Time to get geek

In today's age of facebook, twitter and the illegal downloading of movies before they've been released, it's hard to find anyone that's not at least a little bit geek nowadays.  I don't partake in the social networking sites as much as some of my peers, but I do five-finger discount music online and am addicted to fantasy sports.  But the best geek thing to happen in the past year was the release of "The Dark Knight."  The idea that a comic book, something previously designated to only the old school geeks, could become such a mainstream success is due in no small part to the vision of the director and brilliance of its writing and story telling.  

But, like an adolescent boy after his first sexual experience, the movie left me unfulfilled, jittery and wanting more.  I've recently taken it upon myself to do a little research on the subject and try to figure out what the next one will offer.  Chris Nolan, the writer and director of "The Dark Knight," stated his interest in returning the Batman series to its orgin.  So I read up on the beginning lore of Batman.  The most recent film is almost a complete, though updated for the time, version of the comic "The Long Halloween," which introduces Two-Face and has elements of the Joker's first appearance in Batman #1.  But I wanted more and began to think about the evolving story as a writer.  If I was continuing this story, where would I go with it?

The first and foremost fact to keep in mind is that Robin is an integral part to the story of Batman.  He has been with Batman from the very beginning.  Since Bruce Wayne, at the the end of "The Dark Knight," declares he will go into hiding and be "whatever Gotham needs me to be,"  it perfectly allows for the emergence of Robin, to pick up where Batman has left off.  However, this seems a bit misleading from the direction of the films.  The magic that this series has captured is putting a crime-fighting super hero in the reality of today.  The Joker, a comic character himself, was made real and gritty, and seemed possible in the real world.  He wasn't just an over-the-top cartoon like many of the villains in previous Batman films.  He was a terrorist trying to give Gotham a little anarchy and chaos.  The birth of such a villain seemed possible.  But Robin, on the other hand seems far-fetched.  A boy wearing spandex that works for Batman.  Seems a little too Michael Jackson for my liking.  But I guess if the audience can be made to believe someone like the Batman is possible, the Boy Wonder shouldn't be too far removed.  

The addition of Robin almost seems mandated.  With the films trying to recreate the origins of the Caped Crusader, and with Batman basically calling it quits, a new hero for the city appears necessary.  Harvey Dent is dead (?? maybe...) , and Gotham needs a new White Knight.  But what about the villains?  People all over the internet are calling for specific villains to appear in third film.  Tops on the list are the Riddler.  Rumored to be up for the role is Johnny Depp.  If anyone can make this over-the-top villain appear real, Depp would be the man.  Heck he made Hunter S. Thompson seem like he could be a real person.

But after much research, I have come to the conclusion that the Penguin is the best fit.  Looking at his origin and backstory, his character seems the most likely and fitting for the next installment.  Take a look at his biography (I'll wait...).  I'm not saying they should recreate Arnold Schwarzenegger's twin, Danny Devito's portrayal of the Penguin.  But ponder his history.  He is a short, plump gajillionaire, that owns a shady night club.  For the most part, he doesn't often fight Batman, or commit much crime first hand, he actually hires thugs and petty crooks to do it for him.  With the criminal mastermind and villainous leader, the Joker, being dead (in real life and for the most part in the story - he's in Arkham Asylum, come on, no one ever escapes from there....), and the Falconi crime family basically in shambles, a new gangster and kingpin for the crime in Gotham would be perfect.  Not to mention he owns a major corporation in Gotham that rivals Wayne Enterprises in stature and wealth.  It would be a great counterpoint to see the Batman fight the Penguin at night, and Bruce Wayne battle him in the boardroom during the day.  He could be a legitimate threat to the city without being a caricature.  Forget the flying umbrellas, he could just be a crime lord that gets the plebian crooks to commit the crimes for him.  

Without a true hero in Gotham now that Batman is gone, the city needs someone to step up and take the lead.  The city needs someone to convince them his way is right and he has the best interests of Gotham at heart.  He needs to be charismatic and a great orator and seem like he has the interests of the common man at heart.  The next villain should obviously be Obama.  Just kidding, but the Penguin fits that description.  He is eloquent and persuasive.  He can make Gotham's citizens eat out of the palm of his hand and do whatever he wants behind closed doors.

Phew...I'm all geeked out, that was exhausting.