What do you think?
Rate this book
Batman (1940-2011) #307-310, 312-319, 321-324, 326-3
Tales of the Batman: Len Wein
These tales from the 1970s are written by Len Wein, co-creator of Swamp Thing and Wolverine and writer of BEFORE OZYMANDIAS. In this new hardcover, Batman battles the villainy of The Joker, The Riddler, Catwoman, Mr. Freeze, Ra's al Ghul and many others.
Collects Detective Comics #408, #444-448, #466, #478-479, #500,
#514, Batman #307-310, #312-319, #321-324, #326-327, World's Finest Comics #207, DC Retroactive Batman - The 70s, Untold Legends of the Batman #1-3, Batman Black and White #5.
Collects Detective Comics #408, #444-448, #466, #478-479, #500,
#514, Batman #307-310, #312-319, #321-324, #326-327, World's Finest Comics #207, DC Retroactive Batman - The 70s, Untold Legends of the Batman #1-3, Batman Black and White #5.
640 pages, Hardcover
First published December 30, 2014
30 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Len Wein
1,587 books154 followersLen Wein was an American comic book writer and editor best known for co-creating DC Comics' Swamp Thing and Marvel Comics' Wolverine, and for helping revive the Marvel superhero team the X-Men (including the co-creation of Nightcrawler, Storm, and Colossus). Additionally, he was the editor for writer Alan Moore and illustrator Dave Gibbons' influential DC miniseries Watchmen.
Wein was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2008.
Wein was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2008.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 19, 2017
Maybe some of the stories collected here aged not much well (just think to the Captain Boomerang and the Gentleman Ghost ones... Brrr!), but lots of them are just timeless classics with the talkative fighting cheesy 60s-70s villains Batman I used to love when I was a kid (and the Arkham Sinister one had a morbid creepy atmosphere that scared me a lot).
There are really lost gems here: the Bat-Murderer saga, the "Catwoman returns" storyline, "Haven" and much more, with a teamwork of awesome artists: Adams, Byrne, Simonson, Colan, Aparo... not just a list, this is a mantra.
And the The Untold Legend of the Batman mini-series is just best Batman origin story ever before Frank Miller's Batman: Year One.
Final vote: 4,5 stars rised to 5 by nostalgia factor.
December 16, 2015
Collecting 33 tales* of Batman in addition to the 3-part mini-series The Untold Legend Of The Batman' from 1980. Most other books of this series published by DC Comics spotlight a specific artist, for example Jim Aparo, Alan Davis, Gene Colan, and Don Newton. This book is different in the sense that the spotlight is on a writer, in this case Len Wein.
The fact that the book is about a writer gives us the opportunity to see art by many artists - in this case eleven - including: Neal Adams (2), Ernie Chua (3) John Calnan (3), Jim Aparo (5), Marshall Rogers (2), Don Newton (1), Walt Simonson (3), and Irv Novick (12).
These tales from simpler days were fun, even if some of them were really silly. You have to make allowances for that; it was the 70's, after all. Here are some of things you will find in this book: Batman and Robin calling each other 'pal' or 'chum', Batman calling hoodlums 'punks', schtick-y villains like Cat-Man, Crazy-Quilt & Signalman (groan). Also of interest: a multi-issue arc in which Ra's Al Ghul frames Batman for murder, appearances by Mr. Freeze, Catwoman, The Joker, Riddler, Doctor Light, Gentleman Ghost, Blockbuster, Two-Face, Captain Boomerang, Maxie Zeus, and more. Superman guest stars one time and we also get to see King Faraday, a G-Man I'd only seen before in Darwyn Cooke's Absolute DC: The New Frontier.
I am really enjoying reading books from this series, as it brings back those comics from simpler days, with all that implies. These are the comics I grew up reading, so there must be some nostalgia factor involved, but I like also that they're appropriate for younger readers, as it lets me share them with my 9-year old son with a peace of mind.
* : 2 from 1971, 7 from 1974-1976, 20 from 1978-1980, 1 each from 1981 and 1982, as well as DC Retro-Active: Batman - The 70's (September 2011) and a tale from Batman Black & White #5 (March 2014)
The fact that the book is about a writer gives us the opportunity to see art by many artists - in this case eleven - including: Neal Adams (2), Ernie Chua (3) John Calnan (3), Jim Aparo (5), Marshall Rogers (2), Don Newton (1), Walt Simonson (3), and Irv Novick (12).
These tales from simpler days were fun, even if some of them were really silly. You have to make allowances for that; it was the 70's, after all. Here are some of things you will find in this book: Batman and Robin calling each other 'pal' or 'chum', Batman calling hoodlums 'punks', schtick-y villains like Cat-Man, Crazy-Quilt & Signalman (groan). Also of interest: a multi-issue arc in which Ra's Al Ghul frames Batman for murder, appearances by Mr. Freeze, Catwoman, The Joker, Riddler, Doctor Light, Gentleman Ghost, Blockbuster, Two-Face, Captain Boomerang, Maxie Zeus, and more. Superman guest stars one time and we also get to see King Faraday, a G-Man I'd only seen before in Darwyn Cooke's Absolute DC: The New Frontier.
I am really enjoying reading books from this series, as it brings back those comics from simpler days, with all that implies. These are the comics I grew up reading, so there must be some nostalgia factor involved, but I like also that they're appropriate for younger readers, as it lets me share them with my 9-year old son with a peace of mind.
* : 2 from 1971, 7 from 1974-1976, 20 from 1978-1980, 1 each from 1981 and 1982, as well as DC Retro-Active: Batman - The 70's (September 2011) and a tale from Batman Black & White #5 (March 2014)
August 29, 2019
If I don't stick up for the Bronze Age (of comics), who will?
And yet, I have to admit, I did not really like most of this.
I want to say I "rage quit" Batman after Marshall Rogers left, but basically I thought X-Men and Daredevil were more interesting.
Because they were.
There was a semi-interesting arc about Selina Kyle reforming, and dating Bruce Wayne. And (spoiler) Catwoman being framed for the crimes of
Also, the Batman Retroactive story from 2011 was weirdly satisfying.
Other than those few high points, gotta say: Crap, man.
And yet, I have to admit, I did not really like most of this.
I want to say I "rage quit" Batman after Marshall Rogers left, but basically I thought X-Men and Daredevil were more interesting.
Because they were.
There was a semi-interesting arc about Selina Kyle reforming, and dating Bruce Wayne. And (spoiler) Catwoman being framed for the crimes of
Also, the Batman Retroactive story from 2011 was weirdly satisfying.
