Italian artist Francesco Francavilla put Batman front and center in the ongoing national political debate happening in the NFL.
Francavilla drew Batman on one knee with his right fist clenched as he looks out into the world. Along with the photo Francavilla included “Today’s BATMAN. #TakeTheKnee”
Today's BATMAN.#TakeTheKnee pic.twitter.com/t5wWAgkd1R
— FrancescoFrancavilla (@f_francavilla) September 24, 2017
Francesco Francavilla recently drew Batman on a number of variant covers for All Star Batman. He is currently writing and drawing Dynamite Comic’s Will Eisner’s The Spirit: The Corpse-Makers.
Based on the code, I might have disrespected the flag a few times by using it on my covers. If I did, I apologize. pic.twitter.com/nP1sTXeXez
— FrancescoFrancavilla (@f_francavilla) September 24, 2017
#TakeTheKnee began when former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kapernick famously began taking a knee in silent protest during the National Anthem for all games last season.
The protest gained renewed vigor after President Donald Trump encouraged his supporters to stop attending NFL games.
If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
Francavilla’s Batman drawing received mixed reactions.
as a Vet and a proud American, how dare you use Batman in this way.
— TJ Robertson (@ventingoffsteam) September 24, 2017
Batman doesn't get involved in false narratives.
— Chris W (@ChrisDWojcik) September 24, 2017
Sometimes standing up for freedom and the rights of others….means not standing at all
— Outright Geekery (@OutrightGeekery) September 24, 2017
— PooBrown/TheNerd (@Poo_Brown) September 24, 2017
Actual hero's taking a knee who deserve the pay of the #NFL players pic.twitter.com/rW5bTnTQFI
— Man?Bear?Pig? (@DannyEfingK) September 24, 2017
I was hoping someone would do this. Thanks! #TakeTheKnee
— Tigrikorn?? (@odouglasj) September 24, 2017
What do you think?