Next 'Batman' is better, director pledges

By Scott Bowles
USA Today

The superhero of comic-book films, David Goyer wrote and directed "Blade: Trinity," due Dec. 10, and wrote the script for Christopher Nolan's "Batman Begins," coming next June 17. In it, Bruce Wayne sees his parents die, trains with a ninja and finally becomes the dark knight.

Question: The last two "Batman" movies stunk. How do we know this one won't?

Answer: (Laughs) Aside from my word? Well, I don't think it sucks. But also, Chris and I showed about three minutes of footage to a select group of fans at the Wizard (comic book) convention in Chicago last month. We crashed a Green Lantern panel and gathered them up in a room. It wasn't a trailer, just a montage of scenes. Afterward, we got a standing ovation. And a couple of tears were shed in the room. I'm not sure what that meant, but I think it's good.

Q. What happened to the "Batman" franchise?

A. I think the movies started getting too much like the TV show. It got campy. Back when the movies were coming out, the comic books were in a very good place. (Comic book illustrator) Frank Miller was doing some amazing work. They were really dark. The Joker had killed Robin, and the books had a very grim tone. They weren't messing around. But the movies ignored all that, and the fans turned against it.

Q. Did you work on "Blade" and "Batman" at the same time?

A. I did. I would write "Batman" from 8 to 11 in the morning, then work on "Blade" from 1 in the afternoon until sometimes the middle of the night. I don't recommend that.

Q. Which movie is better?

A. You can't really compare the two; they're so different. "Batman" is dark, more subtle, more of an introduction to the character. "Blade" is much more of a comic-book movie, much more over the top. But I feel a lot more pressure on "Blade." If "Batman" does well, I'll get some of the credit. If "Blade" does well, though, I'll get all the credit. And if it flops, I'll get all the blame.

Q. OK, who would win in a bar fight? Blade or Batman?

A. You're giving me a comic-book "Sophie's Choice." Here's the deal: I could envision a bar fight involving Blade more easily than I could involving Batman. But, going back to my days hanging out at the comic-book store, I can assure you that in the annals of comic book fanboys, Batman trumps every other comic book character — even Superman.

Q. This is the third "Blade" film. Why has a relatively obscure comic-book character done so well?

A. There are a few reasons. Before "Blade," there weren't any black superheroes in cinema. Even more unusual, he was a black superhero, but it wasn't a black movie. His color didn't matter. Plus, it's R-rated, and audiences, especially comic book fans, respond to that. It's just as dark as the comic book. It will never be a "Spider-Man," but it's not supposed to be. It's unrelenting and grim. He's a classic anti-hero.

Q. What's the significance of the tattoo pattern all over you arms?

A. It's called full sleeves; the tattoos run from my shoulders to my wrists. They're Eastern designs: I have dragonflies, chrysanthemums, Foo dogs, butterflies, (the Hindu god) Shiva.

Q. You're not doing much for the nerd image.

A. I'm a geek. But you can still be a geek and kick someone's (butt).