Reviews

Absolute Batman: Arkham Asylum by Grant Morrison, Dave McKean

hakimbriki's review against another edition

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3.0

So, basically, this is a Batman book where Batman is not the main character. The idea may seem intriguing -it certainly aroused my curiosity- and when it comes to Grant Morrison, I always expect to have my mind blown. This did not happen this time.
Exploring the history of Arkham Asylum and introducing new characters like Amadeus Arkham and Dr. Cavendish was very refreshing, but the plot was weirdly tasteless and boring, somewhat chaotic as well. Many villains from the Batman universe appear (Clayface, Killer Croc, the Scarecrow, the Mad Hatter)but they do not bring anything to the story.
The most redeeming quality of the book is the incredibly lavish and detailed illustrations by Dave McKeen; each page is an incredible, unique work of art that makes Arkham Asylum - A Serious House on Serious Earth worth reading.

tackerly's review against another edition

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4.0

The art is stunningly sublime; horrifically gorgeous. Sadly, on the downside, the Joker's dialogue is often difficult to read and sometimes completely unreadable. Still, an incredible aesthetic experience.

marieintheraw's review against another edition

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3.0

The artwork was kind of eerie, but in an odd way. I understand that the protagonist is a villain. I understand that this IS Arkham Asylum. I just wanted more and the art disappointed me.

factolvictor's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

rrowanreads's review against another edition

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

3.25

youarecool's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious fast-paced

4.0

ferzemkhan's review against another edition

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challenging dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

mikethekid122's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

livepasthope's review against another edition

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dark tense

5.0

peeeebs's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

It’s one of the most important graphic novels of all time for a reason. The story is dark and macabre, the art is nightmarish and at times terrifying to look at. It’s a different take on Batman but it’s one that works perfect for this story, he is a shadow in the dark, less man more monster. A creature of pain and destruction. He belongs in the asylum. I loved it