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suprconman99's review against another edition
adventurous
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
3.0
dantastic's review against another edition
5.0
Gotham's Batman, Dick Grayson, takes on the Dealer, a man selling the weapons of supervillains stolen from the GCPD evidence room, gun runners harassing a mob bosses daughter, and possibly the greatest threat of all, Commissioner Gordon's son...
You know, when DC put Dick Grayson in the Bat-costume, we all knew it wouldn't last and while I liked the issues of Batman & Robin I read, I didn't find anything earth-shattering and thought Dick's tenure as the Caped Crusader would be pretty forgettable. I WAS WRONG!
There are epic tales of the Bruce Wayne Batman that everyone mentions: The Killing Joke, The Dark Knight, Year One, The Long Halloween, the list goes on and on. This is Dick Grayson's epic.
Scott Snyder and Jock take the reader on a dark journey, following Dick Grayson as he tries to fill Bruce Wayne's shoes. While Grant Morrison made Batman fun again when he put Dick in the costume, Scott Snyder made me believe.
Batman goes up against The Dealer, Roadrunner, Tiger Shark, and even the Joker, but the most chilling villain in the Black Mirror is James Gordon Jr, the Commissioner's son. I can't even think of another comic book villain that actually scared me but James was scary because he was so real, so plausible. And I had a batgasm when he finally got what was coming to him.
That's about all I can say without giving too much away. I know I clicked the spoilers box but I didn't spoil more than the dust jacket. If I could give this six stars, I would. Scott Snyder is the real deal and I'm going to continue buying everything of his I can find.
You know, when DC put Dick Grayson in the Bat-costume, we all knew it wouldn't last and while I liked the issues of Batman & Robin I read, I didn't find anything earth-shattering and thought Dick's tenure as the Caped Crusader would be pretty forgettable. I WAS WRONG!
There are epic tales of the Bruce Wayne Batman that everyone mentions: The Killing Joke, The Dark Knight, Year One, The Long Halloween, the list goes on and on. This is Dick Grayson's epic.
Scott Snyder and Jock take the reader on a dark journey, following Dick Grayson as he tries to fill Bruce Wayne's shoes. While Grant Morrison made Batman fun again when he put Dick in the costume, Scott Snyder made me believe.
Batman goes up against The Dealer, Roadrunner, Tiger Shark, and even the Joker, but the most chilling villain in the Black Mirror is James Gordon Jr, the Commissioner's son. I can't even think of another comic book villain that actually scared me but James was scary because he was so real, so plausible. And I had a batgasm when he finally got what was coming to him.
That's about all I can say without giving too much away. I know I clicked the spoilers box but I didn't spoil more than the dust jacket. If I could give this six stars, I would. Scott Snyder is the real deal and I'm going to continue buying everything of his I can find.
frvncesco's review against another edition
3.0
You know I actually really enjoyed this. For absolutely hating the other thing I read from this guy, this was pretty great. Cringe moments aside the story really had me hooked, good mystery, Gotham being a large part of it, all great.
dantastic's review against another edition
5.0
Gotham's Batman, Dick Grayson, takes on the Dealer, a man selling the weapons of supervillains stolen from the GCPD evidence room, gun runners harassing a mob bosses daughter, and possibly the greatest threat of all, Commissioner Gordon's son...
So I read this what seems like aeons ago and mistakenly got rid of it during a purge. I found a paperback on the cheap and decided to give it another go before shelving it. Did it hold up?
YES! As I said in the previous review, There are epic tales of the Bruce Wayne Batman that everyone mentions: The Killing Joke, The Dark Knight, Year One, The Long Halloween, the list goes on and on. This is Dick Grayson's epic.
Scott Snyder, Jock, and Francisco Francavilla knock the guano out of this one. Dick as Batman is stripped down to the essentials, much like Batman was pre-Robin way back in the day. He almost has the working man's Batman feel of Daredevil at times.
Batman goes up against The Dealer, Roadrunner, Tiger Shark, and even the Joker, but the most chilling villain in the Black Mirror is James Gordon Jr, the Commissioner's son. I can't even think of another comic book villain that actually scared me but James was scary because he was so real, so plausible.
On the second read, I have a much greater appreciation for the Francavilla issues. His moody art, mostly red and black, does a phenomenal job setting the mood and making everything feel unearthly. It's no surprise that he's since done some unbelievable work on the Archie Horror books.
