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Batman by Ed Brubaker #1
Batman by Ed Brubaker Vol. 1
Award-winning writer Ed Brubaker begins his legendary run on the title as the Batman goes head-to-head with a seemingly unstoppable assassin. Someone has been spying on the Dark Knight from the shadows, studying his fighting style and planning a counterattack. The killer known as Zeiss is prepared for every trick Batman might try. And with experimental surgeries enhancing his eyes and reflexes, Zeiss can react at lightning speed, blocking any punch with ease. Batman is one of the most skilled fighters on the planet, but can he defeat an enemy who can anticipate his every move? Collects BATMAN #582-586, #591-597 and OUR WORLDS AT WAR #1
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2016
22 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Ed Brubaker
1,794 books3,018 followersEd Brubaker (born November 17, 1966) is an Eisner Award-winning American cartoonist and writer. He was born at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.
Brubaker is best known for his work as a comic book writer on such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist, Catwoman, Gotham Central and Uncanny X-Men. In more recent years, he has focused solely on creator-owned titles for Image Comics, such as Fatale, Criminal, Velvet and Kill or Be Killed.
In 2016, Brubaker ventured into television, joining the writing staff of the HBO series Westworld.
Brubaker is best known for his work as a comic book writer on such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist, Catwoman, Gotham Central and Uncanny X-Men. In more recent years, he has focused solely on creator-owned titles for Image Comics, such as Fatale, Criminal, Velvet and Kill or Be Killed.
In 2016, Brubaker ventured into television, joining the writing staff of the HBO series Westworld.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 4, 2016
The earlier stories up to Batman ruined the Penguin's business were good. This comic was telling stories from Batman's POV as flawed character (behind the mask, Batman was just a normal person who made mistakes, need friends' comfort, and have some idealistic hopes) and how Bruce Wayne's role in stories was more influential than just as rich-guy donated fund to clean-up the debris from the destructive battles between Gotham City's law enforcer (and Batman family) vs. lunatic criminals. I was tempted to gave between 3 or 4 star.
But then the next stories mixed the Gotham City crime plots with very unusual plots for Batman comics: aliens from outer space!!! :( The alien plot deducted 1 star from my rating.
But then the next stories mixed the Gotham City crime plots with very unusual plots for Batman comics: aliens from outer space!!! :( The alien plot deducted 1 star from my rating.
October 3, 2025
So Ed Brubaker, whom I know from Cap America writing, apparently also wrote some Batman stories. This volume collects Batman #582-586,591-597 and Batman: Our Worlds at War #1.
So the entire run is a Batman story that revolves around an old Gotham criminal boss named Moxon. It seems the Moxon's and the Wayne family are connected from the past. On top of this there is a new villain/bodyguard named Zeiss (very cute..you see there was once a Carl Zeiss who made scopes for rifles and to this day Zeiss scopes are some of the best out there) who can "record" moves and then use that to counter them (think Taskmaster from Marvel). Throw in some Cobblepot and a few pages of Deadshot...and don't forget to add a pinch of "Wayne Family history" into the mix and you have this underwhelming volume.
While there are some other plot lines (Lex Luthor as President; The alien storyline, etc) this is basically a story about the Wayne-Moxon connection and the Batman/Zeiss throwdown. The story as a whole isn't bad..but it's also nothing amazing. The same goes for the art. It isn't awful..not by any standard, but it has a cartoonish feel to it that I didn't like.
So take a decent story, add in some mediocre art and we have this. Brubaker's Captain America was excellent. His Batman? Meh..not so much. Also why does Batgirl's suit look like it was designed by the Scarecrow? What's with that mouth piece? I only recommend this for huge Batman fans.
So the entire run is a Batman story that revolves around an old Gotham criminal boss named Moxon. It seems the Moxon's and the Wayne family are connected from the past. On top of this there is a new villain/bodyguard named Zeiss (very cute..you see there was once a Carl Zeiss who made scopes for rifles and to this day Zeiss scopes are some of the best out there) who can "record" moves and then use that to counter them (think Taskmaster from Marvel). Throw in some Cobblepot and a few pages of Deadshot...and don't forget to add a pinch of "Wayne Family history" into the mix and you have this underwhelming volume.
While there are some other plot lines (Lex Luthor as President; The alien storyline, etc) this is basically a story about the Wayne-Moxon connection and the Batman/Zeiss throwdown. The story as a whole isn't bad..but it's also nothing amazing. The same goes for the art. It isn't awful..not by any standard, but it has a cartoonish feel to it that I didn't like.
So take a decent story, add in some mediocre art and we have this. Brubaker's Captain America was excellent. His Batman? Meh..not so much. Also why does Batgirl's suit look like it was designed by the Scarecrow? What's with that mouth piece? I only recommend this for huge Batman fans.
October 25, 2021
Batman must save his friend Jeremy samuels and its a great story about redemption and losing something that matters to you and then he goes against the Penguin and its funny as both Bruce and bats target him and well the villain breaks down and the dream he has is funny. Then the story with two reporters about Batman whether he is a myth or not or something with Lex Moxon and his connections to the wayne family and well the final fight between him and Philo Zeiss and it comes off as lacklustre tbh.
The whole volume is not bad but feels a bit bland but then again its a detective mystery story and Batman trying to solve it and discover personal family connections and also a fun story as he faces Lex and cameo by Clark and others. Its a good and okayish story, not the best but alright.
The whole volume is not bad but feels a bit bland but then again its a detective mystery story and Batman trying to solve it and discover personal family connections and also a fun story as he faces Lex and cameo by Clark and others. Its a good and okayish story, not the best but alright.
February 10, 2016
Ed Brubaker’s BATMAN run in the early 2000’s, alongside Greg Rucka’s stint on DETECTIVE COMICS, rank as my favourite period in Batman comics history. Yes, in my mind, it even eclipses the brilliant work being done by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo right now — and that stuff is great. Some of my adoration is nostalgia, sure — I was fourteen when the issues first landed at my local newsagency — but make no mistake, Brubaker’s BATMAN comics are unmissable. Full of hardboiled narration, the perfect blend of super-heroics and dark, gritty crime, Batman by Ed Brubaker features all the ingredients the award-winning writer has plucked for his legendary Marvel Comics work and his brilliant creator-owned comics.
Batman by Ed Brubaker introduces the killer Zeiss who, with his specially-designed goggles, has the capability of memorising the Caped Crusader’s many fighting styles, thereby giving him the edge in combat. His arrival in Gotham City ignites a chain of events that weigh heavily on Batman. First, Jeremy Samuels —Bruce Wayne’s chief of security before the death of his family drove him over the edge — is paroled from prison, but quickly finds himself back amongst the criminal element, a pawn in Zeiss’s game, which is itself tied to the Penguin; then Mallory Moxon and her father, Lew — once a Gotham mob boss – return to the city, and quickly find themselves the target of the master-assassin Deadshot.
The trouble with this collection is that – because of the nature of comics – there are a variety of plot holes and sudden divergences in its focus. The Zeiss plot takes a backseat when the company-wide crossover event Our Worlds at War occurred, and the collection doesn’t adequately explain when / why Jim Gordon retires from the GCPD (he was shot) or when Sasha (Bruce’s bodyguard) learns his secret identity. This isn’t Brubaker’s fault – at the time, BATMAN and DETECTIVE COMICS (in fact, the whole line of ‘Bat-Family’ titles) were linked, so the universe was cohesive; but read like this, in standalone form, more than a decade later these holes are gaping. Veteran comics readers will power through undaunted; new readers might be slightly perturbed.
Scott McDaniel’s dynamic artwork is just as memorable as Brubaker’s writing; I can’t think of one without the other. McDaniel is, simply, an eminent storyteller, and excels when gifted whole pages or large panels to demonstrate his style. The combat scenes are spectacularly choreographed, and he’s just as skilled at the quieter moments. Batman in the shadows, crouched above Gotham in the rain, has never looked so menacing.
When I reminisce on my ‘golden age’ of comic book reading, I think of Ed Brubaker’s BATMAN. This collection served as a wonderful trip down memory lane, but besides that, I was thrilled it has stood the test of time.
Batman by Ed Brubaker introduces the killer Zeiss who, with his specially-designed goggles, has the capability of memorising the Caped Crusader’s many fighting styles, thereby giving him the edge in combat. His arrival in Gotham City ignites a chain of events that weigh heavily on Batman. First, Jeremy Samuels —Bruce Wayne’s chief of security before the death of his family drove him over the edge — is paroled from prison, but quickly finds himself back amongst the criminal element, a pawn in Zeiss’s game, which is itself tied to the Penguin; then Mallory Moxon and her father, Lew — once a Gotham mob boss – return to the city, and quickly find themselves the target of the master-assassin Deadshot.
The trouble with this collection is that – because of the nature of comics – there are a variety of plot holes and sudden divergences in its focus. The Zeiss plot takes a backseat when the company-wide crossover event Our Worlds at War occurred, and the collection doesn’t adequately explain when / why Jim Gordon retires from the GCPD (he was shot) or when Sasha (Bruce’s bodyguard) learns his secret identity. This isn’t Brubaker’s fault – at the time, BATMAN and DETECTIVE COMICS (in fact, the whole line of ‘Bat-Family’ titles) were linked, so the universe was cohesive; but read like this, in standalone form, more than a decade later these holes are gaping. Veteran comics readers will power through undaunted; new readers might be slightly perturbed.
Scott McDaniel’s dynamic artwork is just as memorable as Brubaker’s writing; I can’t think of one without the other. McDaniel is, simply, an eminent storyteller, and excels when gifted whole pages or large panels to demonstrate his style. The combat scenes are spectacularly choreographed, and he’s just as skilled at the quieter moments. Batman in the shadows, crouched above Gotham in the rain, has never looked so menacing.
When I reminisce on my ‘golden age’ of comic book reading, I think of Ed Brubaker’s BATMAN. This collection served as a wonderful trip down memory lane, but besides that, I was thrilled it has stood the test of time.
October 4, 2019
Always enjoy Brubaker's writing on crime elements, but wasn't a fan of the artwork for this.
April 21, 2021
3.25⭐️
April 7, 2017
Being a HUGE Batman fan, I really enjoyed this collection. My only complaint is that there is a gap in some of the storylines. But that is because this collection is the writing of Ed Brubaker. The other Batman comics at the time(different writers) were set in the same time-frame, so some plot points were in those issues.
Great stories, with a look into Bruce Wayne's past. And a new "Bad guy" who gives Batman a run for his money.
Great stories, with a look into Bruce Wayne's past. And a new "Bad guy" who gives Batman a run for his money.
March 8, 2017
2,5*.
First I gotta tell you I appreciate Ed Brubaker as much as the next guy. Nah, just kidding I DO love his work.
But not here. Not that much anyway.
For a part Brubaker uses noir gimmicks on average plots (mobsters with a super villain on the roll, childhood girlfriend involved). On Batman, it kind of seems mundane, even though you can't expect him to fight colorful types all the time.
Actually I don't think what makes Criminal a great series works here. Brubaker (ab)uses of inner monologues that are great for your standard P.I. or your regular gangster before a heist but don't suit Batman in my opinion. Not in so large quantities anyway. Bats is blathering to himself for half the book for Chrissakes!
I like my Batman dark and mute.
There's also a sidetracked storyline of a few episodes with Luthor and aliens (yeah, as in from outer space) I totally disliked. It will probably serve for another arc but I'm not holding my breath.
I like my Batman urban and gothic.
On the other hand I was pleasantly surprised with Scott McDaniel at the drawing board. For all I knew the guy averaged from correct (Green arrow) to poor (Daredevil's Fall from grace anyone?) but here he delivered a pretty solid job, with good storytelling and legible action scenes. I'm convinced Karl Story's inks were essential in this good performance (compare with Andy Owens' on Green Arrow, you'll see what I mean)
In brief, I'm too infatuated with Brubaker's stories on non typically super heroes books-where he usually shines-to see it just commonly transposed on Batman.
First I gotta tell you I appreciate Ed Brubaker as much as the next guy. Nah, just kidding I DO love his work.
But not here. Not that much anyway.
For a part Brubaker uses noir gimmicks on average plots (mobsters with a super villain on the roll, childhood girlfriend involved). On Batman, it kind of seems mundane, even though you can't expect him to fight colorful types all the time.
Actually I don't think what makes Criminal a great series works here. Brubaker (ab)uses of inner monologues that are great for your standard P.I. or your regular gangster before a heist but don't suit Batman in my opinion. Not in so large quantities anyway. Bats is blathering to himself for half the book for Chrissakes!
I like my Batman dark and mute.
There's also a sidetracked storyline of a few episodes with Luthor and aliens (yeah, as in from outer space) I totally disliked. It will probably serve for another arc but I'm not holding my breath.
I like my Batman urban and gothic.
On the other hand I was pleasantly surprised with Scott McDaniel at the drawing board. For all I knew the guy averaged from correct (Green arrow) to poor (Daredevil's Fall from grace anyone?) but here he delivered a pretty solid job, with good storytelling and legible action scenes. I'm convinced Karl Story's inks were essential in this good performance (compare with Andy Owens' on Green Arrow, you'll see what I mean)
In brief, I'm too infatuated with Brubaker's stories on non typically super heroes books-where he usually shines-to see it just commonly transposed on Batman.
