Batman: War Crimes

Batman: War Games #4

by Andersen Gebrych, Devin Grayson, Bill Willingham

The Spoiler died during a the gang waror so Batman thought.When the media begin reporting on the Spoilers private life and making accusations aimed at the Dark Knight, he begins an investigation that leads to a new confrontation with Gotham Citys undisputed underworld boss, Black Mask.Complicating matters even further is the return of his deadliest opponent, the Joker, and the reappearance of an old foe long believed dead.

Genres: Comics, Batman, Graphic Novels, Dc Comics, Comic Book, Superheroes, Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2006

Reviews

[Jemppu]

Coming across this on my GR recs today, I realize I might have a personal anecdote to share from the fandom / behind the scenes, concerning this particular storyline from some 12 years ago:

This was the storyline to ignite the Girl-Wonder -project to promote betterment of treatment of female characters in mainstream comics, after the unfortunately brutal demise of Batman's third Robin, Stephanie Brown (aka Spoiler, as seen in Robin comics for a decade before her Robin gig).



I was involved in the 'Robin faction' of the Batman fandom back then, drawing fan art, and remember having worked directly with Mary Borsellino on building the original site, in a small, but I suppose visible role of contributing the site's graphics.

Most of the actual groundwork for the movement was done by individuals far more passionate for and involved with the cause, like Mary, and it wasn't indeed long after initiating the site, and after confronting the creators at events and by mail, that the effort succeeded in it's founding goal of getting DC's attention and establishing Stephanie Brown - Batman's second Robin to die after Jason Todd - her own 'in memoriam' display case in the Batcave, next to Todd's, and later in resurrecting her (although I personally have little recollection of the latter, having moved on from the fandom by then).

The above illustration, which I did for the site still lingers in my archives however, and continues to hold a noteworthy merit as the first ever depiction of the memorial glass case - as the direct predecessor of the one that subsequently appeared on the pages of Batman comics, visualizing the significance of the loss of Brown to the wider Batman audiences.



The site remained several years after that (before seemingly relocating to facebook) as a platform to discuss diversity in comics and treatment of minority and female characters, listing female-friendly comic stores and showcasing stances against sexual harassment at comic conventions, as well as hosting several inclusive webcomics and blogs.



Some of the other related art from around that time, including childish depiction of Stephanie with Batman (below), attached to a letter directly addressed to editor Dan DiDio, to drive home the idea of the character's importance to audiences of all sorts across the globe.

[Dr Rashmit Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this finally finished the WAR GAMES saga , and now we have Batman back to where he was when he started the vigilante business .

The thing this book worked well was he made the new status quo quickly and solidly, meanwhile it actually ended the tale with Black mask more satisfyingly

What did not work was the art which was heavily inconsistent and the pacing of the story which was too abrupt and didnt feel right in comparison to the whole war games saga , over all though , it was a decent read

[allowableman2 · Rating 2 out of 5]

War Games is one of many examples of comic books being changed just because an editor is obsessed with making the comics similar to adaptations without doing the legwork to make those changes make sense.
I like the basis of the story. Bruce fails to live up to the idea of Batman, But things are a little bit TOO inconvenient for Batman. Bruce is too much of an asshole. The GCPD prioritizes the heroes over the gangs. Barbara decides that blowing the Clocktower is a good idea. There's no elegance to it. The writers' intentions to break up the family and have Batman fail are too transparent, so it doesn't feel genuine.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

So after Bruce is a total asshole to her for years, he feels really bad about Stephanie's death and decides to beat some people up who mostly had nothing to do with it. Then he attacks someone who helped him out his whole Bat-career for allegedly facilitating said death. Oooookay Bruce. This one was a doozy, thank goodness Steph got some justice later.

[Liz.Loki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was better than the whole War Games saga. Finally a Batman that is not a piece of shit.

Would have been a higher rating but idk what to think about that finale reveal... idk it feels like the writers only did it for shock value, that was so ooc for Leslie...

But I hate Leslie so I don't really give a fuck.

[Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

War Crimes is an epilogue to War Games, it clarifies some parts of the plot and adds a bit more to the overall story. It’s fun but flawed, but still worth checking out after finishing War Games.

