Your own true identity

By Greg Cochrane

As any true fan knows Bruce Wayne has always been careful about revealing his alter ego, i.e. Batman. Of course over the years a "few" chosen people have been let in on the most sought after secret in Gotham City's history; Who really is the Batman and why has he chosen to do what he does.

We all share a common interest in that we collect some form of Batman memorabilia. Whether you're a fan of the classic 1966 TV series, the big screen or the comic inspired Batman, it would be safe to say that our collections mean a great deal to us. So much so that our "treasures" are usually incorporated into our very homes. They occupy little corners that allow us to escape from our hectic adult lives, into a world where we are masters of the game.

Do we share our secret? Like Batman, we only share our true identity with a chosen few, as most of those around us would find it difficult to understand our passion. As Bruce Wayne is continually driven by specters from his past, so do we, as individuals, claim forces that serve to shape the way we react to our present day lives. Everyone has demons. It is just that some of us have become better adept at living with them than others.

But for me personally, collecting Batman serves to keep that child in me alive. It reminds me of a simpler time that serves to sometimes give me a different perspective on things that I have to face as an adult. And no matter which direction our collections have taken us, we all share this secret. But

don't worry, your secret identity is safe with me.