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sandeeisreading's review against another edition
4.0
If you don't already know, I'm a sucker for Batman. I wasn't always, but after reading Scott Snyder's run with this hero in Court of Owls, I got hooked.
Going into this Volume of his New 52 run, I wasn't expecting anything less than stellar. Yes. I got high expectations from Snyder and Capullo (my favorite duo).
MY THOUGHTS IN BULLETS:
• I kinda thought this volume would be following a certain storyline. So I was surprised to find that it was sort of a collection of short stories instead.
• The first one was prequel to Zero Year as noted, but I haven't read that one so I don't really know what happened there. Now I think I have to pick it up because I'm really curious what happened to this dishevelled, undercover Bruce Wayne. Why haven't I read Zero Year yet? Well because someone gifted this volume to me and I just couldn't wait to read it, so there. But I will get to Zero Year. POSSIBLY AFTER THIS.
• There were moments here that shows the Bruce's struggle with loss, how we lost practically anything that has ever been important to him. It's kind of heartbreaking really, and I love that.
• Superman made a small cameo. They were in a weird story involving a demon sucking out souls plus a ghost who can't crossover to the other side. Yeah I know. Weird huh? The reason why I liked this part was because of how it shows their friendship and genuine concern for each other. That's the part that really worked for me. PS: Superman's weakness is not only Kryptonite.
• We got introduced to Harper aka Bluebird. This is the first time I've read about her but I already like her from what I've seen so far. A female Batman sidekick? Yes please.
• Eeeh? What the hell happened to Comissioner Gordon? I may have to do a little research and find out why he got sent to jail.
• My least favorite among the stories in this volume was the one involving the Achoress inside Arkham Asylum. She's in there because she's crazy, I get it. But I just didn't like her motivation. It doesn't make sense to me.
• I liked the serial killer storyline. However, I didn't get how he knew there was someone targetting this doctor's patient. I don't think it was that clear on how he found that out.
• The art. Holy cow. I loved them. Even the ones that were made by other artists aside from Capullo. They all get A pluses from me.
• Selina Kyle. There you are.
• Some storylines were better than others, that's for sure.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
Another great addition to Synder's New 52 run. Wish I'd gotten to see more of Batman's more emotional side though. The things that happened to his past definitely changed him. I want more of that.
Going into this Volume of his New 52 run, I wasn't expecting anything less than stellar. Yes. I got high expectations from Snyder and Capullo (my favorite duo).
MY THOUGHTS IN BULLETS:
• I kinda thought this volume would be following a certain storyline. So I was surprised to find that it was sort of a collection of short stories instead.
• The first one was prequel to Zero Year as noted, but I haven't read that one so I don't really know what happened there. Now I think I have to pick it up because I'm really curious what happened to this dishevelled, undercover Bruce Wayne. Why haven't I read Zero Year yet? Well because someone gifted this volume to me and I just couldn't wait to read it, so there. But I will get to Zero Year. POSSIBLY AFTER THIS.
• There were moments here that shows the Bruce's struggle with loss, how we lost practically anything that has ever been important to him. It's kind of heartbreaking really, and I love that.
• Superman made a small cameo. They were in a weird story involving a demon sucking out souls plus a ghost who can't crossover to the other side. Yeah I know. Weird huh? The reason why I liked this part was because of how it shows their friendship and genuine concern for each other. That's the part that really worked for me. PS: Superman's weakness is not only Kryptonite.
• We got introduced to Harper aka Bluebird. This is the first time I've read about her but I already like her from what I've seen so far. A female Batman sidekick? Yes please.
• Eeeh? What the hell happened to Comissioner Gordon? I may have to do a little research and find out why he got sent to jail.
• My least favorite among the stories in this volume was the one involving the Achoress inside Arkham Asylum. She's in there because she's crazy, I get it. But I just didn't like her motivation. It doesn't make sense to me.
• I liked the serial killer storyline. However, I didn't get how he knew there was someone targetting this doctor's patient. I don't think it was that clear on how he found that out.
• The art. Holy cow. I loved them. Even the ones that were made by other artists aside from Capullo. They all get A pluses from me.
