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Batman Arkham Collections #3
Batman Arkham: Scarecrow
The iconic Batman villain’s greatest stories from the past 60 years are collected here for the first time ever! Featuring work from legendary creators, including Peter J. Tomasi (BATMAN AND ROBIN), Doug Moench (SPECTRE), Gardner Fox (FLASH), Bill Finger (DETECTIVE COMICS), Kelley Jones (SWAMP THING), Gene Colan (NIGHT FORCE) and many more!
Professor Jonathan Crane has always been obsessed with one fear. Using his twisted experiments to discover people’s darkest phobias, he has become one of the Dark Knight’s deadliest foes.
When the Scarecrow decides to commit a crime, the main motivation isn’t money or revenge—it’s to learn his victim’s greatest fear and use it to further his own twisted agenda. In their showdowns, the Caped Crusader must contend not only with the Scarecrow, but his own hidden fears!
Collects DETECTIVE COMICS #23.3, #73, #389, #486, #540; BATMAN #189, #296, #373, #523, #524; BATMAN ANNUAL #19; WORLD’S FINEST #3 and JOKER’S SCARECROW #1.
Professor Jonathan Crane has always been obsessed with one fear. Using his twisted experiments to discover people’s darkest phobias, he has become one of the Dark Knight’s deadliest foes.
When the Scarecrow decides to commit a crime, the main motivation isn’t money or revenge—it’s to learn his victim’s greatest fear and use it to further his own twisted agenda. In their showdowns, the Caped Crusader must contend not only with the Scarecrow, but his own hidden fears!
Collects DETECTIVE COMICS #23.3, #73, #389, #486, #540; BATMAN #189, #296, #373, #523, #524; BATMAN ANNUAL #19; WORLD’S FINEST #3 and JOKER’S SCARECROW #1.
280 pages, Paperback
First published April 19, 2016
19 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Bill Finger
644 books105 followersWilliam "Bill" Finger was an American comic strip and comic book writer best known as the uncredited co-creator, with Bob Kane, of the DC Comics character Batman, as well as the co-architect of the series' development. In later years, Kane acknowledged Finger as "a contributing force" in the character's creation. Comics historian Ron Goulart, in Comic Book Encyclopedia, refers to Batman as the "creation of artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger", and a DC Comics press release in 2007 about colleague Jerry Robinson states that in 1939, "Kane, along with writer Bill Finger, had just created Batman for [DC predecessor] National Comics".
Film and television credits include scripting The Green Slime (1969), Track of the Moon Beast (1976), and three episodes of 77 Sunset Strip.
-Wikipedia
Film and television credits include scripting The Green Slime (1969), Track of the Moon Beast (1976), and three episodes of 77 Sunset Strip.
-Wikipedia
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 19, 2016
Great compilation of Scarecrow stories, if only for the evolution of comic book stories and art from the 1940's right up until present day. The weird thing being that the the more modern stories focus more on the villians than on the hero with the last story purely about the villain, sign of the times.
June 14, 2017
I really enjoy collections like these. They give the reader an almost microscopic look into different characters, from their introduction to their modern interpretations. Seeing the artwork and storytelling styles change with the passing decades makes books like these, not only a journey into character, but also a journey into comic book history.
Now, more specifically with this collection, I enjoyed getting to know Scarecrow a bit more. It surprised me how deeply psychological this character is. I mean, he's a psychiatrist obsessed with fear, so it's not like I didn't know that psychology was a major motivator, but it surprised me how intricately that was woven into his character.
That is particularly evident in the issue that retold Scarecrow's origin. I particularly liked how his story was interwoven with the current conflict. The inclusion of quotes also strengthened the character and forwarded the story.
That comic, as well as the one that included Jason Todd as Robin, were my two favorites. I've been wanting to find more comics with Jason, but since he was hugely unpopular as Robin, it's difficult to find anything with him. Seeing him in this collection was a nice surprise. I liked his differences from Dick Grayson, who always seemed made for the part of Robin. Jason seemed a bit more vulnerable. And that ending--knowing what happens to Jason--was a particularly emotional punch.
