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tristansreadingmania's review against another edition
4.0
"Fear is a teacher, the first one you ever had."
--Scarecrow, Batman: The Animated Series
As far as sophisticated cartoons intended for a child audience go, the original Batman: The Animated Series, in my humble opinion, has never been equalled. It was my bedrock in childhood during the nineties. It gave us the version of the caped crusader which I to this day still prefer above all others. Its utilisation of his many villains to bring out Batman's own psychological hickups and occasional self-doubt was a stroke of genius, and helped make the character -with his assortment of villains- truly seem like a human of flesh and blood, and not just a cartoon creation.
Paul Dini, a co-creator and writer of the show, now gives an autobiographical account of a dark period in his life. One night, after a date gone wrong, while walking home he gets brutally molested by two unsavoury characters. Not only is his face beaten to a pulp, requiring reconstructive surgery, but the emotional trauma, resulting in depression, anxiety, PTSD and self-destructive behaviour, is immense.
In this graphic novel, Dini bravely confronts his own psyche, which even before his beating wasn't the most healthy or appealing one. From his childhood onwards, fear of the outside world was a constant. A quiet, socially isolated and bullied child, Dini had to rely on imaginary characters and worlds to get him through the day.
This developed into a feeling of slight self-loathing and inadequacy as a grown man. Sure, he finds some solace in his hobbies (an obsession with fantastical stories and toys being the main ones) and him being one of the top writers working for the prestigious Warner Brothers Animation department, but he longs for something more emotionally tangible. A woman's love, for instance, is seemingly unattainable for him. The beating on that one fateful night merely amplifies those insecurities, and Dini now is forced to overcome his fears.
And that is where the ingenious concept of the graphic novel comes in. As a device to portray his own personal demons, Dini has opted to use various Batman villains, each symbolizing a distinct insecurity or negative emotion. As his own mental coach, he has to rely on Batman, who in a figurative sense helps him get back on his feet. It's a loving tribute to the character who, while not physically real, is a real source of inspiration for many around the world. Dini of course never has completely shaken off this trauma, but at least he managed to lead a functional life.
Eduardo Risso's artwork - which I hadn't seen any of before - is definitely impressive. He gets to flex his creative muscles here, and makes ample use of the freedom to alternate between various art styles. The book as a result is simply gorgeous to behold.
In the final analysis, Dark Night serves as a testament to the endurance of the human spirit. Furthermore, it has the ability to speak to a large group of people. A passing familiarity with the animated series (or even Batman for that matter) is not required to extract the essence out of it. It has universal appeal. That, surely, must be its greatest triumph.
Kudos to Vertigo for taking a chance on this one. Highly recommended.
--Scarecrow, Batman: The Animated Series
As far as sophisticated cartoons intended for a child audience go, the original Batman: The Animated Series, in my humble opinion, has never been equalled. It was my bedrock in childhood during the nineties. It gave us the version of the caped crusader which I to this day still prefer above all others. Its utilisation of his many villains to bring out Batman's own psychological hickups and occasional self-doubt was a stroke of genius, and helped make the character -with his assortment of villains- truly seem like a human of flesh and blood, and not just a cartoon creation.
Paul Dini, a co-creator and writer of the show, now gives an autobiographical account of a dark period in his life. One night, after a date gone wrong, while walking home he gets brutally molested by two unsavoury characters. Not only is his face beaten to a pulp, requiring reconstructive surgery, but the emotional trauma, resulting in depression, anxiety, PTSD and self-destructive behaviour, is immense.
In this graphic novel, Dini bravely confronts his own psyche, which even before his beating wasn't the most healthy or appealing one. From his childhood onwards, fear of the outside world was a constant. A quiet, socially isolated and bullied child, Dini had to rely on imaginary characters and worlds to get him through the day.
This developed into a feeling of slight self-loathing and inadequacy as a grown man. Sure, he finds some solace in his hobbies (an obsession with fantastical stories and toys being the main ones) and him being one of the top writers working for the prestigious Warner Brothers Animation department, but he longs for something more emotionally tangible. A woman's love, for instance, is seemingly unattainable for him. The beating on that one fateful night merely amplifies those insecurities, and Dini now is forced to overcome his fears.
And that is where the ingenious concept of the graphic novel comes in. As a device to portray his own personal demons, Dini has opted to use various Batman villains, each symbolizing a distinct insecurity or negative emotion. As his own mental coach, he has to rely on Batman, who in a figurative sense helps him get back on his feet. It's a loving tribute to the character who, while not physically real, is a real source of inspiration for many around the world. Dini of course never has completely shaken off this trauma, but at least he managed to lead a functional life.
