You think the rest of the Six wish they'd left Bane to Junior, all those months ago? You remember, in the first arc, Bane had been captured by Junior. The team initially held a vote, and it was 3-1 against rescuing him. Then they fought off some loser villains, changed their minds, and went and got him.
What happens if the guys on the team (Scandal was the only vote in favor originally) stuck to their guns? They wouldn't have gone on this fruitless "destroy the Bat" mission, obviously. They might have struggled to survive that first mission. Bane helped turn the tide when he took Venom, but it's possible they could have made it otherwise. Scandal would be a concern, but even there I wonder if they'd need him. She did manage to sober up sufficiently for that first mission, and after that Jeanette would have been around to help. A friend isn't the same as a surrogate father, but it couldn't hurt.
Assuming they did survive swiping the "Get out of Hell" card, they would have abducted the wealthy Gothamites' kids, since Bane was the one who objected to committing such a crime in Gotham. Would they still turn against Smythe and his prison? Originally it was Scandal, Jeanette, and Bane who turned, and the others followed suit later. The two sides nearly came to blows when the odds between them were even. The guys probably let them take Artemis and leave out of friendship, but if Bane's not there, and Jeanette's checked out after dropping Wonder Woman, it'd just be Scandal against the other 3. Eh, she's an original member of the Six, they'd cut her slack.
I don't think there'd be a big, pointless brawl in Skartaris. No Bane means Jeanette's the only team member not interested in tracking down Catman. She might still gather some villains from her Rolodex to attack that fat guy on the yacht, and so she might get roped into that mess by Spy Smasher. Even so, if she's running the team, I think she and Scandal would forge a truce more readily. Bane seemed to be very set on conquering Skartaris, but I didn't get the impression Jeanette really cared one way or the other.
There's also the question of who takes Bane's slot. He was taking either Knockout or Harley Quinn's spot, and Harley had taken over from the Mad Hatter, who was Cheshire's replacement. Black Alice would still show up eventually, but I don't think Bane's death would accelerate her tracking down the team any. The roster seems to be moving between Bat-villains, so who's a good possibility? How about Killer Croc? Nobody does anything interesting with him anymore.
Ooh, I got it! Anarky! Catman said he hates that the heroes get to make the rules, and Anarky was originally someone who opposed Batman setting himself up as arbiter of law and order in Gotham. The Six are a group that ostensibly does anything for money, but you can't always figure how their involvement will alter things. A group like that, I could see Anarky trying to use them to his advantage.
Showing posts with label bane. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bane. Show all posts
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Which Way Is Bane Going To Jump?
Assuming he survives this trip to Hell, I'm curious to see what happens with Bane. He's been told his code means jack all, and he's still headed for Hell.
If he truly believes in the code he follows, he'd stick to it regardless of the potential consequences. If some demon told Batman his war on crime had consigned him to Hell (and who knows, maybe it does, considering how messed up things seem to be in the DCU), I highly doubt he'd abandon crimefighting. He might soften his tactics if he thought it was the violence that was getting him in trouble, but he wouldn't stop. There are people in trouble, and their safety comes first, so he'd keep going.
I suppose Bane could try completely revising his code to something he thinks the afterlife would find more palatable. Petting puppies, feeding the homeless, not ripping off people's limbs and beating them to death.
The other option is the one I think Simone's going to follow based on the July solicit. Bane could just say "screw it", forget the code, and just go nuts. If he's already damned, what's a few more atrocities?
It'll be interesting to see what he does and why. He's contended since the series started that he only does what is right, based on his somewhat, unique definition. Knowing that his afterlife is already determined, what's the right choice? I actually wouldn't be totally surprised if he chose to stick to his code anyway. He was, when Scandal needed him, willing to take Venom even though he believed it was immoral, because her safety was more important than his own. So I could see him opting to continue on as he has, because he believes it's the best thing for others, if not himself.
If he abandons his code, that suggests it was a facade, something he maintained to give him a sense of superiority over his teammates. He certainly believes he has that, since he contended his code makes him different from the rest, but that doesn't mean that's why he adopted it. He could have made it for some equally superficial reason, though, as a way of comparing himself to Batman (if Batman can follow a strict code, then I can). Or it could have been an attempt to elevate himself above the circumstances he grew up in, which I think make people look down upon or underestimate him.
If he truly believes in the code he follows, he'd stick to it regardless of the potential consequences. If some demon told Batman his war on crime had consigned him to Hell (and who knows, maybe it does, considering how messed up things seem to be in the DCU), I highly doubt he'd abandon crimefighting. He might soften his tactics if he thought it was the violence that was getting him in trouble, but he wouldn't stop. There are people in trouble, and their safety comes first, so he'd keep going.
I suppose Bane could try completely revising his code to something he thinks the afterlife would find more palatable. Petting puppies, feeding the homeless, not ripping off people's limbs and beating them to death.
