INTJoe
07-29-2008, 06:55 PM
One of my good friends at work, who happens to be a fellow INTJ sent me this email today at work. He posits that the Bruce Wayne/Batman character was based on enigmatic playboy millionaire Howard Hughes:
So, they were running a bunch of the older batman movies on cable the past few weeks since the Dark Knight is doing so well. They had the first Christian Bale one on FX and they go back and show his upbringing and it got me thinking. Before I make these comparisons I want you to keep in mind that the first comic book of Batman surfaced in May of 1939. So think about that era, that time frame, and what had happened before 1939. As you know most art or creativity stems as an extreme imitation of reality. Think about Bruce Wayne. Where did they get the inspiration for this character?
OK, Bruce Wayne was an only child with a father that was a self made millionaire or maybe billionaire either way he was the rich of the rich . The company he created was 'Wayne Enterprises' which started out humbly but eventually was a full force research and engineering conglomerate. The company dealt with mass transit, research projects for the military, and other stuff that made the Wayne family the richest family in the city. It's these inventions that would later be at Batman's disposal. Everybody knew of Wayne Enterprises and everyone could be under the influence of this powerful company. Well, the story goes on to have both of Bruce's parents murdered as you probably have seen in all the editions of the movie and since he was an only child Bruce inherited the whole Wayne Empire. He instantly became a wealthy playboy- he could do anything he wanted.
Can you think of anyone else in real life that became famous in the 20' and 30's and who also was an only child who inherited his father's empire which instantly made him one of the most richest men in the world? This person also was the heir to an empire that conducted science and research type of products and was on the cutting edge in the realms of transportation, aviation, and yes military research. This person also was a playboy bachelor and can do anything he wanted as Bruce Wayne is portrayed. Any guesses? Well, I'm going to say that unless I find something to prove me wrong that given the time frame that the Bruce Wayne character was Howard Hughes. Think about it?
True Howard Hughes didn't have the alter super hero ego of a bat nor did he fight crime but he did have super hero heroics to balance out the Bruce Wayne sophistication. He was the richest man in the world yet he tested his own aircraft inventions and he even held the title as rounding the world in the fastest time know to man at that time.
Back to that 1939 date....this is way before the addiction laden freak show episodes (show me the blueprints) but he always was a little secretive and reclusive like a Bruce Wayne. Ok, here's some major events that may directly point to him as a influence for this character because he was constantly in the press during the thirties. He was either dating actresses, directing movies, designing and racing planes, working on research projects with the government, or buying huge portions of his company.
1932- released and directed Scar Face with Hells Angels and the Outlaw around this time period
1935- flew world's fastest airplane- 352 mph
1937- flew nonstop NY-London in 7+ hours (world record)
1938- flew around the world 4 days quicker than the previous world record
His near fatal plane crash didn't occur until 1946 so I think the above events prove that he was 'on top of his game' in the late 1930's and probably was the inspiration for Bruce Wayne character which was introduced by DC comics in May of 1939.
I'd never heard anything like this, but he makes some good points. Has anyone heard anything like this? I haven't checked all his facts but assume they are more or less correct. Is he crazy? Thoughts please.
So, they were running a bunch of the older batman movies on cable the past few weeks since the Dark Knight is doing so well. They had the first Christian Bale one on FX and they go back and show his upbringing and it got me thinking. Before I make these comparisons I want you to keep in mind that the first comic book of Batman surfaced in May of 1939. So think about that era, that time frame, and what had happened before 1939. As you know most art or creativity stems as an extreme imitation of reality. Think about Bruce Wayne. Where did they get the inspiration for this character?
OK, Bruce Wayne was an only child with a father that was a self made millionaire or maybe billionaire either way he was the rich of the rich . The company he created was 'Wayne Enterprises' which started out humbly but eventually was a full force research and engineering conglomerate. The company dealt with mass transit, research projects for the military, and other stuff that made the Wayne family the richest family in the city. It's these inventions that would later be at Batman's disposal. Everybody knew of Wayne Enterprises and everyone could be under the influence of this powerful company. Well, the story goes on to have both of Bruce's parents murdered as you probably have seen in all the editions of the movie and since he was an only child Bruce inherited the whole Wayne Empire. He instantly became a wealthy playboy- he could do anything he wanted.
Can you think of anyone else in real life that became famous in the 20' and 30's and who also was an only child who inherited his father's empire which instantly made him one of the most richest men in the world? This person also was the heir to an empire that conducted science and research type of products and was on the cutting edge in the realms of transportation, aviation, and yes military research. This person also was a playboy bachelor and can do anything he wanted as Bruce Wayne is portrayed. Any guesses? Well, I'm going to say that unless I find something to prove me wrong that given the time frame that the Bruce Wayne character was Howard Hughes. Think about it?
True Howard Hughes didn't have the alter super hero ego of a bat nor did he fight crime but he did have super hero heroics to balance out the Bruce Wayne sophistication. He was the richest man in the world yet he tested his own aircraft inventions and he even held the title as rounding the world in the fastest time know to man at that time.
Back to that 1939 date....this is way before the addiction laden freak show episodes (show me the blueprints) but he always was a little secretive and reclusive like a Bruce Wayne. Ok, here's some major events that may directly point to him as a influence for this character because he was constantly in the press during the thirties. He was either dating actresses, directing movies, designing and racing planes, working on research projects with the government, or buying huge portions of his company.
1932- released and directed Scar Face with Hells Angels and the Outlaw around this time period
1935- flew world's fastest airplane- 352 mph
1937- flew nonstop NY-London in 7+ hours (world record)
1938- flew around the world 4 days quicker than the previous world record
His near fatal plane crash didn't occur until 1946 so I think the above events prove that he was 'on top of his game' in the late 1930's and probably was the inspiration for Bruce Wayne character which was introduced by DC comics in May of 1939.
I'd never heard anything like this, but he makes some good points. Has anyone heard anything like this? I haven't checked all his facts but assume they are more or less correct. Is he crazy? Thoughts please.