Batman: Faith

Legends of the Dark Knight (1989) #21-23

by Mike W. Barr

A story of a former drug dealer John Ackers, who is saved by Batman. Ackers is inpired to start an organization that helps people in Batman's name, known as the Batmen. Ackers intentions are misguided and under false assumptions he sees Batman as a religious figure calling on him to kill a drug dealer.

A sub-story focuses on the relationship between Leslie Thompkins and Bruce Wayne. It details a little of their background and Leslie's beliefs in pacifism. This story depicts Leslie learning Batman's secret identity after he is shot in the back by Ackers. It also sets up the mindset that makes Batman ready to adopt a sidekick.

Originally published in: Legends of the Dark Knight #21-23.

Genres: Batman, Comics, Dc Comics, Superheroes, Graphic Novels Comics, Comic Book

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Mike W. Barr is an American writer of comic books, and mystery, and science fiction novels. Barr's debut as a comics professional came in DC Comics' Detective Comics #444 (Dec. 1974-Jan. 1975), for which he wrote an 8-page back-up mystery feature starring the Elongated Man. Another Elongated Man story followed in Detective Comics #453 (November 1975). He wrote text articles and editorial replies in letter columns for the next few years. By mid-1980 he was writing regularly for both DC and Marvel, including stories for Marvel Team-Up, Mystery in Space, Green Lantern, and various Batman titles.

Legion of Super-Heroes #277 (July 1981) saw him take on editorial duties at DC, while writing issues of DC's Star Trek comic, for whom he created the native American character Ensign Bearclaw and a pacifist Klingon named Konom. In December 1982, he and artist Brian Bolland began Camelot 3000, a 12 issue limited series that was one of DC Comics' first direct market projects. In August 1983, Barr created what may well be his most enduring work, the monthly title Batman and the Outsiders with art by Jim Aparo. Barr wrote every issue of the original series, and its Baxter paper spinoff, The Outsiders.

His other comics work includes Mantra and Maze Agency as well as the 1987 OGN hardcover book Batman: Son of the Demon (with art by Jerry Bingham), proceeds from which reputedly "restored DC Comics to first place in sales after fifteen years." This title, and Barr's work on Batman with artist Alan Davis have been cited by Grant Morrison as key inspirations for his recent (2006) run on the Batman title.

In 2007, he wrote a two-part story for the pages of DC's JLA: Classified (#47-48, Jan-Feb 2008), returned to the Outsiders with Outsiders: Five of a Kind—Katana/Shazam #1 (Oct 2007), contributed to Tokyopop's Star Trek: The Manga, and relaunched Maze Agency at IDW Publishing. He has also scripted many of Bongo Comics' Simpsons titles, including a Christmas story for 2010.

In May 2010, the Invisible College Press published Barr's science fiction/fantasy novel, Majician/51, about the discoveries of a scientist working at Area 51.

Reviews

[Molly™☺ · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting early days Batman story that touches upon the themes of obsessive idolism and cult worship. It also highlights Bruce's loneliness and need for companionship despite his solitary ways, adding those layers of humanity which make him such a complex and interesting character. One that's definitely worth a look for those seeking a different Batman experience.

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cool idea of basically people who love Batman so much they create a cult and go too far. I like how badly Batman got wrecked here yet never gave up. The villain was a bit cheesy but overall a solid batman story.

[danabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I wasn't even supposed to read this I was def tryna read Prey BUT she was interesting and anything focusing on Leslie n Bruce imma eat it up

[Doctorjimmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
Καλογραμμενο, καλοσκιτσαρισμενο και εντονο, το Faith ειναι μια ιστορια για το πως οι πραξεις του Batman επηρεαζουν την Gotham. Αφου σωζει εναν ναρκομανη απο ξυλοδαρμο, ο τελευταιος αρχιζει να βλεπει εφιαλτες με τον Batman να τον πειθει να σκοτωσει τον μαφιοζο που ηταν υπευθυνος για τον ξυλοδαρμο. Στην ουσια ο ναρκομανης εχει τον σωτηρα του σαν ειδωλο και τον μιμειται, αλλα η διψα για εκδικηση τον οδηγουν στο να γινει πιο αιμοδιψης απο τον Batman.

Ταυτοχρονα, η Leslie (γιατρος και ανθρωπος που μεγαλωσε τον Bruce), θεωρει τον Batman απειλη και βιαιο, χωρις να ξερει οτι ειναι το ιδιο ατομο με τον Bruce.

"Μικρη" ιστορια, αλλα με αρκετη φροντιδα για να κρατησει το ενδιαφερον.

