Reviews

Batman: Nightwalker (the Graphic Novel) by Marie Lu

unchainedreader's review

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4.0

Thanks to NetGalley for getting me a slightly advanced copy of this graphic novel. I'm a big fan of the DC Icons series, and this graphic novel adaptation did not disappoint.

hidingzeus's review against another edition

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2.0

2.5.
I wanted to like this but it was just... boring. The action felt disconnected from the story enough that I didn't really care about it and the exposition just got old fast.

mamdid's review

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adventurous dark tense

4.0

alyram4's review

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3.0

I'd just like to be completely transparent:
1) I didn't read the book this is adapted from.
2) No, I don't read all the current Batman comics.
3) I am familiar with the main Batman canon.
4) I knew straight off the bat this was not canon and is the author's own work.
5) I'm not a Marie Lu fangirl, although I did enjoy the Legend series (the only books of hers I've read btw).

Phew. With that out of the way, there isn't much to say. It's a graphic novel adaptation of her novel. The pacing can seem a bit over the place, my assumption due to cutting scenes or combining scenes into one. The story itself is quite unbelievable in the sense of Bruce Wayne's...position in the asylum. Even in the films I've seen and the Batman comics canon I know of, his situation and influence is a bit unbelievable. However, that's a bit more of a nitpick, as the rest of the GN wouldn't really work right if it was any other way. I did enjoy this angsty version of Bruce Wayne, considering he's 18 and fresh out of high school. His actions and demeanor are both something I'd expect and a bit more refined for a regular teen. The only real issue I had with the GN is the art. I seriously dislike the art style and it wasn't just giving me the vibes I was looking for. Obviously that's a personal preference, but if I was shopping for a GN art style plays a huge role in my selection process.

Short review as it's a GN. I mean unless you want me to spoil everything. Honestly, it might be worth checking out. If the synopsis call to you then give it a shot. If the synopsis makes you wonder wth's happening to Bruce Wayne, then I'd suggest you skip it.

emtheauthor's review

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5.0

The art is absolutely stunning and perfectly encapsulates the book that I loved. A short, fun read for any Batman fan 5/5

emilymyhren's review

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adventurous dark

3.5

jkenna90's review

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2.0

No

robinks's review

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dark mysterious tense fast-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

4.0

I usually enjoy Lu’s work, and the complexity of this story and the relationships between the characters were intriguing. However, ACAB always!! Support Madeleine and the Nightwalkers!

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nerdysread's review against another edition

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

3.75

Un bon comics avec l’adolescence de Bruce et ce qui le mène a devenir Batman

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infectiousreading's review

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5.0

(Official review will be posted October 1st, 2019 on our website.)

The new DC Ink and DC Icons series graphic novel, Batman: Nightwalker, is based on the Marie Lu best-selling novel. It transports readers into the gates of the Arkham Asylum, where the darkest mysteries take place. Bruce Wayne has just turned 18 and the billionaire with a trust fund is going to make some grave mistakes. One of those mistakes was chasing after the "Nightwalkers" on his birthday. That lands him in doing community service at the Asylum. Since this is a graphic novel written by Marie Lu and adapted by Stuart Moore, we will mention them both. The narrative throughout this graphic novel is marvelous -- between Bruce Wayne, Madeleine, and the various other characters -- we get such a voice and tone from each character. I will focus on Bruce and Madeleine since they are predominantly the characters who get the most screen time during the novel. The other characters do as well, but this is a Bruce Wayne story.

Bruce can be tedious to read most of the time, no matter what age he is. (I am just being honest.) Batman: Nightwalker was a refreshing take on the voice of Bruce and who he is when it comes to his ethics. While we have a slightly different version, similar to the previous installments, of a watered-down version of his story, it still works. I am certain the average comic reader identifies that Gotham is cryptic. It is a town with more villains and vigilantes than heroes at times. However, some of the best of the best come from Gotham City. With the illustrations, it is necessary to depict the cryptic that is Gotham City. In Batman: Nightwalker that is done exceptionally well by Chris Wildgoose. I would be lying if I said this wasn't a necessary read if you love Batman and Bruce Wayne. Honestly, we have had a few favorites in the past few months from DC.

They are creating these narratives for teenagers that are being done incredibly well. The stories are modern, but they aren't changing the character we know and love. They are not modifying the personality of Bruce, but instead, making the narrative more kid-friendly if necessary. That is important to understand.