Batman by CRAIG SHAW GARDNER

by Craig Shaw Gardner

Hardcover

About the author

Craig Shaw Gardner was born in Rochester, New York and lived there until 1967, when he moved to Boston, MA to attend Boston University. He graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Broadcasting and Film. He has continued to reside in Boston since that time.

He published his first story in 1977 while he held a number of jobs: shipper/receiver for a men's suit manufacturer, working in hospital public relations, running a stat camera, and also managed of a couple of bookstores: The Million Year Picnic and Science Fantasy Bookstore.

As of 1987 he became a full time writer, and since then he has published more than 30 novels and more than 50 short stories.

He also published under these pseudonyms:

Peter Garrison

Reviews

[Joe Harries]

I wish that we got more of vicky with bruce, although it is sick they way he watches over like a gargoyle.

[Markus]

Excellent novelization of the 1989 Tim Burton film. A fast, fun read for fans of the DC crimefighter and villain. Pretty faithful to the final film with just a few changes in the dialogue and the date sequence between Bruce Wayne and Vickie Vail. Wonderful chase sequence between the Batman and Joker that was not in the film.

[READERSBEWARE]

Reading Batman by Craig Shaw Gardner felt like stepping back into the dark, gothic world of Tim Burton’s 1989 film—only this time, through the lens of words instead of images. The story follows Bruce Wayne as he stalks the crime-ridden streets of Gotham, battling corruption, chaos, and his greatest nemesis, the Joker. What I really enjoyed was how Gardner managed to recapture that moody atmosphere of Gotham City—the shadow-drenched alleys, the sense of decay, and the eerie tension that constantly hums beneath the surface. It felt familiar but still fresh, especially with those small added scenes and details that weren’t in the movie.

As I read, I noticed that Gardner’s writing sticks closely to the film’s pacing, which made it a fast and cinematic experience. The Joker’s transformation and manic energy practically leap off the page, and there’s something fun about seeing his descent into madness unfold through description rather than performance. There are also a few extra moments—like bits of dialogue and side scenes—that make Gotham feel slightly larger and more alive. It’s not a deep psychological take on Batman or his villains, but rather a vivid replay of the movie’s best moments with just enough added texture to make it worthwhile.

By the end, I found myself satisfied in that nostalgic, fan-driven way. Batman by Craig Shaw Gardner doesn’t reinvent the character or explore his psyche in the way modern Batman stories often do—but it doesn’t have to. It’s a pulpy, fast-moving novelization that captures the spectacle and strangeness of Burton’s film. I’d call it a must-read for fans of that era of Batman, the kind who love the gothic style, the brooding hero, and the mad laughter of Jack Nicholson’s Joker echoing across Gotham’s skyline.

[davidgonzalezsr]

My Slightly Sarcastic But Ultimately Honest Book Rating System:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 Stars): This book achieved legendary status in my personal library. I will likely reread it until the pages fall out (or my e-reader spontaneously combusts). Consider this my enthusiastic endorsement – you should probably read it unless you actively dislike joy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 Stars): A truly excellent read! I enjoyed it immensely and would heartily recommend it to fellow bookworms. You might even catch me subtly pushing it into their hands.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 Stars): Yep, it was a book I read. I turned the pages, absorbed the words, and emerged...unchanged. It was a pleasant enough journey, like a scenic detour that you wouldn't necessarily take again, but didn't regret.
⭐️⭐️ (2 Stars): This book existed. I finished it. That's about the highest praise I can offer. If you're looking for something truly captivating, maybe keep scrolling. This one's more of an "it filled the silence" kind of experience.
⭐️ (1 Star): Oh dear. This book and I did not get along. It was a literary tumbleweed in the vast desert of good books. Consider this a strong "do not recommend," unless you're conducting research on what not to do in storytelling.

Disclaimer: My enjoyment of the narrator is based on my listening speed. I only leave 5 stars for books I've read/listened to or will read/listen to multiple times. If you like this review please consider giving it a Helpful Vote below.

[Jakub Brudny]

Jak można się było spodziewać, jest to książka której nikt nie potrzebował, ale przynajmniej daje radę jako... jako-taka adaptacja świetnego filmu