Earlier this week, sources in Vatican City revealed that the Catholic Church has long been unhappy with DC Comics’ use of the term “Caped Crusaders” to describe comic book heroes Batman and Robin. The contention is apparently based on actual historical figures that were the original caped crusaders, the Knights Templar.

The Catholic Church, which boasts an estimated 1.2 billion followers, has decided to produce documents from the period of the Crusades that contain period art showing the Knights with their capes and cloaks. Additionally, tapestries and other art pieces have long been known to exist, but nothing was ever done about it. Their argument states that if anyone has the right to be known as such, it should be the warriors who risked life and limb to protect travelers.

DC Comics, publisher of the characters Batman and Robin, has yet to comment, though multiple messages were left. Rumor on the streets is that DC feels they are in the right and will pursue legal representation if necessary. Citing case law regarding copyrighted material, attorney Matt Murdock said that this was not an open and shut case. Apparently the term is ambiguous enough that it cannot be trademarked and has been used by a plethora of other institutions over the decades. Murdock was quoted as saying, “The case isn’t cut and dry, not at all. As a matter of fact, I never look at a case as if it’s black or white. Every action, every part, creates a ripple effect and it’s the court’s job to find the truth of the matter.”

We will keep you informed as events warrant, as information is not currently available on all fronts. But we will update as needed. What’s your stance on this? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

[Update] Anonymous sources have revealed the catalyst of this hot button issue as Patience, an elusive member of the church who considers herself a protector of the church and goes by the screen name Magdalena. Apparently as a child she was unable to defeat the game Batman: The Caped Crusader on her Commodore 64 and has held a grudge ever since.

[Source: AFD]