Now, more specifically with this collection, I enjoyed getting to know Scarecrow a bit more. It surprised me how deeply psychological this character is. I mean, he's a psychiatrist obsessed with fear, so it's not like I didn't know that psychology was a major motivator, but it surprised me how intricately that was woven into his character.
That is particularly evident in the issue that retold Scarecrow's origin. I particularly liked how his story was interwoven with the current conflict. The inclusion of quotes also strengthened the character and forwarded the story.
That comic, as well as the one that included Jason Todd as Robin, were my two favorites. I've been wanting to find more comics with Jason, but since he was hugely unpopular as Robin, it's difficult to find anything with him. Seeing him in this collection was a nice surprise. I liked his differences from Dick Grayson, who always seemed made for the part of Robin. Jason seemed a bit more vulnerable. And that ending--knowing what happens to Jason--was a particularly emotional punch.
March 13, 2024
While the later stories in this one were definitely the better stories, the older stories had a bit of charm to them. I was surprised how much of Scarecrow’s origin and the little bits of his character and trademark have been carried forward over the years and a couple new origin retellings. The Batman Annual issue was definitely my favorite in this one.
July 11, 2021
the stories of scarecrow collected between both the 40s and one of the most recent new 52 appearances were quite excellent. my only real complaint is that one or two comic books from the other book dc collection in scarecrow have been replicated with much the same idea, known as 'batman: sacred tales.' anything else, i'd suggest a very nice book to anybody who enjoys it.
May 24, 2017
The earlier stories of Crane's origins are amusing to an extent, but it's not until the Batman Year One Annual in this collection that he's given an awesome telling, and the later material here reigns.
March 22, 2017
Great set of stories featuring my favorite comic book villain and childhood aspiration.
September 8, 2018
Batman Arkham: Scarecrow is a compilation of some of the best representative of Scarecrow stories over the years centering one of the most fearsome Batman Rouges. This collection features Scarecrow in all his many incarnations throughout the years.
This trade paperback collects Detective Comics #23.3 (New 52), #73, #389, #486, #450, Batman #189, #296, #373, #523, #524, Batman Annual #19, World's Finest Comic #3, and Joker's Asylum: Scarecrow #1.
Doctor Jonathan Crane as the Scarecrow is a fictional super-villain created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, he first appeared in World's Finest Comics #3 (September 1941). The self-proclaimed "Master of Fear" is commonly depicted as an obsessive ex-professor of psychology in Gotham City who uses a variety of experimental drugs and toxins to exploit the fears and phobias of his victims. He is one of the most enduring enemies of the Dark Knight's Rogues gallery.
As a whole, Batman Arkham: Scarecrow is a rather wonderful collection of Scarecrow stories. Story selection must have been difficult to say the least. Scarecrow has a long and varied history and has been featured or cameos in many stories over many titles and it is no easy feat to pick out the best or favorite from the masses.
The thing is those measuring sticks are subjective and will never reach perfect consensus. Actually, we all can agree that in a collection like this, we could all agree on one story: World's Finest Comics #3 – the first appearance of Scarecrow – the rest is debatable. This anthology served its purpose – giving the reader a nice overview of the Scarecrow.
Regardless, I think the editors picked a somewhat nice selection, would I swapped some stories out for others – sure I have my favorites, but it is difficult if not impossible to please everyone, since everyone is different. Overall, I was happy of which stories were presented.
All in all, I think Batman Arkham: Scarecrow is a wonderful selection of stories that gives a nice glimpse into the psyche of one of the most endearing villain in Batman's Rogues Gallery – the Scarecrow. It is a good anthology for both the avid and subdued fan alike. However, for the newly initiated I would recommend a collection that is more substantial and cohesive.
This trade paperback collects Detective Comics #23.3 (New 52), #73, #389, #486, #450, Batman #189, #296, #373, #523, #524, Batman Annual #19, World's Finest Comic #3, and Joker's Asylum: Scarecrow #1.
Doctor Jonathan Crane as the Scarecrow is a fictional super-villain created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, he first appeared in World's Finest Comics #3 (September 1941). The self-proclaimed "Master of Fear" is commonly depicted as an obsessive ex-professor of psychology in Gotham City who uses a variety of experimental drugs and toxins to exploit the fears and phobias of his victims. He is one of the most enduring enemies of the Dark Knight's Rogues gallery.