[Angel Torres · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una buena trama en el historial de Batman.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

War Crimes is a comic book crossover storyline published by DC Comics. The event ran during the month of August 2005 in the Batman and Detective Comics series, and is the sequel to another Batman crossover, War Games.

Batman: War Crimes collects: Detective Comics #809–810, Batman #643–644, Batman Allies Secret Files and Origins 2005, and Batman Villains Secret Files and Origins 2005.

In the wake of Gotham's recent brutal gang war, Black Mask controls the criminal underworld. Batman patrols the streets alone, as Robin (Tim Drake), Batgirl (Cassandra Cain), and Oracle (Barbara Gordon) have all left Gotham in the wake of the death and destruction and his own culpability in the chaos. The police, under Commissioner Akins, hunt him.

In Blüdhaven, Tim Drake and Cassandra Cain train, fight crime, and attempt to deal with the death of Stephanie Brown. They are shocked to hear Stephanie's name publicly proclaimed on television as one of Batman's allies. The source of the story is Aaron Black, who reveals in the televised interview that Stephanie was not only Spoiler, but also Robin, and that she could have survived her vicious torture at Black Mask's hands if given proper medical care.

From this information, Batman knows that someone who knows his identity as Bruce Wayne is leaking information, and follows up with Dr. Leslie Thompkins, the physician who treated Stephanie before her death. Leslie has resigned, and Stephanie's file is missing. Following the trail, Batman finds the doctor who checked out the file murdered and the crime scene arranged to frame him, as well as the incomplete file.

After removing the false evidence, Batman follows up with Aaron Black, only to find Black under attack from an impostor dressed as Batman and the Joker. Driving off the impostor and knocking out the Joker, Batman tells Black to run, then follows the impostor, who reveals himself as Black Mask and manages to escape.

Andersen Gabrych and Bill Willingham are credited for writing the series and for the most part, I rather enjoyed the narrative. However, as a Robin lover, I did not like the storyline that Dr Leslie Thompkins could have saved Stephanie Brown's life, but chooses not to, because she wanted to teach Batman a lesson – not to approve and encourage teenagers to become vigilantes – to fight his war on crime.

Pete Woods and Giuseppe Camuncoli are the pencilers for the series. For the most part, their pencilling style complements each other rather well, which makes the flow of the trade paperback rather smooth – artistically speaking.

All in all, Batman: War Crimes is a rather good aftermath of what had happened during Batman: War Games.

[Shaun Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Batman War Crimes is not the direct follow-up to the War Games event (this story falls in between the “Under the Red Hood” storyline) but ties up some loose ends from the event. The rest of the Batfamily has moved to Bludhaven or is lying low so this story only revolves around Batman. Black Mask is now the Crime Lord of Gotham City. Batman receives some mysterious information that shows Stephanie Brown could have survived the events of War Games and a Gotham talk show also reveals that Stephanie Brown was Spoiler/Robin and that Batman recklessly uses children in his vigilante mission of cleaning up Gotham. Batman must answer these questions on Stephanie and figure out who revealed her identity to the public.

This was a pretty good (and short) storyline. Nothing too out of the ordinary until the very end where a Batman ally is revealed to have commuted a heinous action (which typical to the War Games storyline was a complete 180 for the character) and continues to push Batman away from his usual allies and return to more a lone vigilante.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the greatest ending to an already pretty average storyline. The Joker is here for…reasons, cementing his status as the most overused Batman villain. He literally did nothing and contributed nothing, and was caught again almost immediately.

Leslie apparently just let Stephanie die to teach Batman a lesson, which is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard and completely contrary to her character. She just isn’t this stupid or cruel. Unfortunately this was actually in character with the Leslie we were shown for this storyline, who was happy to cut open and kill a different teenage girl to save an unborn baby. Whatever. Unsurprisingly this whole thing is retconned later on anyway so who cares. The whole thing is dumb and pointless.

The only redeeming part of this arc was an unrelated ending comic called “Beast Beneath”, where Killer Croc completely loses control and eats his doctor. That was great.

2.5 stars.