The other option is the one I think Simone's going to follow based on the July solicit. Bane could just say "screw it", forget the code, and just go nuts. If he's already damned, what's a few more atrocities?
It'll be interesting to see what he does and why. He's contended since the series started that he only does what is right, based on his somewhat, unique definition. Knowing that his afterlife is already determined, what's the right choice? I actually wouldn't be totally surprised if he chose to stick to his code anyway. He was, when Scandal needed him, willing to take Venom even though he believed it was immoral, because her safety was more important than his own. So I could see him opting to continue on as he has, because he believes it's the best thing for others, if not himself.
If he abandons his code, that suggests it was a facade, something he maintained to give him a sense of superiority over his teammates. He certainly believes he has that, since he contended his code makes him different from the rest, but that doesn't mean that's why he adopted it. He could have made it for some equally superficial reason, though, as a way of comparing himself to Batman (if Batman can follow a strict code, then I can). Or it could have been an attempt to elevate himself above the circumstances he grew up in, which I think make people look down upon or underestimate him.
Monday, February 07, 2011
Love Is Turning A Guy's Face Into A Belgian Waffle
Watching Bane try to cope with the difficulties of a first date last week, I was surprised by how awkward he seemed. Bane's always seemed at least fairly clever. Clever enough to devise a plan where Batman essentially beats himself, with Bane delivering the coup de grace. Somehow that added up in my head to him having more charm*. But I figured Gail Simone was just exaggerating for comedic effect, and it worked, because the whole sequence was pretty funny.
Then I remembered the credo Bane stuck to early in the series, that he would only do what was right. He didn't always hold to it, taking Venom after he'd repeatedly described it as immoral, but he had clear reasons in his head as to why he would do something wrong at that moment. He hasn't brought it up much lately, which is just as well, since it would have been tedious for him to be constantly reiterating that mantra, but I assume it's still in effect.
So what if Bane opted for the direct approach because he felt it was right? Maybe he regards "charm" as deceitful. Now some people are naturally charming, friendly, pleasant, and so on. Bane, not so much. Bane making sweeping romantic gestures like bowing and kissing hands, comparing her eyes to moonlight, whatever, that wouldn't really be him. Being deceitful may be the right thing at times, Bane's been fine with members of the team going undercover to complete missions, but he seems to prefer to be direct. Says what he feels, says what he thinks, deals with problems in a hands on fashion**. Maybe he figures there's more honor in that.
Regardless of his feelings towards Liana, Scandal likes her, and Bane cares about Scandal. And they've set him up with a friend and coworker of Liana's. That being the case, Bane might see his being open about his intentions and the purpose of the gifts as the most respectful approach. Spencer has a clear idea of Bane's intentions, at the least. If he behaved differently, it might give her a different first impression, and that might make things strange (or frightening) if he behaved more naturally later. Best to be clear about who he is from the start. He might have been a little too awkward for that explanation to carry the day, but it's worth considering.
* That and a vague recollection of a story where he worked with Ra's al Ghul for awhile, and it looked like he might get hitched to Talia. She was dead set against it, but I think he showed the sort of earnest kindness that Ronan showed to Crystal, that it'd be more than a show marriage. Suffice it to say, it never materialized, which is for the best. Bane deserves better than being hitched to Talia.
** Do you think he regrets how he went about breaking Batman? Maybe he wishes he'd strode into the light in front of Bats one night and simply challenged him.
Then I remembered the credo Bane stuck to early in the series, that he would only do what was right. He didn't always hold to it, taking Venom after he'd repeatedly described it as immoral, but he had clear reasons in his head as to why he would do something wrong at that moment. He hasn't brought it up much lately, which is just as well, since it would have been tedious for him to be constantly reiterating that mantra, but I assume it's still in effect.
So what if Bane opted for the direct approach because he felt it was right? Maybe he regards "charm" as deceitful. Now some people are naturally charming, friendly, pleasant, and so on. Bane, not so much. Bane making sweeping romantic gestures like bowing and kissing hands, comparing her eyes to moonlight, whatever, that wouldn't really be him. Being deceitful may be the right thing at times, Bane's been fine with members of the team going undercover to complete missions, but he seems to prefer to be direct. Says what he feels, says what he thinks, deals with problems in a hands on fashion**. Maybe he figures there's more honor in that.
Regardless of his feelings towards Liana, Scandal likes her, and Bane cares about Scandal. And they've set him up with a friend and coworker of Liana's. That being the case, Bane might see his being open about his intentions and the purpose of the gifts as the most respectful approach. Spencer has a clear idea of Bane's intentions, at the least. If he behaved differently, it might give her a different first impression, and that might make things strange (or frightening) if he behaved more naturally later. Best to be clear about who he is from the start. He might have been a little too awkward for that explanation to carry the day, but it's worth considering.
* That and a vague recollection of a story where he worked with Ra's al Ghul for awhile, and it looked like he might get hitched to Talia. She was dead set against it, but I think he showed the sort of earnest kindness that Ronan showed to Crystal, that it'd be more than a show marriage. Suffice it to say, it never materialized, which is for the best. Bane deserves better than being hitched to Talia.
** Do you think he regrets how he went about breaking Batman? Maybe he wishes he'd strode into the light in front of Bats one night and simply challenged him.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Did Bane Want To Talk Trash?
I was looking over Batman #497 this afternoon. It's the issue where Bane breaks Bruce Wayne Batman's back, setting in motion his eventual butt-whupping at the hands of Jean Paul Valley Batman.
The issue itself is mostly Bane tossing Batman around like a ragdoll, similar to the early rounds of the Rocky/Drago fight from Rocky 4. Only Batman never manages to make Bane bleed, he just keeps getting stomped. During the fight though, Bane keeps mentioning how let down he is by Batman. When Batman hits him in the gut with an entirely ineffectual punch, we get 'You are already broken.' He repeatedly tells Batman he has nothing, or is nothing, or is 'a disappointment'. It sort of reads as though he's simply stating facts, but there's an udnercurrent of anger to it, like he expected more.
Why? This was his whole plan. Run Batman ragged with one threat after another, until he can't go anymore. Then show up and clean up whatever's left. Bane confirms it before the beating starts. Batman states he's spent his life fighting against Bane's sort of madness and evil, and it's him to death's door 'my own door'. Bane's response? 'I would not be here otherwise'. So Bane's sure his plan has worked, so he really shouldn't be surprised the fight goes as easily as it does, should he?
He could be taking the opportunity to chip away at Batman verbally, since the physical chipping has already been accomplished. But calling Batman a disappointment gives me the impression he was expecting more of a battle. I do wonder why Bats didn't pull something out of the utility belt, rather than try to fight him head on. Admittedly, once the fight started, Bane kept on him, so there wasn't much opportunity to go for knockout gas or a taser, but his initial approach was to charge at Bane (hint: it didn't work).
Is that it? Bane thought Batman would be more clever in overcoming his exhaustion?
The issue itself is mostly Bane tossing Batman around like a ragdoll, similar to the early rounds of the Rocky/Drago fight from Rocky 4. Only Batman never manages to make Bane bleed, he just keeps getting stomped. During the fight though, Bane keeps mentioning how let down he is by Batman. When Batman hits him in the gut with an entirely ineffectual punch, we get 'You are already broken.' He repeatedly tells Batman he has nothing, or is nothing, or is 'a disappointment'. It sort of reads as though he's simply stating facts, but there's an udnercurrent of anger to it, like he expected more.
Why? This was his whole plan. Run Batman ragged with one threat after another, until he can't go anymore. Then show up and clean up whatever's left. Bane confirms it before the beating starts. Batman states he's spent his life fighting against Bane's sort of madness and evil, and it's him to death's door 'my own door'. Bane's response? 'I would not be here otherwise'. So Bane's sure his plan has worked, so he really shouldn't be surprised the fight goes as easily as it does, should he?
He could be taking the opportunity to chip away at Batman verbally, since the physical chipping has already been accomplished. But calling Batman a disappointment gives me the impression he was expecting more of a battle. I do wonder why Bats didn't pull something out of the utility belt, rather than try to fight him head on. Admittedly, once the fight started, Bane kept on him, so there wasn't much opportunity to go for knockout gas or a taser, but his initial approach was to charge at Bane (hint: it didn't work).
Is that it? Bane thought Batman would be more clever in overcoming his exhaustion?
Friday, December 25, 2009
Is Bane Still Doing The Right Things?
Tuesday I looked at some recent developments in Secret Six from Scandal's viewpoint, what she was trying to accomplish and such. Since Bane was a major factor in those actions, we can look at his from his perspective as well.
In the first story arc, Bane was fond of saying that he only does what he knows is right. That included not taking Venom, refusing to sell out his teammates to Junior, adopting a paternal attitude towards Scandal, insisting Deadshot not be so rude to their prisoner and so on. Granted, he wasn't perfect, since he took Venom to save Scandal, an action we debated the meaning of back on March 28th. Since then, Bane has stayed away from Venom, so he hasn't given up on trying to do what he thinks is right.
So what's that mean? He took command of the team, ostensibly because as money-making enterprises go, the Secret Six are a disaster. They take jobs, but are unwilling to see them through, so Bane plans to change that. Does that mean they'll take less questionable jobs, ones that won't cause such deep divisions in the team, so it'll be easier to see it through? Or does it mean they'll continue to take the same types of jobs as before, but Bane won't allow the team to back out? That'd be interesting, considering he was one of the first to bail on the job of guarding the prison. In one sense, I'd think the right thing to do would be to take les morally questionable jobs, but that's from a personal standpoint. From a business standpoint, which seemed to be what prompted his coup, the morally questionable jobs probably pay better, so the right thing from a financial standpoint would be to take those jobs, but not get cold feet.
