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A review by ravenousbibliophile
Batman: Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader? by Neil Gaiman
4.0
Blurb: Death is only the Beginning.
While the above quote might be a cliche, it's the best way to encapsulate the essence of this book. The death of a super-hero is always a sad thing to behold. An act that often results in the abandonment of a comic-book or angry letters to the creators. But what if death is introduced in a manner that hints at a possible future? The reaction -although violent- could possibly be less severe.
Neil Gaiman in his usual fashion weaves a story that is complex, multi-perspective and chock-full with symbolism and psychological projections. He has perhaps put into words the closest anyone can define the experience of death. The artwork is an excellent amalgamation of the Silver-age comic books with a hint of Modern-age.
All in all, this Batman story is perhaps the best send-off the caped crusader (indeed any super-hero) can receive. The beauty of the story lies in the fact that this can/could/would take place at any point in time of the Batman universe. It doesn't rely on any particular arc and this independence from canon continuity can enable even a Batman dilettante to enjoy the story.
While the above quote might be a cliche, it's the best way to encapsulate the essence of this book. The death of a super-hero is always a sad thing to behold. An act that often results in the abandonment of a comic-book or angry letters to the creators. But what if death is introduced in a manner that hints at a possible future? The reaction -although violent- could possibly be less severe.
Neil Gaiman in his usual fashion weaves a story that is complex, multi-perspective and chock-full with symbolism and psychological projections. He has perhaps put into words the closest anyone can define the experience of death. The artwork is an excellent amalgamation of the Silver-age comic books with a hint of Modern-age.
All in all, this Batman story is perhaps the best send-off the caped crusader (indeed any super-hero) can receive. The beauty of the story lies in the fact that this can/could/would take place at any point in time of the Batman universe. It doesn't rely on any particular arc and this independence from canon continuity can enable even a Batman dilettante to enjoy the story.