[Michael J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This trade paperback prints the issues from Batman and Detective Comics that comprise War Crimes, the epilogue to the lengthy War Games storyline. It wasn't necessary to read those first in order to understand what's happening in War Crimes. As a result of the three-day crime spree/melee in Gotham known as the "War Games", young Stepanie Brown (a.k.a. The Spoiler, a.k.a. a prospective Robin) has been murdered. The common belief is that Batman has become unhinged and crazy and he's indirectly responsible for her death. The story revolves around Batman investigating the circumstances of her death and confronting the true killer. I would give too much away by telling more. Black Mask, the cruel mob boss, is involved and The Joker also gets involved. A better-than-average Batman story.

[Jake · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wrapping up the War Games story arc, I think it was an overall good concept but the execution feels disjointed. There's also a surprising lack of Tim and Stephanie interaction for a story so centered on her.

This specific epilogue was quite random. I liked the idea of Joker seeking revenge on Black Mask, but the writing of Bruce was weird. You can tell this was that turning point when comics started prioritizing hype and aura moments for Batman by diminishing the characters around him. I know its sometimes silly to say the author of a character can "mischaracterize" them, but I really didn't agree with Leslie Thompkins storyline here... She just would never do that.

[Matthieu Savignac · Rating 2 out of 5]

J'avais commencé à réfléchir à quelque chose de complet, de constructif à écrire, mais finalement à quoi bon.
Il suffit de dire "Laissez Stéphanie en paix".
Cela sent le scénario forcé, sans réel intérêt, trainant en longueur pour aucune raison, et bon sang, un dénouement ridicule, voir même outrageux.
Je ne spoilerai pas, mais War games devait remettre proposer un nouveau batman à la Batman Begins, ok, soit, mais était-ce obligé pour autant de charcuté un personnage de la sorte ?

Bref. Un récit dont on pourrait / devrait se passer

[Andy Dainty · Rating 2 out of 5]

The weakest link in this arc. Throughout the War Games story there have been a number of characters playing against their normal types. This continues with War Crimes. Add to this a hotchpotch of one shot epilogues doesn't make for a great read. Black Mask is still psychotic; however Joker is a bit pathetic in his shadow.

[Gwendylan Gilley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the entire war games saga and pretty much enjoyed it. This one not as much. The ending was completely unexpected honestly. I didn’t like how they mentioned Red Hood maybe twice and that was it, he played no role in the story at all besides to mess with black mask at the start. It also felt kind of, I don’t know, rushed? It wasn’t bad, just wasn’t great.

[StrictlySequential · Rating 1 out of 5]

THE WORST BATMAN I'VE EVER READ...BY FAR

For all reasons: it was like a room of morons tried to do their best to make the dumbest story possible

[Paula Sulston · Rating 2 out of 5]

Leslie would never.

[Adrian Santiago · Rating 2 out of 5]

No me importó mucho Máscara Negra, no veo necesidad de Joker y menos lo que pasa con Thompkins.

[Sotofunkdamental · Rating 3 out of 5]

Números que hacen de epílogo del evento Juegos de Guerra.

[Fazun · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5

[Trekscribbler · Rating 3 out of 5]

WAR GAMES -- a year-plus serialized event in the history of Batman -- was a terrifically compelling yarn. Everything that could've gone wrong WENT wrong: alliances were forged and fell apart, enemies were made that shouldn't have been made, and people died. That's rare in the comic book universe, but it's one of the traits that strongly separates the Batman and his stories from most other DC "superhero" tales ... Batman is human, and, as a result, he's bound to make mistakes, just like any other character within the Bat-universe.

WAR CRIMES -- at the most basic level -- is about just that: mistakes. Gotham City is well on the road to recover now that the games have ended, and yet the Batman finds himself looking back in order to try to continue piecing together much of what still doesn't quite add up. In doing so, he uncovers a startling secret that sheds light on the disappearance of one of his oldest confidantes, and this discovery shakes him to his foundation.

Compared against the entirety of the WAR arcs, CRIMES fits nicely but perhaps the shock that such discovery should've sent through the Batman wasn't significant enough for my tastes. While I've always appreciated any tale of the Bats largely because of the human factor, there's still a larger-than-life presence to some of his villains (such as the Black Mask) that borders on immortality. CRIMES has a terrific, almost cinematic feel to most of it, and some of that payoff is sacrificed in the conclusion involving the Joker and the Black Mask taking on one another and then involving Batman because the Black Mask has been impersonating the Dark Knight. In cases such as this, I'd rather Batman pull up his sleeves a bit more and rough'n'tumble these two blokes instead of arbitrarily turning them over to the police: sometimes, that solution just grows a bit too safe for my tastes, and it feels out of touch here especially given all that's happened in the past year with these two villains.