For my money, Batman works best when he's not always the smartest, most prepared guy in the room. Batman: The Black Mirror exemplifies this. Five out of five batarangs.
So I read this what seems like aeons ago and mistakenly got rid of it during a purge. I found a paperback on the cheap and decided to give it another go before shelving it. Did it hold up?
YES! As I said in the previous review, There are epic tales of the Bruce Wayne Batman that everyone mentions: The Killing Joke, The Dark Knight, Year One, The Long Halloween, the list goes on and on. This is Dick Grayson's epic.
Scott Snyder, Jock, and Francisco Francavilla knock the guano out of this one. Dick as Batman is stripped down to the essentials, much like Batman was pre-Robin way back in the day. He almost has the working man's Batman feel of Daredevil at times.
Batman goes up against The Dealer, Roadrunner, Tiger Shark, and even the Joker, but the most chilling villain in the Black Mirror is James Gordon Jr, the Commissioner's son. I can't even think of another comic book villain that actually scared me but James was scary because he was so real, so plausible.
On the second read, I have a much greater appreciation for the Francavilla issues. His moody art, mostly red and black, does a phenomenal job setting the mood and making everything feel unearthly. It's no surprise that he's since done some unbelievable work on the Archie Horror books.
For my money, Batman works best when he's not always the smartest, most prepared guy in the room. Batman: The Black Mirror exemplifies this. Five out of five batarangs.
tmwebb3's review against another edition
4.0
Great story, especially the focus on the Gordon family. Didn't have Bruce, but still excellent. Good twist with Joker.
clarks_dad's review against another edition
5.0
I challenge you to read this and not say Dick Grayson is an awesome Batman. Bruce is good. He's awesome. he's the original -- but Snyder does justice to Gordon in the cape and cowl. For longtime Bat-fans this feels like the fulfillment of a birthright. For kids who grew up and identified with Robin, you carry the feeling that this is someone you know. Dick was your age once and he looked up at Bruce like you did - with awe and fear. Now, he gets his chance to fill the big shoes, and it's almost like you get to too. It's brilliant for my generation of fans and immensely rewarding.
In just about the only good Batman series the comic Man-Jesus Morrison (eyeroll) did, he rather successfully cast Grayson as the reluctant but natural choice to fill Bruce's place after his "death." He also set up a rather interesting and witty dynamic between Grayson and the new Robin, Damian Wayne. There's some clever dialogue and a restoration of the dynamic in Dynamic Duo there that definitely deserves credit - but this, this is masterful. Scott Snyder just catapulted himself to number one on the list of my favorite Batman authors of all time. Capturing the gritty realism and depth of Loeb's great run on The Long Halloween while keeping alive and expanding upon the Grayson-as-Batman arc started by Morrison, Snyder carves out a huge presence of his own.
The Black Mirror introduces new villains and new threats to Gotham in a multi-layered series of stories that overlap just enough for continuity of story-telling. There's sinew between the panels and missing are the abrupt and sometimes confusing shifts that Morrison is prone to. In short, the story flows elegantly from Grayson tracking down a macabre underground auction society that re-sells murder memorabilia, integrates a very dark and disturbing backstory concerning Jim Gordon's son (carrying it to fruition while continuing the overall narrative of Batman's dealings with a Gotham on a downward spiral), and continues to sprawl out in a new generation of organized crime to fill the void of the Falcones and the Maronis. Thrown into the mix is a Dick Grayson trying to make his own way as the caped crusader. He's not perfect. He's good, but occasionally makes mistakes. He's not Bruce. Still present is the dark and driven personality, the single-minded conviction and sense of responsibility, but added to it are new relationships (I especially like the dynamic between Dick and Barbara Gordon, not to mention Tim Drake) and a Batman with a self-deprecating sense of humor in his internal monologues when he screws up. The monologues in this are golden. Snyder ties in elements of Grayson's youth that give his approach a sense of individuality and sets Grayson up as distinct from his predecessor while still providing a sense of continuity for the Batman persona. He applies things he learned from his time in the circus and lessons from his father with the lessons he learned with Bruce to make him a really interesting and thoughtful protagonist rich with possibility. It's a real shame that DC's New 52 so quickly restored Wayne to the role of Batman, I'd have liked to see this play out a little longer - it's just that good.
