Reviews

Batman: Overdrive by Marcelo Di Chiara, Shea Fontana

jbrooxd's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

This was so fun! I loved the Alfred storyline in this - the scapegoat for Bruce's grief, always in the background, hilariously eager when other kids stop by to see Bruce. I enjoyed the ways other DC characters were woven into this story - I hope there will be more books with this collection of characters.

kailey_luminouslibro's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Young Bruce Wayne is weeks away from getting his driver's license, and decides to repair his father's classic car, and maybe give it some upgrades, and maybe start calling it the Batmobile. Bruce is tracking a car theft ring, and hoping they will lead to clues about his parents' murders. He is isolated and alone, but as he searches junkyards for replacement parts and tracks the car thefts, he befriends two teens that he is certain he can trust... until he can't.

I loved this graphic novel! Batman has never been my favorite superhero- too dark for me- but I really enjoyed reading about a young Bruce who is just forming his identity as a hero and learning from his early mistakes. Bruce is charming and just so cool. He takes too many risks and has a lot of anger inside though. It was great to see his character growing and developing as he dealt with some of those issues.

I especially loved the scenes with the butler, Alfred. He is so serene and calm. His relationship with Bruce is full of conflict, but eventually Bruce works through his fears, his anxiety, and his rebellion, and the two have a renewed relationship of trust and family love.

I loved the illustrations, and the use of bright and dark colors in the artwork to enhance the mood of each scene. Each character has a distinct look, and I appreciated how expressive their faces are. The art tells the story just as much as the text does. I also appreciate how clear the action scenes are. You can tell very clearly exactly what movements people are making as they chase, fight, and punch each other.

The story line is emotional, mysterious, and full of clues and adventure! I liked the way themes of forgiveness, inner peace, identity, and friendship are incorporated with each relationship and decision that the characters make.

A very cool introduction to Batman's origin story, and I hope there are many more books in this series! This graphic novel is perfect for middle grade and YA readers!


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

jennmarshall27's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Bruce Wayne is 15 and is fixing up his father's favorite car before his 16th birthday. At the junkyard searching for parts he stumbles across car thieves. With his new friends he decides to shut them down.

I loved this book. It is not true to Batman cannon but the story is great and I didn't mind it. I love the little hints to cannon hat were in the story. It is a Bruce Wayne story of him as a teenager.

The art was very simple, but it worked for the YA format. My students will love having this book in the classroom I can't wait to get my copy.

birdmanseven's review

Go to review page

4.0

I was skeptical about the idea of finding something new in the Batman origin, but left pleasantly surprised. I appreciated seeing the rebellion against Alfred, and found it very believable to have Bruce fixate on his dad's old car. I also really enjoyed the original character Mateo Diaz and hope we'll see him again.

I interviewed author Shea Fontana on a special episode of the All the Book Show: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/episode-265-batman-day-with-shea-fontana

stophie12's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

jkenna's review

Go to review page

4.0

Thank you to NetGalley for a free review copy of this.

This is a great introduction to the Batman lore if someone is unfamiliar with it. This would be a great jumping off point for kids to get started reading Batman if they've never read it before. I really liked the dynamic between Bruce, Selina, and Mateo. They all had something different to bring to the friendship and they meshed well with each other. I also enjoyed the storyline. It flowed nicely but not everything was wrapped up in a bow at the end of the story. I think that this book is a great start if you have a kid in your life that wants to get into comics but is daunted by everything that's out there. Highly recommend this for that reason alone, but it is also a great comic.

aniie's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

3.5. I think it's a fun enough intro story for those not already familiar with Batman's beginnings, if a little simplistic. Felt like it would appeal more towards younger readers than tweens or teens. I liked seeing Bruce with actual friends and I always love to see him getting along with Alfred.

Thanks to NetGalley and DC for an eARC copy of this to read and review.

radclyffe_uhaul's review

Go to review page

hopeful lighthearted mysterious relaxing fast-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

yet another "Bruce Wayne learns how to trust others" story and a pretty good one

mlytylr's review

Go to review page

  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

More...