As a whole, Batman Arkham: Scarecrow is a rather wonderful collection of Scarecrow stories. Story selection must have been difficult to say the least. Scarecrow has a long and varied history and has been featured or cameos in many stories over many titles and it is no easy feat to pick out the best or favorite from the masses.
The thing is those measuring sticks are subjective and will never reach perfect consensus. Actually, we all can agree that in a collection like this, we could all agree on one story: World's Finest Comics #3 – the first appearance of Scarecrow – the rest is debatable. This anthology served its purpose – giving the reader a nice overview of the Scarecrow.
Regardless, I think the editors picked a somewhat nice selection, would I swapped some stories out for others – sure I have my favorites, but it is difficult if not impossible to please everyone, since everyone is different. Overall, I was happy of which stories were presented.
All in all, I think Batman Arkham: Scarecrow is a wonderful selection of stories that gives a nice glimpse into the psyche of one of the most endearing villain in Batman's Rogues Gallery – the Scarecrow. It is a good anthology for both the avid and subdued fan alike. However, for the newly initiated I would recommend a collection that is more substantial and cohesive.
January 6, 2020
A Fun Look At Scarecrow Over The Years
Scarecrow has always been an interesting Batman villain, so I was eager to pick up this volume featuring him over the years. His first appearance was not what I expected in the most delightfully cheesy way possible, and it's not the only issue I love for its ridiculousness. I liked seeing how he evolved over the years, even if I think that less is more in terms of his backstory.
Were all the issues good? Nope, but it feels like there are good representations for the eras. Are there better Scarecrow stories out there? Sure! Would I have liked something with the Scarebeast? Maybe. But this was good at what it was meant to do, give a sampling of Scarecrow across the decades.
Absolutely recommend.
Scarecrow has always been an interesting Batman villain, so I was eager to pick up this volume featuring him over the years. His first appearance was not what I expected in the most delightfully cheesy way possible, and it's not the only issue I love for its ridiculousness. I liked seeing how he evolved over the years, even if I think that less is more in terms of his backstory.
Were all the issues good? Nope, but it feels like there are good representations for the eras. Are there better Scarecrow stories out there? Sure! Would I have liked something with the Scarebeast? Maybe. But this was good at what it was meant to do, give a sampling of Scarecrow across the decades.
Absolutely recommend.
July 27, 2017
This is partly my fault for not researching what this volume actually contained, but the title is very misleading. I thought this was going to be a collection on Arkham Asylum stories featuring the Scarecrow. In actuality it is a compendium of Scarecrow stories starting with the first in 1941 (World's Finest #3) ending with the recent Arkham city storyline (2013).
Unfortunately, the stories that were chosen for this compendium were quite repetitive. I think we read 5 or 6 incarnations of the origin story.
It was nice to see how the character changed as time went even if several of the stories had very similar (almost interchangeable) plots.
Unfortunately, the stories that were chosen for this compendium were quite repetitive. I think we read 5 or 6 incarnations of the origin story.
It was nice to see how the character changed as time went even if several of the stories had very similar (almost interchangeable) plots.
June 11, 2018
Unlike a lot of these volumes you don't get the origin retold that often. But when you do... go god is it a doozy. As in they took dialogue and narration verbatim form the first appearance and put new art on it. It wouldn't be so bad but the story they took it from is also in the book.
Overall though, Scarecrow is a lot less of a one note villain that some of the others. The problem is for a fear theme villain very few of the stories in this book are legitimately frightening. But a lot of that is the fact that of the majority of the stories featured were produced between 1950-2006 when DC at least pretended to be code approved. So it's not bad stuff but far from great.
Overall though, Scarecrow is a lot less of a one note villain that some of the others. The problem is for a fear theme villain very few of the stories in this book are legitimately frightening. But a lot of that is the fact that of the majority of the stories featured were produced between 1950-2006 when DC at least pretended to be code approved. So it's not bad stuff but far from great.
March 26, 2023
This is a collection of a selection of Batman comics with Scarecrow as the main villain, ranging from Jonathan Crane's first appearance in World's Finest #3 (1941) to the New 52 era. You can see how the character changes (and what traits stayed) over the years. For example, originally Scarecrow didn't have his fear toxin, instead using a gun to intimidate and/or kill!
My top 3 favorite stories are from Batman Annual #19 ("Year One: Scarecrow Masters of Fear"), Joker's Asylum: Scarecrow #1 ("Dark Knight of the Scarecrow"), and Detective Comics #571 ("Fear for Sale").
My top 3 favorite stories are from Batman Annual #19 ("Year One: Scarecrow Masters of Fear"), Joker's Asylum: Scarecrow #1 ("Dark Knight of the Scarecrow"), and Detective Comics #571 ("Fear for Sale").
July 13, 2021
I had a good time because you get to see the comic book changes over the decades. That being said most of the books were silly and even the last two most recent books were just filler so it didn't feel quite as complete as I thought there would be for the character. I'm glad the movie and comics went away from any actual fighting with the Scarecrow and any references to Sleepy Hollow because those parts of the character diminished any power the character had.
May 31, 2022
Scarecrow is one of the most underrated antagonists in DC media (unlike two certain psycho clowns) in my opinion.
Despite this, only a couple anthologies are a decent read. I particularly like the 2nd last one "The Dark Knight of the Scarecrow"; a revenge plot mixed with a horror movie premise similar to the Scream franchise, but with Jonathan Crane as the villain.
A tad bit sad the character's stories have either average or bad art.
Despite this, only a couple anthologies are a decent read. I particularly like the 2nd last one "The Dark Knight of the Scarecrow"; a revenge plot mixed with a horror movie premise similar to the Scream franchise, but with Jonathan Crane as the villain.
A tad bit sad the character's stories have either average or bad art.
October 17, 2020
Actual Rating: 1.5 stars
I've come to realize that I never liked the Scarecrow. I could stand him being in one episode, or issue, a run but any more and my interest checks out. Greed and insecurity with no real finesse makes for a boring villain. Plus all he has is fear gas, after you circumvent it once, it's old, dull news.
I've come to realize that I never liked the Scarecrow. I could stand him being in one episode, or issue, a run but any more and my interest checks out. Greed and insecurity with no real finesse makes for a boring villain. Plus all he has is fear gas, after you circumvent it once, it's old, dull news.
March 24, 2022
i thought it was a pretty good ~selection~ of comics 🤩 some of them were not so much my thing, and then some of them were very swag, like the ones with robin in them were sooo sweet to read lol 🥰🥰 but yass overall most of them were pretty good and i think they also don't require much context outside of the individual comic either
January 29, 2025
Can't say I agree with his methods, but I get why he's decided to use them.
Scarecrow is a character that has evolved throughout the years, becoming the fascinating villain we know him as today. It was interesting, seeing his original backstory and the changes added later on.
Scarecrow is a character that has evolved throughout the years, becoming the fascinating villain we know him as today. It was interesting, seeing his original backstory and the changes added later on.
August 11, 2017
It good. It reminds me of the old comic books, but Robin is one of my favorite characters, and he did not have any of his cute catch lines so I was disappointed.
May 18, 2018
5/5 för jag älskar jonathan mer än mitt liv
May 12, 2019
Some good stories, some bad stories, but unfortunately no great
April 13, 2021
Meh.
Not sure who was picking the stories here.
Not sure who was picking the stories here.
June 6, 2022
way too much of this was old 40s-70s comics that are impossible for me to read,,, much less enjoy. they’re horribly written 😭
April 11, 2023
conceptually the scarecrow is great. practically i don’t want to read twelve different iterations of his origin story.
July 7, 2023
This had a great mix of comics spanning decades, different art styles and writers, very cool stories.
July 28, 2025
i love my wife
July 9, 2016
This is in the same vein as the 'Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told' or 'Greatest Joker Stories Ever Told' volumes, but focused, obviously, on Scarecrow. And what it shows is that in general, Scarecrow's not a very strong villain by himself. There's definitely a vector of improvement as the years pass, with a couple of the later stories here being pretty good, but the best story here can't hold a candle to even the more middling Joker stories. You can see the evolution of Crane into a more menacing figure (and actually his best presentation isn't included because it's in the Arkham video games rather than comics), and the added depth given to him over the years, shoring up some of his weaknesses with more unique takes. My favorite in the collection is 'Fear for Sale,' just because it is a very different take on the character, still using all his traditional characteristics. Doug Moench's three collected issues show that he really is the writer with the best grasp of the character. And it's interesting that they include a New 52 issue in the collection, which basically shows just how far the DC quality has fallen (the issue can't stand on its own, but there's no attempt to set the stage for the story. And Scarecrow spends the whole issue trying to be the smartest guy in the rogue's gallery, but seems to fail with everyone he faces).
If you're a Scarecrow fan, this is a good snapshot of his origins and evolution. But none of these stories are in the highest echelon of Batman stories, so it's really for devoted fans only.
If you're a Scarecrow fan, this is a good snapshot of his origins and evolution. But none of these stories are in the highest echelon of Batman stories, so it's really for devoted fans only.
March 14, 2017
Tohtori Jonathan Crane alias Linnunpelätin on pääosassa tässä Batmanin kuuluisimpia vastustajia esittelevässä Batman Arkham -sarjan albumissa (DC Comics, 2015).
Pelkoa aseenaan käyttävä Linnunpelätin suoritti ensiesiintymisensä vuonna 1941 World's Finest -lehden kolmosnumerossa. Syntytarina on hupaisa: nuhjuinen ja kollegoittensa kiusaama yliopistomies ryhtyy naamioiduksi superrikolliseksi tullessaan siihen lopputulokseen, että rahalla saa kunnioitusta ja ENEMMÄN KIRJOJA. Meidän miehiä, ilmiselvästi.
Sarjakuvan sisältämät toistakymmentä Linnunpelätin-tarinaa eivät ole käsikirjoitukseltaan mitenkään erityisen mieleenpainuvia, mutta kuvitus on paikoitellen oikeinkin tyylikästä: muun muassa Juan Doe ja Brett Blevins onnistuvat tällä saralla.
Pelkoa aseenaan käyttävä Linnunpelätin suoritti ensiesiintymisensä vuonna 1941 World's Finest -lehden kolmosnumerossa. Syntytarina on hupaisa: nuhjuinen ja kollegoittensa kiusaama yliopistomies ryhtyy naamioiduksi superrikolliseksi tullessaan siihen lopputulokseen, että rahalla saa kunnioitusta ja ENEMMÄN KIRJOJA. Meidän miehiä, ilmiselvästi.
Sarjakuvan sisältämät toistakymmentä Linnunpelätin-tarinaa eivät ole käsikirjoitukseltaan mitenkään erityisen mieleenpainuvia, mutta kuvitus on paikoitellen oikeinkin tyylikästä: muun muassa Juan Doe ja Brett Blevins onnistuvat tällä saralla.
March 2, 2016
A collection of Scraecrow stories from the Batman comics.
We start with his 1st appearance in 1941, and end with a "New 52" story.
Included is one I read when I was 10.. "The Sinister Straws Of The Scarecrow" (1978) It always stayed with me. Also a "Year One:Sacrecrow" story is very well done.
A great collection-tough I did not like the last "New 52" story.
We start with his 1st appearance in 1941, and end with a "New 52" story.
Included is one I read when I was 10.. "The Sinister Straws Of The Scarecrow" (1978) It always stayed with me. Also a "Year One:Sacrecrow" story is very well done.
A great collection-tough I did not like the last "New 52" story.
July 3, 2016
Some decent stories in towards the end. In the beginning, the fiendish scare tactics of the Scarecrow literally amounted to telling the victim 'I'm going to come back and shoot you'. A long way from the fear gas and the psychological terror of later comics. So much potential in this my favourite villain, goes untapped.
January 26, 2025
Okay, I didn't expect this collection of comics to be as fun and entertaining as it was. If you enjoy Scarecrow, I highly recommend this book of comics across the decades. Lots of fun and it definitely took some turns I didn't expect!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews