There’s been a lot of talk about the newlywed couple, BAE and Bella. But recently, a different aspect of their relationship has received the spotlight: their shared passion for classic comic books!
It started when the Hollywood Reporter revealed that the couple have been spending a lot of time together, hanging out, and even collaborating on artistic projects. Since the beginning of the year, they have been actively pursuing a passion they both share, and it has been fun to watch and participate in.
So what is this newfound appreciation of comics all about? Why do these two famous figures find such kinship in this often-times humorous and oftentimes tragic genre?
Let’s take a look.
The Joy of Reading: Comics and Collectibles
The first and most obvious thing to note is the sheer joy of reading comics and collectibles. Both Kate and Will enjoy digging into old issues of their favorite comic books and finding new characters and stories to dive into. They’ve been spotted leaving their home, holding hands as they stroll into the bookstore or local libraries. Whether they’re checking out a new title or seeking inspiration from an old favorite, their passion for reading lives on.
Comic books have been around for more than 90 years, and although they’ve never been more popular or accessible than they are now, they’ve always been considered a “serious” genre by some. It wasn’t until recently that comics have been portrayed as something for everybody. The joy of reading and the ability to appreciate different genres and flavors is something that unites the couple.
Dark and Gritty: The Duality of Batman
Batman is arguably one of the most recognizable figures in comics. For those who haven’t kept up with his ever-changing looks and styles over the years, he’s always been a dark, gritty figure. With his crime fighting activities taking him to the shadows, it’s only natural that he would emerge as something of an anti-hero.
However, the fact that he’s been depicted as a villainous figure doesn’t diminish his undeniable appeal. Indeed, Batman has been the subject of much debate, with some seeing him as a dark mirror of ourselves while others believe him to be a cautionary tale. Regardless, it’s clear that Batman and his loyal fans share a special connection that crosses over into other areas of their lives. Whether it’s the desire to protect the innocent or just an appreciation for a good story, Batman is able to connect with his audience because of his duality. He’s strong, confident, and determined – but he’s also been known to feel pangs of regret and fear. This can make him an easier figure to relate to because he’s human, and as humans, we all feel emotions. It’s okay to feel fear and anger, but not to let it consume you. This is what makes Batman so fascinating.
While Batman has always been considered “cool” and a symbol of strength and independence for many, it’s interesting to note that he was originally inspired by comic book creator Bob Kane. What’s especially intriguing is that one of the first African American cops in comics history was named William Westphael (or Westphalia in some countries). When asked about the inspiration for Batman, Bob Kane replied, “He was the first black policeman I ever saw. I liked his outfit and I liked his attitude.”
A Risk-taker: The Thrilling Adventures of Captain Marvel
Another iconic comic book character who has been around for more than 70 years is Captain Marvel. Unlike Batman, Captain Marvel has never been considered a “serious” character, which probably has something to do with his charm and relatability. This has made him a pop culture figure, appearing in everything from films to TV shows to video games. However, as interesting as his appearances have been, it’s mostly been as a vehicle for humor. While some see him as a satire of Superman and other superheroes, it’s more likely that he was always meant to be a joke. The fact that so many people can relate to and enjoy his antics makes him a special character indeed.
There’s a reason why he’s been around for so long and has acquired a devoted audience: he’s always been a risk-taker. Even when he was first introduced to Marvel Comics back in the ’40s, his adventures were classified as “exciting” and “thrilling.” While modern comics may be a lot more subtle in their social commentary, underneath all the jokes and ridiculous storylines, there’s a message about staying true to yourself and not caring what others think. This can be applied to anybody, but it’s especially pertinent with regard to celebrities and popular culture figures. You know who else always takes risks? Donald Trump. He constantly blurts out controversial statements and upsets the status quo, which forces people to pay attention and talk about him. It could also explain why so many women find him attractive; he’s probably the only celebrity who could actually say the words “I love it when a woman is aggressive” and not be perceived as predatory.
For those looking for a character they can relate to, Captain Marvel and his adventures are an amusing and educational look at how the industry has changed and evolved over the years.
An Essential Part of the Creative Process: The Painter and the Sculptor
While Batman and Captain Marvel are undoubtedly popular figures in their own right, it’s the creative process that brought them to fame that makes them even more interesting. To this day, both creators credit their experiences with superheroes and comic books as fundamental in their development as artists. This, in turn, has inspired them to give back, with each donating thousands of dollars to charity and becoming creative forces in young peoples’ lives. For example, Bob Kane and Bill Finger, creators of Batman, started the Bob Kane Scholarship at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.
This sort of impact isn’t limited to famous creators. In fact, everybody in the industry has had a hand in creating, or at least contributing to, the cultural phenomenon that is superhero movies! From executives at large studios to actors who only appear in small cameos, everybody has a role to play in keeping these movies interesting and exciting for audiences. It’s safe to say that without the creative process we wouldn’t have any superheroes, and that’s a good thing.
Collaborating: What’s Next?
The cultural impact and influence of comic books and superheroes can’t be understated. From TV shows to films, comic books have shaped our world. But perhaps the most interesting and significant development is the fact that these two famous figures have actively sought to push the limits of what’s considered “normal” in their industry. Indeed, over the past year, they’ve collaborated on multiple artistic projects, including a coloring book. But what’s next? Will we see them collaborate on a crime-solving unit of some sort? Will they team up to take on the bad guys? Will they try their hand at animation?
It’s important to remember that while this may be a joyful endeavor for the fans, it’s not without its risks. Just because these two famous figures are enjoying themselves doesn’t mean that they aren’t putting their reputations on the line. The line between celebrity and fame is a thin one, and it’s easy for somebody to cross over it. The fact that they’ve remained true to themselves and their creative vision, despite the risks, is what makes them special.
A Passion for All Things Classic: The Incomparable Spider-Man
While Batman and Pattinson have been spotted shopping for classic cars and even taking them for a joyride, it’s their shared love for older movies and television shows that has truly bound them. Indeed, they’ve been known to watch classic films and TV shows together, drawing inspiration from the likes of Humphrey Bogart, Bette Davis, and even Marlon Brando. They even named their dog after another iconic film icon, Gary Cooper.
This is probably no surprise, since both were raised on Hollywood and knew how to act like a celebrity. However, it’s the passion that inspires them to want to connect with these cinematic greats that makes them special. While they may study the craft of acting and take pride in their work, they’re at heart artists who want to push the boundaries of what’s considered “normal” in their industry. For them, acting is simply a means to an end – it’s a vehicle to tell a story, or in the case of something like Batman, to provoke thoughts and feelings in the audience.