• Selina Kyle. There you are.
• Some storylines were better than others, that's for sure.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
Another great addition to Synder's New 52 run. Wish I'd gotten to see more of Batman's more emotional side though. The things that happened to his past definitely changed him. I want more of that.
unladylike's review against another edition
5.0
I had fairly low expectations for this collection, since I knew going into it that it would be a collection of single issues that didn't fit into other trade collections. Scott Snyder is at the helm of all the plotting, but doesn't write every script. And yet, this turns out to be SUCH a solid collection of Batman issues!
The biggest highlight was at least three issues featuring HARPER ROW! And one of them features cover art depicting a robin perched atop some empty boots that need filling! Apparently her code name ends up being Bluebird, but I've never been more excited for a superhero sidekick.
Harper's growing skill sets, her style (which happens to closely resemble my own, so I admit some aesthetic bias), her love for her sibling, Cullen, and her persistence in the face of angry, mourning Bats are all great layers for a character that will hopefully last well beyond Snyder's run.
The one issue in this collection that didn't seem to fit involves a magick circle where some kids have summoned a soul-eater. Batman has to interact with a ghost girl while Superman throws a few punches at an ancient monster that can overpower him. Supes is only there because he wanted to check on Bruce's well-being in the wake of Damian's death. Batman is cold and hard-hearted as usual, and the plot is only there to open things up between the two characters. But because of the elements present, I couldn't help wondering when Constantine was going to show up, because it was really the kind of thing he would be dealing with instead of Batman OR Superman.
The biggest highlight was at least three issues featuring HARPER ROW! And one of them features cover art depicting a robin perched atop some empty boots that need filling! Apparently her code name ends up being Bluebird, but I've never been more excited for a superhero sidekick.
Harper's growing skill sets, her style (which happens to closely resemble my own, so I admit some aesthetic bias), her love for her sibling, Cullen, and her persistence in the face of angry, mourning Bats are all great layers for a character that will hopefully last well beyond Snyder's run.
The one issue in this collection that didn't seem to fit involves a magick circle where some kids have summoned a soul-eater. Batman has to interact with a ghost girl while Superman throws a few punches at an ancient monster that can overpower him. Supes is only there because he wanted to check on Bruce's well-being in the wake of Damian's death. Batman is cold and hard-hearted as usual, and the plot is only there to open things up between the two characters. But because of the elements present, I couldn't help wondering when Constantine was going to show up, because it was really the kind of thing he would be dealing with instead of Batman OR Superman.
daileyxplanet's review against another edition
4.0
Kind of a grab bag with no clear plot. Would've rather read the Zero Year tie ins in the Zero Year trades, but it's Snyder so still good.
asparkofc's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this for different reasons then the previous story arch zero year.
I loved seeing the kids watch the batsignal turn on. That was cute.
I didn’t know Damian died so that was a little shocking, I do have to admit. I suppose I’ll have to find that story now.
I loved seeing the kids watch the batsignal turn on. That was cute.
I didn’t know Damian died so that was a little shocking, I do have to admit. I suppose I’ll have to find that story now.
murphyc1's review against another edition
4.0
Herein are several exciting, intriguing stand-alone Batman stories adding depth and color to Snyder's New 52 Gotham City.
michellewords's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a fan of Greg Capullo and Scott Snyder, but they didn't have much on this book. Not my favorite. Plus Batman spends a lot of time pouting and "grieving"
coolnameguy's review against another edition
3.0
Some very good stories, but most are in more fitting collections. The only new one, #34, is actually pretty interesting, with some good social commentary and fitting artwork.
tmwebb3's review against another edition
3.0
Hodgepodge of stories from various earlier storyline in Snyder's run. Not really one offs, had to figure out where they fit with very little background. Thought I would like the issues dealing with the death of Damian most, but they were the worst. Best was the issues prior to Zero Year. Art was a real mixed bag, with a whole lot of different artists.
maxwellatewell's review against another edition
4.0
Mostly these are one off stories, but there's enough connecting tissue that I would consider it an important part of the New 52 run. There's important Harper Row material as well as dealing with Bruce's emotional state after Plus a change of pace is nice.