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indeedithappens's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
bpol's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked what Snyder did with telling the story of Gotham's history and the "first families of Gotham." However, I wasn't as crazy about Dick as Batman. I'm willing to concede that probably comes in large part from reading this outside of the context of what else was going on in the Batman universe in 2011. Also, Damian Wayne is always annoying.
What I probably enjoyed the most was actually the Nightrunner (Batman of Paris) story at the end. Given that he is a Sunni Muslim Parisian it seems particularly relevant right now. All in all, not a bad choice for the 100th graphic novel I log on GoodReads.
What I probably enjoyed the most was actually the Nightrunner (Batman of Paris) story at the end. Given that he is a Sunni Muslim Parisian it seems particularly relevant right now. All in all, not a bad choice for the 100th graphic novel I log on GoodReads.
howattp's review against another edition
5.0
This is pretty much amazing. This story calls back to the origins of Gotham with a conspiracy set to destroy the city itself. This is only a Scott Snyder co-production, but that's not a bad thing. I read this as a primordial version of his absolutely brilliant Court of Owls run on Batman. There is more to Gotham than meets the eye, and it's going to try to kill Batman.
edevostidd's review against another edition
3.0
This graphic novel was an entertaining Batman story with a glimpse into the history of Gotham and what it took to build the city from the ground up. The artwork was the strong point in this installation and the characters were fun. The plot was a bit predictable, but I still enjoyed the flashbacks between past and present.
I loved seeing lesser-known Batman characters as a part of the Bat-family. The interactions between the team members was fun and the characterizations came through well through the dialogue. I love Dick Grayson as Batman. While I loved the heroes, the villain was, unfortunately, a bit uninteresting, and their motivations have been seen before in many other comic books. While the villain was entertaining, they, and their evil plot, was ultimately forgettable.
Overall I had a good time reading this story and I loved the art style. I think if you want a Batman story with more than just Bruce Wayne, you'll still enjoy this installation, I just wouldn't expect anything surprising from the plot.
I loved seeing lesser-known Batman characters as a part of the Bat-family. The interactions between the team members was fun and the characterizations came through well through the dialogue. I love Dick Grayson as Batman. While I loved the heroes, the villain was, unfortunately, a bit uninteresting, and their motivations have been seen before in many other comic books. While the villain was entertaining, they, and their evil plot, was ultimately forgettable.
Overall I had a good time reading this story and I loved the art style. I think if you want a Batman story with more than just Bruce Wayne, you'll still enjoy this installation, I just wouldn't expect anything surprising from the plot.
apageinthestacks's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this one. Some of the writing's a bit off, but it's an enjoyable story, and I liked learning more about The Architect after seeing him appear in Batman Eternal.
showlola's review against another edition
3.0
Beautiful art and interesting story, but this seems a little inside baseball as an entry point. For someone not totally familiar with the current Snyder arc of the Batman story, this seems a little dense.
hoatzin's review against another edition
Story was pretty good. Art was...kind of strange? When people were in their costumes, it was good, and I mostly liked the color scheme, but the faces and expressions were rather weird.
The short story afterwards was cute, though. I'd read more about Nightrunner! Though, using the 'person writes a note and he note is the narrator' twice in a book makes it feel overused. Switch it up a little, guys.
The short story afterwards was cute, though. I'd read more about Nightrunner! Though, using the 'person writes a note and he note is the narrator' twice in a book makes it feel overused. Switch it up a little, guys.
whitneyborup's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting take on a self-aware Batman in a city righteously led by the most wealthy. Then a short story that leads into the potential for American policing around the world. I don't like what I see, but I'm not sure I'm meant to.
jakewritesbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I’m a hardcore urbanite. I love cities, real and imaginary. There’s just something about masses of humanity drawn to an area with gaudy structures and richly envisioned neighborhoods. I can’t live too far from a city or I’ll lose my mind.
I’m not a big comics guy. If I had a favorite, it’d be Batman, simply because he has no superpowers and has to rely on his training and wits. But also, Batman has always defended Gotham City and I find Gotham City to be fascinating. I snatch up every small shred of information about Gotham its creators leave me. I love it.
So when I discovered Scott Snyder, who also did the Court of Owls Batman series that delved into Gotham’s history (which I also enjoyed) was essentially writing an origin story for it, I was intrigued.
It mostly met my expectations. 2 stars for a blasé Batman story. This is a universe where Dick Grayson is filling in for Bruce at the cowl, which fine. But there are also two Robins and a Batgirl. One of the Robins is jealous of the Batgirl, which presents a subplot that only serves to annoy. The other is Damien Wayne, Bruce’s son, a storyline I’ve never been a fan of.
But as far as the origins of Gotham (how it got all the tall buildings, why is it corrupt, etc.), that was interesting. I learned a lot and it filled in gaps for me. Who knows if it will be held as canonical across other universes but its in my personal canon and frankly, as a comic sampler but not necessarily reader, that’s good enough. Consider the itch sufficiently scratched.
I’m not a big comics guy. If I had a favorite, it’d be Batman, simply because he has no superpowers and has to rely on his training and wits. But also, Batman has always defended Gotham City and I find Gotham City to be fascinating. I snatch up every small shred of information about Gotham its creators leave me. I love it.
So when I discovered Scott Snyder, who also did the Court of Owls Batman series that delved into Gotham’s history (which I also enjoyed) was essentially writing an origin story for it, I was intrigued.
It mostly met my expectations. 2 stars for a blasé Batman story. This is a universe where Dick Grayson is filling in for Bruce at the cowl, which fine. But there are also two Robins and a Batgirl. One of the Robins is jealous of the Batgirl, which presents a subplot that only serves to annoy. The other is Damien Wayne, Bruce’s son, a storyline I’ve never been a fan of.
But as far as the origins of Gotham (how it got all the tall buildings, why is it corrupt, etc.), that was interesting. I learned a lot and it filled in gaps for me. Who knows if it will be held as canonical across other universes but its in my personal canon and frankly, as a comic sampler but not necessarily reader, that’s good enough. Consider the itch sufficiently scratched.
sherpawhale's review against another edition
5.0
I decided to read this again (originally read in February 2012) after it was revealed that the Architect would be playing a role in Batman Eternal.
Needless to say, this is a quality Batman story that seems to be an underrated gem. I may be a sucker for tying into history, but the Batman Inc. story was moving and very important.
Needless to say, this is a quality Batman story that seems to be an underrated gem. I may be a sucker for tying into history, but the Batman Inc. story was moving and very important.