Book Review: Batman and the Shadows of Modernity

reviewed by Felipe Rodolfo Hendriksen, Profesor y Licenciando en Letras, Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina

Rafael Carrión-Arias. Batman and the Shadows of Modernity: A Critical Genealogy on Contemporary Hero in the Age of Nihilism. Routledge, 2024. ISBN 1032423145. $180. https://www.routledge.com/Batman-and-the-Shadows-of-Modernity-A-Critical-Genealogy-on-Contemporary-Hero-in-the-Age-of-Nihilism/Carrion-Arias/p/book/9781032423142

Rafael Carrión-Arias’s Batman and the Shadows of Modernity is not just another analysis of a beloved superhero—it is a profound interrogation of the dark forces that shape our modern world, reflected through the lens of one of pop culture’s most enduring icons. By examining Batman as a product of our existential anxieties, Carrión-Arias crafts a narrative that pushes beyond conventional superhero studies and plunges into the philosophical depths of modernity itself.

At its heart, this book is a meditation on heroism and nihilism, themes that intersect in Batman’s tortured psyche. Carrión-Arias does not merely critique Batman as a character but positions him as a mirror for the postmodern age—a figure grappling with the collapse of meaning and the moral uncertainties of our time. He asks readers not just to observe Batman’s actions, but to understand the cultural and philosophical forces that drive them. It is a brave and ambitious endeavor that establishes Batman as not only a figure of justice, but a symbol of the fragmented self caught in the shadows of modern life.

From the outset, Carrión-Arias frames his study within the philosophical genealogy of Nietzsche and Foucault. Drawing on these thinkers, the author investigates how Batman emerges as a cultural product of late capitalism and existential despair. Carrión-Arias argues that he is not merely a hero, but also a reaction to the collapse of traditional systems of meaning. Rather than focusing solely on Batman’s psychological turmoil, Carrión-Arias positions the character as a reflection of the broader societal fears that define the modern age. And Gotham City, in his analysis, is no mere scene setting, but rather a manifestation of the existential dread that permeates contemporary urban life—a crumbling metropolis where the line between good and evil is blurred and where Batman must constantly navigate a world on the brink of moral collapse.

Where Batman and the Shadows of Modernity distinguishes itself from other analyses, such as those by Grant Morrison or Scott Snyder, is its willingness to tackle the philosophical implications of Batman’s role in a world stripped of meaning. While Morrison, for instance, explores Batman’s mythic dimensions and Snyder delves into his psychological resilience, Carrión-Arias focuses on the socio-political structures that both create and sustain Batman.

One of the book’s most compelling sections is its examination of Batman as a political figure. Drawing on Carl Schmitt’s concept of the “state of exception,” Carrión-Arias suggests that Batman operates as a sovereign figure who exists both within and outside the law. This paradoxical role reflects modern society’s unease with authority and justice, where figures like Batman become necessary yet deeply troubling symbols of order. Batman’s actions, while noble, reveal the fragility of the legal and moral systems upon which society depends. Carrión-Arias’s reading of Batman as an authoritarian figure has particular resonance in today’s political climate, where issues of surveillance, state violence, and personal freedoms are continually debated. By likening Batman to Schmitt’s sovereign figure, the author critiques the hero’s unchecked power, showing how Batman’s vigilante justice echoes the problematic dynamics of American exceptionalism.

The book’s philosophical backbone lies in its deep engagement with nihilism. Carrión-Arias draws extensively from Nietzsche’s The Birth of Tragedy and Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, situating Batman as a tragic figure whose pursuit of justice is driven not by hope, but by a profound rejection of meaning. In doing so, Carrión-Arias presents Batman as a hero defined by his refusal to succumb to the chaos surrounding him. Batman’s moral code, particularly his refusal to kill, is framed as a Sisyphean effort to impose order on an inherently disordered world.

Carrión-Arias’s treatment of Batman’s villains, particularly the Joker, is another highlight of the book. Drawing on Mikhail Bakhtin’s theories of the carnivalesque, the author argues that the Joker represents the ultimate embodiment of chaos and disorder, a figure whose very existence challenges Batman’s moral universe. The Joker is not simply Batman’s opposite; he is the embodiment of a world without rules, a world where meaning has been completely eroded. Carrión-Arias’s analysis of Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth as a polyphonic narrative adds depth to his argument, showing how the interplay of voices within the text mirrors the broader cultural debates about sanity, power, and morality.

While Batman and the Shadows of Modernity is a profoundly thought-provoking text, its density may be a barrier for readers who are less familiar with the philosophical frameworks the author engages with. At times, Carrión-Arias assumes a high level of philosophical literacy, particularly when discussing theories of Nietzsche and Foucault. While this adds intellectual heft, it may alienate readers looking for a more accessible exploration of Batman. That being said, the book’s strength lies in its willingness to tackle complex, often uncomfortable questions about heroism, morality, and the modern world. For those willing to engage with its complexities, Batman and the Shadows of Modernity offers a rich and rewarding exploration of one of pop culture’s most iconic figures. It is a book that not only deepens our understanding of Batman but also forces us to confront the shadows that shape our own world.

In conclusion, Batman and the Shadows of Modernity offers a significant contribution to both superhero studies and broader philosophical discourse. By positioning Batman as a figure intertwined with the moral uncertainties and existential struggles of the modern world, Carrión-Arias transcends typical superhero analysis and opens up new avenues for understanding the character’s cultural relevance. This book not only deepens our appreciation for Batman as a reflection of modern nihilism but also lays the groundwork for future scholarship on how superheroes function as ideological symbols in an era marked by fragmentation and crisis. As both a cultural critique and a philosophical treatise, Batman and the Shadows of Modernity stands as an essential text for scholars, philosophers, and comic book enthusiasts alike, one that will likely shape future discussions on the intersection of power, identity, and morality in the superhero genre.