If there’s anything bloggers love, it’s unearthing bizarre hidden messages in comics written decades ago.
And it’s all the better if these selfsame underlying themes are - as we like to say in the 21st century - “sexual” in nature.
From Supergirl’s unique relationship with her cousin to Hawkman’s ’90s encounter with Dr. Polaris, unintentional (at least in some cases … we hope) naughty jokes abound in DC and Marvel’s multiverses.
Guess that shouldn’t be too surprising, given the fact that most super-heroes run around in skin-tight outfits - when they’re wearing any clothing at all.
The king of comic-book subtext is Batman - a character once “outed” by the infamous Dr. Fredric Wertham. Since that time, the Dark Knight has been the frequent target of sniggering remarks - a fate no amount of post-Miller hardcore violence and psychosis can ever truly wipe away.
Of course, books like Batman #107 (1957) blatantly demonstrate why so many like to make fun of the Caped Crusader - it’s just so dang easy!
What’s so special about Batman #107? Here’s the plot: Dick Grayson mysteriously turns into an adult and Gotham flips over the fact that Batman has a real man!
Since the jokes practically write themselves here, the Keeper will instead point out key examples of subtext and let his six or seven readers go to town with their own quips.
Have fun!
Example #1:
Bruce and Dick examine a “queer” object.
Example #2:
Batman tells Dick he has a lot of “growing” to do before he becomes a real man.
Example #3:
Criminals are amazed that Batman got a “man” to take Robin’s place. Meanwhile, Bruce would tan Owlman’s hide - if Dick wasn’t so big now.
Example #4:
Dick finds that flagpoles can no longer support his weight.
Example # 5:
The underworld can’t get over the fact they have a man to worry about.
Example #6
Dick admires his grown-up muscles; notes he’s as “big” as Batman.
Example #7
Dick, once more a boy, notes his Owlman outfit is “swimming on him.”
To be perfectly honest, we have no idea what that last statement means!
For more Batman goodness, be sure to check out Random Panels and the Invincible Super Blog - two of the Web’s best sources for bizarre Bat-phernalia.
That’s a weird one I’ve never seen before. Thanks for pointing it out. I’m gonna have to go back and reread all those old issues.
I think Dick means to say that he was “swimming in IT.” Otherwise…Yeah, I’ve never heard that expression.
“I’d tan his hide, if he wasn’t so darn SEXY!!!”
Cute of Dick Grayson to continue running around in revealing shorts as an adult.
Well this is all way to easy, remember the original Batwoman? Back in the 1950’s - 1960’s she’d show up and the Dark Knight would instantly start acting like an endangered gay man…desperate to escape this clueless marriage minded harpy.