In the recent
ComicsHistory
Review of Greg Pak's new Batman/Superman #1, questions of
continuity and other seemingly confusing items reared their untimely
heads, so we decided to go to the source and ask some questions. Via
Twitter,
@ComicsHistory
queried DC Comics writer
@GregPak
about the continuity issues that came up in Batman/Superman #1.
And Pak's answer was "
All will be revealed in the fulness of time.
;-)." Now, at first glance, that is a typically vague answer from
a writer who cannot reveal spoilers for his own work prior to the
publication date. Except that Pak used the exact same phrase with
another Twitter user about continuity issues as well. Hmmm, the
mystery deepens. Upon further investigation, it turns out that
Greg
Pak used the exact same phrase in a May interview for
Comicvine.
In that interview, Comicvine asked: "Comic Vine: How will the
first meeting between Batman and Superman relate to JUSTICE LEAGUE
#1.
Pak answered: "All will be revealed in the fullness of time.
Have no fear. We know what you're thinking. It will all make sense in
the end. In the meantime, enjoy seeing Batman and Superman as young,
raw, dangerous, new heroes coming face to face. It's a crazy and
different kind of meeting for the two of them. It's gonna be a ton of
fun."
Now, one explanation for the multiple uses of the same phrase is
that Pak cannot think of a better line to use. But since he uses
words effectively for a living, that excuse is far-fetched. More
likely, Greg Pak is dropping Easter Egg-like clues about the true
meaning behind the plotlines in this comic. The phrase "All will be
revealed in the fullness of time," is from the Bible, and refers to
fathers and sons and adoption.
"but when the fullness of time
had come, God sent forth his
Son, born of woman, born
under the law, to redeem those
who were under the law, so
that we might receive adoption
as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5)
While this Scipture talks of God sending his only Son to Earth to
redeem (or save) humanity, so that mankind can be "adopted" as sons
of God. Now, since Biblical reference and allusion are long-standing
traditions in Western literature, and Superman
is frequently held up as a Christ-reference (don't believe me? Go
see "Man of Steel" in the theaters. The Christ-like references are
everywhere), it is likely that Pak is referring to Superman's mission
on this Earth.
In the beginning of Batman/Superman #1, we see Clark Kent
descending as it were, into Hell (also known as Gotham City), where
heroes sit by and watch children fight (but not without reason).
Clark exudes a belief in the innate positive nature of mankind,
believing that humanity can, and should, be saved, and that it is his
duty to do the saving. Cut to the later fight scene between Batman
and Superman in Metropolis that night, and a Catwoman who is
possessed by something very evil. Suddenly (oh yes, Spoilers lurk
here, by the way), Superman is transported to an alternate reality
where he is fighting an older, more experienced Batman. After
defeating Batman, Supes then sees his adopted father, Jonathan Kent,
who, in the New 52 DC Universe, is dead. What gives? This apperantly
is Earth-2, and somehow, Clark/Superman will get to see and speak
with his adopted father once again.
Given the way both Clark and Bruce Wayne grew up, one with an
adopted father after his true father sent him to Earth, and the other
without a true father to guide him (other than Alfred), they have
very different ideas and philosophies about the nature of humanity
and the proper methods for each of them to help humanity. My guess is
that the second issue of this series, if not futher on down the line,
will focus on the nature of sons without natural fathers, and the
value to Clark of having an adopted father. And perhaps Bruce will be
able to find closure with his own father issues, and trust isues. Oh,
and that evil thing that possessed Catwoman? It appears to be a
villain called the Trickster, who is a lackey of Darkdseid of
Apokolips. This villain's presence just reinforces the bibliclal
allusion theory, as Darkseid is a clear stand-in for Satan, who rules
a realm of misery and damnation. For Satan, tha land is Hell, and for
Darkseid, that land is Apokolips. And the Trickster is a stand-in for
a Satan-led demon who can possess others.
Greg Pak has cleverly dropped some verbal clues in deciphering
where this story line is going, and what may be the deeper meaning of
this tale. I look forward to reading Batman/Superman #2 to find out.
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