The Caped Crusade Batman and the Rise of Nerd Culture

Weldon (of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour) charts the evolution of the Batman: 20th century’s most popular superhero. Throughout, Weldon tries to determine Batman’s role in catalyzing what’s now considered “nerd culture.” Beginning with the character’s origins as a quick-and-dirty Shadow rip-off and continuing through the alternately beloved and despised 1966 TV series to the movies of Chris Nolan and the present day, Weldon provides a concise history of the Dark Knight that is accessible, insightful, and often quite humorous. It's interesting to note too, that 30 years ago, in 1989, Tim Burton's Batman basically revolutionized Hollywood by introduced the profitable super-hero action flick. Burton's Batman ushered in three sequels (all discussed in Weldon's books)...which as Geldon notes, were pretty corny but still presented a "version" of Batman. I felt that since we are celebrating this cultural milestone of the premiere of the modern superhero movie franchise this year, reading Weldon's book was aptly timed. Batman is a bit this and that: playboy, philanthropist, detective, maniac, martial arts master, brooding loner, insert identity here_______, and while this is partially intriguing, the real reason he has endured is because we can identify with him. Batman is a symbol. Nolan got that right. He is a symbol of triumph, victory, overcoming fears and suffering, of justice, and mercy. Recommended for anyone who loves: Batman, comics, humor, history. FYI: I listened to the audiobook & it was phenomenal.

I listened to this as an Audiobook and LOVED it. Perfectly timed for all of my current arguments about Batfleck (I loved him, Hated Superman) and a great history of Batman and all his different guises over the years. A great history of the character and his importance in pop culture.