yoteach87's review against another edition
3.0
"A Serious House" the story that inspired one of my favorite video games series ("Arkham Asylum" et al), is an important story to the Batman mythos but one I did not particularly fancy. I had to squint to make out the Joker's dialog since it's bright red and double-layered (almost like the red-blue pairing for old school paper 3d glasses). There were parts that I couldn't make out and had to skip because it was impossible to read. Several of the famous "rouge's gallery" villains are included in the book (like the aforementioned Joker, Clayface, Killer Croc, Scarecrow, and Two-Face) but they are briefly seen and often represented in very different ways than what you're used to.
This story is meant to be this high-brow existential introspective into the human psyche, and it makes sense given the story is set in an insane asylum. It is by no means a fun recreational read, nor is it one that makes a whole lot of sense. Batman curses, Joker curses. Batman kills, Joker kills. This is a very dark story, and one whose tone is a stark contrast to even something dark like "The Killing Joke." Symbolism, imagery, juxtaposition, and a host of other college English words are deep-fried into this story.
I would recommend it as a necessary piece to the grand scheme of Batman lore, but one I wouldn't visit again.
This story is meant to be this high-brow existential introspective into the human psyche, and it makes sense given the story is set in an insane asylum. It is by no means a fun recreational read, nor is it one that makes a whole lot of sense. Batman curses, Joker curses. Batman kills, Joker kills. This is a very dark story, and one whose tone is a stark contrast to even something dark like "The Killing Joke." Symbolism, imagery, juxtaposition, and a host of other college English words are deep-fried into this story.
I would recommend it as a necessary piece to the grand scheme of Batman lore, but one I wouldn't visit again.
alixblck's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
digimoe's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
magnetgrrl's review against another edition
3.0
I need to re-read this before I say anything about it. I remember liking it, though thinking it was a little overwrought at some points. Still, I have a memory of being very creeped out; it is intense. I also loved the idea that Batman *is* crazy, and in the same way as his villains are - something which has been nearly done to death at this point but which was a fresh take on the character then, and a dark turning point for the Batman books.
mxgxn_03's review against another edition
dark
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
3.75
thereistime's review against another edition
4.0
The artwork in the graphic novel is absolutely one hundred per cent completely phenomenal. I loved it so much I just spent most of my time reading this book simply staring at the pages. If this book was just art I would have given it five stars.
The story was a bit lacking for me, and that may well be because this is the first batman graphic novel I have read, and Batman isn't my favourite super hero, nor is the Joker my favourite villain. All in all it was a good story, and it was conveyed brilliantly.
The story was a bit lacking for me, and that may well be because this is the first batman graphic novel I have read, and Batman isn't my favourite super hero, nor is the Joker my favourite villain. All in all it was a good story, and it was conveyed brilliantly.
alexus_sb's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
So freaking confusing. And the art sucks.
arianamadison's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0