Aquaman is a Pescepublican

John August on the uncanny valley of superhero political leanings:

I’d argue that the thematic success of comic book characters, and comic book storylines, comes from how closely they can approach the line separating Real from Too Real, without crossing it.

For example, this summer’s The Dark Knight is set in the most realistic Gotham City yet, but its characters still speak in broad philosophical proclamations.

Absolutely. Plus, it helps that In Batman We Trust - we let him get away with various moral incongruities (let’s tap every cellphone! it’s OK because I’m trying to catch an evildoer!) that we wouldn’t accept from more tangible figures of authority*.

*Just kidding!

# 2008 Aug 14