Host Anthony Desiato and guest Rob O'Connor (All Star Superfan Podcast) shine a light on the 2005 film BATMAN BEGINS, directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Christian Bale, which made an outsized impact on the character and superhero movie genre.

They discuss how the film shaped them as younger Batman fans; the scope of the origin story told — well beyond the typical moment of Bruce with his slain parents in the alley; key themes of fear & falling; direct comic book influences on Nolan, including the relatively obscure short story "The Man Who Falls" from 1989; and the choice & utilization of Ra's al Ghul & Scarecrow as the primary antagonists.

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Lighting the Bat-Signal is a Flat Squirrel Production. Key art by Isaiah Simmons. Theme music by Kill Me Kate.

Mentioned in this episode:

Aw Yeah Comics

Fat Moose Comics

Drunken Avenger

Always Hold On To Smallville