Batman Returns and The Comics

[batass4880]

Where did you get the info that he gave Burton those comics? Ive read pretty much everything and watched every documentary and have never heard that before.

Sam Hamm said in the B89 DVD that he and Burton based the story/character on the original Bob Kane/Bill Finger comics in 1939-40. I also read an interview at  http://www.batman-on-film.com/interview_muslan_1.html where Uslan said that he only showed Burton the comic books from 1939-40 and 1970's. The 70's comics were probably referenced for the look/tone and not necessarily that era's portrayal of the character. 

[Paul (ral)]

I read it in the SHH interview with Uslan.

[Joker81]

I only read the last two posts in this thread. But did it not also say that in the end they just threw out all the comics and just went for it and wrote the script?

[Paul (ral)]

I only read the last two posts in this thread. But did it not also say that in the end they just threw out all the comics and just went for it and wrote the script?

With regard to the script - most likely.

[Joker81]

So the comics become irrelevant at this stage?

[Paul (ral)]

No. It is my understanding that the characters, atmosphere and a couple of key plot devices were influenced from the comics.

The script and general plot (ie interaction of characters) were all original works.

(edited - I was talking about B89, but just noticed this was a Returns thread.  So the comics probably had very little influence on the movie!)

[batass4880]

No. It is my understanding that the characters, atmosphere and a couple of key plot devices were influenced from the comics.

The script and general plot (ie interaction of characters) were all original works.

(edited - I was talking about B89, but just noticed this was a Returns thread.  So the comics probably had very little influence on the movie!)

That's very true. I know that the Catwoman in Returns was more like her from the comics in the late 80's+ where she was portrayed as a renegade with a history of abuse who you can feel for, where as the more traditional Catwoman was a cat burglar and was just pure evil. I think Batman was still the 1939 one but I could be wrong. Tim Burton obviously didn't care for the traditional Penguin so he re-invented his character and story. I'm sure that Daniel Waters did some homework on the movie but I recall him saying on the DVD that he and Burton were not too concerned over the legacy of the comics and just wanted to make the movie.

[Joker81]

To be honest thats one thing thats kind of bugged me about Catwoman in Returns. Is that she was created out of revenge. I never liked that. I feel like she should have originally been a cat burglar, like in the original comics.

[Paul (ral)]

I have added all the posts here into 1 feature on the main site

http://www.batmanmovieonline.com/features.php?display=58

Thanks to all contributors!

[DarkVengeance]

glad to find out your source, cause Ive never read any of theose interviews, too bad that could always be Hamm trying to cover his own butt. He always seems very protective when saying " the non-comic influences werent his ideas"!