[Max's Comic Reviews and Lists · Rating 3 out of 5]

The actual “Batman The Cult”
The second book in my read through of the Legends of the Dark Knight books I chose. The main idea of the book is seeing the domino effect of what Batman does. And that’s perhaps the most interesting part of this story. Just like with the Sons of Batman from The Dark Knight Returns Batman’s actions will create enthusiastic supporters and protesters. This book as a whole is really frickin entertaining but has definite problems. More than Gothic did. (Which I reviewed yesterday)

One thing I noticed is that these Legends of the Dark Knight stories is that they are a hell of a lot darker and more violent than I thought they could be. But I guess all the more power to it. The main character who starts the Bat-Men group in this book is named John. This guy is kind of insane not gonna lie. I guess him being a drug addict has something to with it but the visions and dreams he has are just.....not normal. He isn’t a great or world changing character but he is functional. But for some reason this book thinks you can get over a drug addiction with a nap. Bullshit. Lazy. Bruce Wayne is spending a lot of time with Dr. Leslie in this book. She also carries the plot because she is a Batman hater. She did irritate me a little but came around in the end. This book also did an okay job of showing the police’s inevitable involvement in the whole situation. Like I said. I had fun with this story but I just didn’t find things believable sometimes. Mainly stuff to do with the Bat-Men group. I think Mike Barr should have shown more of the process that led to the group being as big as it was. Apparently in 9 days the group was formed. Nah. And where the hell did they get their finances? Weren’t most of them living on the street before they joined? Or even if they weren’t, why would they put their money into a group of crazy vigilantes unless they truly believed they could make a difference? Another one comes in the second issue. SPOILER WARNING: If John, the leader of the group shoots the very reason for the frickin group being formed for his own selfish and personal reasons, why would the entire group follow him? Wouldn’t they protest or have a reluctance to the stupid decision? Maybe they did. Or maybe the fear of speaking up got to them. But the book never shows it. So I can’t give that a pass. And one more little thing with Batman. I don’t like the blue suit. That’s it. Done.

The art is a little inconsistent at times but overall good penciling and inks.

In the end, I had fun reading this story arc but I know it has problems that I can’t over look. But the way book shows the effects and influences of what Batman does should be remembered, even if it was done 5 years earlier. Something I almost forgot to say was how great some of the action was. Not all of it, but when bad-ass moments happen, they are satisfying.

Letter Grade: (B)

[Carlo Gnutti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Visto che non c’e’ su goodreads il volume che contiene l’accopiata “Fede/morte dal cielo” userò questo.

Fede
Storia molto interessante che affronta le implicazioni sociali dell’attività da vigilante di Batman e del rischio che si correrebbe se qualcun altro di più (?) instabile lo imitasse. John, il capo della banda, e’ comunque un personaggio accattivante perché spinto da un sincero desiderio di giustizia e di aiutare la popolazione.
Graficamente le matite di Bart Sears danno il loro meglio nelle scene degli Incubi/allucinazioni di John e la composizione delle tavole e’ molto creativa. L’unico neo e’ rappresentato dai, rivedibili in più di un’occasione.

Morte dal cielo
L’idea di base e’ molto ridicola - una scienziata filo nazista costruisce un’armatura per il figlio che si vuole vendicare di batman per averno mutilato- ma aveva il potenziale per essere una storia toccante. Tutto peró viene vanificato da una verbosità esasperata e iper drammatica che, abbinata ad una certa morbosità sessuale da parte della scienziata, finisce per risultare ridicolmente pomposa e fuori luogo.

[Agustin Amaya Escamilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Batman en las épocas extrañas de los 80-90s, donde se veían problemáticas relacionadas con vandalismo, narcotráfico, etc., una ciudad Gótica mucho más cruda a lo que estábamos acostumbrados.

Debo separar la nostalgia de este cómic ya que fue uno de los primeros que leí del caballero de la noche, por lo que le tengo tanto aprecio, pero por otra parte, es una historia que cumple pero también puede llegar a ser olvidable: jóvenes hace una Batman army y tratan de imponer orden, desplazando a la policía y queriendo hacer justicia por su cuenta.

[Cybernex007 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leslie Tompkins stays on top and no one can change my mind. But wow did Batman really let this group get out of hand, come on man at least wait till you are older and hiding underneath Gotham because everyone thinks you are dead to “return” to the idea of a Batman group. But I do want to say, I’ve always been under the impression Doctor Tompkins always knows Bruce is Batman, whelp now I know where that comes from. Absolute must read storyline for the Leslie and Batman dynamic alone. Truly one of the top bat family support team. Alfred’s war stitch ups can only go so far.

[drown_like_its_1999 · Rating 2 out of 5]

A drug dealer saved by Batman turns his life around and establishes a Hells Angles like civil militia to aid the caped crusader in his work. Hoping this new organization can be an ally, Batman let's them conduct their business until their misguided assumptions lead to a crisis.

This wasn't bad, which is the high watermark of quality from Mike W. Barr. While the concept is pretty well explored within superhero fare I thought the execution was solid and the arc constructed around the rehabilitated villain was engaging. However there isn't anything exceptional in its delivery and, complimented with equally unexceptional art, the end product is pretty forgettable.

[Rizzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting little tale. Nothing special, but a good addition to the Year One era stories. Showcases why Batman works alone (for the time being).

[Renan Fontes · Rating 4 out of 5]

All around solid early Batman story.

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Batman seemed a little naive, but the story was enjoyable enough. I liked the inclusion of Dr. Leslie Thompkins, and the foreshadowing of Robin.