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Many More Lives of the Batman
The Many Lives of the Batman (1991) was a pioneer within cultural and comic book scholarship. This fresh new sequel retains the best of the original chapters but also includes images, new chapters and new contributions from the Batman writers and editors. Spanning 75 years and multiple incarnations, this is the definitive history of Batman.
248 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 9, 2024
Ok I’ve GOTTA watch the 1960s tv show now.
November 2, 2026
I finished The Many Lives of the Batman feeling kind of wrecked, in a good way. Roberta E. Pearson doesn't hold your hand through the grief, and that's what makes it work. There's a quiet scene near the middle where nothing happens except two people doing dishes, and it somehow hurt more than the big funeral chapter. The only thing that bugged me was a handful of side characters who show up just to say something wise. For readers who can handle sad. Not for anyone looking for a feel-good escape.
October 30, 2026
The Many Lives of the Batman: Critical Approaches to a Superhero and his Media hits different if you've ever moved to a new place where nobody knew your name. Roberta E. Pearson captures that lonely, wobbly feeling without wallowing in it. There's real warmth underneath the awkwardness. Great for anyone mid-transition, maybe too quiet for readers who want fireworks.
September 4, 2011
Well... the good news is that the only good essay in the book happens to be the first.
There is also a good interview in there with Frank Miller, but that's about it. Aside from being 20 years old, the book is a compilation of essays, which I have a struggling past with.
Some include charts on the decline of comic book sales and ethnographic studies on the kinds of people who buy them.
Not the book for me. I'd recommend reading Bill Boichel's essay "Batman: Commodity as Myth" and saving yourself a couple of hours. If it wasn't for him, one star.
If anyone has any good nonfiction stuff on the Batman send the mail my way. I was excited to read this.
There is also a good interview in there with Frank Miller, but that's about it. Aside from being 20 years old, the book is a compilation of essays, which I have a struggling past with.
Some include charts on the decline of comic book sales and ethnographic studies on the kinds of people who buy them.
Not the book for me. I'd recommend reading Bill Boichel's essay "Batman: Commodity as Myth" and saving yourself a couple of hours. If it wasn't for him, one star.
If anyone has any good nonfiction stuff on the Batman send the mail my way. I was excited to read this.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews