abigcoffeedragon's review against another edition
1.0
This is not my Batman. I do not need a novel written with a boat load of profanity to make it sound dark and tough. This is a 2006 novel, and it comes across as someone who wrote a novel, wasn't good enough for regular publication, got authorized to write a Batman book, decided to take out this trunk novel, and add the Batman. Nothing against the author, per say, but this is not the way that a Batman novel should be verbalized. If I wouldn't let my kids say the words, then it should not be here. Every standard american vulgarity is in the first chapter, minus the sexual ones, and those are probably later in this book. This is a 100% no for me, as a true, died in the wool, Batman fan.
rhganci's review
3.0
I loved how grown up it was – like the movie, a story of the Dark Knight. Profanity, violence, stuff that a real-world Batman would encounter regularly. I liked its grittiness and unapologetic plot, but some of the characters were a bit flat and uninteresting. The whole offer of being an unnamed U.S. Marshal was cool, as was Bruce’s choice to turn him down.
ktothelau's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
rashidmalik's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
rosepetals1984's review
3.0
"Batman: Dead White" is a mature story that may be a bit intense due to its content and subject matter, but for those that can withstand the crude language, the graphic violence, and the racially charged conflict in this book - it's quite the Batman adventure, and well worth the listen if you're taking in the Graphic Audio audiobook. The experience is enhanced by an original soundtrack, sound effects, and a myriad of voice actors who provide an interesting listening experience. I did have my qualms with a few of the voice actors at first, but taking in the whole experience, I found it immersible and worth the time.
The scenario follows Batman, in his early years of crimefighting (so he has to deal with his internal demons as well as the external), facing off against a White Supremacist group in Gotham City led by a formidable leader, White Eyes. Dealing with drugs, internal police corruption, weapon development, and most prominent, racism, among a host of other blunt conflicts, it feels so in your face that it may make the listener bristle with how blunt it is (White Eyes made my blood boil, not just for his blunt racist epithets but the fact he nearly rapes a girl to further his "movement" *shudders*). Then again, it fits right in with the collective Batman franchise considering the dark, gritty storyline. The familiar cast of characters are here (Alfred, Commissioner Gordon) as well as a interesting cast of protagonists (Cormack, Gary, Beth, Grenobyl, Harold) and antagonists. I liked the varying shifts in viewpoints, the progressive yet quick pacing in both the alternating action and character focus, and the accompanying soundtrack - it felt like listening to a movie with the descriptions painting each step of the story.
I think there were some relationships/character constructions that were treated in shallow progressions, but for a story that juggled both its subsequent conflicts with action - it's difficult to critique it. I wouldn't say it's the best Batman story I've heard, or even the strongest original cast as compared to some of the comic spin-offs I've read, but for an original novel, I did appreciate hearing it as a whole. It makes me want to look into the other Graphic Audio adaptations of the Batman franchise.
Overall: 3/5
The scenario follows Batman, in his early years of crimefighting (so he has to deal with his internal demons as well as the external), facing off against a White Supremacist group in Gotham City led by a formidable leader, White Eyes. Dealing with drugs, internal police corruption, weapon development, and most prominent, racism, among a host of other blunt conflicts, it feels so in your face that it may make the listener bristle with how blunt it is (White Eyes made my blood boil, not just for his blunt racist epithets but the fact he nearly rapes a girl to further his "movement" *shudders*). Then again, it fits right in with the collective Batman franchise considering the dark, gritty storyline. The familiar cast of characters are here (Alfred, Commissioner Gordon) as well as a interesting cast of protagonists (Cormack, Gary, Beth, Grenobyl, Harold) and antagonists. I liked the varying shifts in viewpoints, the progressive yet quick pacing in both the alternating action and character focus, and the accompanying soundtrack - it felt like listening to a movie with the descriptions painting each step of the story.
I think there were some relationships/character constructions that were treated in shallow progressions, but for a story that juggled both its subsequent conflicts with action - it's difficult to critique it. I wouldn't say it's the best Batman story I've heard, or even the strongest original cast as compared to some of the comic spin-offs I've read, but for an original novel, I did appreciate hearing it as a whole. It makes me want to look into the other Graphic Audio adaptations of the Batman franchise.
Overall: 3/5
whitejamaica's review
1.0
Why do I keep fooling myself into thinking that I may one day enjoy a Batman novel?
1/5 Stars
Sorely disappointed, but not surprised.
1/5 Stars
Sorely disappointed, but not surprised.
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