will Professor Pyg be capable to overcome his disturbing persona?

Predominant cowl by Mitch Gerads for Batman #62 (2019)

There's no denying that Morrison actually fleshed out Professor Pyg in an unbelievable method. Nevertheless, the issue with this intricate context is that solely a choose few comedian e book readers comprehend it, as is revealed within the afterword fairly than within the narrative itself. Because of this, most readers don't have this attitude when seeing the villainwhich makes his motivations appear flat and underdeveloped. Nevertheless, despite the fact that I'm conscious of this background, I nonetheless discover this model of Professor Pyg too repugnant to be thought of a "good character."

It appears, then, that the actual drawback isn't the dearth of character improvement, however fairly DC's overemphasis on Pyg's depravity. This raises the query: can Pyg ever be redeemed as a personality? To make clear, I'm not referring to redemption inside his personal narrative, however fairly the potential for him turning into a extra full and identifiable character – a personality that lives as much as his potential as an amazing Batman villain. Personally, I'm not satisfied that Professor Pig might outweigh the injury accomplished to his character by earlier portrayals, however I'm open to being confirmed fallacious someday.