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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
Obviously a landmark in the history of superhero comics, but a) it's a slog (so many text blocks), b) it doesn't seem nearly as innovative now that Hollywood has decided to make every superhero story along the same gritty lines, c) Miller's politics are pretty atrocious, and d) I didn't love the art.
I kinda skimmed through this, but this is OMG good. Wow.
Apologies to all the die-hard fans of this that worship it like it were the revolutionary messiah of the comic world, but this didn't do a great deal for me. It's a nice idea "what if Batman got old" but that's as far as it goes. It's still just a big, dumb super-hero outing at the end of the day, and lacks any of the charm that usually makes Batman to be quite an endearing/interesting character. The characters are shallow, the text is bloated and repetitive, the art-work can be quite messy and confusing, and the pacing is way off. When this was first released, I imagine it was a refreshing change from the usual fair, and credit to it for helping usher in a new breed of comics but, ultimately, it lacks the depth and refinement of anything truly great.
I have a horrible confession to make - I don't think I like Frank Miller's work.
I know. I know. For such a very big gn fan, as well as such a very big Neil Gaiman fan, it feels like heresy. And I'm constantly mixing up Alan Moore and Frank Miller, so maybe I just need to read more Miller so I stop transposing my eh feelings on Moore onto Miller. But this didn't do anything to increase my happy thoughts on him. I found the illustrations to be cramped, and the story hard to follow. I'm sure if I was more well-versed in the lore of Batman and Superman, I'd be blown away by the new style and/or plotline, but as it stood, I was pretty much just lost. Or maybe I just look at the world with a bit more hope.
I know. I know. For such a very big gn fan, as well as such a very big Neil Gaiman fan, it feels like heresy. And I'm constantly mixing up Alan Moore and Frank Miller, so maybe I just need to read more Miller so I stop transposing my eh feelings on Moore onto Miller. But this didn't do anything to increase my happy thoughts on him. I found the illustrations to be cramped, and the story hard to follow. I'm sure if I was more well-versed in the lore of Batman and Superman, I'd be blown away by the new style and/or plotline, but as it stood, I was pretty much just lost. Or maybe I just look at the world with a bit more hope.
Can't believe it took me so long to get around to reading this one! Batman returns in his old age to fight a new gang, the Mutants, who are terrorizing Gotham, just as Commissioner Gordon steps down and his replaced by someone much less Batman friendly. With Carrie Kelly as Robin to help him out and of course, ever-present Alfred, Batman must wage war in a society that no longer accepts the need for superheroes. The storyline was fantastic, the characters perfect and seeing Batman as an old man, and how he adopted his tactics to suit that, was awesome! Definitely at the top of my list for Batman graphic novels and a must-read, especially for the end fight with Superman! I hate Superman and it was awesome to see how Batman dealt with fighting someone so superhuman. And that is why I love Batman!
The art is a bit oof, but the story is solid. Too bad I've read this knowing a bit too much about it so I don't think it's as good as people hyped it up for me.
Solid story, just a bit too overhyped.
Solid story, just a bit too overhyped.
The art's obviously really good, and I'm not a lifelong reader of Batman comics, so how this compares to other story arcs, I really can't properly say. But I REALLY don't like Frank Miller. It's kind of impossible to get past the thuggish Sin City-ness of nearly everything he does. And from what I've heard of him, he actually thinks that way in real life, that there are superheroes and degenerates, and the former does not need to show any form of compassion or understanding to the other. It's a world view that has about as many shades of gray as a Sin City panel.
As for his actual story, it's pretty impressive - the Mutant thing left me kinda cold, as did the Joker storyline, but I rather liked the Superman/Batman storyline. I've always preferred Batman to Superman. Much preferred Batman: Year One.
As for his actual story, it's pretty impressive - the Mutant thing left me kinda cold, as did the Joker storyline, but I rather liked the Superman/Batman storyline. I've always preferred Batman to Superman. Much preferred Batman: Year One.
I'm not a fan of this art style, but gave it four stars anyway, which should tell you how great the story is here.
I particularly enjoyed the last book where a final confrontation between Superman and Batman takes center stage.
I particularly enjoyed the last book where a final confrontation between Superman and Batman takes center stage.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What can I say it’s a classic