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A review by goodxgirl9238
Batman: Prey by Doug Moench, Paul Galancy, Terry Austin
4.0
A dark and intriguing entry into the modern Batman chronology, this collected edition of the Hugo Strange focused 'Legends of the Dark Knight' (1989) comics is an interesting look at the early psychology of Batman and the difference between criminals and villains.
Batman: Prey takes place in the earliest days of Batman, specifically showing the creation of the Batmobile and a more human Batman who is still in the process of separating the Bat from the Man and what it means to be a symbol, to be something more than man which connects very well to the story built up in 'Shaman'.
Dr. Hugo Strange, the creepiest of psychologists is offering the GCPD his profiling skills to help catch 'The Batman' as part of an Anti-Vigilante Taskforce alongside an arrogant cop, much to the chagrin of Captain James Gordon who has been assigned to lead, even as he helps the man he is charged with catching. While Strange's analysis of the Bat are explosive, a truth is reflected in them that gives Bruce Wayne pause as he must learn to master himself and prove himself to the city as a new, more violent vigilante stalks the streets and Dr. Strange unravels with his growing obsession.
Batman: Terror takes place some months, possibly even a year later with both Gordon and Batman, now more secure in his place in the city musing about earlier events. A stronger story, with more of the villains of classic Batman referenced, Terror works specifically to cover new facets of the Crusade. It can be easy to see Bruce Wayne as merely a mask, but Terror does the work of showing that the Crusade must be fought on multiple fronts.
It also is a tour de force for the Scarecrow, giving Crane the formula for Fear Gas we are all familiar for and continuing the build up of the unique relationship between Catwoman and Batman. Whereas Year One focuses a lot on the standard criminal elements of mobsters, Terror picks up where Prey left off with giving us a strong story of a 'villain' whose crimes are about desire rather than desperation.
The art styles of each story are different, with Terror feeling more polished, almost shiny in comparison with the sketchier style of Prey. Both styles work very well for their respective stories, with Scarecrow nearly popping off the page in Terror with its strong use of color.
Overall, I would give this collection 3.5 stars, rounded up to four.
Batman: Prey takes place in the earliest days of Batman, specifically showing the creation of the Batmobile and a more human Batman who is still in the process of separating the Bat from the Man and what it means to be a symbol, to be something more than man which connects very well to the story built up in 'Shaman'.
Dr. Hugo Strange, the creepiest of psychologists is offering the GCPD his profiling skills to help catch 'The Batman' as part of an Anti-Vigilante Taskforce alongside an arrogant cop, much to the chagrin of Captain James Gordon who has been assigned to lead, even as he helps the man he is charged with catching. While Strange's analysis of the Bat are explosive, a truth is reflected in them that gives Bruce Wayne pause as he must learn to master himself and prove himself to the city as a new, more violent vigilante stalks the streets and Dr. Strange unravels with his growing obsession.
Batman: Terror takes place some months, possibly even a year later with both Gordon and Batman, now more secure in his place in the city musing about earlier events. A stronger story, with more of the villains of classic Batman referenced, Terror works specifically to cover new facets of the Crusade. It can be easy to see Bruce Wayne as merely a mask, but Terror does the work of showing that the Crusade must be fought on multiple fronts.
It also is a tour de force for the Scarecrow, giving Crane the formula for Fear Gas we are all familiar for and continuing the build up of the unique relationship between Catwoman and Batman. Whereas Year One focuses a lot on the standard criminal elements of mobsters, Terror picks up where Prey left off with giving us a strong story of a 'villain' whose crimes are about desire rather than desperation.
The art styles of each story are different, with Terror feeling more polished, almost shiny in comparison with the sketchier style of Prey. Both styles work very well for their respective stories, with Scarecrow nearly popping off the page in Terror with its strong use of color.
Overall, I would give this collection 3.5 stars, rounded up to four.