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Batman: Elseworlds
Batman: Reign of Terror
Captain Bruce Wayne becomes the rogue masked defender of the innocent by night, battling the very revolution he defends by day.
48 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
2 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Mike W. Barr
830 books75 followersMike W. Barr is an American writer of comic books, and mystery, and science fiction novels. Barr's debut as a comics professional came in DC Comics' Detective Comics #444 (Dec. 1974-Jan. 1975), for which he wrote an 8-page back-up mystery feature starring the Elongated Man. Another Elongated Man story followed in Detective Comics #453 (November 1975). He wrote text articles and editorial replies in letter columns for the next few years. By mid-1980 he was writing regularly for both DC and Marvel, including stories for Marvel Team-Up, Mystery in Space, Green Lantern, and various Batman titles.
Legion of Super-Heroes #277 (July 1981) saw him take on editorial duties at DC, while writing issues of DC's Star Trek comic, for whom he created the native American character Ensign Bearclaw and a pacifist Klingon named Konom. In December 1982, he and artist Brian Bolland began Camelot 3000, a 12 issue limited series that was one of DC Comics' first direct market projects. In August 1983, Barr created what may well be his most enduring work, the monthly title Batman and the Outsiders with art by Jim Aparo. Barr wrote every issue of the original series, and its Baxter paper spinoff, The Outsiders.
His other comics work includes Mantra and Maze Agency as well as the 1987 OGN hardcover book Batman: Son of the Demon (with art by Jerry Bingham), proceeds from which reputedly "restored DC Comics to first place in sales after fifteen years." This title, and Barr's work on Batman with artist Alan Davis have been cited by Grant Morrison as key inspirations for his recent (2006) run on the Batman title.
In 2007, he wrote a two-part story for the pages of DC's JLA: Classified (#47-48, Jan-Feb 2008), returned to the Outsiders with Outsiders: Five of a Kind—Katana/Shazam #1 (Oct 2007), contributed to Tokyopop's Star Trek: The Manga, and relaunched Maze Agency at IDW Publishing. He has also scripted many of Bongo Comics' Simpsons titles, including a Christmas story for 2010.
In May 2010, the Invisible College Press published Barr's science fiction/fantasy novel, Majician/51, about the discoveries of a scientist working at Area 51.
Legion of Super-Heroes #277 (July 1981) saw him take on editorial duties at DC, while writing issues of DC's Star Trek comic, for whom he created the native American character Ensign Bearclaw and a pacifist Klingon named Konom. In December 1982, he and artist Brian Bolland began Camelot 3000, a 12 issue limited series that was one of DC Comics' first direct market projects. In August 1983, Barr created what may well be his most enduring work, the monthly title Batman and the Outsiders with art by Jim Aparo. Barr wrote every issue of the original series, and its Baxter paper spinoff, The Outsiders.
His other comics work includes Mantra and Maze Agency as well as the 1987 OGN hardcover book Batman: Son of the Demon (with art by Jerry Bingham), proceeds from which reputedly "restored DC Comics to first place in sales after fifteen years." This title, and Barr's work on Batman with artist Alan Davis have been cited by Grant Morrison as key inspirations for his recent (2006) run on the Batman title.
In 2007, he wrote a two-part story for the pages of DC's JLA: Classified (#47-48, Jan-Feb 2008), returned to the Outsiders with Outsiders: Five of a Kind—Katana/Shazam #1 (Oct 2007), contributed to Tokyopop's Star Trek: The Manga, and relaunched Maze Agency at IDW Publishing. He has also scripted many of Bongo Comics' Simpsons titles, including a Christmas story for 2010.
In May 2010, the Invisible College Press published Barr's science fiction/fantasy novel, Majician/51, about the discoveries of a scientist working at Area 51.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 4, 2018
On a scale of 1 to dum(b), Michael Barr (of Year Two’s fame) was able to craft a tale so singularly horrible it breaks the aforementioned meter of dum(b)ness. As if the Elseworld’s meta-series of awfulness couldn’t get even cruddier, the choice of the French Revolution as the setting, sits horribly alongside a particularly noir-ish 40’s/50’s character. Toss in some historical inaccuracies and the typical comic book much, and the result looks (and smells) something like my last bowel movement.
Caked in excreted matter, if it hasn’t merely decomposed, it’s nature is fetid upon prima facie. With our beloved known-known’s twisted, and unknown-known’s mutilated beyond belief, something approaching unfiltered awfulness spools forth. With the pain of a Lucky Strike smashing your throat, your mind will reel from the narrative enclosed. With only the most tenuous gossamer threads tying it all together, it’s a miracle this read can be read.
Barr should be given the guillotine treatment considering what he’s done to the greatest Cape of all time: The Batman. No committee for your (or my) safety only the justice of the blade can rectify this error.
Two blood soaked thumbs down!
Caked in excreted matter, if it hasn’t merely decomposed, it’s nature is fetid upon prima facie. With our beloved known-known’s twisted, and unknown-known’s mutilated beyond belief, something approaching unfiltered awfulness spools forth. With the pain of a Lucky Strike smashing your throat, your mind will reel from the narrative enclosed. With only the most tenuous gossamer threads tying it all together, it’s a miracle this read can be read.
Barr should be given the guillotine treatment considering what he’s done to the greatest Cape of all time: The Batman. No committee for your (or my) safety only the justice of the blade can rectify this error.
Two blood soaked thumbs down!
September 24, 2021
Awesome, due to great story by Barr and art by Garcia-Lopez. When is the last time he did Garcia-Lopez published a full story? His pencil and ink art is showcased wonderfully in this French Revolution period Elseworlds story. Almost steampunk in the details, but more appealing due to the craft of all involved.
Recommended.
Recommended.
November 25, 2014
Turning Batman into the Scarlet Pimpernel is a brilliant idea, but cramming the entire story into a single issue just results in a rushed jumble.
Shame, as the art is really nice and Mike Barr is a solid writer.
As a mini-series this would have been great. As a one shot it's only okay.
Shame, as the art is really nice and Mike Barr is a solid writer.
As a mini-series this would have been great. As a one shot it's only okay.
January 8, 2025
Una interesante idea en una buena historia que debió de pensarse más. Es Francia, en plena época del terror, cuando la revolución francesa se ha transformado en un monstruo incontrolable. El pueblo exige sangre y los nobles - culpables o inocentes - ven rodar sus cabezas día a día. El capitán Wayne quien apoya a la revolución ilustrada regresa a su casa para ver que los antiguos idealistas se han convertido en carniceros y decide detener la barbarie a su modo. Pero detrás de él, el policía Dos-Caras quien apoya a los revolucionarios, ha decidido detener al protector de los nobles, al traidor de la revolución : al Batman
January 22, 2025
This Elseworlds take on Batman from 1999 is freaking wild. The art is absolutely top tier so that really helps sell you on Batman in the FRENCH REVOLUTION! Also I think it’s hysterical that this Batman tries to hide his identity but can’t do it for more than like 30 seconds, everyone in the revolution finds out real quick except his love interest and really it couldn’t be funnier. This isn’t a super deep Batman story by any means but it is a really cool take on a hyper fictional Batman that was way more enjoyable than I was expecting.
July 20, 2021
Against the historically infamous Robespierre, Danton and French Revolution company in their unfair blood lust capacities with a version of Two-Face known as Hervé Deinte.
June 28, 2022
Elseworlds comics are really something else.
February 22, 2025
five stars for his wife and sister, i’m here for them only tbh. Rochelle <3
September 9, 2025
Un trasunto de "Pimpinela Escarlata" donde solo destaca la habitual eficiencia de José Luis García López en el dibujo.
June 30, 2025
Captain Bruce Wayne is an officer in the French Revolutionary army who masquerades as a vigilante at night to protect the innocent. This nightly crusade often pits him against fellow revolutionaries, none moreso than the agents of Robespierre and Harvey Diente whose overzealous bloodthirst has been causing unnecessary collateral damage across France.
Honestly this was pretty enjoyable but much like other similar high-concept Elseworlds tales it just doesn't have enough meat on the bones to fully deliver on its interesting concept. Its short length does little but set up the premise and execute a minimal conflict before ending which left me rather wanting. However, Barr does a much better job with these alternate universe bat stories than the traditional fare and there is some fun to be had. Garcia-Lopez's art is also quite good and the use of period costume and Parisian architecture makes for some nice visual flair.
Honestly this was pretty enjoyable but much like other similar high-concept Elseworlds tales it just doesn't have enough meat on the bones to fully deliver on its interesting concept. Its short length does little but set up the premise and execute a minimal conflict before ending which left me rather wanting. However, Barr does a much better job with these alternate universe bat stories than the traditional fare and there is some fun to be had. Garcia-Lopez's art is also quite good and the use of period costume and Parisian architecture makes for some nice visual flair.
March 8, 2015
"Captain Bruce Wayne becomes the rogue masked defender of the innocent by night, battling the very revolution he defends by day. This sweeping adventure pits a dashing Dark Knight against the war-scarred political mastermind Herve Deinte."
This Elseworlds story reimagines Batman as a scarlet pimpernel. However, it differs to most as Bruce Wayne's parents never died and left him to be an orphan.
The writing itself is mediocre at best, it seems a bit rushed, probably because it's so short. In contrast, the artwork is p
This Elseworlds story reimagines Batman as a scarlet pimpernel. However, it differs to most as Bruce Wayne's parents never died and left him to be an orphan.
The writing itself is mediocre at best, it seems a bit rushed, probably because it's so short. In contrast, the artwork is p
October 29, 2020
I like this Elseworld. It takes place at the end of the French Revolution as the idea of it begins to be corrupted and families are killed for gain and petty grievances instead of justice. Bruce becomes Batman to save his wife’s parents and then fights against the corruption.
March 13, 2011
Swashbuckling Batman. He is the Scarlet Pimpernel, sorry, no the Bald Bat. A nice bit of fun.
December 2, 2014
Well, this was fun. But Batman's character, I think, wouldn't suit French sensibilities.
February 12, 2016
Nice alternate universe Batman story. Good art and plot. Recommended
March 4, 2016
Great story, great art. Robin is particularly terribly amusing :)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews