Reviews

Batman: Arkham Asylum - A Serious House on Serious Earth by Grant Morrison

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talentedcain's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

blanchebloom's review against another edition

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3.0

Honestly, if I had not read all the additional content at the back (prime amongst it Morrison’s final draft of the script/text) I would have liked this less. While I can see the value in such an innovative and unique art style, it ultimately muddled the story somewhat for me. I can appreciate how the style plays into the plot, and how the restoration and translation into digital has impacted the work as well, but again it was just too muddled for me. Frankly, it made it difficult to piece together the symbolism which was so richly laid in by Morrison at first brush. However, with the aid of the textual analysis, I can appreciate the art more.

In terms of character, I enjoyed seeing such a drastically different take on Batman than normal; a man who was entirely consumed by his trauma, who cannot function normally, who in many ways is similar indeed to the members of the asylum. I don’t like this version of the man, but it is interesting to see how he could turn out.

I do think Morrison is perhaps a bit Freudian in his heavy handed utilization of sexuality as a force that shapes Batman and the characters in his actual analysis, but I suppose if his mind goes there it is a valid imagining. Just not something that I feel is needed to get to the core of a person (though I understand he is fleshing out unnecessary details in the script area, so I get that too).

The plot itself was just fine. Much of it just seems like an excuse to make Batman run around and loose it and while that is certainly the Joker’s intention here, as an audience member it is somewhat stale in my opinion. Layering in the fact that this work seems to continue with the trend from the period in which it was written, wherein the mentally ill are shown as horrifying and scary, just for existing, my modern perspective, cringes at much of the plot.

Regardless, I can see how this was so popular and understand why it is a famous work in all the thousands of Batman pieces that are out there. If you do decide to read, be sure to get the version with the script and stuff like that, as otherwise, I really would not have enjoyed this. I appreciate it for what it was, but I would like to think that it would not have been as successful today as it was back then

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.