Eduardo Risso's artwork - which I hadn't seen any of before - is definitely impressive. He gets to flex his creative muscles here, and makes ample use of the freedom to alternate between various art styles. The book as a result is simply gorgeous to behold.
In the final analysis, Dark Night serves as a testament to the endurance of the human spirit. Furthermore, it has the ability to speak to a large group of people. A passing familiarity with the animated series (or even Batman for that matter) is not required to extract the essence out of it. It has universal appeal. That, surely, must be its greatest triumph.
Kudos to Vertigo for taking a chance on this one. Highly recommended.
crystalstarrlight's review against another edition
4.0
Bullet Review:
Fascinating and compelling - much more than you'd assume an autobiographical comic "simply" about a cartoon writer getting mugged would be. It's got some meat on them bones and the tie in to The Dark Knight was on point. I liked the idea of rising about being the victim to become the hero - and how no matter the size of the problem, you can persevere.
Fascinating and compelling - much more than you'd assume an autobiographical comic "simply" about a cartoon writer getting mugged would be. It's got some meat on them bones and the tie in to The Dark Knight was on point. I liked the idea of rising about being the victim to become the hero - and how no matter the size of the problem, you can persevere.
apocalypsecowboy's review against another edition
5.0
Helplessness is a fear I think we can all relate to at some point or another. The feeling that the world is closing in on you is horrendous enough, but with it comes a much more fearful realization: that sometimes no one is coming to save you. In those times, when you're broken and all alone, you're left with no recourse but become your own champion. Because if no one will save you, then you just have to save yourself.
Paul Dini's story is equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring, providing that catharsis for anyone who's been in any situation or mindset similar to what he went through, reminding you that even if idealistic beliefs in justice or the like are hopeless, it's still better to fight for those beliefs than surrender to the harsher realities of life. Because if you don't, then who will?
Paul Dini's story is equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring, providing that catharsis for anyone who's been in any situation or mindset similar to what he went through, reminding you that even if idealistic beliefs in justice or the like are hopeless, it's still better to fight for those beliefs than surrender to the harsher realities of life. Because if you don't, then who will?
bookish_emily's review against another edition
5.0
Paul Dini's blunt and candid tale of survival and healing is accompanied by wonderful illustrations in this powerful graphic novel. It is courageous of Dini to share the struggles of his recovery, and I think many will find inspiration in his story. I imagine the narrative will resonate particularly with others who have grown up with the Batman characters as their imaginary companions. At the end, Dini poses the question: "Who cares about my story?" He answers: "I care." That care and determination shines through in this moving work.
oumaima_mekni's review against another edition
4.0
Wow! Seriously, wow! I had entirely different expectations for the story but I'm amazed by how things turned up. I have to admit I was kind of scared for how much I could relate to the narrator, even remotely. The struggle of being unnoticed, overlooked, uncared for and most importantly fighting with your own demons can bring anyone down, to their darkest despair. But still, sometimes we have to cling to the tiniest shard of hope left in us and unearth our inner strength so we can get by.
And I'm going to show this for anyone who tells that comics are just brainless entertainment for kids and teenagers.
And I'm going to show this for anyone who tells that comics are just brainless entertainment for kids and teenagers.
waisball's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
krishnu's review against another edition
5.0
4 years, after I read this masterpiece for the first time, I am forced to revisit it. But that is how books work for me. I end up revisiting and re-thinking about books long after I've read and abandoned them.
This book has to be one of the best comic books that I've ever read.
Focus is on how Paul Dini seeks consolation and therapy in his art, and how he uses it to heal his mental trauma. More than just being a true story, the comic demonstrates the power of fiction of how it influences the way we think, and see ourselves.
Pain tends to be cyclic. People who are suffering tend to give it forward.
But, not all who were bullied, become bullies.
Some people figure out ways to dissipate the pain without causing more pain.
Some people, like Paul Dini, figure out ways to transform the pain into art.
This book has to be one of the best comic books that I've ever read.
Focus is on how Paul Dini seeks consolation and therapy in his art, and how he uses it to heal his mental trauma. More than just being a true story, the comic demonstrates the power of fiction of how it influences the way we think, and see ourselves.
Pain tends to be cyclic. People who are suffering tend to give it forward.
But, not all who were bullied, become bullies.
Some people figure out ways to dissipate the pain without causing more pain.
Some people, like Paul Dini, figure out ways to transform the pain into art.
xsleepyshadows's review against another edition
5.0
The art style in this is beautiful (i'm pretty sure it's water color) I like how especially the difference between the style of reality and his imagination has more color that adds to his life. I was once a daydreaming kid and got it basically worked out of my through school life, I can connect with him well and i'm glad he got to animate cartoons and contribute to the things I watched and dreamed about as a kid. This is a touching story and I enjoyed it so tremendously! ~Ashley