Christian Bale’s upcoming Thor 4 appearance may make him a part of the MCU, but according to Spider-Man himself, the actor is already a star in the Marvel Comics universe. Thanks to some jabs by Peter Parker, fans now know: Bale and Christopher Nolan brought Batman to life in movie theaters across Marvel’s fictional world, as well – right down to his famous ‘Bat-voice.’
The confirmation comes courtesy of Hawkeye: Freefall #2, the official preview pages for which reveal an unexpected meeting between the book’s villain and Spider-Man. Peter Parker stumbling into Clint Barton’s business isn’t a total surprise, considering they’re now neighbors. But when Spidey decides to try his luck with the mysterious new Ronin, the pair actually exchange words before trading blows. On the one hand, it provides even more evidence that this Ronin isn’t quite the killer they’re being made out to be. On the other, it gives Spider-Man the chance to compare Ronin to Christian Bale’s Batman – apparently just as infamous for his “Batman voice” in Marvel’s reality as our own.
Take a look at the scene in question, from writer Matthew Rosenberg and artist Otto Schmidt:
It may not be as monumental a reveal as confirming DC and Marvel characters exist in the same multiverse – most recently confirmed when Thor watched DC’s Universe die. Indeed, both publishers seem determined to keep up that running joke for as long as fans will enjoy it. But it is an entirely different inside joke to have Marvel heroes suggest the Justice League exists in their world… just as a fictional franchise, property, or comic book series. Case in point: Tony Stark acknowledging Superman, despite Marvel Comics making it clear that no such Man of Steel exists in their own universe. Well, unless you consider the deadlier-than-ever Squadron Supreme, Marvel’s knockoff Justice League.
However, Spidey’s joke in Freefall #2 stands out as something different, confirming that Christian Bale and Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy hit theaters in Marvel’s comic book universe, too (and apparently earned the same level of infamy for his in-costume vocal style). Now the question fans have to ask is whether or not that Bale/Nolan collaboration confirms Batman is as popular among Marvel’s fictional comic readers, too. Fans can read the full issue when it hits physical and digital retailers, and find the full solicitation details and plot synopsis below:
- HAWKEYE: FREEFALL #2 Release Date: January 29th, 2020 Written by: Matthew Rosenberg Art by: Otto Schmidt Cover Art by: Kim Jacinto WHO THE %$&@ IS RONIN? The mystery surrounding the volatile new Ronin deepens as his actions begin to destabilize the seedy underbelly of New York City. Hawkeye finds himself caught in the middle of an increasingly dangerous turf war between Ronin and the Hood. Though Clint may not approve of Ronin’s methods, it’s hard to argue with his results. And pretty soon, he may need to choose a side that his allies in the Avengers won’t be happy about…
Hawkeye: Freefall #2 will be available from your local comic book shop on January 29th, 2020.
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