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Many contemplate Batman the best superhero as a result of he has no incredible powers, regardless that he is additionally removed from an everyman. It is not simply his sources and wealth that make Bruce Wayne an distinctive particular person, it is his willpower. However simply as Batman’s all-too human physique could be damaged, his will is barely largely invincible. Earlier than Bane broke the Bat’s again in “Batman: Knightfall,” Deacon Joseph Blackfire broke his spirit in “Batman: The Cult.”
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The Deacon is the villain of that 1988 four-issue comedian, written by Jim Starlin and drawn by artist Bernie Wrightson, and chief of the eponymous cult. Faith is just not a frequent theme in Batman tales (in contrast with, say, Daredevil over at Marvel). This makes Blackfire, who clothes and speaks like a priest, stand out all of the extra in comparison with Batman’s standard eccentric foes.
“The Cult” begins in media res, with Batman chained up contained in the Cult’s underground lair. Flashbacks reveal Blackfire got here into Gotham proclaiming benevolence, and opened a homeless shelter in Crime Alley. However individuals began disappearing, and when Batman investigated, he fell into the Cult’s arms.
The Cult is holding Batman hostage as a result of Blackfire desires the Darkish Knight to develop into a part of his household. You count on Batman to do what he at all times does: slip out of his chains with a hidden lockpick or some Houdini-esque escape trick and save the day. However not this time. Disadvantaged of meals and fed hallucinogenic medicine with a sermon from the Deacon, Batman succumbs to indoctrination by the top of difficulty #1.
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Batman’s internal monologue reveals that is no trick; he really is defeated and conquered by Blackfire. He does not break a lot that he commits homicide himself, however he stands by whereas among the Deacon’s different followers do.
Blackfire’s origins are saved a thriller by “Batman: The Cult.” When breaking Batman down, he claims to be an immortal and chosen by God. A thousand years in the past, he was despatched as a shaman to Native American tribe, the Miagani (“Bat Individuals”). They rejected and sealed him away, till some unfortunate Dutch settler woke up him centuries later. Commissioner Gordon finds proof of Blackfire committing crimes in Gotham way back to the Twenties, and the Deacon claims that bathing in others’ blood sustains his youth. But he is additionally a charlatan, knowingly exploiting faith to mislead the determined lots and win energy, so why would not he lie about his origins?
Blackfire dies on the finish of “The Cult,” torn aside by his followers after they witness him begging Batman for mercy. He is returned a handful of instances, however “The Cult” is the one traditional comedian to his title. Resulting from that, it isn’t shocking that Deacon Blackfire has but to point out up in any Batman films, as “The Cult” itself is much too brutal for a giant price range adaptation.
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