Last month I finally got around to catching up to some of the documentaries in my Netflix queue, one of which was Legends of the Knight:

This documentary subjects showcases some really great and inspiring stories such as the Baltimore Batman, a rich former businessman that dressed up as Batman to visit children’s hospitals, handicapped folks such as Jill Pantozzi, aka The Nerdy Birdy a well-known comic blogger diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy, and others who use Batman as their source of inspiration to meet their challenges they face in their life.

The director doesn’t manage to elicit any great thesis or explore new ground on the Batman that hasn’t already been said in various other places, but he does show the wide impact the character can inspire by reminding us why these heroes are important beyond the pages and screens from the mundane to the extreme.

It is a great documentary which I suggest everyone watch.

When I saw this I was unaware that the Capital District had its very own Dynamic Duo.

Meet Erik Nussbaum and his son Connor… The Dynamic Duo For Smiles!

It wasn’t until DW from FanBoysInc! sent me a Facebook page that I knew of these two.

Erik was kind enough to do an interview with me for the blog:

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How did you get into comic books? Can you remember your first book?

Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s was a great time as comics were everywhere, I think as soon as I started reading they were always comics.

What is about the Batman that draws you to the character?

Batman to me is the one who holds everything together, always helping those around them be better and the one who helps no matter what the circumstances are.

Is there a certain story, writer, artist (or a combo ) that particularly sticks out as a favorite?

I think every writer has their own creative spin..I do like the Jim Lee art very much, again something about the 70’s/80’s style I like very much.

Tell me about “DYNAMIC DUO for SMILES” … what inspired you? what do you do?

It started about a year or so ago…my father was in the hospital during the Batman Day events celebrating the 75th anniversary. It was a long week and I decided to take my younger son (Connor) to the Crandall Library and he asked me to dress up with him. He thought it would be a good idea to visit his papa at the intensive care unit. When we got there at first people looked at us funny..but then they forgot where they were for just that one moment in time and made them forget that they were going through a very difficult time in their lives. A few weeks later I was recognized by my voice of all things as THE Batman that had visited and was told what impact we had made. Kinda spiraled from there.

How did you introduce your son to Batman and does he have a favorite Robin (Dick, Tim, Damian)?

My house is full of Batman and Robin..from cups, plates, boxes of cereal, books, video games…I have a few old school phones that are Batmobiles.

He (my son) has grown up with him. He’s been recognized in school for his work with me. Both my boys are great and I’m very proud of them. My 19-year-old is an EMT and volunteer fireman.

He really wants to grow into Nightwing, he likes the idea of becoming his own superhero.

Tell me a bit about your costumes? How many do you have and anything in the works?

I currently have two, a Batman ’66 and 90s movie version and a new Dawn of Justice currently being pieced together.

Are there any versions of the costume you would like to do or what if any would you like to incorporate in a “personalized” costume version?

That’s a great question. What I think I’d like to if ever I can afford to do, is a version that has one item from each as a way to honor all the great and different movie/tv versions. There are some things that look great on each suit and maybe one day I can pay homage to them all.

Do you have any long-term plans?

I just want to be someone who is still able to give back to my community and surrounding area’s..It’s not necessarily about bigger , just about getting the cause’s of people out there.

To be honest, this still has moments of being overwhelming and moments of pure joy. I just hope to get my word spread in hopes of making this just a little better place for all of us.

I have a wonderful support system.

My friends and family have been very gracious helping with our endeavors. My friend over at FanboysInc has gotten our name out there to a lot. (don’t tell my wife)..

Any and all donations I have received (I have a gofund me) have all been used to purchase bat-goodies for the kids or have been donated back to the community.

My wife has been very supportive of us and has even come to a few events..but still refuses to suit up.

I even have a Robin costume for when Connor wants to be Batman…kinda want to keep him interested, so the dad in me says to be the sidekick

Any events upcoming and are there any events or cons that you would like to do?

May 1st March of Dimes Walk in Schenectady

May 7th March of Dimes walk in Saratoga

May 15th March of Dimes at ACC

I am hoping to save up enough for a Gala event March 19 for Make A Wish

FB Community Page: Dynamic Duo For Smiles

I’m hoping the Criterion Movie Theater in Saratoga ok’s this, but I was invited to be at the opening night for the new movie..not so much charity but fun..I’m thinking about the next Albany Con also.

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I would like to thank Erik once again for taking the time to talk and look forward to hearing about thier continuing adventures…