There are profound themes of change and identity that are subtly interwoven and juxtaposed together that are the hallmark of real and resonant thinking and writing. This is not story-telling that's focused on shock value (ZOMG - What if we "killed" Bruce, but didn't really kill him but sent him back in time to be his own grandfather and fight dinosaurs as a cave-Batman!?!?). It has the components of a great Batman story. Screwy people and a human man trying his best to transcend his limitations and do the right thing, using his wits and skills to see past the smoke and mirrors and out of situations he blindly walks into. I also think Snyder sets up a good foil for Grayson, his very own version of the Joker.
I absolutely loved this. If you haven't checked out Snyder's work, give it a look. You won't be disappointed. After this, I'm definitely looking forward to reading his very well-reviewed [b:Batman, Vol. 1: The Court of Owls|13223349|Batman, Vol. 1 The Court of Owls|Scott Snyder|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1342307351s/13223349.jpg|18412501]. And kudos to the "Roadrunner's" Metropolis aside. Why isn't this man writing Superman too? Kick out Morrison and give Snyder his job!
In just about the only good Batman series the comic Man-Jesus Morrison (eyeroll) did, he rather successfully cast Grayson as the reluctant but natural choice to fill Bruce's place after his "death." He also set up a rather interesting and witty dynamic between Grayson and the new Robin, Damian Wayne. There's some clever dialogue and a restoration of the dynamic in Dynamic Duo there that definitely deserves credit - but this, this is masterful. Scott Snyder just catapulted himself to number one on the list of my favorite Batman authors of all time. Capturing the gritty realism and depth of Loeb's great run on The Long Halloween while keeping alive and expanding upon the Grayson-as-Batman arc started by Morrison, Snyder carves out a huge presence of his own.
The Black Mirror introduces new villains and new threats to Gotham in a multi-layered series of stories that overlap just enough for continuity of story-telling. There's sinew between the panels and missing are the abrupt and sometimes confusing shifts that Morrison is prone to. In short, the story flows elegantly from Grayson tracking down a macabre underground auction society that re-sells murder memorabilia, integrates a very dark and disturbing backstory concerning Jim Gordon's son (carrying it to fruition while continuing the overall narrative of Batman's dealings with a Gotham on a downward spiral), and continues to sprawl out in a new generation of organized crime to fill the void of the Falcones and the Maronis. Thrown into the mix is a Dick Grayson trying to make his own way as the caped crusader. He's not perfect. He's good, but occasionally makes mistakes. He's not Bruce. Still present is the dark and driven personality, the single-minded conviction and sense of responsibility, but added to it are new relationships (I especially like the dynamic between Dick and Barbara Gordon, not to mention Tim Drake) and a Batman with a self-deprecating sense of humor in his internal monologues when he screws up. The monologues in this are golden. Snyder ties in elements of Grayson's youth that give his approach a sense of individuality and sets Grayson up as distinct from his predecessor while still providing a sense of continuity for the Batman persona. He applies things he learned from his time in the circus and lessons from his father with the lessons he learned with Bruce to make him a really interesting and thoughtful protagonist rich with possibility. It's a real shame that DC's New 52 so quickly restored Wayne to the role of Batman, I'd have liked to see this play out a little longer - it's just that good.
There are profound themes of change and identity that are subtly interwoven and juxtaposed together that are the hallmark of real and resonant thinking and writing. This is not story-telling that's focused on shock value (ZOMG - What if we "killed" Bruce, but didn't really kill him but sent him back in time to be his own grandfather and fight dinosaurs as a cave-Batman!?!?). It has the components of a great Batman story. Screwy people and a human man trying his best to transcend his limitations and do the right thing, using his wits and skills to see past the smoke and mirrors and out of situations he blindly walks into. I also think Snyder sets up a good foil for Grayson, his very own version of the Joker.
I absolutely loved this. If you haven't checked out Snyder's work, give it a look. You won't be disappointed. After this, I'm definitely looking forward to reading his very well-reviewed [b:Batman, Vol. 1: The Court of Owls|13223349|Batman, Vol. 1 The Court of Owls|Scott Snyder|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1342307351s/13223349.jpg|18412501]. And kudos to the "Roadrunner's" Metropolis aside. Why isn't this man writing Superman too? Kick out Morrison and give Snyder his job!
swagmansnake's review against another edition
3.0
You know I actually really enjoyed this. For absolutely hating the other thing I read from this guy, this was pretty great. Cringe moments aside the story really had me hooked, good mystery, Gotham being a large part of it, all great.
wbfreema's review against another edition
4.0
beautifully set up and delivered. wonderful organic lines from Jocko reminiscent of Paul Pope. the morale of this story is very deep and very Batman. and really very much comics.
karliclover's review against another edition
5.0
I had read many reviews of this book and the vast majority of them said that it was orgasmic. So, I fully expected this book to blow me away.