Read
January 28, 2020Unlike Greg Rucka’s Detective Comics run, which focuses heavily on the GCPD and feels like a Gotham Central prelude, Ed Brubaker’s concurrent Batman is a more traditional affair. The main story concers new villain Philo Zeiss, hired by aging mob boss Lew Moxon as a bodyguard. Brubaker digs into Bruce’s past with Moxon’s daughter, as well as a vendetta Moxon had against Thomas Wayne which bubbles up into the present. It’s all decently done, if a tad on the safe side. Brubaker writes narration for his characters and I’ve always found narration for Batman to be somewhat out of place. Oh well. Scott McDaniel’s art is certainly kinetic, though I don’t think the cartooniness suits Brubaker’s writing.
There are some other storylines here that don’t mesh super well with the main plot. Luthor’s presidency and the alien coming to Gotham, specifically. Brubaker is a skilled writer, so at least those diversions are fairly smooth.
There are some other storylines here that don’t mesh super well with the main plot. Luthor’s presidency and the alien coming to Gotham, specifically. Brubaker is a skilled writer, so at least those diversions are fairly smooth.
March 31, 2023
4+
My fav comic character written by one of my fav writers -- that's a win-win :)
Loved it!
My fav comic character written by one of my fav writers -- that's a win-win :)
Loved it!
May 30, 2024
Not Ed’s best stuff. But I’m also not a huge DC fan. Didn’t feel like his voice compared to other mainstream books he’s written.
September 16, 2019
I liked this a lot. I liked the narration (Batman's inner dialogue), and Brubaker's fallible & caring Batman (Batman to Gordon: "I wanted to apologize, by the way. For last night." Gordon: "What are you talking about?"
Batman: "Just disappearing like that, on the roof. I was disturbed and..." Gordon: I'm used to it. Don't give it a second thought." Batman: "No, you're a friend...And I'm starting to realize I should appreciate the ones I've got.").
I've read Brubaker's Gotham Central, Vol. 1: In the Line of Duty, but Batman isn't even such a feature in that series.
Here, I like that this Batman is communicative (calling in Robin in Fearless, Part 2 to make sure he didn't go too far, and explaining his psyche and aversion to guns to Sasha when he didn't have to), and vulnerable (how he messed up with Moxon and ends up sitting in front of Jim Gordon's house in the rain talking to himself). Brubaker's writing makes for a more 3D character, and I guess I just like reading about a complicated adult man who dresses up as a bat at night. ;)
Sure, there was some stuff about this volume that I didn't love (or get). Like how did Sasha discover Bruce Wayne's identity? And the never-ending Zeiss storyline, even though I generally love continuity and an overarching plotline through stand-alone stories/single issues of a volume.
But there was way more good in this volume to enjoy than bad. Like, the alien storyline (with Lex as POTUS & a Batgirl/Cass cameo); the Wayne storyline (where Batman searches for the connection between his father and Moxon to discover how upstanding and honorable Dr. Thomas Wayne was all along, of course); and I even like the early 2000's art.
Some good quotes from this book:
*
Gotham citizen: "What's the point of helping people if they don't know you're doing it?"
Batman to himself: "Sometimes I wonder about that myself. But I guess the obvious answer is that I'm not doing it for them."
*
Batman to himself: "You can't fight fate, and you can't survive alone... I can't help but notice that almost seems like a definition of who I am..."
*
4 stars & two thumbs up.
Batman: "Just disappearing like that, on the roof. I was disturbed and..." Gordon: I'm used to it. Don't give it a second thought." Batman: "No, you're a friend...And I'm starting to realize I should appreciate the ones I've got.").
I've read Brubaker's Gotham Central, Vol. 1: In the Line of Duty, but Batman isn't even such a feature in that series.
Here, I like that this Batman is communicative (calling in Robin in Fearless, Part 2 to make sure he didn't go too far, and explaining his psyche and aversion to guns to Sasha when he didn't have to), and vulnerable (how he messed up with Moxon and ends up sitting in front of Jim Gordon's house in the rain talking to himself). Brubaker's writing makes for a more 3D character, and I guess I just like reading about a complicated adult man who dresses up as a bat at night. ;)
Sure, there was some stuff about this volume that I didn't love (or get). Like how did Sasha discover Bruce Wayne's identity? And the never-ending Zeiss storyline, even though I generally love continuity and an overarching plotline through stand-alone stories/single issues of a volume.
But there was way more good in this volume to enjoy than bad. Like, the alien storyline (with Lex as POTUS & a Batgirl/Cass cameo); the Wayne storyline (where Batman searches for the connection between his father and Moxon to discover how upstanding and honorable Dr. Thomas Wayne was all along, of course); and I even like the early 2000's art.
Some good quotes from this book:
*
Gotham citizen: "What's the point of helping people if they don't know you're doing it?"
Batman to himself: "Sometimes I wonder about that myself. But I guess the obvious answer is that I'm not doing it for them."
*
Batman to himself: "You can't fight fate, and you can't survive alone... I can't help but notice that almost seems like a definition of who I am..."
*
4 stars & two thumbs up.
September 11, 2020
I have to say, this was pretty disappointing. Ed Brubaker is one of my all-time favorite comics writers. I always instantly pick up anything he writes with Sean Phillips, and I've read most of his other stuff, as well, superhero or otherwise. But this just isn't much of anything, unfortunately.
There are some little flashes of Brubaker's best qualities. Some noir-y elements shine through, and his writing of Batman's inner monologue isn't bad. But beyond this, these stories constantly feel like they're missing something. The main thrust of these stories deal with a new villain named Zeiss, whose motivations and powers never fully crystallize or make sense. He's a hyper-generic villain straight out of the back of a catalog. When Brubaker first introduces Zeiss, he makes him seem like he's a good enough martial artist to even take down Batman, which is hard to believe, given how dorky the dude looks (I think he is supposed to look "cool" but, swing and a miss). But, ok, fine. We've got a guy who can kick Batman's ass. Interesting! But then, it goes nowhere, and very quickly it starts to become clear that Zeiss is definitely going to lose to Batman. The stakes never raise, things never feel hopeless, barely anything progresses or changes. It's like a game of Duck, Duck, Goose where Batman keeps patting Zeiss on the head and saying "duck." Say "goose," dammit! We're all begging for "goose!"
Another thing that simply blew my mind about this comic is an issue Brubaker devotes to a documentary crew going around Gotham trying to prove that Batman is real. Um, he is? Everyone on earth knows that he is? He's in the Justice League. He's saved earth 1000 times. "No Man's Land," an incredibly widely-covered world event, just ended, and Batman was a massive part of it. It makes absolutely no sense in this world that people think Batman isn't real, and need a documentary crew to prove it. They somehow find a ton of Gothamites who go on record saying "Batman is just a myth," but like, guys. C'mon. The police shine a signal in the air with a bat on it. He exists. This issue made me feel crazy.
