Batman (1940-2011) #232

Batman (1940-2011)

by Dennis O'Neil, Neal Adams (Penciller), Dick Giordano (Inker)

First appearance of Ra's al Ghul in "Daughter of the Demon," a retelling of Batman and Robin's origins.

Genres: Comics, Batman, Dc Comics, Superheroes, Comic Book, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics

23 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 1971

About the author

Dennis "Denny" O'Neil was a comic book writer and editor best known for his work for Marvel Comics and DC Comics from the 1960s through the 1990s, and Group Editor for the Batman family of titles until his retirement.

His best-known works include Green Lantern/Green Arrow and Batman with Neal Adams, The Shadow with Michael Kaluta and The Question with Denys Cowan. As an editor, he is principally known for editing the various Batman titles. From 2013 unti his death, he sat on the board of directors of the charity The Hero Initiative and served on its Disbursement Committee.

Reviews

[Jim Ef · Rating 4 out of 5]

7.0/10
I believe if i have read this without knowing who Ra's Al Ghul is, it would definitely be a better experience. I can't hold this against it though. The story is good and it's always nice to see Batman showing his detective skills.

P.s. The fascimile edition is such a cool idea.

[Alejandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Facsimile Edition, Batman!


ENTER: RA'S AL GHUL

I was real lucky to get this Facsimile Edition in my local comic book shop, specially since it's the very introduction of Ra's al Ghul!

Curiously enough, Talia was already introduced, but Batman didn't know who was her father.

In this issues by the iconic creative team of Denny O'Neil & Neal Adams, you have the first encounter of The Batman and Ra's al Ghul, where they are in a quest around the world looking for Robin (Dick Grayson) and Talia who have kidnapped but things are more than meets the eye (for not saying that the comic book cover is quite spoiling, geez).

It's a great issue, no (boy) wonder that it was chosen to be reproduced in this awesome facsimile edition, featuring the original advertisements but even using the original kind of paper, since it's not only the introduction of the Demon's Head, but you have a great exposition of why Batman is the World's Greatest Detective.

The Batman never has faced an enemy like Ra's al Ghul whom far of wanting his death, there are more ambitious and unexpected plans for the Dark Knight.

Definitely, if you are fan of Ra's al Ghul, it's a must-have issue.

[scribble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seeing Batman climbing the Himalayas in such a different setting was so refreshing. Loved loved loved the art. Quite great introduction of Ra’s Al Ghūl though I’m not a fan of how they tied Detective Comics #411 to this issue.

[C. John Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started to read this and it seemed way too familar. I knew I didn't have this issue so I wasn't sure how that could be. Then it occurred to me that I had the facsimile edition DC put out awhile back and I had purchased that comic. Be that as it may I figured I had started to read this so I might as well finish it. This story introduced us to Ra's Al Ghul, who is the father of Talia a young lady who has already entered Batman's life. It would seem that Talia has been kidnapped by an enemy of Ra's and he wants the Batman's help in rescuing her. The same enemy has also kidnapped Robin so Batman has a second motive for wanting to help Ra's. However all is not as it seems. As this was Ra's introduction to the Batman series we do not know a lot about him. All we really learn in this story is that he is the head of a large organization and is quite wealthy. As time goes by we shall learn more about him, as will Batman. But such revelations are in the future. All in all this was a good introduction of someone who will become a major player in the Batman's life. Happy reading

[luciddreamer99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional story. Neal Adams remains the definitive Batman illustrator, and Dennis O'Neil is among the best creators associated with the character, too. The story of Ra's Al Ghul is an interesting one, and his origin is barely even touched on in this first appearance. A classic Batman story recommended for any Batman fan.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cool issue! Loved reading Rā’s al Ghūl’s first ever issue, and was quite interesting seeing him and Batman meet for the first time.
Good ending also!
I was surprised to see how talkative and charismatic Batman was (similar to Spider-Man), but I didn’t mind it at all.

[nat ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

the classics hits different fr but i especially loved how bruce did everything to get dick back and seeing the flashback of how he adopted dick after his parents’s death was so sweet i loved it

[Malena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[luz · Rating 3 out of 5]

*2.75 // liked it! would've been better without the orientalist stereotypes though.

[Chad Bunch · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read. I did not realize that Ra's Al Ghul and Talia entered the Batman mythos nearly fifty years ago!

[C. John Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another important book in the Batman canon. This is the book that introduced the world to Ra's Al Ghul. Batman had already met his daughter, but this was the first time Ra's himself had been seen. As such one can see why this was part of the facsimilie edition series. The plot behind this is that Talia has been kidnapped and Ra's want Batman's help in finding her. Since Robin has also been kidnapped Batman agrees. Of course whether everything is as it appears is to be determined by story's end. As for the story itself this one was quite good. There is a lot going on and we do get a fair amount of action. The byplay between Batmn and Ra's servant Ubu is also interesting. I should say tha the ending of the story may not come as a surprise now but back when this book first came out is definitely was a jaw dropper. So this is an excellent item to pick up if you don't have the original, and don't want to pay the price on the secondary market for it. I am not sure but I believe this story has also been reprinted in one of the Showcase Presents Batman volumes, number 6 to be specific. Happy reading

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Ra’s Al Ghul story, with superb Neal Adams art. The highlight for me, though, was the letters page, featuring an insightful missive from then fan Mike W. Barr!

[Eladio Garro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Thank you, Denny O'Neil, for bringing darkness back to Batman.