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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
March 14, 2012: A little too 'crazy' for me. Too hard to follow. Did not read the draft.
March 31, 2015: Actually read the full script this time and the entire story made much more sense. In fact, it made me a little disappointed with the illustrator, Dave McKean, in that key parts of the story as written by Grant Morrison are either not included or represented in a way that is unclear. Don't get me wrong, visually, the work is fascinating but the story just doesn't come through for me without reading the author's descriptions.
In this story, Batman enters Arkham Asylum to rescue some hostages after it's been taken over by some of the inmates. We learn about the history of the Asylum and of Arkham's family and madness and death and see Batman's rebirth through experiencing the madness that seems to be almost physically present in the place itself. We see interesting interpretations of the Joker, Mad Hatter, Killer Croc, Two Face, and Maxie Zeus, as well as a much more human and broken Batman (until the end).
The first half of this work is the graphic novel as released in 1989, while the second half is the final draft by Morrison, along with more recent annotations. There's also a basic original plot synopsis and character list, storyboards, and several related images.
This is certainly not for kids. I would say that you should probably be a pretty diehard fan of Batman to enjoy this work. But anyone interested in representations of madness might get a kick out of it too.
March 31, 2015: Actually read the full script this time and the entire story made much more sense. In fact, it made me a little disappointed with the illustrator, Dave McKean, in that key parts of the story as written by Grant Morrison are either not included or represented in a way that is unclear. Don't get me wrong, visually, the work is fascinating but the story just doesn't come through for me without reading the author's descriptions.
In this story, Batman enters Arkham Asylum to rescue some hostages after it's been taken over by some of the inmates. We learn about the history of the Asylum and of Arkham's family and madness and death and see Batman's rebirth through experiencing the madness that seems to be almost physically present in the place itself. We see interesting interpretations of the Joker, Mad Hatter, Killer Croc, Two Face, and Maxie Zeus, as well as a much more human and broken Batman (until the end).
The first half of this work is the graphic novel as released in 1989, while the second half is the final draft by Morrison, along with more recent annotations. There's also a basic original plot synopsis and character list, storyboards, and several related images.
This is certainly not for kids. I would say that you should probably be a pretty diehard fan of Batman to enjoy this work. But anyone interested in representations of madness might get a kick out of it too.
A piece of work so spectacular it's as close to orgasmic as you can get without removing any layers.
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I keep trying to get into Grant Morrison's writing style but so far no luck. The illustrations were beautiful though, and clear to see that he had worked with Gaimon before. Interesting psychological story.
dark
fast-paced
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If it was not for Dave McKean's fantastic art, this comic would be lucky to get two stars from me. The whole thing was very convoluted and I feel as though well known characters did not act like themselves. It just felt as though there was not much logic in the plotline (if you want to call it that). Also, I was promised an appearance from many different Gotham villains, such as Scarecrow, and yet we saw very little of any of them.
The only real reason I am even going to keep this in my collection is because I adore the artwork. As always Dave McKean did not dissapoint.
The only real reason I am even going to keep this in my collection is because I adore the artwork. As always Dave McKean did not dissapoint.
The artwork is BRILLANT! I seriously have never seen a comic (or to use the new, trendy, less nerdy word: "graphic novel", which essentially means the same) that had such amazing drawings in it. The story is interesting, too.
Why I gave only 4 starts? well.. *sigh*. Nothing can reach the level of "Watchmen", story-wise. The artwork, however, is the best I've ever seen in a comic! (admiteddly, I am new to comics, so my opinion doesn't count much probably).
Why I gave only 4 starts? well.. *sigh*. Nothing can reach the level of "Watchmen", story-wise. The artwork, however, is the best I've ever seen in a comic! (admiteddly, I am new to comics, so my opinion doesn't count much probably).