Unpublished Paper
Batman Comic Books as Precedent for Can-Do Dynamism
(2019)
Abstract
Batman comic books not only feature a millionaire- turned- Superhero, but they lay the
foundation, the anatomy even, of can-do dynamism, which is perhaps even more relevant
today. The formula of this dynamism is evident both in the theme of the comic books as well as
the exhibition, “Yes is More. An Archicomic on Architectural Evolution”, by the Copenhagenbased
architectural practice Bjarke Ingels Group, better known as BIG. This essay explores four
main aspects of can-do dynamism: visual scanning; message areas; the power of speech
balloons; and the development of key characters who drive and allow for the inventive
application of Batman comic books. These aspects are also critical for BIG’s radical architectural
manifesto, which is essentially structured as a graphic novel. This essay concludes with the
premise that both “Yes is More” and the Batman comic books are transformative because of
the intelligent synergies that are created from wild and unforeseen dynamics.
Keywords
- Batman,
- Bjarke Ingels,
- visual scanning,
- message areas,
- onomatopoeia words,
- balloons
Disciplines
Publication Date
Spring April 13, 2019
Citation Information
Andreas Luescher. "Batman Comic Books as Precedent for Can-Do Dynamism" (2019) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/andreas_luescher/25/