I was blown away.
Everything about this book was just perfect. I have absolutely no complaints whatsoever. It was probably the creepiest Batman book I've ever read, and I mean that in the best possible way. The villain is just so creepy. His face, the way he talks, his smile, all of it! And the art makes it even creepier with the red and black themes of certain panels.
Other than a Blackest Night tie-in, this was my first exposure to Dick as Batman and it was wonderful. I like him as Batman, but he's not at all like Bruce's Batman. And I think that's a good thing.
If you like Batman at all, this is a definite must-read. Do yourself a favor and buy this.
Oh, and there are some pretty awesome nods to Year One, A Death in the Family, and The Killing Joke. And there's a pretty chilling reveal (maybe?) about what happened in The Killing Joke. It's pretty creepy. You'll love it.
I was blown away.
Everything about this book was just perfect. I have absolutely no complaints whatsoever. It was probably the creepiest Batman book I've ever read, and I mean that in the best possible way. The villain is just so creepy. His face, the way he talks, his smile, all of it! And the art makes it even creepier with the red and black themes of certain panels.
Other than a Blackest Night tie-in, this was my first exposure to Dick as Batman and it was wonderful. I like him as Batman, but he's not at all like Bruce's Batman. And I think that's a good thing.
If you like Batman at all, this is a definite must-read. Do yourself a favor and buy this.
Oh, and there are some pretty awesome nods to Year One, A Death in the Family, and The Killing Joke. And there's a pretty chilling reveal (maybe?) about what happened in The Killing Joke. It's pretty creepy. You'll love it.
wickedbookwitch's review against another edition
4.0
I wanted to give this book 5 stars. Jock and Francesco Francavilla did a wonderful job with the artwork and the story was so great! it was very suspenseful and James Gordon was done so well. Scott Snyder is by far one of my favorite Batman writers. The ending of this was just too anticlimactic for me.
*possible spoilers going forward!*
the whole baby formula plot just seemed a little too silly for me. I did like the ambiguity about whether or not James could have pulled it off, but the whole scheme just seemed a little flat compared to all the sinister acts James was known to have committed or was suspected of committing. I wanted James' final big plot to tie in more to the Dealer than just simply buying some old version of the joker serum. I also wanted more of The Dealer in general. What a creepy, dark, twisted character!
I also thought the whole Sonia Zucco/ Tigershark/ Roadrunner story fell a little flat. It mostly just felt like a distraction from the main story.
I thought that the character of Dick Grayson as Batman was very well done. he had just the right amount of witty banter (especially when alongside Red Robin) and some pretty funny one-liners, without being over the top and obnoxious. He was also very multidimensional, as we're most all the main characters in this book (again, Snyder is a master!)
Overall this is definitely one of my favorite Batman reads! Great for new batman readers who want to get to know Dick Grayson and some of the Gordon family's background as well as seasoned Batman fans.
*possible spoilers going forward!*
the whole baby formula plot just seemed a little too silly for me. I did like the ambiguity about whether or not James could have pulled it off, but the whole scheme just seemed a little flat compared to all the sinister acts James was known to have committed or was suspected of committing. I wanted James' final big plot to tie in more to the Dealer than just simply buying some old version of the joker serum. I also wanted more of The Dealer in general. What a creepy, dark, twisted character!
I also thought the whole Sonia Zucco/ Tigershark/ Roadrunner story fell a little flat. It mostly just felt like a distraction from the main story.
I thought that the character of Dick Grayson as Batman was very well done. he had just the right amount of witty banter (especially when alongside Red Robin) and some pretty funny one-liners, without being over the top and obnoxious. He was also very multidimensional, as we're most all the main characters in this book (again, Snyder is a master!)
Overall this is definitely one of my favorite Batman reads! Great for new batman readers who want to get to know Dick Grayson and some of the Gordon family's background as well as seasoned Batman fans.