ComiCentric Issue 53 : Holy Podcast Chicano Batman
Before his iconic transformation, he was mild manner husband and father Michael Garcia. Not knowing if he was doing the dad thing right. He is now navigating the treacherous seas of he had never navigated before. And unbeknown to him his life would take a turn and never be the same again.
One day as he tried to figure out this fatherhood thing. He, like many first-time dads wanted to show his kid a good time. Seeing that Frank and sons was having a singing of the old Batman ‘66 cast that included Adam West, Burt Ward, and Ms. Julie Newmar. Here was a show that as he grew up captured his imagination, and perhaps thinking it could do the same for his kid. They were off, armed with only 80 and a Batman 66 hot wheels they took off to the promise land. getting there early enough to be towards the beginning of the line. He was met with another hurtle; it was 100 bucks for the autograph.
Nearly defeated Michael and his son where ready to move on, when from the shadows like an echo from inside Bronson’s cave, he heard Adam West voice telling them to step forward and that 80 was ok. And as Adam West began to sign the lil hot wheel he began a conversation with Garcia’s child. Inquiring in the most ’66 Bruce Wayne way about eating veggies and being a good child. While the child’s mild manner couldn’t begin to understand what was going on. Behind him the wheels of justice where getting lubed up. As Michael and his child were about to take their leave. Adam West, the man who made batman real for most, told him with the sincerest face. That he was doing a good job being a dad.
Elated and flabbergasted with that Michael who wasn’t sure if he was doing ok. Got the answer he was looking for from his hero and this began the wheels of justice turning. Ever since that day no longer needed that vindication if he was doing ok. He decided. We would like to share that spark given to him by Mr. West with the rest of the world. Starting like all batmen do with a simple costume design. He needed to be more than just a batman he needed to be a batman for the people. Then and there a Chicano from the city of Whitter became more than a Batman. He became Chicano Batman! Dawning on the bandana cape de Justicia and the docks of discipline he takes to the convention circuit and brings smiles to those who need it.
Ok maybe I did go a little overboard with Chicano Batman’s origin. But we all have dreams and aspirations. Growing up we were bombarded with the message that it wasn’t possible to be Batman. Yet they told us we can become whatever we wanted to be… a doctor, a lawyer, THE president. They lead us to believe it was all within our reach. So, if all that was possible, then why when we told them we wanted to be Batman they would laugh or bring out the chancla to put the dreams in their place? If everything is possible. And we were told that it was all possible. Then as grownups, gee golly old, we are going to become Batman. We teach our kids that anything is possible and yet the best way to do that is to show them.
Meeting Michael Garcia AKA THE Chicano Batman was an honor. A true batman fan from head to toe and in spirit. He currently is a speech therapist who cosplays for any type of event. he has a smile and a attitude that can be contagious. And after the live show, we said we weren’t going to do another live recording. But he came in costume!!