The Dark Knight

"I don't want to KILL you. You complete me."

-The Joker, Batman, The Dark Knight

This quote was perhaps my favorite from the movie. It stuck in my head for hours after I watched the thrilling Dark Knight in July. Hearing someone say that "you complete them", you can imagine it coming from a lover. Lovers complement each others in every way (almost), bringing about a continuity of bliss. Batman and the Joker in the newly released film are far form a pair of bright-eyed lovers, and yet the Joker, in all his insanity, speaks an interesting truth. Batman and the Joker, though not lovers, have a relationship that would not exist without either one of them.

The strong sense of order and chaos is blatant in Christopher Nolan's latest film. Batman, our penitent hero, represents the good and orderly in Gotham. Our caped crusader, despite his own tortured nature, continues to do good and struggles within himself not to stray from that mindset and become his own polar opposite, his own personal demon, brought to life through the Joker.

The Joker, on the other hand, is a sadistic, pleasant and cheerful little bugger. He has no moral qualms about the actions that he undertakes. The chase is most appealling to him, and the chaotic nature of it all (that may in fact make no sense to anyone else) always finds a place in his own demented world.

This is, of course, but a taste of the many philosophical ideas that come from the world of Batman. Undoubtedly you'll want to learn more. Who wouldn't?? In that case allow your friendly neighborhood library to steer you in the right direction.

Firstly, I recommend for the academic at heart Batman and Philosophy: The Dark Knight of the Soul which is a phenomenal collection of essays written by modern-day philosophers. The essays center around the world presented through the comics and not just the movies. (an added bonus!)

Still hungry for more Batman books to quench your curiosity? Why not try some of these:

The Essential Batman Encyclopedia: This provides an excellent reference for any reader who lacks the time to read the extensive collection of Batman comics and graphic novels.

The DC Comics Encyclopedia: This is also an excellent reference book for those of you that want a comic book answer in a New York Minute.

Showcase Presents Batman : This is a collection of the Batman comics that comes in several volumes. Catch up on your Batman within a couple large tomes rather than a house full of comics!

Batman the Killing Joke: This is a newer graphic novel that I found in my library by chance. I fell in love with the artwork and even more so the story.

Batman Cover to Cover: While it isn't a graphic novel, it is an excellent collection of Batman comic covers throughout the decades. Something lovely to thumb through on a Friday night.

And if you don't care to read ANY of the Batman comics or grpahic novels at all, then curl up with a bowl of popcorn and put in your favorite Caped Crusader flick!