Esotropiart

I'll never forget once upon a time in high school when I had a rare (and dorky) coming-out-of-my-shell moment. I believe I was a freshman, and I was in front of the entire student body (and parents and guests too, if I remember right) at an assembly, microphone in hand. I don't remember the exact occasion, but I think I was sharing some feelings and appreciation for the seniors that year or something. I had some friendships with some of them. All the seniors were sitting up on the stage. I think it was some sort of tribute to the class, possibly near the end of the year. One of them asked me as I was finishing my spiel, "Who are you?" I don't know if he truly had no idea who I was (quite possible), or he was just trying to humiliate me in front of everyone by suggesting that no one has a clue who this insignificant underclassman is. I had him repeat the question, to which I answered in my Michael Keaton impersonation voice, "I'm Batman." I got quite a good reaction from the crowd. I think some of them knew that I liked Batman, and others simply remembered the quite famous quote from the first modern Batman movie by Tim Burton (Michael Keaton as the Dark Knight, 1989).

For virtually as long as I can remember, I have always liked Batman. When I was really young, it was perhaps a toss-up whether I liked Batman or Superman more. As I grew a little older, Batman took the lead hands down, and I was nearly obsessed with admiration for this fictional character. I created hundreds of [horrible] drawings. Quite honestly, I might owe my artistic interest and skill to Batman. I drew him so much that I began to develop an observative mind and some decent skills for my age. I don't think I am particularly artistically gifted, but rather by repeated practice, I became better. I'm still no artistic genius by any means, but it is interesting to see how Batman quite possibly influenced this large part of my life.

On a similar note, I believe that my interest in martial arts sprung from my interest in Batman. While reading comic books and other fanfare, I remember coming across the phrase, "master of all known forms of physical combat". That always impressed me to hear. I was in fact quite drawn toward this character who relied entirely upon his human abilities. He was unlike most other heroes who had some sort of mystical, alien, mutant, or magical power. Batman simply was extremely talented, intelligent, agile, etc. I really liked this more realistic, down-to-earth concept. It made me feel that if I tried hard enough and studied hard enough, perhaps some day I could have some of the abilities Batman has. In my later teen years, sometimes I would also relate to Batman in that he had a dark part of his soul. Growing up in the church and in a relationship with God, I knew that I was a fallen human being with flaws. I liked that Batman was not portrayed as a perfect hero. He had his emotional challenges and humanity.

It was this childhood dream that led me to interest in martial arts. Most of the time nowadays I don't really think about this historic connection, but it recently came to my recollection, so I figured I'd write about it.

My interest in Batman has since faded, but he is still my favorite super hero of all time. I still have a fairly large box full of Batman memorabilia that I can't make myself get rid of. I am anticipating the day when something in that box might have some value. Unfortunately E-Bay and other online auction sites have destroyed the collection market, especially comic books, since items go for far under their "book value", and everything is easy to find in vast numbers and conditions.

My wife bought me a Batman shirt last year, and it immediately became my favorite shirt. I always wanted a simple Batman symbol shirt (see the photo above). I had one a long time ago, but it was one of those cheap iron-ons, and the stuff just peeled off. This one's much better. Every time I wear it to work - and some other places - I get interesting comments. People quite simply call me Batman. You'd think people would say, "Nice shirt", or "I like the shirt". But no, they say, "how's it going, Batman", "Hey, Batman", or "It's the Batman". It finally occurred to me that I have achieved my childhood dream. All I have to do to become Batman is to wear this shirt! I think it is something like Clark Kent's glasses. They have so much camouflaging power that no one suspects he is really Superman. Well, the same goes for Batman. My shirt keeps anyone from recognizing me. Oh, but don't tell anyone. It's just our little secret.

Batman's (My) Family Photo Album

Batman in "Duh Arts"

...of the Glues