Other than those few high points, gotta say: Crap, man.
August 30, 2020
Fun pandemic read. Len Wein was a major 1980's Batman writer. I like the 80's version of the Batmobile in these books. Good collection of comics that I read 40 years ago on Saturday afternoons.
September 15, 2016
I like the idea of focussing on a writer of a particular character. Especially when it is from a period I never read at the time. It can give you an insight into how others viewed the character and, on occasion, they can bring fresh eyes to an old friend or highlight a different aspect of the character you had not considered before.
I read this on comixology and it was in a sale. If nothing else these 660 pages represented extremely good value for money and they were presented in an extremely readable format. I appreciate I have covered this before but if you have not yet tried a digital comic and you have a tablet lying around I cannot recommend comixology enough. There is enough free content in there for you to give it a try and to see how it feels. Its really well done. (I am not get anything free for this by the way. I wish I was, but I'm not, I just really like the app.)
These Batman tales were clearly coming out of the slightly camp era of stories and appear to show a move to a mature type of story telling. They must have been on the cusp because, as I will discuss, there are slips in and out of the silliness I thought and my enjoyment was not consistent throughout but there was some startlingly good stuff in there as well and I think if you get the chance and you like batman these are well worth a read.
There is the odd mild spoiler in here but very mild, there are no great plot revelations so don’t worry.
The book does not begin well and as I read the first issue I was not hopeful for finishing the book. The big trap is a trampoline where after 100 bounces it will explode. This was eye wateringly silly, at a level equivalent to anti-shark spray. The way they got out was obvious and for an opening tale it was a stinker.
Issue 2 meanwhile was then a revelation. The art appeared to improve exponentially and the writing suddenly began to try hard. Batman Noir with judicious use of alliteration and description. You could almost feel the dark Knight emerging and while not an ultimate classic the book as a whole is still really really good. Fortunately most of what follows after this tried to develop the second issue rather than the first.
The art is very 70s and there are some great images are within it
There is the odd slip into Baddie of the day silliness but for the most part there is a humanity to the Batman in this and a vulnerability that adds to the interest. I liked that aspect of the character.
There are mis-steps. Near the end there are a series of origin tales that missed the mark for me. The Alfred tale is particular is terrible and sad all at the same time. The choice he made was a really bad choice and his father was clearly a git! I will not ruin it but wait till you read about the young Bruce Wayne teaming up with the detective and what he chooses to wear. Social Services must have been all over that!
The way that every time Batman and Robin meet they CONSTANTLY call each other 'buddy' and 'pal' was also grating. Seems to me that the author was trying a little too hard to avoid even a hint of a suggestion that they were gay (or it could be they clearly hated each others guts). The problem with protesting this hard is you actually end up creating the opposite impression.
Next time you are with a friend call him bud, buddy, pal or mate at the end of every sentence and see how long it is before they punch you in the face.
Overall I enjoyed this. I may be completely wrong but as I read it I felt like the author was trying again and again to move the character and the comic forwards but then was pulled back. The way the tempo and the ambiance of the piece changed so dramatically on occasion made it feel like there was a little too much editorial cowardice. They should have let him go with his vision because he was moving to some very interesting places. Places that and other writers would visit to great effect much later.
Its worth a read. There is some interesting stuff in here but be prepared for a big fat dollop of stupidity as well.
I read this on comixology and it was in a sale. If nothing else these 660 pages represented extremely good value for money and they were presented in an extremely readable format. I appreciate I have covered this before but if you have not yet tried a digital comic and you have a tablet lying around I cannot recommend comixology enough. There is enough free content in there for you to give it a try and to see how it feels. Its really well done. (I am not get anything free for this by the way. I wish I was, but I'm not, I just really like the app.)
These Batman tales were clearly coming out of the slightly camp era of stories and appear to show a move to a mature type of story telling. They must have been on the cusp because, as I will discuss, there are slips in and out of the silliness I thought and my enjoyment was not consistent throughout but there was some startlingly good stuff in there as well and I think if you get the chance and you like batman these are well worth a read.
There is the odd mild spoiler in here but very mild, there are no great plot revelations so don’t worry.
The book does not begin well and as I read the first issue I was not hopeful for finishing the book. The big trap is a trampoline where after 100 bounces it will explode. This was eye wateringly silly, at a level equivalent to anti-shark spray. The way they got out was obvious and for an opening tale it was a stinker.
Issue 2 meanwhile was then a revelation. The art appeared to improve exponentially and the writing suddenly began to try hard. Batman Noir with judicious use of alliteration and description. You could almost feel the dark Knight emerging and while not an ultimate classic the book as a whole is still really really good. Fortunately most of what follows after this tried to develop the second issue rather than the first.
The art is very 70s and there are some great images are within it
There is the odd slip into Baddie of the day silliness but for the most part there is a humanity to the Batman in this and a vulnerability that adds to the interest. I liked that aspect of the character.
There are mis-steps. Near the end there are a series of origin tales that missed the mark for me. The Alfred tale is particular is terrible and sad all at the same time. The choice he made was a really bad choice and his father was clearly a git! I will not ruin it but wait till you read about the young Bruce Wayne teaming up with the detective and what he chooses to wear. Social Services must have been all over that!
The way that every time Batman and Robin meet they CONSTANTLY call each other 'buddy' and 'pal' was also grating. Seems to me that the author was trying a little too hard to avoid even a hint of a suggestion that they were gay (or it could be they clearly hated each others guts). The problem with protesting this hard is you actually end up creating the opposite impression.
Next time you are with a friend call him bud, buddy, pal or mate at the end of every sentence and see how long it is before they punch you in the face.
Overall I enjoyed this. I may be completely wrong but as I read it I felt like the author was trying again and again to move the character and the comic forwards but then was pulled back. The way the tempo and the ambiance of the piece changed so dramatically on occasion made it feel like there was a little too much editorial cowardice. They should have let him go with his vision because he was moving to some very interesting places. Places that and other writers would visit to great effect much later.
Its worth a read. There is some interesting stuff in here but be prepared for a big fat dollop of stupidity as well.
June 27, 2016
Another entry in DC's creator spotlight books, this time featuring writer Len Wein. Wein is most known as being a long time DC editor and the co-creator of Swamp Thing, but he is also a pretty good writer. Among his output is a good run on Batman from the late 70s and early 80s, and the Untold Legend of Batman mini-series.
