Reviews

still one of my fav Batman stories, the characterization of both pro- and antagonist are just great
Hugo Strange is such an underrated Batman villain oml, top 5 villain from his rogues gallery imo

Content Warnings

gothicteletubby's review against another edition

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3.0

This was pretty alright. We get to see the origins of Hugo Strange and the Bat Signal, the former being much weirder and basically continuing the previous characterization of "what if psychologists are all crazy weirdos." Strange's more recent iterations are more subdued so it's so interesting to see him written this way. We also get to see the beginning of the Bat and Cat relationship, I love the idea of them really meeting the first time on a rooftop. Batman: Terror also gives one of my favorite Bruce quotes, about him being more for rehabilitation than punishment, and him starting the Wayne Foundation up again, that poverty is the reason many go to crime.

lorddagon2022's review

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dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

goodxgirl9238's review

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4.0

A dark and intriguing entry into the modern Batman chronology, this collected edition of the Hugo Strange focused 'Legends of the Dark Knight' (1989) comics is an interesting look at the early psychology of Batman and the difference between criminals and villains.

Batman: Prey takes place in the earliest days of Batman, specifically showing the creation of the Batmobile and a more human Batman who is still in the process of separating the Bat from the Man and what it means to be a symbol, to be something more than man which connects very well to the story built up in 'Shaman'.

Dr. Hugo Strange, the creepiest of psychologists is offering the GCPD his profiling skills to help catch 'The Batman' as part of an Anti-Vigilante Taskforce alongside an arrogant cop, much to the chagrin of Captain James Gordon who has been assigned to lead, even as he helps the man he is charged with catching. While Strange's analysis of the Bat are explosive, a truth is reflected in them that gives Bruce Wayne pause as he must learn to master himself and prove himself to the city as a new, more violent vigilante stalks the streets and Dr. Strange unravels with his growing obsession.

Batman: Terror takes place some months, possibly even a year later with both Gordon and Batman, now more secure in his place in the city musing about earlier events. A stronger story, with more of the villains of classic Batman referenced, Terror works specifically to cover new facets of the Crusade. It can be easy to see Bruce Wayne as merely a mask, but Terror does the work of showing that the Crusade must be fought on multiple fronts.

It also is a tour de force for the Scarecrow, giving Crane the formula for Fear Gas we are all familiar for and continuing the build up of the unique relationship between Catwoman and Batman. Whereas Year One focuses a lot on the standard criminal elements of mobsters, Terror picks up where Prey left off with giving us a strong story of a 'villain' whose crimes are about desire rather than desperation.

The art styles of each story are different, with Terror feeling more polished, almost shiny in comparison with the sketchier style of Prey. Both styles work very well for their respective stories, with Scarecrow nearly popping off the page in Terror with its strong use of color.

Overall, I would give this collection 3.5 stars, rounded up to four.

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