I used to like the idea of Batman and Talia, but those snippets from the Ibn story really put me off. I guess it's down to him and the bodyguard from Murderer.

Question: I have a co-worker whose entire Batman exposure has been the first three movies, my mutterings, and Red Son. At home, I have No Man's Land and Bruce: Wayne Murderer in trade, as well as some Batgirl. I want to prep him a little for Batman Begins. NML or BMW? Which is more illuminating and less confusing for a tyro?

Of the two choices, I'd say BMW.

The main appeal of NML for me is that its Jim Gordon is so the Gordon of the movie. But I get that it might be a bit more opaque.

I intend to own Year One and the like, just not soon enough for him.

The main appeal of NML for me is that its Jim Gordon is so the Gordon of the movie.

Oh, I agree with you on that, but Gordon isn't going to seem as key of a character (in the movie) to a tyro -- at least, not compared to Brucie boy.

tyro?

Gordon isn't going to seem as key of a character (in the movie) to a tyro

Yeah, I guess. The thrill of squeeing "Isn't he perfect!" is geekery beyond his capabilities right now.

eta:

tyro?

Beginner.

tyro?

noob

Like...tyrosine?

I guess it's down to him and the bodyguard from Murderer.

I liked her.

tyro?

Beginner.

What's the etymology?

The other good thing about NML is it's my only exposure to comic Scarecrow.

I figured out the definition in context, but what's the derivation?

Houghton Mifflin sez:

Medieval Latin t[ymacr]rō, squire, variant of Latin tīrō, recruit

M-W.com sez:

Medieval Latin, from Latin tiro young soldier, tyro