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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
An absolutely insane piece of experimental horror. I absolutely loved this. Instantly one of my all time favorite Batman stories.
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
prioritizes dark imagery over a discernible narrative. im not entirely mad about that because it is visually beautiful but it does get confusing at times. the plot does pull together a little at the end though
To start with, I'm sorry I chose to read this during my lunch break - it's more than a little stomach-turning. I'm still working my way through the script at the back of the book, but I feel I have enough of the book to really review it. For me, this was a book that didn't live up to its description. The inmates at Arkham Asylum have taken over the building and, after a lengthy list of unusual demands, they want Batman in there with them. Batman struggles with his fear that he actually belongs in the asylum, while fighting with the criminals he put in Arkham. As the story unfolds, we read passages from Amadeus Arkham's diary, telling the horrific story behind the house and its family.
I appreciated the concept behind this story. Arkham is probably the ultimate haunted house, though Morrison turns the concept of haunter and hauntee (WTF kind of word is that?) on its head. Dave McKean's art has turned Batman into a silhouette, with only a mouth and teeth to express emotions. His style seems appropriate to me for this sort of comic, since so much of it exists in a semi-dream-state. However, it's really easy to miss the incredible amounts of detail Morrison and McKean crammed in. Really, it's almost a requirement to read through Morrison's script and notes. And I don't think it should be - I'd like to read through and not wonder who's talking, what I'm missing plot-wise, etc.
I know that an emphasis of this story was Batman's mental vulnerability... but this really takes him out of character. He's easily overwhelmed by other characters (not even supervillains... gasp!). I didn't think he'd be bothered by invasions of "personal space" and can't handle word association tests. Ummm... I will say, after reading partway through the script, I'm releaved that someone nixed the idea of Joker dressing up as Madonna. Whew!
Okay, so the summary: I liked the concept, was okay with how it was carried out, and overall didn't enjoy the finished product. The high points are learning some of Arkham's history (which I've heard Morrison didn't get right), the discussion of Joker's "super sanity," and the weaning of Two-Face onto a dice and tarot system.
I appreciated the concept behind this story. Arkham is probably the ultimate haunted house, though Morrison turns the concept of haunter and hauntee (WTF kind of word is that?) on its head. Dave McKean's art has turned Batman into a silhouette, with only a mouth and teeth to express emotions. His style seems appropriate to me for this sort of comic, since so much of it exists in a semi-dream-state. However, it's really easy to miss the incredible amounts of detail Morrison and McKean crammed in. Really, it's almost a requirement to read through Morrison's script and notes. And I don't think it should be - I'd like to read through and not wonder who's talking, what I'm missing plot-wise, etc.
I know that an emphasis of this story was Batman's mental vulnerability... but this really takes him out of character. He's easily overwhelmed by other characters (not even supervillains... gasp!). I didn't think he'd be bothered by invasions of "personal space" and can't handle word association tests. Ummm... I will say, after reading partway through the script, I'm releaved that someone nixed the idea of Joker dressing up as Madonna. Whew!
Okay, so the summary: I liked the concept, was okay with how it was carried out, and overall didn't enjoy the finished product. The high points are learning some of Arkham's history (which I've heard Morrison didn't get right), the discussion of Joker's "super sanity," and the weaning of Two-Face onto a dice and tarot system.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I got this book on my iPad and found it impossible to read!!!!
I have a CBR that is great and gives me no problems but the artwork on this just made it messy to get through!!
I intend on gettng the physical version at some point but I'm not overly pushed towards it right now!
I have a CBR that is great and gives me no problems but the artwork on this just made it messy to get through!!
I intend on gettng the physical version at some point but I'm not overly pushed towards it right now!
Very different. The art was appropriately stylized giving a proper atmospheric touch for the Arkham setting. But, the art also made it difficult to figure out who exactly was talking at times- Batman or Arkham. The font for Joker's speaking was interesting, a nice creepy touch; but was pretty hard to read and the story gets lost in the obvious attempt to make it a book of art.
Good story, but the art, atmospheric as it was, was too vague and the font too often got lost within the art.
This is a very beautiful book but the plot wasn't good enough because all the focus was on pictures.