The Modern Myths: Adventures in the Machinery of the Popular Imagination

The Modern Myths: Adventures in the Machinery of the Popular Imagination by Philip Ball

We often think of myths as being something that early societies used to explain what we can now explain with science. However, humanity continues to create myths. Modern myths often escape their creator to take on a life of their own. They become a part of the culture. This work looks at modern myths with a focus on a few key myths. 

Frankenstein's monster was created in a novel by Mary Shelley. Since then it has grown to be a common word (often with a confusion of the scientist and is monster.) It explores the challenges with the power we have with modern technology. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde can be considered an extension of this and has gone on to form a mythology of its own.

Bram Stoker based dracula somewhat on existing stories. However, his spin on it spun out into a widespread popularity and spawned many different Vampire novels. The myth has been adopted by society.

What modern myths are being created now? The author explores Batman. the character is still controlled by DC comic, but has been interpreted be a variety of artists in different media. Batman has also inspired various other characters and stories. Will any of the additional stories of today go on to form their own mythology? Which ones are "different" enough?  Franchises like Star Wars and Harry Potter have well known characters, but follow well-established storylines and are still tightly controlled. Superheroes are popular, but have not often "broken free". A century from now we may know the answer. 

The Caped Crusade: Batman and the Rise of Nerd Culture

Batman has come to occupy a significant place in popular culture. The comic book representations of the caped crusader have changed with the times. At times he has protected the rich from wrongs, while at other times he is a dark vigilante or a protector of the common man. Batman's representation in media has been extremely popular, yet very different. The 1960's Adam West Batman was the epitome of camp, complete with "POWs". In the late 1980s, Time Burton put his spin, making a darker, yet still quirky Batman. Joel Schumacher took the movies into a lighter, more comic vein. However, he went too far with his second movie, alienating many of the core fans. With the internet, these fans were able to unite and helped lead to the bad reception of the movie. These fans were enthusiastic when Christopher Nolan went back to the comic book roots with Batman Begins. These movies were even more successful than the previous ones.

Through time, many people have seen parts of Batman in themselves. His sidekick Robin has come and gone. Batman has at times fought more "regular criminals", while at other times dealt with "super villains". At times he is very masculine, while at other times he is more homosexual. Batman has changed with the times. The comic books and movies continue to be popular as times have changed.

Dark Knight Rises

The Dark Knight Rises is ostensibly a superhero movie with Batman. However, he only makes a few token appearances. You could got out a few of those scenes, and it is just a dark gangster movie. The big bad guy can be hard to hear at times, but he is bad and strong. He gets people to follow him. They proceed to kill and maim people in the name of "liberating" them from the oppressors. Some people like this because that allows them to start doing the oppression. Batman eventually saves the day.

This is not as good as the previous Dark Knight. Parts of it seem to drag on for too long. (You could probably cut out an hour and still have a good movie.) It does have a good ending, and the supporting characters (such as Anne Hathaway) are well developed and add a lot to the film.