His second act was to boot Scandal off the team. That could be considered right in the sense that he's protecting her from harm, though she seems more resilient than he is. From the team standpoint, Scandal switched sides on the last job when Bane did, and was voicing doubts even earlier. She's friends with Jeanette, and she Bane do care about each other, and that kind of emotion could be said to interfere with the team's ability to succeed. They're more worried about each other than about doing the job. It could be considered right in a couple different ways. Of course, Scandal could also sink into a deep funk, which could make her a danger to herself and others, and that would be partially Bane's fault, since he set her adrift*. But if Bane's concerned primarily with the team, and secondarily with Scandal, and probably not at all with anyone else, then it's the right decision.
Then he welcomes Black Alice onto the team. She more powerful than anyone they've got currently, and she actually wants to join (we can certainly question the wisdom of choosing this route to get cash, but she's commited to it regardless). She's going to harass the team until they let her join, so best to just let her in so they can get on with business. She's not close to anyone on the team, so if Bane is trying to reduce annoying emotional bonds between the team so they'll focus more on the job at hand, it's the right move. Now, is it the right move morally, to let Alice in, to presumably encourage her to use her powers this way? I'd say no, but as Catman noted, she observed him telling another person how to torture someone and didn't flinch, so maybe it's too late to be worried about such things. Perhaps Bane has some brilliant scheme to expose her to such horrors that she reevaluates her life and leaves the team. That's probably the best thing he could do for her**.
But that would likely not be best for the team, so I doubt that's his plan. Again, though, I think Bane's concern for others ends at Scandal Savage. His teammates are means to an end, and beyond that, I don't think he cares much for them. I think Bane's definitely doing right by the Secret Six as an organization, but not so much for Alice or Scandal.
* I'm unclear on the current situation. She's off the team, but still hangs out with them? Do they still live in her house? If she told them to pack up and move out, would they?
** That and give her enough money to take care of her dad so she wouldn't simply turn to other criminal enterprises to raise the funds.
In the first story arc, Bane was fond of saying that he only does what he knows is right. That included not taking Venom, refusing to sell out his teammates to Junior, adopting a paternal attitude towards Scandal, insisting Deadshot not be so rude to their prisoner and so on. Granted, he wasn't perfect, since he took Venom to save Scandal, an action we debated the meaning of back on March 28th. Since then, Bane has stayed away from Venom, so he hasn't given up on trying to do what he thinks is right.
So what's that mean? He took command of the team, ostensibly because as money-making enterprises go, the Secret Six are a disaster. They take jobs, but are unwilling to see them through, so Bane plans to change that. Does that mean they'll take less questionable jobs, ones that won't cause such deep divisions in the team, so it'll be easier to see it through? Or does it mean they'll continue to take the same types of jobs as before, but Bane won't allow the team to back out? That'd be interesting, considering he was one of the first to bail on the job of guarding the prison. In one sense, I'd think the right thing to do would be to take les morally questionable jobs, but that's from a personal standpoint. From a business standpoint, which seemed to be what prompted his coup, the morally questionable jobs probably pay better, so the right thing from a financial standpoint would be to take those jobs, but not get cold feet.
His second act was to boot Scandal off the team. That could be considered right in the sense that he's protecting her from harm, though she seems more resilient than he is. From the team standpoint, Scandal switched sides on the last job when Bane did, and was voicing doubts even earlier. She's friends with Jeanette, and she Bane do care about each other, and that kind of emotion could be said to interfere with the team's ability to succeed. They're more worried about each other than about doing the job. It could be considered right in a couple different ways. Of course, Scandal could also sink into a deep funk, which could make her a danger to herself and others, and that would be partially Bane's fault, since he set her adrift*. But if Bane's concerned primarily with the team, and secondarily with Scandal, and probably not at all with anyone else, then it's the right decision.
Then he welcomes Black Alice onto the team. She more powerful than anyone they've got currently, and she actually wants to join (we can certainly question the wisdom of choosing this route to get cash, but she's commited to it regardless). She's going to harass the team until they let her join, so best to just let her in so they can get on with business. She's not close to anyone on the team, so if Bane is trying to reduce annoying emotional bonds between the team so they'll focus more on the job at hand, it's the right move. Now, is it the right move morally, to let Alice in, to presumably encourage her to use her powers this way? I'd say no, but as Catman noted, she observed him telling another person how to torture someone and didn't flinch, so maybe it's too late to be worried about such things. Perhaps Bane has some brilliant scheme to expose her to such horrors that she reevaluates her life and leaves the team. That's probably the best thing he could do for her**.
But that would likely not be best for the team, so I doubt that's his plan. Again, though, I think Bane's concern for others ends at Scandal Savage. His teammates are means to an end, and beyond that, I don't think he cares much for them. I think Bane's definitely doing right by the Secret Six as an organization, but not so much for Alice or Scandal.
* I'm unclear on the current situation. She's off the team, but still hangs out with them? Do they still live in her house? If she told them to pack up and move out, would they?