Still, it's a solid reliable effort all around.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

The War Crimes volume attempts to look at the aftermath of Stephanie Brown's death during the multiple gang war. We open with Black Mask opining about the various Bat-rogues and their position with his plans for Gotham. When a mysterious source appears on television claiming to know more about Stephanie than he should, a three-way battle ensues over her legacy as Robin. Black Mask decides to dress up as Batman, murdering anyone who can connect him to Stephanie while pinning the crimes on Batman; Joker enters the fray, seeking to kill Black Mask for butting in on his favorite hobby - killing Robins. As the mystery source is finally revealed to be Cluemaster, Stephanie's father, Batman must put all three villains down and confront the true culprit behind Stephanie's death in order to gain some closure. With such a convoluted mess of a plot, this volume fails to capitalize on the loss of Spoiler and that effect on the Bat-family. When Jason Todd died, it left a stinging mark on the Bat-books that resonated for years until Tim Drake was introduced. Stephanie Brown seems to have been swept under the rug and forgotten as quickly as possible, just to make Black Mask more threatening. Readers should not forgive this collection of War Crimes, demanding better stories as reparations.

[Fugo Feedback · Rating 2 out of 5]

Este tomo es una especie de aftermath de Juegos de guerra, que no leí, pero se entiende a la perfección por sí solo. Lamentablemente, que se entienda no quiere decir que se disfrute, por más bien contada que esté la historia, o más zafable que sea el dibujo.
Primero tiene un par de historias cortas autoconclusivas que aportan poco a la trama central pero son de lo más disfrutable del tomo. Después sí, arranca una introducción de cuatro capítulos y medio donde pasa muy poco hasta la infame vuelta de tuerca final. En esta "revelación" Una mujer que siempre se dedicó a salvar vidas resulta que dejó morir a una chica justificándolo como "A ella la deje morir para que después no mueran otras personas"... No me suelen gustar las resurrecciones en los comics, pero si vas a matar a alguien con ese razonamiento, menos mal que después lo retconeás con la excusa que sea.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This comic is the sequel to the Batman: War Games series. At first it is a touch confusing since it jumps right into the story without much of an explanation but as you continue to read the comic, things become clearer. It isn't a very big comic but you feel like it's longer due to the heavier themes. Gotham is still trying to heal from the three-day nightmare it endured. Batman is searching for the truth about Stephanie or "Spoiler" and he does find it. Unfortunately, the truth comes with heart-break and betrayal. Overall, a good comic and story to conclude this series and to find some form of closure.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

The follow up to War Games, and I just found it to be the most fun Batman ride since I read Frank Miller's 2 Dark Knight books. Stands alone if it must, but better if done on the heels of War Games. (There's a prequel to War Games, War Drums, but not in my opinion it's definitely the weakest of the three...all set up and little action...action comes in spades in War Games and War Crimes, though!)

[J.M. Hushour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robin has been murdered by Black Mask! But what the hell really happened?! Batman tries to find out and gets to pummel Black Mask AND the Joker en route. The Joker is upset because Black Mask got to kill a Robin and he didn't, so they're going at it, too, with ol' BM dresed up as Batman in a frame-up attempt. This is dark and weird shit but began a killer run of story arcs which ran right up until the recent DC "reboot".

[Indika de Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

The following book could be considered as the epilogue for the whole Batman War games series.

The final confrontation between Batman and Black-mask is further complicated with the interference of the Joker.

This book displays the extraordinary detective abilities of Batman even without the assistance of his associates.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't a big fan of the illustration of some of the characters. Batman got a little soap boxy at points, I think I skipped a book in the series as well. Not a bad read, just nothing that surprised me.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent, but really nothing special. I did like the fact it departed from the usual of having every single classic Batman villain in it, but other than that it didn't really have all that much of interest.

[sixthreezy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Left me with a bad case of "Meh"... A good example of a great idea backed up by boring writing and art. It was entertaining enough to finish, but not anything I'd go out of my way to recommend to someone. Just an interesting story gone bad, and ends up being the exact opposite of interesting.