Comic book references in movies Part II: 'Batman Returns'

Every writer of the Batman movies had either an extensive prior knowledge of the Batman comic books or did an extensive research before writing the script. Each and every one of the theatrical Batman movies has numerous subtle and not so subtle nods and references to the comic books and reveals an impressive knowledge of the comic book back catalog.

One of the last posts focused on differences and deviations from the comic books from each movie, listing the number of things which were changed to fit the story more and serve it better (http://gothamalleys.blogspot.com/2011/03/list-of-changes-in-movies.html). This time we'll focus on all the references and similarities to showcase the writers' knowledge of the Batman stories and to point out what was taken from the comics

BATMAN RETURNS

Batman Returns carries over the tradition of its predecessor and continues the world based on the early portrayal of Batman mythos, focusing most on the Golden Age. Just like during the production of the first movie, Bob Kane was on the set and served as creative consultant, since it was his version of Batman world that Tim Burton's movies were reflecting.

1. The Gotham Park, or, as named in the 80's comic books, Robinson Park, (obviously based on New York City's Central Park) makes its first and only silver screen appearance. (Panel from 1990's Detective Comics #612)

2. The Golden Age Batman comics often began with a paperboy 

3. The giant gift trap comes from 1943's Batman #17 where Penguin used the same trick to set up a trap, packed as a big Christmas gift

4. Bruce often sits alone in the dark, contemplating, hurting. 

 

5. Catwoman in 1943's Batman #15 is shown as a sympathetic, middle class woman struggling in everyday life. She is also shown to live alone in a small apartment with her cat

6. Selina has been a blond few times during the Golden Age, noticeably in Batman #35 and #39

7.  Catwoman's origins in Batman Returns hark back to her original Golden Age origin from Batman #62 (December 1949/January 1950) in which she was introverted, then survived a crash, but suffered from amnesia. There after she became Catwoman by releasing her formerly repressed inner-self, and all her inhibitions. The version of Catwoman's origin involving a crash (a death and resurrection motif) and amnesia has the most depth psychologically. This origin suggests that Selina Kyle had a dual personality, and that her amnesia released her dark side, leading her not only to turn criminal, but liberate her formerly inhibited sexuality.

8. The scene were the cats "examin" the unconscious Selina is a homage to the identical scene in the comics when Selina the prostitute was beat up to unconsciousness and thrown out to the alley in the winter.

9.  Catwoman's costume is very reminiscent of her costume in the comic books at the time

She is also welcoming and surrounded by cats at home

10. Penguin isn't completely different from his comic book counterpart. Not only the comic book Penguin resembles the animal with his weight and long nose, but he also eats raw fish and makes penguin sounds (panels from 1974's Batman #257 and 1989's Detective Comics #610). Also, in his very first appearance in 1941's Detective Comics #58 he tried to frame Batman. He also uses same umbrellas, such as the flame thrower and the flying umbrella that made their appearances in the comic books.

11. On her first outing Selina slashes thug's face (panels from 1989's Catwoman: Her Sister's Keeper)

12. In the late 80's and early 90s Batman was very often portrayed driving alone in his Batmobile deeply immersed in his thoughts, being in touch with Alfred via wireless connection

Also, take a note of that particular panel below from 1990's Batman #456. Not only does it take place during Christmas time, but in the same issue Batman refers to Bruce Wayne as a separate identity while trying to find Vicky Vale. The Tim Burton Batman is said to really have clinically dual personality, which is more emphasized in Batman Returns. "I mistook me for someone else"

The very same issue begins with addressing the dual identity motif - again, a focus of Batman Returns

13. Often during the Golden Age Catwoman was portrayed making plans while lying on the bed with a cat on her side 

14. Catwoman's dialogue in Penguin's office is very reminiscent of Joker's speech in 1943's Detective Comics #71

15. The relationship between Batman and Catwoman. Catwoman uses her sexuality for distraction and surprise attack

 16. Another scene from the same story. Catwoman takes Batman down but then leaves/tries to leave him

17. When Batman was talking on the phone in the early issues he held the receiver upside down. That's the way it was meant to be in the movie at first but after seeing it Tim Burton discarded the idea

18. Penguin and Catwoman met before and the relationship was very much the same. Catwoman was disgusted but tolerable of Penguin, Penguin had an appetite for the Catwoman and wanted to marry her (panel from 1966's story 'The Catwoman's Black Magic')

19. Batman appears on the roof of the car/train. His menacing shadow reveals his presence (panel from Detective Comics #439 which was cited as an influence)

20.  Penguin used giant cages to entrap his prisoners in 1948's Batman # 43

21. The army of penguins armed with rockets comes from 1946's Batman # 38

22. Batman used notes signed marked with his logo throughout his entire history. (Panels below from Detective Comics #28 and Batman # 368). Bob Kane wrote the note himself

23.  Batman offers Catwoman his help, but after some hesitation she refuses and  attacks him. (Panel from 1980's Batman # 323)

24. The ambiguity about Catwoman's nine lives comes from 1946's Batman #35

 25. It's also worth noting that some of other Batman villains had close calls like Catwoman had (panels below from Batman #11 and Batman #297)

26. The ending is very reminiscent of the ending to 1988's Detective Comics #591. The issue ends with a mysterious Aborigine called Umbaluru, who claimed to have been protected by Mother Nature, falling from the skyscraper along with his rich oppressor Kerry Rollo to a certain death onto the pavement. But after Batman rushes downstairs he can only find the body of Rollo. At the end he is hinted that the Aborigine is still alive. The audience/reader gets a visual hint, Batman hears a noise but finds nothing. This is very much what happened with Catwoman and Max Shreck in the movie

 

  

27. While not a comic book reference, the movie tips a hat to the 1966 show's episode "Hizzoner the Penguin", in which Penguin also run for Mayor and tried to show Batman as a criminal

Special acknowledgment for fellow Batman historians BatmAngelus, thecolorsblend, greggbray, zuperzero, Silver Nemesis and BatmanMovieOnline