Batman Annual #19

Batman (1940-2011)

by Doug Moench

Year One; Scarecrow, origin story.

Genres: Comics, Batman, Dc Comics, Comic Book

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Doug Moench, is an American comic book writer notable for his Batman work and as the creator of Black Mask, Moon Knight and Deathlok. Moench has worked for DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics and many other smaller companies; he has written hundreds of issues of many different comics, and created dozens of characters, such as Moon Knight. In 1973, Moench became the de facto lead writer for the Marvel black-and-white magazine imprint Curtis Magazines. He contributed to the entire runs of Planet of the Apes, Rampaging Hulk (continuing on the title when it changed its name to The Hulk!) and Doc Savage, while also serving as a regular scribe for virtually every other Curtis title during the course of the imprint's existence. Moench is perhaps best known for his work on Batman, whose title he wrote from 1983–1986 and then again from 1992–1998. (He also wrote the companion title Detective Comics from 1983–1986.)

Moench is a frequent and longtime collaborator with comics artist Paul Gulacy. The pair are probably best known for their work on Shang-Chi: Master of Kung Fu, which they worked on together from 1974–1977. They also co-created Six from Sirius, Slash Maraud, and S.C.I. Spy, and have worked together on comics projects featuring Batman, Conan the Barbarian and James Bond.

Moench has frequently been paired with the artist and inker team of Kelley Jones and John Beatty on several Elseworlds Graphic Novels and a long run of the monthly Batman comic.

Reviews

[Tawfek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this origin story of scarecrow, he is one of my favorite batman villains.
Its really annoying seeing how much crane suffered from bullies and how much it pushed him into madness, the poor kid didn't deserve this fate, as he was first and foremost a victim of bullying.

[Katherine (Kat) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5 Stars

[Jared · Rating 3 out of 5]

+6 Throughout this story, it juggled between the night’s mystery for Batman, and Scarecrows’ life and origin as the A and B stories. This was a very interesting way to pace the plot, consistently switching back and forth.

However, some of the flashbacks seemed quite unnecessary, such as the death of the Dean and four regents. The audience already knew it was Scarecrow within the first four pages, everyone is just waiting for Batman to figure it out, as this is his first time confronting such a bizarre villain. This also partially extends to Scarecrow killing his professor and being reckless in the classroom, but it was also enjoyable to see the character be oblivious to standard societal norms and become incredibly dramatic as a result of his own actions.

The art itself was decent, but particularly how it differentiates between the present and flashback scenes - that was incredibly clear, good! Also love how gangly and stick figure-esque Scarecrow is drawn here, it’s almost comedic.

Besides the pacing issues and unnecessary flashbacks, this was quite good!

Alongside this Batman villain origin story annual, three others were published in a collected edition called Batman: Four of a Kind, which I've also reviewed.

[Read and reviewed in February 2023]

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

AKA "Masters of Fear"
This is one of my favorite Batman comics about the Scarecrow/Jonathan Crane.

[luciddreamer99 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't care for this one. The origin of Scarecrow here lacks punch. He's made into a wallflower responding to cruel classmates. Perhaps a more appropriate origin for a Post-Crisis character, but somehow I like his Golden Age counterpart better. The art doesn't impress me, either, and something about Batman identifying himself as scary lacks authenticity. Shouldn't being scary say that for you?

2nd read: I liked it slightly better on a second read. The story seems to drag a bit is my criticism this go round. The art is still not the best, but it's okay. Golden Age Scarecrow remains superior, at least his origin. Recommended for Batman completists, but not essential reading by any means.