frispbabe's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
stilldirty's review against another edition
5.0
This comes with a noir-ized version (read: un-colored/black&white) of 'Batman: Broken City', a book which I already love, but also includes some other rad pieces of Risso/Azzarello Batman work. I'm a little biased toward this team, so that's why I got it in the first place, knowing theirs will be ideal art to see in this type of reformatting—rich, darkness or light spaces of Azzarello's layouts already lend themselves to such noir tones.
Basically, this notion that's occurred in recent comics to do 'Noir' versions of characters (I guess the only 'official' incarnations comes from Marvel, and Batman is DC...), stems from the success of the look of the 'Sin City' books. But in this such instance with Batman, I'm going to call it "Unplugged". Like when you hear a band redo their songs with acoustic instrumentation. Nirvana, Eric Clapton, Stone Temple Pilots, 10,000 Maniacs... Whoever's your favorite. Take your pick. This is the comic version of that.
Basically, this notion that's occurred in recent comics to do 'Noir' versions of characters (I guess the only 'official' incarnations comes from Marvel, and Batman is DC...), stems from the success of the look of the 'Sin City' books. But in this such instance with Batman, I'm going to call it "Unplugged". Like when you hear a band redo their songs with acoustic instrumentation. Nirvana, Eric Clapton, Stone Temple Pilots, 10,000 Maniacs... Whoever's your favorite. Take your pick. This is the comic version of that.
beyadob's review against another edition
5.0
I bought the deluxe hardcover edition of this book, and it's the best decision I've ever made. The pages are brilliantly filled with stark black and white images. The details and shadows are excellently done--simply put, I love the noir style of the book.
The stories are the best part though. "Scars" was an intriguing look into the psyches of Zsazz and Batman, contrasting the ways in which these two interlocked characters perceive life. The biggest draw, of course, is "Broken City", which takes a deep, dark look into Batman's inner workings. The story has its fair share of twists and turns, but they all come together in the end and are wrapped up in a nice bow. More than that, though, is Batman's personality. It shines through the darkest pages and makes you empathize with a broken man.
Following that is "Knight of Vengeance", which takes us to the Flashpoint universe where Thomas Wayne carries the mantle of Batman (he kills!). I especially loved this story because it's so different from what I'm used to. It's not that Batman kills his villains or is best friends with Gordon--or anything else like that. It's outstanding because of the way it deals with loss and desperation. Plus, the ending was exceptional with the symbolism.
Finally, the "Wednesday Comics Batman" was a decent way to wrap up the book. I quite enjoyed and liked it, for it was a simple story about love and loss for Bruce Wayne.
Overall, I'd highly recommend getting the book. It was money well spent for me.
The stories are the best part though. "Scars" was an intriguing look into the psyches of Zsazz and Batman, contrasting the ways in which these two interlocked characters perceive life. The biggest draw, of course, is "Broken City", which takes a deep, dark look into Batman's inner workings. The story has its fair share of twists and turns, but they all come together in the end and are wrapped up in a nice bow. More than that, though, is Batman's personality. It shines through the darkest pages and makes you empathize with a broken man.
Following that is "Knight of Vengeance", which takes us to the Flashpoint universe where Thomas Wayne carries the mantle of Batman (he kills!). I especially loved this story because it's so different from what I'm used to. It's not that Batman kills his villains or is best friends with Gordon--or anything else like that. It's outstanding because of the way it deals with loss and desperation. Plus, the ending was exceptional with the symbolism.
Finally, the "Wednesday Comics Batman" was a decent way to wrap up the book. I quite enjoyed and liked it, for it was a simple story about love and loss for Bruce Wayne.
Overall, I'd highly recommend getting the book. It was money well spent for me.
tabman678's review against another edition
4.0
while it contains Broken City which is quickly becoming one of my favorite Batman stories it also has Batman from the Flash point timeline and some comics that were published monthly like features written by Stan Lee near 2010 for Spiderman.
it's a solid read, the only factor is the price which is quite heavy for as much as it contains.
However, if you don't have Broken City you should read it for that alone.
it's a solid read, the only factor is the price which is quite heavy for as much as it contains.
However, if you don't have Broken City you should read it for that alone.
tomhcolley's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
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