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Something odd occurred to me the other day. I was thinking about Batman and his servant, Alfred. My best friend was re-reading Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L. Sayers. Naturally, my mind began to make comparisons, and I began to wonder if Bob Kane, the creator of Batman, might have read Sayers, especially the Lord Peter mysteries she wrote? Here's why I ask.
- Batman, as Bruce Wayne, is independently wealthy. As the younger son of a Duke, Lord Peter is quite comfortably well off, as well.
- Batman has a butler who is his partner in his crime fighting, as well as managing his life. Alfred manages the household, keeps up the cars, including the Bat-mobile, and helps with all the little technical things he can when The Batman needs him. He even can make a mean sandwich. Lord Peter has Bunter, who is as capable at lifting finger prints or getting information out of someone as handily as his master. He also sees to the car, all the arrangements of the house, and every social nicety his lordship should take part in, but might be too busy to notice.
- Batman has an alter-ego. So does Lord Peter, although he doesn't wear a funny suit, he does adopt a somewhat supercillious attitude. Hard to take him seriously as a detective till he strikes his colors.
- Batman has a good friend in Commissioner Gordon. Lord Peter has Inspector Parker in Scotland Yard.
- Batman lives alone with Alfred. Lord Peter lives alone with Bunter.
- Neither are married. In fact, both Bruce Wayne and Lord Peter have reputations as playboys.
- Batman falls in love with Selena Kyle, aka Catwoman, who is on the wrong side of the law, although she's perfect for him. Lord Peter falls in love with Harriet Vane, a writer of murder mysteries who is initially accused of poisoning a lover the same way detailed in one of her novels. Both men go out to save the women they love, but with different conclusions.
- Both have really cool cars for their day. Batman's is high powered and "supped" up to the max so he can have loads of back up when he's out. Lord Peter has a Daimler that he loves to drive too fast.
This proves nothing. It's merely speculation. But I still wonder.
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