Unlike the artist-centered books like this, where DC may skip parts of a story if another artist drew it, with the writer's books we get complete stories. This is a huge bonus. I was reading the Len Wein run on Batman when it first came out, but I had forgotten all the myriad of subplots that Wein put into the book. There was Catwoman reforming, her romantic relationship with Bruce Wayne as Selina Kyle, her headaches, Lucius Fox and his rebellious son, and a corporate raider who really gave the Wayne Foundation a lot of trouble. Add to the mix various dust-ups between Batman and his villains (Two-Face, the Joker, the Riddler, Professor Milo, Blockbuster, Firebug, Kite-Man (?), and Crazy-Quilt), and the reader can't help but be entertained by these stories.
The Untold Legend of the Batman mini picked up on Wein's stories in Batman's own comic. This mini was a way to re-tell the origins of Batman, Robin, Alfred, Commissioner Gordon, and Batgirl, all while Batman has to solve a mystery that has him baffled. (We also learn where Batman gets his Batmobile!). As stories go, it's rather mild, but it does what it's supposed to do, although the exposition heavy dialog is sorely out of date now.
Then there is Wein's "Retroactive" Batman story from 2012. The Retroactive one shots were a way to revisit DC's characters from decades past, and Wein got to write the story that featured the Bronze Age Batman. One of the major subplots from Wein's earlier run is revisited and wrapped up, and although it took 30 years, it was a nice surprise to the story.
There are also a few one-and-done stories from Detective Comics and Batman Black and White. Artists on the book include Neal Adams, Irv Novick (whose Bruce Wayne resembled the lean Roger Moore James Bond), Don Newton (in a tale that was not printed in Newton's own creator spotlight book), and Tom Mandrake, along with a few other artists that did one or two issues.
Definitely worth reading because of the continuity between issues here, but they're also good solid Bronze Age stories. Although they're not as complex as recent Batman stories, nor is Batman his brooding dark self, I much prefer the more human Batman shown here.
Unlike the artist-centered books like this, where DC may skip parts of a story if another artist drew it, with the writer's books we get complete stories. This is a huge bonus. I was reading the Len Wein run on Batman when it first came out, but I had forgotten all the myriad of subplots that Wein put into the book. There was Catwoman reforming, her romantic relationship with Bruce Wayne as Selina Kyle, her headaches, Lucius Fox and his rebellious son, and a corporate raider who really gave the Wayne Foundation a lot of trouble. Add to the mix various dust-ups between Batman and his villains (Two-Face, the Joker, the Riddler, Professor Milo, Blockbuster, Firebug, Kite-Man (?), and Crazy-Quilt), and the reader can't help but be entertained by these stories.
The Untold Legend of the Batman mini picked up on Wein's stories in Batman's own comic. This mini was a way to re-tell the origins of Batman, Robin, Alfred, Commissioner Gordon, and Batgirl, all while Batman has to solve a mystery that has him baffled. (We also learn where Batman gets his Batmobile!). As stories go, it's rather mild, but it does what it's supposed to do, although the exposition heavy dialog is sorely out of date now.
Then there is Wein's "Retroactive" Batman story from 2012. The Retroactive one shots were a way to revisit DC's characters from decades past, and Wein got to write the story that featured the Bronze Age Batman. One of the major subplots from Wein's earlier run is revisited and wrapped up, and although it took 30 years, it was a nice surprise to the story.
There are also a few one-and-done stories from Detective Comics and Batman Black and White. Artists on the book include Neal Adams, Irv Novick (whose Bruce Wayne resembled the lean Roger Moore James Bond), Don Newton (in a tale that was not printed in Newton's own creator spotlight book), and Tom Mandrake, along with a few other artists that did one or two issues.
Definitely worth reading because of the continuity between issues here, but they're also good solid Bronze Age stories. Although they're not as complex as recent Batman stories, nor is Batman his brooding dark self, I much prefer the more human Batman shown here.
Read
January 9, 2016The Batman I Remember
This collection of Batman comics from the late '70s and early '80s was quite a blast from the past for me. I owned the majority of these during my childhood. To me, it represents the perfect balance for the Batman character: Not as silly as the Adam West TV show, but not as dark as the newer Christopher Nolan movies.
These issues were selected because they were all written by the same author, Len Wein. Because of this, there is great use of foreshadowing between issues, not to mention overarching subplots...nuances I missed as a kid.
Wein also makes good use of the famed Batman rogue's gallery. His stories run the gamut from the most famous foes (Joker, Catwoman, Riddler, Mr. Freeze) to the lesser known foes (Calendar Man, Dr. Tzin-Tzin) and even "guest" villains from other comics (Gentleman Ghost, Captain Boomerang).
I'm not sure how younger readers used to the darker interpretations of the Dark Knight would take this, but I enjoyed every panel.
This collection of Batman comics from the late '70s and early '80s was quite a blast from the past for me. I owned the majority of these during my childhood. To me, it represents the perfect balance for the Batman character: Not as silly as the Adam West TV show, but not as dark as the newer Christopher Nolan movies.
These issues were selected because they were all written by the same author, Len Wein. Because of this, there is great use of foreshadowing between issues, not to mention overarching subplots...nuances I missed as a kid.
Wein also makes good use of the famed Batman rogue's gallery. His stories run the gamut from the most famous foes (Joker, Catwoman, Riddler, Mr. Freeze) to the lesser known foes (Calendar Man, Dr. Tzin-Tzin) and even "guest" villains from other comics (Gentleman Ghost, Captain Boomerang).
I'm not sure how younger readers used to the darker interpretations of the Dark Knight would take this, but I enjoyed every panel.
August 1, 2018
Wein was a legendary Batman writer (among myriad other characters), and this collection serves as a nice summation of his work on the Dark Knight, including the bulk of his Batman run with Irv Novick and the three-part UNTOLD LEGEND OF THE BATMAN with John Byrne and Jim Aparo. Wein brought a Marvel sensibility to the previously dry and robotic Dark Knight, embroiling him in a tumultuous romance with Selina Kyle (Catwoman) and creating a diverse and interesting supporting cast. Wein used a nice mix of classic Batman villains like Joker and the Riddler with more obscure and new villains like Firebug, Maxie Zeus, Cat-Man and Professor Milo, to name a few. One of the best Batman writers ever gets a worthy collection here. Essential reading for any fan of Batman.
May 14, 2016
A decent collection of Batman tales, mainly from the 70s to 80s. The Joker story is the best by far, but the rest are solid. I wouldn't say anything in here is mind-blowing, but comics have gotten so much more complex in recent years that these plots seem rather simple by comparison.