In any case, this isn't terrible, so any Brubaker completists can feel safe to give it their time, but by no means does this feel necessary or memorable. I'm glad Brubaker went on to bigger and better soon after this!
There are some little flashes of Brubaker's best qualities. Some noir-y elements shine through, and his writing of Batman's inner monologue isn't bad. But beyond this, these stories constantly feel like they're missing something. The main thrust of these stories deal with a new villain named Zeiss, whose motivations and powers never fully crystallize or make sense. He's a hyper-generic villain straight out of the back of a catalog. When Brubaker first introduces Zeiss, he makes him seem like he's a good enough martial artist to even take down Batman, which is hard to believe, given how dorky the dude looks (I think he is supposed to look "cool" but, swing and a miss). But, ok, fine. We've got a guy who can kick Batman's ass. Interesting! But then, it goes nowhere, and very quickly it starts to become clear that Zeiss is definitely going to lose to Batman. The stakes never raise, things never feel hopeless, barely anything progresses or changes. It's like a game of Duck, Duck, Goose where Batman keeps patting Zeiss on the head and saying "duck." Say "goose," dammit! We're all begging for "goose!"
Another thing that simply blew my mind about this comic is an issue Brubaker devotes to a documentary crew going around Gotham trying to prove that Batman is real. Um, he is? Everyone on earth knows that he is? He's in the Justice League. He's saved earth 1000 times. "No Man's Land," an incredibly widely-covered world event, just ended, and Batman was a massive part of it. It makes absolutely no sense in this world that people think Batman isn't real, and need a documentary crew to prove it. They somehow find a ton of Gothamites who go on record saying "Batman is just a myth," but like, guys. C'mon. The police shine a signal in the air with a bat on it. He exists. This issue made me feel crazy.
In any case, this isn't terrible, so any Brubaker completists can feel safe to give it their time, but by no means does this feel necessary or memorable. I'm glad Brubaker went on to bigger and better soon after this!
November 19, 2016
Before his groundbreaking work on Captain America, Daredevil and Gotham Central, Ed Brubaker had a run on the main Batman title. This was circa 2000, when he was paired with artist Scott McDaniel (fresh off his Nightwing run). DC has helpfully collected the first part of that run in the Batman by Ed Brubaker Vol. 1 trade paperback.
If you're only familiar with Brubaker's later work, the stories here may be a bit of a disappointment. They're pretty standard Batman tales. Actually, they remind me a lot of the late '80s Alan Grant/Norm Breyfogle Detective Comics run. Aside from introducing a new villain (surgically enhanced mafia enforcer Zeiss), they don't really break any new ground. They're fun enough though, and fast paced, but there isn't much here that screams "Ed Brubaker" at you. Penguin is a major player in this run, and the silent, deadly Batgirl gets some attention as well.
McDaniel's artwork is about what you'd expect given his previous work on Nightwing. It's extremely stylized, looking at times like a cross between Frank Miller and Steve Rude. Cool in that turn of the century kind of way, but it looks a bit dated now. He draws a very dynamic Batman though, and his Penguin is quite good.
It doesn't quite make it to "essential" status, but if you're a fan of Ed Brubaker's work, or just enjoy a good, entertaining set of Batman stories, Batman by Ed Brubaker is well worth picking up.
If you're only familiar with Brubaker's later work, the stories here may be a bit of a disappointment. They're pretty standard Batman tales. Actually, they remind me a lot of the late '80s Alan Grant/Norm Breyfogle Detective Comics run. Aside from introducing a new villain (surgically enhanced mafia enforcer Zeiss), they don't really break any new ground. They're fun enough though, and fast paced, but there isn't much here that screams "Ed Brubaker" at you. Penguin is a major player in this run, and the silent, deadly Batgirl gets some attention as well.
McDaniel's artwork is about what you'd expect given his previous work on Nightwing. It's extremely stylized, looking at times like a cross between Frank Miller and Steve Rude. Cool in that turn of the century kind of way, but it looks a bit dated now. He draws a very dynamic Batman though, and his Penguin is quite good.
It doesn't quite make it to "essential" status, but if you're a fan of Ed Brubaker's work, or just enjoy a good, entertaining set of Batman stories, Batman by Ed Brubaker is well worth picking up.
May 26, 2016
not bad but not amazing, middle of the road. The writing is pretty solid, Brubaker is usually pretty good. There are a few moments when I had to laugh a little bit. I wasn't a huge fan of the artwork, it looked cheap and rushed but it was the early 2000's and digital wasn't predominate yet. If the imagery was perhaps darker in tone the book might of worked better. The story is o.k. it follows a criminal named Zeiss who can memorize fights with his camera like eyes. The penguin was also a key player and used rather well actually, especially the little bit when the Wayne's buy his building. Overall its long, and has its ups and downs. Worth a once over I Suppose.
April 13, 2016
Public library copy.
I bought these issues in single issue form and hadn't revisited the content until I borrowed this book at the library. While I like the writer and artist Scott McDaniel, I found that I didn't enjoy the story as much as I did when they were published in the single issue form. Frankly, I didn't think the cartoony art style was a good fit for the type of realism Brubaker often employs in his stories like, say, Captain America. Fortunately Brubaker has other body of work featuring Batman that are superior to this book.
I bought these issues in single issue form and hadn't revisited the content until I borrowed this book at the library. While I like the writer and artist Scott McDaniel, I found that I didn't enjoy the story as much as I did when they were published in the single issue form. Frankly, I didn't think the cartoony art style was a good fit for the type of realism Brubaker often employs in his stories like, say, Captain America. Fortunately Brubaker has other body of work featuring Batman that are superior to this book.
March 24, 2016
Pretty good but standard Batman stories. See Gotham Central for Brubaker's best Batman-centric work. Scott McDaniel provides the artwork. It's highly stylized and he draws Batman as if he's a gymnast. I personally like his style.
November 5, 2024
I’m not familiar with Ed Brubaker though I’m familiar with Scott McDaniel from the Nightwing books. So I assume he was ‘promoted’ to the Batman book based on his work there.
Which is real shame. Without reading a single page I can already tell you that he’s completely wrong for Batman, and there has never been a better Nightwing artist.
Though truthfully the art is damn good and the writing is good too!
The irony of telling someone else they didn’t have to be slave to their past was not lost on me.
I can’t believe I may have been wrong again, but Scott is really killing it in these stories. I love how he gives Batman a thinky look that perfectly fits his detective mind. And the out-and-out coolest Batmobile! He’s even pulling off ‘short-ears’ which I never liked.
The writer’s no slouch either.
”So what did you need me for? You could’ve taken those guys easily.”
”I know. You were there to make sure I didn’t go too far.”
”Hey, you’re the one who wants to be an ‘urban legend.’ You never hear about Superman hiding from a bunch of film students.”
”What’s the point of helping people if they don’t know you’re doing it?”
The “Bat-Man: Urban Myth or Reality? “ is a heccuva lot of fun story.
Measure for Measure tells the story of Penguin wanting revenge on Bruce Wayne for getting the better of him in court and then trying to kill the judge in retaliation. The writer really does get how Bruce’s detective skills differ from Nightwing’s.
I’ve never seen McDaniels take on Huntress (”— oh… typical. You’re welcome, jerk.) and Batgirl-Cassandra Cain and I’ve got to say I’d like to see more of it.
So then what did I do? I dived out the window at one of the finest marksmen on the planet. Brilliant.
This is a fantastic take on Batman, not infallible and not crazy-determined. Just trying to live through it!
This story is actually a nice dip into Bruce’s past before his parents were killed.
”… it’s nice that you didn’t hold onto that rage your whole life.”
You can go ahead and believe all that left-wing mumbo jumbo if you wanna, but I still say that Luther is the better billionaire…
New artist on Hidden Agenda and I can’t say it works very well for me. It’s not bad, but not my style.
Good story though! Bruce Wayne poisons a dude to get close to Lex Luthor!
I’ll turn his pockets inside out and take his valuables later, so this looks like a robbery…
That’s MY Batman!
Neat story and the art actually gets better as it goes along, being grungy enough to enhance this dark detective story.
I like the writing here. Batman is often mocked for not out-and-out killing criminals, but he has no problem ratting you out and letting your comrades decide your fate!
”Those things cost money y’know?”
“So do DENTISTS.”
Sanctuary Part Two for Two has Batman bringing in Batgirl (Cassandra Cain) in! Great to see Scott McDaniel & Karl Story work on her!
The next story starts with an argument between Bruce and his hot blonde bodyguard about her carrying a gun and Bruce objecting to it. Apparently this woman knows his secret identity. This is news to me. LOL!
”…so— Oh, right… disappearing. Real mature. “
Damn it… ever since I brought Sasha in on the secret she’s becoming a good reminder of why like to work alone…
…other people can’t just do as you say, they always need to ask Why.
So Batman finally figures out that something in his father’s past, at a costume party with some mobsters caused them to send a hit man after Bruce Wayne.
And all I’ve got say is that I’m grateful as hell that Thomas Wayne was NOT dressed up like a bat!
It’s a VERY cool story that plays with the Wayne legend without warping it in stupid ways (like the one where Thomas is dressed up like a bat!). Highly recommended.
”… I always thought you weren’t really REAL…
”Good.”
And finally, illustrative proof that Batman will dunk your head in a toilet!
That was a great collection! I didn’t think they could do it, but was a terrific collection and I’m looking forward to the next one!
The art — and Cassandra Cain — kicked this up to 5 stars.
Which is real shame. Without reading a single page I can already tell you that he’s completely wrong for Batman, and there has never been a better Nightwing artist.
Though truthfully the art is damn good and the writing is good too!
The irony of telling someone else they didn’t have to be slave to their past was not lost on me.
I can’t believe I may have been wrong again, but Scott is really killing it in these stories. I love how he gives Batman a thinky look that perfectly fits his detective mind. And the out-and-out coolest Batmobile! He’s even pulling off ‘short-ears’ which I never liked.
The writer’s no slouch either.
”So what did you need me for? You could’ve taken those guys easily.”
”I know. You were there to make sure I didn’t go too far.”
”Hey, you’re the one who wants to be an ‘urban legend.’ You never hear about Superman hiding from a bunch of film students.”
”What’s the point of helping people if they don’t know you’re doing it?”
The “Bat-Man: Urban Myth or Reality? “ is a heccuva lot of fun story.
Measure for Measure tells the story of Penguin wanting revenge on Bruce Wayne for getting the better of him in court and then trying to kill the judge in retaliation. The writer really does get how Bruce’s detective skills differ from Nightwing’s.
I’ve never seen McDaniels take on Huntress (”— oh… typical. You’re welcome, jerk.) and Batgirl-Cassandra Cain and I’ve got to say I’d like to see more of it.
So then what did I do? I dived out the window at one of the finest marksmen on the planet. Brilliant.
This is a fantastic take on Batman, not infallible and not crazy-determined. Just trying to live through it!
This story is actually a nice dip into Bruce’s past before his parents were killed.
”… it’s nice that you didn’t hold onto that rage your whole life.”
You can go ahead and believe all that left-wing mumbo jumbo if you wanna, but I still say that Luther is the better billionaire…
New artist on Hidden Agenda and I can’t say it works very well for me. It’s not bad, but not my style.
Good story though! Bruce Wayne poisons a dude to get close to Lex Luthor!
I’ll turn his pockets inside out and take his valuables later, so this looks like a robbery…
That’s MY Batman!
Neat story and the art actually gets better as it goes along, being grungy enough to enhance this dark detective story.
I like the writing here. Batman is often mocked for not out-and-out killing criminals, but he has no problem ratting you out and letting your comrades decide your fate!
”Those things cost money y’know?”
“So do DENTISTS.”
Sanctuary Part Two for Two has Batman bringing in Batgirl (Cassandra Cain) in! Great to see Scott McDaniel & Karl Story work on her!
The next story starts with an argument between Bruce and his hot blonde bodyguard about her carrying a gun and Bruce objecting to it. Apparently this woman knows his secret identity. This is news to me. LOL!
”…so— Oh, right… disappearing. Real mature. “
Damn it… ever since I brought Sasha in on the secret she’s becoming a good reminder of why like to work alone…
…other people can’t just do as you say, they always need to ask Why.
So Batman finally figures out that something in his father’s past, at a costume party with some mobsters caused them to send a hit man after Bruce Wayne.
And all I’ve got say is that I’m grateful as hell that Thomas Wayne was NOT dressed up like a bat!
It’s a VERY cool story that plays with the Wayne legend without warping it in stupid ways (like the one where Thomas is dressed up like a bat!). Highly recommended.
”… I always thought you weren’t really REAL…
”Good.”
And finally, illustrative proof that Batman will dunk your head in a toilet!
That was a great collection! I didn’t think they could do it, but was a terrific collection and I’m looking forward to the next one!
The art — and Cassandra Cain — kicked this up to 5 stars.
August 14, 2019
2000 must have been a pretty weird time for Batman, as the Schumacher movies had kinda turned the character into a laughing stock of mainstream pop culture, and the source material had to scrabble to find what would rekindle the character’s audience fires.
The first part of Brubaker’s collected run on the Bat indicates that this included a good deal of adaptation from the animated series – probably the most recent Bat-thing at that time that carried with it a large amount of cachet: there’s Montoya and Bullock, Batman is by himself, but the Batfamily is KINDA there on the edges, Batman is serious but not sociopathic, …
Brubaker focuses mostly on few-frills organized crime stuff (not entirely no-frills cuz you still got the Penguin as a major player, as well as the main villain being an assassin with cyborg eyes) to great effect. It’s smart to have your introductory arc be about Batman caring about a (former) Wayne employee and doing his best to make sure he ends up right. It puts his obsessive behavior into a context of absolute good intentions and you’re basically set for the rest of the book with your emotional attachments.
I had never heard of Bruce Wayne’s bodyguard Sasha, and I thought she was a really cool/smart addition to the Batfamily; a non-costumed yet competent female presence that makes sense in the Wayne front context. A dummy playboy would have a bodyguard, right?
The absence of Alfred besides in flashbacks at first struck me as a weird choice, but then I realized… maybe Alfred was dead or something at this point in continuity? Who knows! One never knows with a high-profile book like this!
Speaking of high-profile: Brubaker is actually quite good at incorporating whatever the fuck big event was happening over in Metropolis. I was not lost, confused, or pissed off at a part of the book being spent in setting up a story I had no intention of purchasing elsewhere. A construction site explosion happens, turns out to be a Luthor cover-up, Bruce goes to tell Clark. Simple, easy, contained.
Also different from the previous Bat-collections I’d read, which would usually be single issue stories, this one had Zeiss, the aforementioned enhanced assassin, as kind of a lingering threat while Batman dealt with other shit, kinda like a season villain. I mean, I had read miniseries and multi-parters before, but the Zeiss/Moxon stuff just kept going beyond little arcs, which was cool.
At one point an issue stars with a voice-over that Joker had busted out a bunch of Arkham inmates and juiced em up with… Joker roids? Rather than feeling I missed out on something, or I was dropped in the middle of it, it felt like “yeah Batman is really busy” and one of the Joker Roid victims turned out to have some part in the Zeiss story.
If I were to point one disappointment I had, it’s actually the anticlimactic resolution of the Zeiss arc; he just randomly kills a bag man for no reason and Batman intimidates someone who knows about it to testify.
The first part of Brubaker’s collected run on the Bat indicates that this included a good deal of adaptation from the animated series – probably the most recent Bat-thing at that time that carried with it a large amount of cachet: there’s Montoya and Bullock, Batman is by himself, but the Batfamily is KINDA there on the edges, Batman is serious but not sociopathic, …
Brubaker focuses mostly on few-frills organized crime stuff (not entirely no-frills cuz you still got the Penguin as a major player, as well as the main villain being an assassin with cyborg eyes) to great effect. It’s smart to have your introductory arc be about Batman caring about a (former) Wayne employee and doing his best to make sure he ends up right. It puts his obsessive behavior into a context of absolute good intentions and you’re basically set for the rest of the book with your emotional attachments.
I had never heard of Bruce Wayne’s bodyguard Sasha, and I thought she was a really cool/smart addition to the Batfamily; a non-costumed yet competent female presence that makes sense in the Wayne front context. A dummy playboy would have a bodyguard, right?
The absence of Alfred besides in flashbacks at first struck me as a weird choice, but then I realized… maybe Alfred was dead or something at this point in continuity? Who knows! One never knows with a high-profile book like this!
Speaking of high-profile: Brubaker is actually quite good at incorporating whatever the fuck big event was happening over in Metropolis. I was not lost, confused, or pissed off at a part of the book being spent in setting up a story I had no intention of purchasing elsewhere. A construction site explosion happens, turns out to be a Luthor cover-up, Bruce goes to tell Clark. Simple, easy, contained.
Also different from the previous Bat-collections I’d read, which would usually be single issue stories, this one had Zeiss, the aforementioned enhanced assassin, as kind of a lingering threat while Batman dealt with other shit, kinda like a season villain. I mean, I had read miniseries and multi-parters before, but the Zeiss/Moxon stuff just kept going beyond little arcs, which was cool.
At one point an issue stars with a voice-over that Joker had busted out a bunch of Arkham inmates and juiced em up with… Joker roids? Rather than feeling I missed out on something, or I was dropped in the middle of it, it felt like “yeah Batman is really busy” and one of the Joker Roid victims turned out to have some part in the Zeiss story.
If I were to point one disappointment I had, it’s actually the anticlimactic resolution of the Zeiss arc; he just randomly kills a bag man for no reason and Batman intimidates someone who knows about it to testify.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2025
Questa run di Batman, pur non essendo una delle opere più conosciute od apprezzate di Brubaker, contiene comunque degli spunti molto interessanti.
Prima di tutto sul personaggio stesso di Batman/Bruce Wayne, di cui non solo approfondiamo un po’ la vita da bambino prima della morte dei genitori, ma ne evidenzia anche le idiosincrasie o le eccessive semplificazioni (vedasi la discussione che ha con la sua guardia del corpo Vesper riguardo le armi da fuoco). Ne viene fuori quindi un ritratto onesto, meno supereroistico e più da detective hard boiled, col cuore nel posto giusto e capace ma allo stesso tempo fallace, che di tanto in tanto agisce in maniera avventata quando entrano in gioco gli affetti personali o le amicizie.
E’ il caso per esempio di “Senza Paura”, storia in due numeri che si concentra sulla figura di Jeremy Samuels, ex collaboratore di Batman ed amico di Bruce, che dopo la morte della famiglia si e’ dato alla criminalità e finisce in carcere. Uscito di prigione tenta di rifarsi una vita ma non ne trova il senso. E’ una storia molto sentita e dimostra l’abilità di Brubaker di tratteggiare i personaggi secondari, anche quelli più laterali e volendo insignificanti. Accadde anche all’inizio di “Hidden Agenda”: due operai mentre si dirigono verso il cantiere discutono su chi sia meglio tra Bruce Wayne e il presidente Lex Luthor. La scena si chiude con un’improvvisa esplosione che da il via alle vicende.
Non tutto in queste storie e’ ben gestito però: la sottotrama con l’alieno per esempio e’ fuoriluogo e ha uno svolgimento forzato, e il personaggio di Zeiss (un sicario/guardia del corpo che lavora per l’ex malavitoso Lew Moxton) ha una caratterizzazione un po’ scontante perché passa da squilibrato a razionale in poche vignette.
Le matite di Scott McDaniel in generale mi sono piaciute moltissimo: le figure sono slanciate (anche se danno a volte una sensazione plasticosa da action figure) e le pose sono dinamiche ma mai pacchiane, e molto spesso in una singola vignetta vediamo la sequenza completa dei movimenti acrobatici di un personaggio. Anche il character design -fatta eccezione per il pinguino che mi ha convinto ben poco- presenta dei tocchi interessanti: nell’introduzione di Deadshot per esempio il volto e’ completamente oscurato ad eccezione del rosso del suo mirino.
Prima di tutto sul personaggio stesso di Batman/Bruce Wayne, di cui non solo approfondiamo un po’ la vita da bambino prima della morte dei genitori, ma ne evidenzia anche le idiosincrasie o le eccessive semplificazioni (vedasi la discussione che ha con la sua guardia del corpo Vesper riguardo le armi da fuoco). Ne viene fuori quindi un ritratto onesto, meno supereroistico e più da detective hard boiled, col cuore nel posto giusto e capace ma allo stesso tempo fallace, che di tanto in tanto agisce in maniera avventata quando entrano in gioco gli affetti personali o le amicizie.
E’ il caso per esempio di “Senza Paura”, storia in due numeri che si concentra sulla figura di Jeremy Samuels, ex collaboratore di Batman ed amico di Bruce, che dopo la morte della famiglia si e’ dato alla criminalità e finisce in carcere. Uscito di prigione tenta di rifarsi una vita ma non ne trova il senso. E’ una storia molto sentita e dimostra l’abilità di Brubaker di tratteggiare i personaggi secondari, anche quelli più laterali e volendo insignificanti. Accadde anche all’inizio di “Hidden Agenda”: due operai mentre si dirigono verso il cantiere discutono su chi sia meglio tra Bruce Wayne e il presidente Lex Luthor. La scena si chiude con un’improvvisa esplosione che da il via alle vicende.
Non tutto in queste storie e’ ben gestito però: la sottotrama con l’alieno per esempio e’ fuoriluogo e ha uno svolgimento forzato, e il personaggio di Zeiss (un sicario/guardia del corpo che lavora per l’ex malavitoso Lew Moxton) ha una caratterizzazione un po’ scontante perché passa da squilibrato a razionale in poche vignette.
Le matite di Scott McDaniel in generale mi sono piaciute moltissimo: le figure sono slanciate (anche se danno a volte una sensazione plasticosa da action figure) e le pose sono dinamiche ma mai pacchiane, e molto spesso in una singola vignetta vediamo la sequenza completa dei movimenti acrobatici di un personaggio. Anche il character design -fatta eccezione per il pinguino che mi ha convinto ben poco- presenta dei tocchi interessanti: nell’introduzione di Deadshot per esempio il volto e’ completamente oscurato ad eccezione del rosso del suo mirino.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2022
The early parts of the book were very good. With, Batman trying to figure out who Zeiss is and what he is doing. Zeiss is a villian who is able to predict what combat move you are going to do next. This brought many conflicts between the Penguin which was the most interesting part of the whole volume. Basically, the Batman tries to take down the penguin Business, which was a lot of fun.
Now, there was a lot towards the end of the book, that detracted from the main plotline. I will name just a couple, because unlike the author, I care about your time. (Some small spoilers ahead I guess) These include, a encounter with superman that led to know where, a conversation between 2 construction workers about who is more rich (Bruce or Lex Luthor), aliens , and lastly, a villian who is Santa Claus. (he kinda looked like Joker in a Santa Claus outfit but I am not sure) The worst offender of all of these detrating plotlines was the alien. It was by far the worst part of the book, and felt so out of place. (the alien part is the main reason why this score is so low).
Then of course we have the last few issues with Zeiss. I felt that these were very underwhelming. And as soon as I finished, I said: “Well, why couldn’t he do that the first time!”
This book has some very interesting parts, and I will say that enjoyed those parts. But there is a lot of this book that I thought was absolutely awful. So the question is: Is it worth your time just to read the good parts? Well I don't know, but I guess that's your decision!
Now, there was a lot towards the end of the book, that detracted from the main plotline. I will name just a couple, because unlike the author, I care about your time. (Some small spoilers ahead I guess) These include, a encounter with superman that led to know where, a conversation between 2 construction workers about who is more rich (Bruce or Lex Luthor), aliens , and lastly, a villian who is Santa Claus. (he kinda looked like Joker in a Santa Claus outfit but I am not sure) The worst offender of all of these detrating plotlines was the alien. It was by far the worst part of the book, and felt so out of place. (the alien part is the main reason why this score is so low).
Then of course we have the last few issues with Zeiss. I felt that these were very underwhelming. And as soon as I finished, I said: “Well, why couldn’t he do that the first time!”
This book has some very interesting parts, and I will say that enjoyed those parts. But there is a lot of this book that I thought was absolutely awful. So the question is: Is it worth your time just to read the good parts? Well I don't know, but I guess that's your decision!
February 28, 2023
This book left me a bit on the fence.
I enjoyed these stories a good deal. The noir-ish narration gave it a hard-boiled feel, and Batman is depicted as a flawed, but caring infividual, with a positive relatioship with members of the Batfamily, as opposed to the paranoid unpleaseant demenor towards his vigilante friends he is often written as by some other writers.
However, despite its strengths, the run often spins its wheels, despite how relatively short it is, and only to finish out somewhat abruptly. It revolves mostly around a mob family and a new villain Veiss for quite a few issues, only to finish the all thing in a couple of rushed and anticlimatic issues.
The art didn't help much, and I'm inclined to believe I would have enjoyed the run alot more if the artwork was different. Scott McDaniel's artwork, for me doesn't suit this had-boiled type of writing at all.
I don't enjoy his artwork in general, but even if I did, its a more action-oriented type of style, with mostly flash, and not much substance. It doesn't have the nuance, play with shadows or expressive faces a story like this would require to be fully realized visaully.
I know alot of people love his style, but for me, its not very interesting, and it really doesn't fit Brubaker's sensibilities.
3.5 out of 5, or 6/10.
I enjoyed these stories a good deal. The noir-ish narration gave it a hard-boiled feel, and Batman is depicted as a flawed, but caring infividual, with a positive relatioship with members of the Batfamily, as opposed to the paranoid unpleaseant demenor towards his vigilante friends he is often written as by some other writers.
However, despite its strengths, the run often spins its wheels, despite how relatively short it is, and only to finish out somewhat abruptly. It revolves mostly around a mob family and a new villain Veiss for quite a few issues, only to finish the all thing in a couple of rushed and anticlimatic issues.
The art didn't help much, and I'm inclined to believe I would have enjoyed the run alot more if the artwork was different. Scott McDaniel's artwork, for me doesn't suit this had-boiled type of writing at all.
I don't enjoy his artwork in general, but even if I did, its a more action-oriented type of style, with mostly flash, and not much substance. It doesn't have the nuance, play with shadows or expressive faces a story like this would require to be fully realized visaully.
I know alot of people love his style, but for me, its not very interesting, and it really doesn't fit Brubaker's sensibilities.
3.5 out of 5, or 6/10.
May 5, 2025
Much as I enjoy Ed Brubaker as a writer and Batman as a character, there's no getting around the fact that this collection is, by design, an incomplete picture. Written in that wild west era immediately following the infamous No Man's Land storyline, this overlaps with so many other ongoing series of the time that, by focusing solely on Brubaker's contributions, chunks of context are often missing, and one arc involving the cover-up of a crashed alien ship is so divorced from the main plot that its inclusion almost doesn't make sense.
Nonetheless, he writes Batman and company well - albeit without the brutal cynicism that came to define his original works - and there's just enough of a through line that casual readers won't feel completely lost. But they will be left confused by references to things that clearly happened elsewhere, and that lack of accessibility is what ultimately holds this back.
Nonetheless, he writes Batman and company well - albeit without the brutal cynicism that came to define his original works - and there's just enough of a through line that casual readers won't feel completely lost. But they will be left confused by references to things that clearly happened elsewhere, and that lack of accessibility is what ultimately holds this back.
September 11, 2020
Ed Brubaker is known for his run in Captain America and Daredevil. He's not really known for his Batman run. If he did well writing a street-level hero like Daredevil, then surely he can do Batman justice, right? I personally think that this is an excellent run but you have to bear in mind that this won't be as polished as his Captain America or Daredevil since this was his first time writing superhero stories.
I really like his main story in this book, as well as the villain that he created for the main story, Philo Zeiss. The other notable villains that appeared in this story are Penguin and Deadshot. Aside from the main story, I also enjoyed the documentary issue wherein two kids try to make a documentary about Batman to try to determine whether he actually exists. I also enjoyed the Thomas Wayne issue because it gave me a glimpse of how he is as a person. Heck, I even enjoyed the Our Worlds at War tie-in. I am normally not a fan of crossover tie-in issues since it just derails the main story but I really enjoyed seeing President Lex and Superman. The only problem with crossover events is that it leaves a huge gap in the story. I am still trying to figure out when Bruce disclose to Sasha Bordeaux that he's Batman.
I guess my only complaint is that they should have chosen a different artist to draw this. I enjoyed Scott McDaniel's work in Nightwing but his cartoony art did not really suit Brubaker's dark story. Never the less, I enjoyed all the stories in this book.
Edit: Sasha discovered Batman's identity in New Gotham, Vol. 2 so you might want to read that first.
I really like his main story in this book, as well as the villain that he created for the main story, Philo Zeiss. The other notable villains that appeared in this story are Penguin and Deadshot. Aside from the main story, I also enjoyed the documentary issue wherein two kids try to make a documentary about Batman to try to determine whether he actually exists. I also enjoyed the Thomas Wayne issue because it gave me a glimpse of how he is as a person. Heck, I even enjoyed the Our Worlds at War tie-in. I am normally not a fan of crossover tie-in issues since it just derails the main story but I really enjoyed seeing President Lex and Superman. The only problem with crossover events is that it leaves a huge gap in the story. I am still trying to figure out when Bruce disclose to Sasha Bordeaux that he's Batman.
I guess my only complaint is that they should have chosen a different artist to draw this. I enjoyed Scott McDaniel's work in Nightwing but his cartoony art did not really suit Brubaker's dark story. Never the less, I enjoyed all the stories in this book.
Edit: Sasha discovered Batman's identity in New Gotham, Vol. 2 so you might want to read that first.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2018
If I weren't a Batman shill and a diehard Brubaker fan, I'd probably rate this book lower. Truth be told, I was a little disappointed, having seen better from both men (and even together, in the case of Gotham Central). This story ended up being a little basic, starting with an interesting premise in which Bruce Wayne tries to undermine Penguin by buying him out, but it gets bogged down in a mob story with a new assassin, Philo Zeiss, who never quite lives up to his potential. Knowing that the next volume gets mired in crossovers (which I already own), I'm disinclined to continue. Fine enough, but one would be forgiven for expecting a bit more.
June 25, 2023
Classic early 2000s writing at its best 😁👍🦇!! A complicated plot with many moving parts, including a deal gone wrong with the Penguin, an old mob boss named Maxon, and an assassin is known as Zeiss, who has a vendetta against our Caped Crusader. We get some great cameos, including Oracle, Orphan, & Superman. 2 mini-story arcs involving a mysterious alien that President Luthor wants to hunt down in his prep for a Doomsday contingency plan and a journey into Bruce Wayne's past involving an altercation between Dr. Thomas Wayne & Mr. Maxon. A fantastic read and an interesting story all the way around. 10/10 ✌️😉🌟🦇!!
February 11, 2019
I've always been a huge Brubaker fan but I expected more from his Batman run. I thought there would be more "detective" Batman stories. In this collection we essentially get one large assassination plot involving a new hitman. I didn't really like Zeiss. He was too similar to Deadshot with a worse look. The stories were by no means bad, just not something that will stick with me years from now. I did however love Scott McDaniel's art. Perfect transition from Nightwing to Bats. Overall, a fine read that I expected much more from.
January 7, 2023
Mediados de los 2000. Llega Ed Brubaker y se hace cargo de Batman. Este tomo ante todo debería llamarse grandes autores Brubaker y Scott McDaniel al que conocí x su trabajo en Daredevil y acá llega a su punto máximo si también tenemos en cuenta el dinamismo que ya mostraba en Nightwing, muy disfrutable a la vista con mucha interacción con los colores. Se presenta un nuevo villano, hampa, el Pingüino y el pasado del padre de Bruce. Todo muy interesante. Necesitaba está etapa y esperando lo que sigue.
July 19, 2024
Well written but Batman can be very dark. He lets vengeance drive him. Zeiss has watched Batman and was able to emulate every move so when they fight he's one step ahead at all times. There's a nosy film crew that gets in the way. There's the mob, an old mob boss who had a history with Batman's father and Batman with the daughter. Bruce Wayne rehires a security man who is recently let out of jail. The Penguin and Joker show up. There's a lot going on in this book filled with violence and sadness.
August 10, 2017
It's a fine read, nothing groundbreaking and not the best Batman story, but still entertaining with a good narrative that kept me interested (except for the bit about aliens!). I've only read a bit of Brubaker's work on Batman and enjoyed this over some other stories like The Man Who Laughs. Artwork was cool and enjoyed the script. Looking forward to reading Bruce Wayne Murderer and Fugitive which follows this volume.
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