** That and give her enough money to take care of her dad so she wouldn't simply turn to other criminal enterprises to raise the funds.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
I'm Sure Scandal Had Some Larger Plan
Secret Six #14. Scandal is trying to explain to Bane why she said they needed the Bane who broke the Bat. They need the master strategist Bane was back then, the guy who wore the Bat down while observing and learning about him, the one who steadily took control of all organized crime in Gotham. She says she knows the Venom just makes him a monster, but that's what they needed, a Bane not encumbered with the concern he has for Scandal. So she took the Venom herself. Then that were-creature thing showed up, she tried to kill it while screaming at Bane to get lost, and so on. I'm confused as to what she was going for her.
1st possibility: She took the Venom to make herself into the monster she described. That'd be an admission that she cares for Bane, in some way similar to how he cares for her. Except there's her mention of the need for tactical genuis, and she said she knows the Venom doesn't help there.
2nd possibility: She hopes the Venom will make her act so horribly it will destroy the bond between her and Bane. That would go along with what she said a page earlier, when she tells Bane she feels the prison is inside each of them, destroying what holds them together. Bane doesn't buy into that, but Scandal does, and she might think Bane was just lying to keep her spirits up, which I can see him doing. If so, she might think that whatever the Venom would unleash in her is sufficient to finish the job. That Bane would no longer feel the same protectiveness to her he had been, and that would clear his mind, letting the brilliance shine through again.
3rd possibility: She had realized that there was no time to get Bane's mind straight, so they weren't going to be able to handle things in a clever manner. In which case, brute force would have to win the day, and since Bane refuses to take Venom, leaves her.
I think the 2nd is the most likely, and it might have worked. Not immediately, as Bane refused to abandon her against the Grendel thing (for all the good he did), and he didn't devise some brilliant scheme that enabled their escape. However, afterwards, Bane assessed how the team has done since he joined, found them wanting, and seized command. Not only that, but he said Jeanette agreed with the move, which means he must have been discussing it with her some time prior to their boarding the helicopter. He was solidifying his base before he made his move. Then he benched Scandal, and has since added Black Alice to the group. Black Alice does seem commited to the cause, and she's certainly more powerful and versatile than Scandal, so from those standpoints, it should bolster the team. Plus, Scandal's likely addicted to Venom now, and has less experience dealing with that than Bane, so she's unrealiable.
The fact Bane made that call in spite of Scandal's protests might suggest that her scheme worked. Bane is seeing clearly now, and making moves in the best interests of the group, regardless of personal feelings. Of course, one could also interpret his benching of Scandal asa protective gesture. Keep her out of the fight so she won't have an excuse to take Venom, or be put in more danger. It's a parental gesture, grounding the child, or keeping her out of some activity she wants to participate in over her objections. I'm inclined to think Scandal went for the second option, only it didn't work. Bonds aren't broken as easily as that, at least not when you're dealing with Bane.
1st possibility: She took the Venom to make herself into the monster she described. That'd be an admission that she cares for Bane, in some way similar to how he cares for her. Except there's her mention of the need for tactical genuis, and she said she knows the Venom doesn't help there.
2nd possibility: She hopes the Venom will make her act so horribly it will destroy the bond between her and Bane. That would go along with what she said a page earlier, when she tells Bane she feels the prison is inside each of them, destroying what holds them together. Bane doesn't buy into that, but Scandal does, and she might think Bane was just lying to keep her spirits up, which I can see him doing. If so, she might think that whatever the Venom would unleash in her is sufficient to finish the job. That Bane would no longer feel the same protectiveness to her he had been, and that would clear his mind, letting the brilliance shine through again.
3rd possibility: She had realized that there was no time to get Bane's mind straight, so they weren't going to be able to handle things in a clever manner. In which case, brute force would have to win the day, and since Bane refuses to take Venom, leaves her.
I think the 2nd is the most likely, and it might have worked. Not immediately, as Bane refused to abandon her against the Grendel thing (for all the good he did), and he didn't devise some brilliant scheme that enabled their escape. However, afterwards, Bane assessed how the team has done since he joined, found them wanting, and seized command. Not only that, but he said Jeanette agreed with the move, which means he must have been discussing it with her some time prior to their boarding the helicopter. He was solidifying his base before he made his move. Then he benched Scandal, and has since added Black Alice to the group. Black Alice does seem commited to the cause, and she's certainly more powerful and versatile than Scandal, so from those standpoints, it should bolster the team. Plus, Scandal's likely addicted to Venom now, and has less experience dealing with that than Bane, so she's unrealiable.
The fact Bane made that call in spite of Scandal's protests might suggest that her scheme worked. Bane is seeing clearly now, and making moves in the best interests of the group, regardless of personal feelings. Of course, one could also interpret his benching of Scandal asa protective gesture. Keep her out of the fight so she won't have an excuse to take Venom, or be put in more danger. It's a parental gesture, grounding the child, or keeping her out of some activity she wants to participate in over her objections. I'm inclined to think Scandal went for the second option, only it didn't work. Bonds aren't broken as easily as that, at least not when you're dealing with Bane.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
That Would Have To Be Perturbing
This week's Secret Six. While they were all at the club, do you think Bane noticed the exotic dancer wearing a variation of his costume? If so, what do you think his reaction was?
We didn't see any reaction, so we might assume he either didn't notice, or doesn't care, but perhaps they went back inside to keep chatting after they agreed to let Alice join. Maybe he noticed then. Or maybe he saw the lady the first time around, and was able to hide his reaction. That doesn't mean he didn't have one.
I'm thinking he'd be perhaps mildly disappointed in the young lady's profession, and maybe a little annoyed to see his costume in such a place. He broke Batman after all. Doesn't that call for a little respect?
Thinking about it, I really wish Ragdoll had noticed. He surely would have made comments, and those might have garnered a more obvious reaction from Bane.
We didn't see any reaction, so we might assume he either didn't notice, or doesn't care, but perhaps they went back inside to keep chatting after they agreed to let Alice join. Maybe he noticed then. Or maybe he saw the lady the first time around, and was able to hide his reaction. That doesn't mean he didn't have one.
I'm thinking he'd be perhaps mildly disappointed in the young lady's profession, and maybe a little annoyed to see his costume in such a place. He broke Batman after all. Doesn't that call for a little respect?
Thinking about it, I really wish Ragdoll had noticed. He surely would have made comments, and those might have garnered a more obvious reaction from Bane.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
I'm Sure It's Smooth Sailing For The Six Now
So Bane's taken over the Secret Six. I can't see that going well, especially since his first act as leader was to kick the one person on the team who liked him (and one of the two that has his back), Scandal Savage, off the team.
Question for the audience: Do you think Bane kicked Scandal out because he thinks she's a poor leader, or because he's concerned for what being part of this group is doing to her? I'd like to credit Bane for acting out of concern for her, but he can be coldly pragmatic. He was right about how things have gone thus far. They haven't had much success getting paid, and have been pretty severely thrashed by the end of their missions, largely because they seem to take jobs they aren't prepared to follow through on. Still, we know Bane does worry about Scandal, and she did take Venom, and he knows better than anyone what that does to a person. It would make her judgment questionable, and if she's taking part in missions, she might find situations where she could excuse her continued use of it. So keeping her out of things might help her to get past the initial stages of her newfound addiction.
Then there's the rest of the team. How are they going to take the coup? Other than Jeanette, Bane's the newest member of the team. Ragdoll's never been terribly fond of Bane, and Bane and Catman seem to quarrel regularly (the thing about whether Batman is more than just a man, the disagreement over this last job). Really, they seem to have completely opposite philosophies, so I'm not sure how willing Blake's gonna be to follow Bane. Then there's Jeanette, who was Scandal's best friend, near as I can figure. Have to wonder what she thinks of it all. Bane said she agreed with him, but Jeanette seems too spaced out to contradict him if that's false. Besides, even if he agreed that he should take over, did she agree to give Scandal the boot? So he may have cost himself the one other team member that had his back.
That leaves Deadshot. I'm not sure if he's even still on the team. He didn't catch the flight off the prison island. He's been having flashes off killing everyone around him, including his teammate. He even said at one point in this last issue that he never cared about getting paid anyway*. It's reminiscent of what Jeanette told him about her husband, the mad dog killer who used money as an excuse to kill. Not an encouraging development, to be sure.
Let's say he catches up with the team later. I doubt he cares who's in charge, as long as they'll actually stick to the job. I think that's what's been bothering him the most about his teammates lately is their lack of commitment. They've all come down with Blake's on-again, off-again morality, while Deadshot just keeps going the way he always has. it seems that with Bane in charge, they'll plan things out better ahead of time, which might help them avoid taking jobs they'll regret later, which would cut down on the waffling, which I'm sure Deadshot would approve of. Unfortunately, it might also mean taking jobs that don't afford Floyd the opportunity to shoot people as often, which might annoy him. They'd be sticking to their jobs, but they might be too do-goodery for his tastes. Really though, I think Deadshot would be a problem no matter who leads, and regardless of the jobs the take, because he is losing it.
* Which reminds me of Bullseye/Hawkeye in that Deadpool story this summer. He laughed when Norman mentioned money, making it clear he doesn't take jobs for the cash, because he never spends what he makes. If Deadshot's drifting into the same mental territory as Bullseye, that's bad, assuming he hasn't always been there, which I don't think he has. Bullseye's more sadistic, and I'd say less suicidal than Lawton.
Question for the audience: Do you think Bane kicked Scandal out because he thinks she's a poor leader, or because he's concerned for what being part of this group is doing to her? I'd like to credit Bane for acting out of concern for her, but he can be coldly pragmatic. He was right about how things have gone thus far. They haven't had much success getting paid, and have been pretty severely thrashed by the end of their missions, largely because they seem to take jobs they aren't prepared to follow through on. Still, we know Bane does worry about Scandal, and she did take Venom, and he knows better than anyone what that does to a person. It would make her judgment questionable, and if she's taking part in missions, she might find situations where she could excuse her continued use of it. So keeping her out of things might help her to get past the initial stages of her newfound addiction.
Then there's the rest of the team. How are they going to take the coup? Other than Jeanette, Bane's the newest member of the team. Ragdoll's never been terribly fond of Bane, and Bane and Catman seem to quarrel regularly (the thing about whether Batman is more than just a man, the disagreement over this last job). Really, they seem to have completely opposite philosophies, so I'm not sure how willing Blake's gonna be to follow Bane. Then there's Jeanette, who was Scandal's best friend, near as I can figure. Have to wonder what she thinks of it all. Bane said she agreed with him, but Jeanette seems too spaced out to contradict him if that's false. Besides, even if he agreed that he should take over, did she agree to give Scandal the boot? So he may have cost himself the one other team member that had his back.
That leaves Deadshot. I'm not sure if he's even still on the team. He didn't catch the flight off the prison island. He's been having flashes off killing everyone around him, including his teammate. He even said at one point in this last issue that he never cared about getting paid anyway*. It's reminiscent of what Jeanette told him about her husband, the mad dog killer who used money as an excuse to kill. Not an encouraging development, to be sure.
Let's say he catches up with the team later. I doubt he cares who's in charge, as long as they'll actually stick to the job. I think that's what's been bothering him the most about his teammates lately is their lack of commitment. They've all come down with Blake's on-again, off-again morality, while Deadshot just keeps going the way he always has. it seems that with Bane in charge, they'll plan things out better ahead of time, which might help them avoid taking jobs they'll regret later, which would cut down on the waffling, which I'm sure Deadshot would approve of. Unfortunately, it might also mean taking jobs that don't afford Floyd the opportunity to shoot people as often, which might annoy him. They'd be sticking to their jobs, but they might be too do-goodery for his tastes. Really though, I think Deadshot would be a problem no matter who leads, and regardless of the jobs the take, because he is losing it.
* Which reminds me of Bullseye/Hawkeye in that Deadpool story this summer. He laughed when Norman mentioned money, making it clear he doesn't take jobs for the cash, because he never spends what he makes. If Deadshot's drifting into the same mental territory as Bullseye, that's bad, assuming he hasn't always been there, which I don't think he has. Bullseye's more sadistic, and I'd say less suicidal than Lawton.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Who Keeps Putting Drugs There?
Near the end of Secret Six #12, the trio that object to their current employer (Jeanette, Scandal, and Bane) are preparing to leave when Scandal asks Bane to go back to the way he used to be, back when he first appeared. She's concerned about Catman's tracking abilities, which confused me because he already let them go, so is she worried he's going to hunt them down and kill them later? He's too conflicted for that, but I digress.
Scandal's insistence that they need the old Bane means Bane needs to get back on the juice, I mean, Venom. He might as well, since all the sanctimonious sportswriters have already condemned him for tarnishing their beloved game, wait, what was I on about? Right, Bane, Venom. Bane seems disappointed that she's urging him to use it, after she supported his decision to toss some down the toilet two issues earlier.
Originally, I was wondering who was carrying the Venom, since Scandal did flush those ampoules. Of course, Bane has more than one pouch on his belt, so maybe they're all full of vials of Venom. Yet, I couldn't shake the idea that Scandal might have held on to some of them, just in case. Still, Bane didn't seem very surprised to see them, so they were probably his.
That raises the question of why Scandal didn't destroy those too. Is she just being pragmatic, knowing they might need an amped-up Bane down the line? She asked Bane what should be done with them, and he wanted them gone, and she complied, so encourage him to backslide? Or is Bane receiving new shipments periodically, and if so, who is responsible for that?
For me, Bane is the most sympathetic character in the bunch. They all seem to have rules, but they all seem willing to break them whenever it's convenient*. It just so happens that Bane's rules make him more honorable than the others. He won't sell them out to Junior, he succumbs to the Venom to save Scandal, and by extension, his team, and when he won't stand with the team (or more particularly, Deadshot), it's for reasons that make me side with him**. It's a little odd.
* The exception might be Ragdoll, who seems to have no rules whatsoever, and thus nothing he does would really go against the standard grain of his character.
** Getting angry when Deadshot keeps threatening Tarantula, to the point he asks Floyd if he'd liked to try that on him. Or the disagreement over their current job.
Scandal's insistence that they need the old Bane means Bane needs to get back on the juice, I mean, Venom. He might as well, since all the sanctimonious sportswriters have already condemned him for tarnishing their beloved game, wait, what was I on about? Right, Bane, Venom. Bane seems disappointed that she's urging him to use it, after she supported his decision to toss some down the toilet two issues earlier.
Originally, I was wondering who was carrying the Venom, since Scandal did flush those ampoules. Of course, Bane has more than one pouch on his belt, so maybe they're all full of vials of Venom. Yet, I couldn't shake the idea that Scandal might have held on to some of them, just in case. Still, Bane didn't seem very surprised to see them, so they were probably his.
That raises the question of why Scandal didn't destroy those too. Is she just being pragmatic, knowing they might need an amped-up Bane down the line? She asked Bane what should be done with them, and he wanted them gone, and she complied, so encourage him to backslide? Or is Bane receiving new shipments periodically, and if so, who is responsible for that?
For me, Bane is the most sympathetic character in the bunch. They all seem to have rules, but they all seem willing to break them whenever it's convenient*. It just so happens that Bane's rules make him more honorable than the others. He won't sell them out to Junior, he succumbs to the Venom to save Scandal, and by extension, his team, and when he won't stand with the team (or more particularly, Deadshot), it's for reasons that make me side with him**. It's a little odd.
* The exception might be Ragdoll, who seems to have no rules whatsoever, and thus nothing he does would really go against the standard grain of his character.
** Getting angry when Deadshot keeps threatening Tarantula, to the point he asks Floyd if he'd liked to try that on him. Or the disagreement over their current job.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
How Does Bane Define His Actions?
Throughout the opening arc of Secret Six, Bane has refused to use the Venom drug, on the grounds it's immoral, and he only does what he knows is right. That's a credo he stuck to, even as Junior pulped him by throwing bricks, after he declined to sell out his teammates*.
Bane did eventually use Venom, to save Scandal from some goombah named Komodo. it also may have driven him nuts, since he started seeing Batman everywhere**. We'll have to see how sane he is in April's issue. But where does taking Venom stand on Bane's "Only do what is right" stance?
Bane describes using it as being off the wagon, as falling, which would indicate that he thinks it's still wrong. However, he used it so that he could save the life of someone he cared about. Granted, one could argue whether Scandal "deserved" saving***, but to Bane she did, so does that change things at all? Basically, if you do something that's immoral, but do it to save the life of someone dear to you, does that, purify the act somehow, since it was done with good intentions? Or does it, if not make it a moral action, at least excuse the immorality of it?
I think Bane would consider it the latter. I get the impression using Venom is no less distasteful for him, largely because he knows what it will, or could, do to him, but helping Scandal is important enough that he's willing to end up dependent on the drug again. He's decided that her life is worth his suffering, which is rather appropriate considering the larger story about people trying to avoid paying for their sins, or trying for redemption****. Bane accepts suffering, because it will allow him to do something good, so maybe that redeems the act of taking the Venom in some way.
* Almost all of whom were prepared to forget him and move on. Of course, I imagine Bane was primarily thinking of Scandal when he refused to snitch, and she did vote to save him, so the important person cared about him.
** I was a little disappointed that the "Batmans" he saw all wore the current costume, or some derivation of it. Given that it was Jean Paul Valley that initially beat him, and sort of crushed his spirit, you'd think he'd have seen the AzBats suit somewhere in there.
*** Though that gets into the issue of who deserves to live or die, and who decides, and I'm prepared to go into that.
**** Which is, I'm sure, why it's there, it's all part of Gail Simone's plan.
Bane did eventually use Venom, to save Scandal from some goombah named Komodo. it also may have driven him nuts, since he started seeing Batman everywhere**. We'll have to see how sane he is in April's issue. But where does taking Venom stand on Bane's "Only do what is right" stance?
Bane describes using it as being off the wagon, as falling, which would indicate that he thinks it's still wrong. However, he used it so that he could save the life of someone he cared about. Granted, one could argue whether Scandal "deserved" saving***, but to Bane she did, so does that change things at all? Basically, if you do something that's immoral, but do it to save the life of someone dear to you, does that, purify the act somehow, since it was done with good intentions? Or does it, if not make it a moral action, at least excuse the immorality of it?
I think Bane would consider it the latter. I get the impression using Venom is no less distasteful for him, largely because he knows what it will, or could, do to him, but helping Scandal is important enough that he's willing to end up dependent on the drug again. He's decided that her life is worth his suffering, which is rather appropriate considering the larger story about people trying to avoid paying for their sins, or trying for redemption****. Bane accepts suffering, because it will allow him to do something good, so maybe that redeems the act of taking the Venom in some way.
* Almost all of whom were prepared to forget him and move on. Of course, I imagine Bane was primarily thinking of Scandal when he refused to snitch, and she did vote to save him, so the important person cared about him.
** I was a little disappointed that the "Batmans" he saw all wore the current costume, or some derivation of it. Given that it was Jean Paul Valley that initially beat him, and sort of crushed his spirit, you'd think he'd have seen the AzBats suit somewhere in there.
*** Though that gets into the issue of who deserves to live or die, and who decides, and I'm prepared to go into that.
**** Which is, I'm sure, why it's there, it's all part of Gail Simone's plan.
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