Regardless, Len Wein played an important role in the evolution of Batman and his talents are on fine display here. I also loved the art of Jim Aparo that appears in several issues here. Wish he was on more of the stories!
Regardless, Len Wein played an important role in the evolution of Batman and his talents are on fine display here. I also loved the art of Jim Aparo that appears in several issues here. Wish he was on more of the stories!
June 30, 2015
This was a nostalgic journey back to the conics of my youth: Melodramatic over-narrating, old school and occasionally moody art, and a Batman who's a man who can get injured and make mistakes instead of a Batgod who can beat and outthink everyone ever.
September 28, 2023
Len Wein is one of the greatest writers of the '70s and early '80s and is responsible for so many long lasting characters. Wolverine, Swamp Thing, the X-Men as you know and love them? Wein had a hand in their creation. He has an understanding and deep love for the flagship characters as well. He sadly passed away last fall but his work will live on in the hearts and minds of comic fans everywhere.
The bulk of this book is from 1975-1980, which is prime Bronze Age material that I have never read before. Wein had the good fortune of being paired with some top notch talent like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, etc. It's a shame how DC has allowed Neal Adams to destroy classic comics like Detective Comics #408, the same re-inked and recolored version found in the Batman By Neal Adams hardcovers and trades. The bastardized version of Batman #255 is included. It's a pity, because it is a fantastic story about Anthony Lupus, a man who is afflicted with Lycanthropy. He goes to see Professor Milo, a certifiable quack who brings his condition to the fore. It's probably one of the best comics of the '70s, completely ruined with the now totally outdated Photoshop and at the time modern computer recoloring from 15 years ago. This George Lucas Star Wars Special Edition thinking was well-intentioned but ultimately doesn't work.
The Jim Aparo issues are equally excellent, with Aparo being almost as good as Neal Adams. He may not have had the inventive panel layouts but his storytelling ability and sense of pacing were equally great.
Len Wein was great at keeping the continuity flowing. While each issue was a complete story there were enough dangling subplots to give returning readers something to look forward to month in and month out. There were very few writers who could successfully pull this trick off, and Wein was one of the best.
Detective Comics #478 is a sentimental favorite of mine. My mom bought it for me as a kid while we were on vacation in northern Michigan during the summer of 1978. It was some weird convenience store in the middle of nowhere that's probably long gone. I am guessing that the whole area is now populated with Starbucks and Walmarts, but back in the late 70s it was “up north” and rural.
Batman had some great Christmas stories, as was the case back in 1978 when Batman #309 was released. Batman #310 is what really got me, though. I'm a sucker for the Gentleman Ghost, with my first exposure to the character on the SuperFriends cartoons back in the '70s as Gentleman Jim. I love how Wein paints Jim as a ghost but Batman isn't having it. Batman tries to come up with a rational explanation for how he pulls off his capers. Wein had a really good grasp on the character Two-Face. Batman #313 and 314 were among the better Two-Face stories that I've read.
Lucius Fox is featured throughout these issues. Fans of The Dark Knight trilogy will know him as the character that Morgan Freeman portrayed on the screen. Firebug is an interesting character who was motivated by the same kind of grief that Batman was. In his introduction in Batman #318 he wanted to burn down unsafe apartment buildings because those same slumlord apartment buildings killed his family. Wein humanized the villain, a rarity at the time.
We see the Gentleman Ghost return for a rematch and Batman #319. He's such a great villain. Sorry to gush, but I have been a sucker for him since the SuperFriends cartoons were a part of my Saturday mornings in the '70s. Batman #327 was another standout issue. Wein brought Professor Milo back, who was running Arkham Asylum in a somewhat offbeat Silver Age-flavored story.
The Untold Legend Of The Batman mini series was great. The first issue had art by the team of John Byrne and Jim Aparo, which was mindblowingly great. Among my favorites in the book was Detective Comics #514, a story about human nature and why it's best to sometimes leave people alone.
I'm sorry to ramble on and on about this book, but it was so great that I cannot help myself. While this package leaves something to be desired due to some haphazard restoration, you get 600+ pages of top notch Batman stories by a writer whose likes we will never be seen again.
The bulk of this book is from 1975-1980, which is prime Bronze Age material that I have never read before. Wein had the good fortune of being paired with some top notch talent like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, etc. It's a shame how DC has allowed Neal Adams to destroy classic comics like Detective Comics #408, the same re-inked and recolored version found in the Batman By Neal Adams hardcovers and trades. The bastardized version of Batman #255 is included. It's a pity, because it is a fantastic story about Anthony Lupus, a man who is afflicted with Lycanthropy. He goes to see Professor Milo, a certifiable quack who brings his condition to the fore. It's probably one of the best comics of the '70s, completely ruined with the now totally outdated Photoshop and at the time modern computer recoloring from 15 years ago. This George Lucas Star Wars Special Edition thinking was well-intentioned but ultimately doesn't work.
The Jim Aparo issues are equally excellent, with Aparo being almost as good as Neal Adams. He may not have had the inventive panel layouts but his storytelling ability and sense of pacing were equally great.
Len Wein was great at keeping the continuity flowing. While each issue was a complete story there were enough dangling subplots to give returning readers something to look forward to month in and month out. There were very few writers who could successfully pull this trick off, and Wein was one of the best.
Detective Comics #478 is a sentimental favorite of mine. My mom bought it for me as a kid while we were on vacation in northern Michigan during the summer of 1978. It was some weird convenience store in the middle of nowhere that's probably long gone. I am guessing that the whole area is now populated with Starbucks and Walmarts, but back in the late 70s it was “up north” and rural.
Batman had some great Christmas stories, as was the case back in 1978 when Batman #309 was released. Batman #310 is what really got me, though. I'm a sucker for the Gentleman Ghost, with my first exposure to the character on the SuperFriends cartoons back in the '70s as Gentleman Jim. I love how Wein paints Jim as a ghost but Batman isn't having it. Batman tries to come up with a rational explanation for how he pulls off his capers. Wein had a really good grasp on the character Two-Face. Batman #313 and 314 were among the better Two-Face stories that I've read.
Lucius Fox is featured throughout these issues. Fans of The Dark Knight trilogy will know him as the character that Morgan Freeman portrayed on the screen. Firebug is an interesting character who was motivated by the same kind of grief that Batman was. In his introduction in Batman #318 he wanted to burn down unsafe apartment buildings because those same slumlord apartment buildings killed his family. Wein humanized the villain, a rarity at the time.
