A Study of Contrasts

Bucky Sinister nicely summarizes the main focus of his poem within his title, “The Other Universe of Bruce Wayne”. The use of a popular and well known cultural icon is a unique and very interesting approach to use when writing poetry since a majority of poets choose to write about more general and ambiguous figures. Bruce Wayne, or his alter ego, Batman, are such easily identified iconic characters that the reader cannot help but to approach Sinister’s poem with preconceived ideas and opinions.

However, it is very apparent that all images and ideas associated with this certain icon will not apply in the poem within the first few lines when Sinister clearly lists all of the characteristics and technological gizmos that the Bruce Wayne of his universe lacks. This approach to writing about one of America’s most beloved fictional men can evoke a couple reactions from readers. One common reaction would be confusion followed by disgruntlement. This is understandable considering that Sinister is essentially taking America’s iconic Dark Knight, stripping him of all his larger than life superhero qualities and leaving behind just a dark, tormented man.

Yet many other people would consider this representation of Bruce Wayne fascinating and intriguing. The presentation of the superhero as a relatable and real person is very en vogue in this day and age. Discovering that larger than life figures can feel the painful effects of age and old injury and are also emotionally vulnerable is very appealing because it makes everyday people feel one step closer to being extraordinary and incredible. One need only peruse some of the most recent and upcoming Hollywood Blockbusters to see this fact.

Even though Sinister’s poem diverges from standard conceptions of Bruce Wayne and his alter ego, by using Bruce Wayne, the superhero playboy as an entry point, Sinister is making his Bruce Wayne a much more dramatic and strong contrast. His Bruce Wayne has vices such as smoking and alcohol consumption, opposed to the serious and no nonsense DC Comics version. Sinister’s Bruce also seeks out the company, reassurance and physical and mental support of others, while most Batman fans associate Bruce as a mentally strong and independent man who does not allow others to see him during moments of weakness. These endless contrasts between the expected character and Sinister’s character constantly surprise the readers, keeping their attentions fixed and their minds running a mile a minute with numerous interpretations.

Taken from: Bix at bix.yahoo.com/contest/15563/pair/115143vs115125

Gone in a Flash

That dashing man dressed up in red
Appeared when I was on the street
I paused and quickly turned my head.

“That must have been the Flash!” I said,
A faster man you’d never meet,
That dashing man dressed up in red

It might have been a dream instead
Behind me came a sudden greet
I paused and quickly turned my head

I saw him and my smile, it spread.
He surely was a true athlete,
That dashing man dressed up in red.

One charming nod of his head,
He disappeared on his fleet feet,
That dashing man dressed up in red.
I paused and quickly turned my head.