We see the Gentleman Ghost return for a rematch and Batman #319. He's such a great villain. Sorry to gush, but I have been a sucker for him since the SuperFriends cartoons were a part of my Saturday mornings in the '70s. Batman #327 was another standout issue. Wein brought Professor Milo back, who was running Arkham Asylum in a somewhat offbeat Silver Age-flavored story.
The Untold Legend Of The Batman mini series was great. The first issue had art by the team of John Byrne and Jim Aparo, which was mindblowingly great. Among my favorites in the book was Detective Comics #514, a story about human nature and why it's best to sometimes leave people alone.
I'm sorry to ramble on and on about this book, but it was so great that I cannot help myself. While this package leaves something to be desired due to some haphazard restoration, you get 600+ pages of top notch Batman stories by a writer whose likes we will never be seen again.
May 3, 2018
Len Wein's Batman work is collected in this book. Included the book are a variety of stories written for Detective Comics during the 1970s and 1980s, an Issue of World's Finest, Wein's nearly two-year run writing Batman, the Legends of the Dark Knight Mini-series, a DC lost story publication from the 1970s era that was released in 2011 and a story from Batman: Black and White:
Detective Comics: Wein's first Batman story was Detective Comics #408, drawn by Neal Adams. it's atmospheric piece with Batman wandering around a mystery house. Many more Detective Comics stories are featured. Highlight include the Bat-Murderer saga where Batman is framed for the murder of Talia Al-Ghul and the police believe he did it, and he ends up on the wrong side of the law for a multiple issues and meets up with the Creeper. There's a great Signalman story that was surprising how good it was because it's Signalman. Last issue had Batman meeting a knock off Grizzly Adams.
World's Finest #207: Clark Kent is hiring thugs to kill Superman. Why? A good issue with a nice fight between Batman, Superman, and Doctor Light, but a somewhat disappointing solution to the mystery.
Wein's Batman run: A very serviceable run. The big highlight is the introduction of Lucius Fox. Also during this time, Selina Kyle had reformed and has a relationship with Bruce Wayne. Among the villains Batman battled were Two-Face, Mister Freeze, and Calander Man. The stories were mostly good (save for the Joker's 40th Anniversary Issue which didn't really rise to the occasion.) The book's biggest fault is that the comics seemed to be trying to imitate Marvel too hard such as when Batman has a relationship failure and responds to moaning from a rooftop. Bat-Spider-man!
Untold Legends of the Batman: DC's Second limited series took all the information about Batman's origin from comics over the decade and collected them in a single volume while Wein fleshed out Batman's origins in his own way. It's a really solid Batman story, easily overlooked because Crisis on Infinite Earth wiped out. The plot finds someone messing with Batman, destroying his dad's Batman suit, and even trying to blow up the Batmobile. The events require Batman to retrace his life story. The writing is really good and the art by John Byrne (issue 1) and Jim Aparo is superb.
DC Retrospective: Batman: The 1970s #1: An untold tale from Aparo's time on Batman. He gets to pick up some threats that were never fully explored during his original run. The writing is as good as it was back when he wrote the original series, which is pretty good, and features a new version of the Terrible Trio.
Batman: Black and White #5: A Two-face story that's short but has a really good twist. My one complaint? Didn't care much for how the artist drew Batman (insanely bulkly.) Still Wein's last Batman tale is a quick enjoyable short story.
Overall, a good mix of stories. Most are quite solid and there are some really gems here that make this a worthwhile read for Batman fans.
Detective Comics: Wein's first Batman story was Detective Comics #408, drawn by Neal Adams. it's atmospheric piece with Batman wandering around a mystery house. Many more Detective Comics stories are featured. Highlight include the Bat-Murderer saga where Batman is framed for the murder of Talia Al-Ghul and the police believe he did it, and he ends up on the wrong side of the law for a multiple issues and meets up with the Creeper. There's a great Signalman story that was surprising how good it was because it's Signalman. Last issue had Batman meeting a knock off Grizzly Adams.
World's Finest #207: Clark Kent is hiring thugs to kill Superman. Why? A good issue with a nice fight between Batman, Superman, and Doctor Light, but a somewhat disappointing solution to the mystery.
Wein's Batman run: A very serviceable run. The big highlight is the introduction of Lucius Fox. Also during this time, Selina Kyle had reformed and has a relationship with Bruce Wayne. Among the villains Batman battled were Two-Face, Mister Freeze, and Calander Man. The stories were mostly good (save for the Joker's 40th Anniversary Issue which didn't really rise to the occasion.) The book's biggest fault is that the comics seemed to be trying to imitate Marvel too hard such as when Batman has a relationship failure and responds to moaning from a rooftop. Bat-Spider-man!
Untold Legends of the Batman: DC's Second limited series took all the information about Batman's origin from comics over the decade and collected them in a single volume while Wein fleshed out Batman's origins in his own way. It's a really solid Batman story, easily overlooked because Crisis on Infinite Earth wiped out. The plot finds someone messing with Batman, destroying his dad's Batman suit, and even trying to blow up the Batmobile. The events require Batman to retrace his life story. The writing is really good and the art by John Byrne (issue 1) and Jim Aparo is superb.
DC Retrospective: Batman: The 1970s #1: An untold tale from Aparo's time on Batman. He gets to pick up some threats that were never fully explored during his original run. The writing is as good as it was back when he wrote the original series, which is pretty good, and features a new version of the Terrible Trio.
Batman: Black and White #5: A Two-face story that's short but has a really good twist. My one complaint? Didn't care much for how the artist drew Batman (insanely bulkly.) Still Wein's last Batman tale is a quick enjoyable short story.
Overall, a good mix of stories. Most are quite solid and there are some really gems here that make this a worthwhile read for Batman fans.
Read
April 9, 2019I know Len Wein mainly for co-creating Swamp Thing and Wolverine. Pretty big characters there. It only makes sense that Wein, a prolific Bronze Age writer, would tackle another dark, popular hero in Batman. And it turns out he wrote some great stories for the Dark Knight.
The centerpiece of this volume, collecting all of Wein’s Batman work, is his 18-issue run on Batman. He also wrote some issues of Detective Comics and collaborated with Jim Aparo for the miniseries, The Untold Legend of the Batman, a sort of retelling of Batman’s origin. The collection is capped off with two late-career stories; like other Bronze Age creators, Wein came back to the character for anniversary issues and special series.
Wein stuck to a formula for his Batman run: nearly all of his 18 issues feature a distinct villain, plus two or three pages devoted to ongoing plotlines involving Selina Kyle and Lucius Fox. The villains are almost all C- and D-listers like Firebug, Crazy Quilt, Cat-Man, Gentleman Ghost, and Kite Man (if you’ve read Tom King's Batman, you know this last character well). I’m a sucker for gimmicky, low-level villains, so I genuinely loved the majority of these issues. There’s not a lot of character development where Batman is involved, but Wein gives the villains more depth than I expected. Plus the stories are just fun to read.
Take the Crazy-Quilt issue. His costume and powers are ridiculous: a kaleidoscopic suit with a helmet that shoots color beams at his foes. Pretty campy. But Wein recounts a backstory of how he was nearly blinded by mobsters, causing him to see only bright colors. This issue begins with Crazy-Quilt stealing a device from S.T.A.R. Labs to bring to a surgeon who can help him see properly again. Makes you feel for the guy, y’know?
As mentioned, Wein builds two side stories across his run. The first focuses on Selina Kyle, who approaches Bruce Wayne to invest in Wayne Enterprises and put her criminal past behind her (she doesn’t know he’s Batman). She and Bruce become romantically involved, before drama happens and Selina seemingly lapses into her criminal ways. The two have some great moments here, and I like how Wein writes Selina as trying to better herself.
Secondly, Wein introduces the character of Lucius Fox, Bruce’s second-hand businessman and close friend. Lucius finds trouble when he’s approached by corrupt mogul Gregorian Falstaff (what a name!) to take over Wayne Enterprises. What’s more, he has trouble relating to his son, Timothy, who curses out his dad for neglecting him. In his DC Retroactive issue from 2011, Wein reveals Timothy as a member of the Terrible Trio, a group of disgruntled teenagers committing crimes all over Gotham City. Poor Lucius – Wein really put him through the ringer.
This book also includes the final two issues of the “Strange Apparitions” storyline, which is notable for debuting Bruce’s romantic interest, Silver St. Cloud. Wein’s issues see Bruce distraught after Silver leaves him, taking out his frustrations on criminals. As sad as it is to see Bruce like this, I like stories that ground Batman by snatching away his happiness or challenging his sense of resolve. They place the impossibly steeled detective in very human situations. At one point he tells Alfred that he’s considering giving up his crimefighting mantle. He even curses out his parents for dying and causing him to become Batman. Think about that: the most driven and obsessive man on the planet considers letting go his life’s mission. Powerful stuff.
The main focus of these issues, though, is Preston Payne, the third person to take up the Clayface mantle after Basil Karlo and Matt Hagen. Payne’s look is very different from his predecessors (he reminds me of Professor Radium, a great Golden Age villain), and his backstory reveals his motivations to be more complex. I think he’s a tragic character, and find myself kind of sympathetic to his struggle. Another instance of Wein giving villains emotional weight.
In the end, this is a very good collection. Wein’s Batman run basically tells a continuous story, with a diverse crop of villains, most of whom I loved. And his Detective Comics issues are solid, made better by a sensitivity to plot and character. In the future, when I’m in the mood for Bronze Age Batman, I’ll most likely dig up some of Wein’s stories.
Stray observations:
Wein collaborated with some of the best Batman artists at the time for these stories: Neal Adams, Irv Novick, Walt Simonson, Jim Aparo, John Byrne, Don Newton, Marshall Rogers. Adams is my favorite (his superb “Moon of the Wolf” is collected here), but the others put in quality work.
Even though we don’t see Silver St. Cloud in the two “Strange Apparitions” issues, I’m reminded of the excellent “Siege” by Archie Goodwin where she returns to see Bruce. She’s still important to him years later, and he to her.
Other villains to appear: Joker, Two-Face, Riddler, Mr. Freeze, Blockbuster, Calendar Man, Maxie Zeus, and Captain Boomerang (a Flash baddie).
It’s such a small moment, but I love the scene in Batman 317 when Dick is sitting in the Batcave reading a newspaper, and Alfred asks him if he’ll be staying for dinner (Dick is visiting from Hudson U). I love this scene because it’s a callback to the Golden Age, when most stories ended and began with Bruce and Dick reading the news in Wayne Manor. And any scene with Alfred is a win for me.
Speaking of Alfred and Dick, the two have a fantastic exchange in “Haven” from Detective 514. Batman leaves town to track Maxie Zeus, refusing to let Dick go with him. Alfred tells the teenage ward, “Every night Bruce Wayne goes out there among the shadows and the filth, stalking the animals who stalk the innocent… and in my heart, I know there will be one night when he will not come home. That does not make the waiting easy, Master Dick. Not very easy at all.”
The centerpiece of this volume, collecting all of Wein’s Batman work, is his 18-issue run on Batman. He also wrote some issues of Detective Comics and collaborated with Jim Aparo for the miniseries, The Untold Legend of the Batman, a sort of retelling of Batman’s origin. The collection is capped off with two late-career stories; like other Bronze Age creators, Wein came back to the character for anniversary issues and special series.
Wein stuck to a formula for his Batman run: nearly all of his 18 issues feature a distinct villain, plus two or three pages devoted to ongoing plotlines involving Selina Kyle and Lucius Fox. The villains are almost all C- and D-listers like Firebug, Crazy Quilt, Cat-Man, Gentleman Ghost, and Kite Man (if you’ve read Tom King's Batman, you know this last character well). I’m a sucker for gimmicky, low-level villains, so I genuinely loved the majority of these issues. There’s not a lot of character development where Batman is involved, but Wein gives the villains more depth than I expected. Plus the stories are just fun to read.
Take the Crazy-Quilt issue. His costume and powers are ridiculous: a kaleidoscopic suit with a helmet that shoots color beams at his foes. Pretty campy. But Wein recounts a backstory of how he was nearly blinded by mobsters, causing him to see only bright colors. This issue begins with Crazy-Quilt stealing a device from S.T.A.R. Labs to bring to a surgeon who can help him see properly again. Makes you feel for the guy, y’know?
As mentioned, Wein builds two side stories across his run. The first focuses on Selina Kyle, who approaches Bruce Wayne to invest in Wayne Enterprises and put her criminal past behind her (she doesn’t know he’s Batman). She and Bruce become romantically involved, before drama happens and Selina seemingly lapses into her criminal ways. The two have some great moments here, and I like how Wein writes Selina as trying to better herself.
Secondly, Wein introduces the character of Lucius Fox, Bruce’s second-hand businessman and close friend. Lucius finds trouble when he’s approached by corrupt mogul Gregorian Falstaff (what a name!) to take over Wayne Enterprises. What’s more, he has trouble relating to his son, Timothy, who curses out his dad for neglecting him. In his DC Retroactive issue from 2011, Wein reveals Timothy as a member of the Terrible Trio, a group of disgruntled teenagers committing crimes all over Gotham City. Poor Lucius – Wein really put him through the ringer.
This book also includes the final two issues of the “Strange Apparitions” storyline, which is notable for debuting Bruce’s romantic interest, Silver St. Cloud. Wein’s issues see Bruce distraught after Silver leaves him, taking out his frustrations on criminals. As sad as it is to see Bruce like this, I like stories that ground Batman by snatching away his happiness or challenging his sense of resolve. They place the impossibly steeled detective in very human situations. At one point he tells Alfred that he’s considering giving up his crimefighting mantle. He even curses out his parents for dying and causing him to become Batman. Think about that: the most driven and obsessive man on the planet considers letting go his life’s mission. Powerful stuff.
The main focus of these issues, though, is Preston Payne, the third person to take up the Clayface mantle after Basil Karlo and Matt Hagen. Payne’s look is very different from his predecessors (he reminds me of Professor Radium, a great Golden Age villain), and his backstory reveals his motivations to be more complex. I think he’s a tragic character, and find myself kind of sympathetic to his struggle. Another instance of Wein giving villains emotional weight.
In the end, this is a very good collection. Wein’s Batman run basically tells a continuous story, with a diverse crop of villains, most of whom I loved. And his Detective Comics issues are solid, made better by a sensitivity to plot and character. In the future, when I’m in the mood for Bronze Age Batman, I’ll most likely dig up some of Wein’s stories.
Stray observations:
Wein collaborated with some of the best Batman artists at the time for these stories: Neal Adams, Irv Novick, Walt Simonson, Jim Aparo, John Byrne, Don Newton, Marshall Rogers. Adams is my favorite (his superb “Moon of the Wolf” is collected here), but the others put in quality work.
Even though we don’t see Silver St. Cloud in the two “Strange Apparitions” issues, I’m reminded of the excellent “Siege” by Archie Goodwin where she returns to see Bruce. She’s still important to him years later, and he to her.
Other villains to appear: Joker, Two-Face, Riddler, Mr. Freeze, Blockbuster, Calendar Man, Maxie Zeus, and Captain Boomerang (a Flash baddie).
It’s such a small moment, but I love the scene in Batman 317 when Dick is sitting in the Batcave reading a newspaper, and Alfred asks him if he’ll be staying for dinner (Dick is visiting from Hudson U). I love this scene because it’s a callback to the Golden Age, when most stories ended and began with Bruce and Dick reading the news in Wayne Manor. And any scene with Alfred is a win for me.
Speaking of Alfred and Dick, the two have a fantastic exchange in “Haven” from Detective 514. Batman leaves town to track Maxie Zeus, refusing to let Dick go with him. Alfred tells the teenage ward, “Every night Bruce Wayne goes out there among the shadows and the filth, stalking the animals who stalk the innocent… and in my heart, I know there will be one night when he will not come home. That does not make the waiting easy, Master Dick. Not very easy at all.”
November 16, 2025
Placeholder for Bat Bronze Age Omni v4 Detective #477-87 & Batman #298-320
1978-80 gems include Thorne in Arkham, Spook gaslights Batman, Clayface III 2parter, Thanatos debuts, Black Spider resurrects, Lucius Fox debuts, Mr. Freeze’s ice zombies, Batman & Gordon swap Xmas gifts, Xavier Simon 2parter, Gentleman Ghost enslaves Alfred, Killer Moth visits Batgirl in Washington DC, Batman gets mythological with Maxie Zeus & Calendar Man, Batman saves Two-Face from King Faraday, Two-Face knows what it means to miss New Orleans, Kiteman v Batkite, Bronze Tiger assassinates Batwoman, Robin blinds Crazy Quilt, Riddler hijacks a chicken truck, Batman stows a grenade in a dryer, Firebug falls off the Gotham State Bldg, Gentleman Ghost v. Bruce Wayne as Henry VIII, & Odd Man & Inquisitor debut
1978-80 gems include Thorne in Arkham, Spook gaslights Batman, Clayface III 2parter, Thanatos debuts, Black Spider resurrects, Lucius Fox debuts, Mr. Freeze’s ice zombies, Batman & Gordon swap Xmas gifts, Xavier Simon 2parter, Gentleman Ghost enslaves Alfred, Killer Moth visits Batgirl in Washington DC, Batman gets mythological with Maxie Zeus & Calendar Man, Batman saves Two-Face from King Faraday, Two-Face knows what it means to miss New Orleans, Kiteman v Batkite, Bronze Tiger assassinates Batwoman, Robin blinds Crazy Quilt, Riddler hijacks a chicken truck, Batman stows a grenade in a dryer, Firebug falls off the Gotham State Bldg, Gentleman Ghost v. Bruce Wayne as Henry VIII, & Odd Man & Inquisitor debut
Read
February 7, 2023Len's a consumate Batman writer, though some of the Detective Comics collected here are a little cheesy. The Two-Face stories though (that start with some comics not collected here I found online) are really good, especially the art by Marshall Rogers and Dick Giordano. Their work and Walt Simonson's were the best of this collection. I liked the Aparo art more in the post-crisis comics of Caped Crusader Vol. 1 and Death in the Family. The Batman Comics collected here are a mixed bag, but the Selina Kyle arc is great and it's cool to see the seeds planted with Gregorian Falstaff throughout the pages. That story is finished by Marv Wolfman, which I already read.
May 21, 2023
Len Wein was one of the greatest writers of all time. This volume shows how an artist can make a story shine or just make it average. Most of the Rogues Gallery makes an appearance. I also got to see The Untold Legend of the Batman laid out in a traditional style, something I mentioned in my review for that paperback edition. Now if only I could find an affordable edition...
April 12, 2025
Wow, this was a big volume with a lot of content. Not always the most consistent content, mind, and it'll never be regarded the peak of Batman and yet ... it always felt satisfying. Particular love for the Selina Kyle might be dying story, followed by a wonderful 3 part mini that flashbacks and retells the origin stories of not just Batman, but everyone in the mix at the time including Batgirl. Sweet.
December 22, 2018
Fair to middling
Oddly enough, this collection is a bit of a mixed bag in terms of both art and writing. There's a good dose of bronze age silliness, not all of which aged well. Then there is the stuff that reminds you that this is the man who co-created the Swamp Thing.
Oddly enough, this collection is a bit of a mixed bag in terms of both art and writing. There's a good dose of bronze age silliness, not all of which aged well. Then there is the stuff that reminds you that this is the man who co-created the Swamp Thing.
December 30, 2018
Pretty Fun early bat book. I read the majority of this through the DC universe service.
Len Wein swamp thing run has always been a favorite of mine so wanted to check this one out. There is still a bit of pre 80s batman goofiness here as a fair warning.
Len Wein swamp thing run has always been a favorite of mine so wanted to check this one out. There is still a bit of pre 80s batman goofiness here as a fair warning.
April 11, 2021
Virtually an omnibus of material spanning mostly the 70s but all the way into the 2000's, alongside classic illustrators Aparo, Novick, and others.
October 8, 2022
A really terrific collection, largely bronze age, really hitting my sweet spot for that era where comics had gotten a little more serious and sophisticated but hadn't become totally grim or given up on old fashioned colorful silliness. Batman sure does spend a lot of time ineffectually watching as villains accidentally fall off cliffs or out of windows, though.
B+
B+
August 26, 2024
One of my frustrations with DC is how they collected the Bronze Age Batman stories. They focused more on collecting works either by writer or by artist instead of releasing books that collect issues in sequential order. Tales of the Batman: Len Wein is one of the books that collected consecutive issues, as Len Wein was the main writer for Detective Comics from January 1975 to October 1978, and then he wrote Batman stories from January 1979 to September 1980.
Unfortunately, this book is out of print and usually sells for around double its cover price. I tried to be patient and look for a good bargain, but I eventually had to bite the bullet when this and Batman: Second Chances were the only holes in my pre-New 52 collection. I just try to convince myself that this is an omnibus as a coping mechanism. After all, it does have 631 pages.
This book is another one of those Bronze Age gems that I wish were accessible to everyone. Len Wein is a terrific writer. Some of the highlights of this book are:
- A World’s Finest issue where Clark Kent hires people to kill Superman.
- There’s a story arc in which Batman is accused of killing Talia al Ghul.
- Batman teaming up with the Creeper. I’ve seen him around but I think this is the first time I’ve read a story that features him.
- First appearance of Clayface III, Preston Payne.
- First appearance of Lucius Fox. I really like how Wein used Lucius Fox and his family throughout this book.
- Bruce Wayne instructing Lucius Fox to do a background check on Selina Kyle, which ends up backfiring.
- A Christmas story featuring Blockbuster.
- A reformed Selina Kyle who’s dating Bruce Wayne. This book has a really good Catwoman story.
- First appearance of Gregorian Falstaff, a billionaire who’s hellbent on destroying Wayne Enterprises. This guy deserves more love.
- A story where Batman finds himself locked in Arkham. This is a good story.
- The three-issue The Untold Legend of the Batman mini-series.
- This book also includes stories that feature villains like the Joker, Mr. Freeze, Captain Boomerang, The Gentleman Ghost, Calendar Man, Kite-Man, and Crazy Quilt, among others.
The best part about Len Wein’s writing is its cohesiveness; everything is interconnected. The art in this book is great, featuring renowned artists like Jim Aparo, Neal Adams, John Byrne, Walt Simonson, Don Newton, and Marshall Rogers. However, the artist that stole the show for me was Irv Novick, who illustrated the Batman issues, probably because I had never heard of him before. His art is amazing.
Collects Batman (1940) 255, 307-310, 312-319, 321-324, and 326-327, Detective Comics (1937) 408, 444-448, 466, 478-479, 500 and 514, World's Finest (1941) 207, DC Retroactive: Batman The 70s, and Untold Legend of the Batman 1-3 and material from Batman Black and White (2013) 5.
Unfortunately, this book is out of print and usually sells for around double its cover price. I tried to be patient and look for a good bargain, but I eventually had to bite the bullet when this and Batman: Second Chances were the only holes in my pre-New 52 collection. I just try to convince myself that this is an omnibus as a coping mechanism. After all, it does have 631 pages.
This book is another one of those Bronze Age gems that I wish were accessible to everyone. Len Wein is a terrific writer. Some of the highlights of this book are:
- A World’s Finest issue where Clark Kent hires people to kill Superman.
- There’s a story arc in which Batman is accused of killing Talia al Ghul.
- Batman teaming up with the Creeper. I’ve seen him around but I think this is the first time I’ve read a story that features him.
- First appearance of Clayface III, Preston Payne.
- First appearance of Lucius Fox. I really like how Wein used Lucius Fox and his family throughout this book.
- Bruce Wayne instructing Lucius Fox to do a background check on Selina Kyle, which ends up backfiring.
- A Christmas story featuring Blockbuster.
- A reformed Selina Kyle who’s dating Bruce Wayne. This book has a really good Catwoman story.
- First appearance of Gregorian Falstaff, a billionaire who’s hellbent on destroying Wayne Enterprises. This guy deserves more love.
- A story where Batman finds himself locked in Arkham. This is a good story.
- The three-issue The Untold Legend of the Batman mini-series.
- This book also includes stories that feature villains like the Joker, Mr. Freeze, Captain Boomerang, The Gentleman Ghost, Calendar Man, Kite-Man, and Crazy Quilt, among others.
The best part about Len Wein’s writing is its cohesiveness; everything is interconnected. The art in this book is great, featuring renowned artists like Jim Aparo, Neal Adams, John Byrne, Walt Simonson, Don Newton, and Marshall Rogers. However, the artist that stole the show for me was Irv Novick, who illustrated the Batman issues, probably because I had never heard of him before. His art is amazing.
Collects Batman (1940) 255, 307-310, 312-319, 321-324, and 326-327, Detective Comics (1937) 408, 444-448, 466, 478-479, 500 and 514, World's Finest (1941) 207, DC Retroactive: Batman The 70s, and Untold Legend of the Batman 1-3 and material from Batman Black and White (2013) 5.
May 29, 2015
This is a huge Batman book. There's some GREAT Batman stories here. And there's some dogs. But most are pretty average. In that 80's way. So you definitely have to be in the state of mind.
February 22, 2015
sadly very boring :/
December 17, 2016
A fun batch of Batman comics from when Batman was a bit more of a talker (and more well adjusted).
January 3, 2017
A fun trip down memory lane. Plots were light and villains were more goofy than sinister.
September 30, 2023
Mooie collectie van toffe Batman verhalen. Deze digitale versie is kwalitatief erg goed.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews