What do you think?
Rate this book
Batman Arkham Collections #7
Batman Arkham: Mister Freeze
An expert in the field of cryogenics, Victor Fries led a relatively normal existence. He worked diligently and married a woman named Nora who then became terminally ill. To stop her degenerative disease from taking her life, Victor put her into suspended animation.
But a horrible lab accident transformed the former Dr. Fries into an ice-colored monstrosity incapable of surviving above freezing temperatures. To counteract this, Victor constructed a special, ultra-durable suit to keep his body alive. He embraced his new persona and became Mr. Freeze.
Mr. Freeze is on a constant quest to bring back his beloved Nora, and he'll do whatever it takes to succeed. He wields a freeze gun and uses ice and cold to wreak havoc--mostly in Gotham and against Batman.
BATMAN ARKHAM: MISTER FREEZE collects some of the villain's greatest stories by some of the industry's greatest creators, including Paul Dini (BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES), Scott Synder (BATMAN), James Tynion IV (DETECTIVE COMICS), Jason Fabok (JUSTICE LEAGUE), Charlie Adlard (WALKING DEAD), Mark Buckingham (FABLES) and many more!
But a horrible lab accident transformed the former Dr. Fries into an ice-colored monstrosity incapable of surviving above freezing temperatures. To counteract this, Victor constructed a special, ultra-durable suit to keep his body alive. He embraced his new persona and became Mr. Freeze.
Mr. Freeze is on a constant quest to bring back his beloved Nora, and he'll do whatever it takes to succeed. He wields a freeze gun and uses ice and cold to wreak havoc--mostly in Gotham and against Batman.
BATMAN ARKHAM: MISTER FREEZE collects some of the villain's greatest stories by some of the industry's greatest creators, including Paul Dini (BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES), Scott Synder (BATMAN), James Tynion IV (DETECTIVE COMICS), Jason Fabok (JUSTICE LEAGUE), Charlie Adlard (WALKING DEAD), Mark Buckingham (FABLES) and many more!
228 pages, Paperback
First published May 16, 2017
12 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Paul Dini
726 books714 followersPaul Dini is an American television producer of animated cartoons. He is best known as a producer and writer for several Warner Bros./DC Comics series, including Star Wars: Ewoks, Tiny Toon Adventures, Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, The New Batman/Superman Adventures, Batman Beyond and Duck Dodgers. He also developed and scripted Krypto the Superdog and contributed scripts to Animaniacs (he created Minerva Mink), Freakazoid, Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. After leaving Warner Bros. In early 2004, Dini went on to write and story edit the popular ABC adventure series Lost.
Paul Dini was born in New York City. He attended the Stevenson School in Pebble Beach, California on an art scholarship. He attended Emerson College in Boston, where he earned a BFA degree in creative writing. (He also took zoology classes at Harvard University.)
During college, he began doing freelance animation scripts for Filmation, and a number of other studios. In 1984, he was hired to work for George Lucas on several of his animation projects.
The episodes of the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon that were written by Dini have become favorites amongst the show's fans over the internet, although despite this as well as contributing to interviews on the released box sets of the series, Dini has made no secret of his distaste for Filmation and the He-Man concept. He also wrote an episode of the Generation One Transformers cartoon series and contributed to various episodes of the Ewoks animated series, several of which included rare appearances from the Empire.
In 1989, he was hired at Warner Bros. Animation to work on Tiny Toon Adventures. Later, he moved onto Batman: The Animated Series, where he worked as a writer, producer and editor, later working on Batman Beyond. He continued working with WB animation, working on a number of internal projects, including Krypto the Superdog and Duck Dodgers, until 2004.
He has earned five Emmy awards for his animation work. In a related effort, Dini was also the co-author (with Chip Kidd) of Batman Animated, a 1998 non-fiction coffee table book about the animated Batman franchise.
Dini has also written several comics stories for DC Comics, including an acclaimed oversized graphic novel series illustrated by painter Alex Ross. (A hardcover collection of the Dini and Ross stories was published in late summer 2005 under the title The World's Greatest Superheroes.) Other books written by Dini for DC have featured his Batman Animated creation Harley Quinn as well as classic characters Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel and Zatanna.
Best known among Dini's original creations is Jingle Belle, the rebellious teen-age daughter of Santa Claus. Dini also created Sheriff Ida Red, the super-powered cowgirl star of a series of books set in Dini's mythical town of Mutant, Texas. Perhaps his greatest character contribution is the introduction of Harley Quinn (along with designs by Bruce Timm) on Batman: The Animated Series.
In 2001 Dini made a cameo appearance in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back during the scene in which Jay and Silent Bob wear ridiculous looking costumes for a film being directed by Chris Rock, in which Dini says to them "you guys look pretty bad ass".
In 2006, Dini became the writer for DC Comics' Detective Comics. That same year, he announced that he was writing a hardcover graphic novel starring Zatanna and Black Canary. In 2007, he was announced as the head writer of that company's weekly series, Countdown. Paul Dini is currently co-writing the script for the upcoming Gatchaman movie. Dini is also currently writing a series for Top Cow Productions, based in a character he created, Madame Mirage.
Paul Dini is an active cryptozoologist, hunter and wildlife photographer. On a 1985 trip to Tasmania, he had a possible sighting of a Thylacine. He has also encountered a number of venomous snakes, a Komodo Dragon and a charging Sumatran Rhi
Paul Dini was born in New York City. He attended the Stevenson School in Pebble Beach, California on an art scholarship. He attended Emerson College in Boston, where he earned a BFA degree in creative writing. (He also took zoology classes at Harvard University.)
During college, he began doing freelance animation scripts for Filmation, and a number of other studios. In 1984, he was hired to work for George Lucas on several of his animation projects.
The episodes of the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon that were written by Dini have become favorites amongst the show's fans over the internet, although despite this as well as contributing to interviews on the released box sets of the series, Dini has made no secret of his distaste for Filmation and the He-Man concept. He also wrote an episode of the Generation One Transformers cartoon series and contributed to various episodes of the Ewoks animated series, several of which included rare appearances from the Empire.
In 1989, he was hired at Warner Bros. Animation to work on Tiny Toon Adventures. Later, he moved onto Batman: The Animated Series, where he worked as a writer, producer and editor, later working on Batman Beyond. He continued working with WB animation, working on a number of internal projects, including Krypto the Superdog and Duck Dodgers, until 2004.
He has earned five Emmy awards for his animation work. In a related effort, Dini was also the co-author (with Chip Kidd) of Batman Animated, a 1998 non-fiction coffee table book about the animated Batman franchise.
Dini has also written several comics stories for DC Comics, including an acclaimed oversized graphic novel series illustrated by painter Alex Ross. (A hardcover collection of the Dini and Ross stories was published in late summer 2005 under the title The World's Greatest Superheroes.) Other books written by Dini for DC have featured his Batman Animated creation Harley Quinn as well as classic characters Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel and Zatanna.
Best known among Dini's original creations is Jingle Belle, the rebellious teen-age daughter of Santa Claus. Dini also created Sheriff Ida Red, the super-powered cowgirl star of a series of books set in Dini's mythical town of Mutant, Texas. Perhaps his greatest character contribution is the introduction of Harley Quinn (along with designs by Bruce Timm) on Batman: The Animated Series.
In 2001 Dini made a cameo appearance in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back during the scene in which Jay and Silent Bob wear ridiculous looking costumes for a film being directed by Chris Rock, in which Dini says to them "you guys look pretty bad ass".
In 2006, Dini became the writer for DC Comics' Detective Comics. That same year, he announced that he was writing a hardcover graphic novel starring Zatanna and Black Canary. In 2007, he was announced as the head writer of that company's weekly series, Countdown. Paul Dini is currently co-writing the script for the upcoming Gatchaman movie. Dini is also currently writing a series for Top Cow Productions, based in a character he created, Madame Mirage.
Paul Dini is an active cryptozoologist, hunter and wildlife photographer. On a 1985 trip to Tasmania, he had a possible sighting of a Thylacine. He has also encountered a number of venomous snakes, a Komodo Dragon and a charging Sumatran Rhi
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 14, 2020
First thing that I need to get out of the way is the fact that the title can be sung to the tune of “Camptown Races.” Every time I see the cover, in my head I hear, “Batman Arkham Mis-ter Freeze/Do daaa, do daaa!” You’re welcome.
The book is a collection of various stories featuring Mr. Freeze that have appeared over the decades. His first appearance, as Mr. Zero, kicks off the volume. In some ways, it's the most notable story here. Sure, Sheldon Moldoff’s art makes him look like Daddy Warbucks, and the miracle cure for his condition at the end made me roll my eyes. But all of the pieces are there. All of the other stories, whether they know it or not, build upon this one.
If anything, this volume reveals how much of a cipher Freeze really is. The details of his origin shift depending on who's writing him. Some versions add an element of tragedy, giving him a lost love and everything. Some versions tie his origins to Bruce Wayne, giving him a vendetta against Batman’s alter ego.
In truth, he’s pretty much a visual, a bald guy with a helmeted containment suit and a freeze ray. I suspect that, if it hadn't been for the Batman TV show, he probably would have remained a footnote in the caped crusader’s history. (By the way, I did appreciate Robin’s line from the 1968 story, “Mr. Freeze! That sounds like a campy name dreamed up for a villain in a television program!”)
There are some good stories in here, but, in the end, Freeze is pretty much an empty shell. I expect that writers will keep on trying though. Because--let’s face it--he’s a very cool-looking character.
The book is a collection of various stories featuring Mr. Freeze that have appeared over the decades. His first appearance, as Mr. Zero, kicks off the volume. In some ways, it's the most notable story here. Sure, Sheldon Moldoff’s art makes him look like Daddy Warbucks, and the miracle cure for his condition at the end made me roll my eyes. But all of the pieces are there. All of the other stories, whether they know it or not, build upon this one.
If anything, this volume reveals how much of a cipher Freeze really is. The details of his origin shift depending on who's writing him. Some versions add an element of tragedy, giving him a lost love and everything. Some versions tie his origins to Bruce Wayne, giving him a vendetta against Batman’s alter ego.
In truth, he’s pretty much a visual, a bald guy with a helmeted containment suit and a freeze ray. I suspect that, if it hadn't been for the Batman TV show, he probably would have remained a footnote in the caped crusader’s history. (By the way, I did appreciate Robin’s line from the 1968 story, “Mr. Freeze! That sounds like a campy name dreamed up for a villain in a television program!”)
There are some good stories in here, but, in the end, Freeze is pretty much an empty shell. I expect that writers will keep on trying though. Because--let’s face it--he’s a very cool-looking character.
January 27, 2020
Some are good . Some are cheesy and corny . Some are just boring . Some are filled with plot holes , especially the older issues .
Mr freeze is the only villain I will sympathise with . I mean , come on , just give him back his wife. He just wants to be with his wife !
Mr freeze is the only villain I will sympathise with . I mean , come on , just give him back his wife. He just wants to be with his wife !
March 13, 2022
A collection of Mr. Freeze stories from over the years, this collection really shows off just how poorly the character has fared in print, esp when compared to excellent animated stories like the Emmy award-winning "Heart of Ice.
July 11, 2021
the batman: heart of ice episode from the animated series makes mister freeze today's instantly recognizable villain. however, before that, freeze would be just another ice-themed super villain, ice's heart would have given him more than just a clichéd villainy. this book includes still incredible stories like the one-shot by mr. freeze from 1997, especially in the absence of any animated series content.
October 28, 2022
Paul Dini is one of the masterminds of the Batman Animated Series, and Mr. Freeze is one of my favorite villains of all time, so I knew I was in for a treat. And what a treat it was! The illustrations were wonderful and the story was a very good introduction into the character while exploring the crux of the issue that Mr. Freeze has with society, as well as his motivation.
September 29, 2020
I thought this was a good collection of stories that featured Mister Freeze. Through them all, you get to see how he evolved over the years, in the hands of various creators, but also as part of DC reboots.
Most of these feature Victor's origins in one way or another. The common, and increasingly prevalent, theme in his backstory is that Mister Freeze is motivated by a combination of obsession and hatred. He wants to bring back Nora to life, and he hates either Gotham as a whole, Bruce Wayne, or Batman for preventing this.
Read sequentially, these stories could become confusing. However, to a canon junky like me, they do get a sense fo how Mister Freeze has changed, with some common threads. For example, Nora was originally conceived of as his wife, and his depiction is somewhat sympathetic. However, a later iteration shows that Nora was never his wife, and that he's so badly deluding himself that he's probably insane.
While I prefer the earlier version (which was not part of his original Silver Age character concept), I do appreciate how Batman villains are often portrayed as having human motivations, and how the understanding of them is about as psychological as you can get in superhero comics. Freeze stands out in this regard, for sure.
It's also interesting how there's an interplay between other media and the comics. While the original comic introduced him as "Mister Zero," apparently the 1960s television show changed that to "Mister Freeze." Even comic book Robin, in a dialogue bubble, acknowledges this. Similarly, the whole Nora angle seems to have originated the animated show, but it's now part of canon.
Both of these things serve as reminders that comics don't always drive innovation in televisual media; often, TV shows and movies make the comic versions better. Mister Freeze is an example of this kind of enhancement in comics coming from without. (So, too, does Harley Quinn).
There are other commonalities across the years. His ice gun becomes bigger and more important over time. His gangs are usually small, not very loyal, and neither is he very loyal in return. Sometimes he murders people; other times he doesn't. This in particular would be confusing from a continuity perspective, because if his murders held constant, he'd be subject to several life-term sentences. Retcons seem to restore the score to zero, though. HIs dependence on cold is a constant weakness, and usually all Batman has to do is rupture his glass helmet and Freeze is rendered helpless. He's as fragile a villain as I've ever seen in comics. Perhaps like ice itself, it can be easily broken.
The scale of his crimes generally remains personal and almost introspective, and not usually grandiose, at least as portrayed in this collection. There's one issue where he wants to freeze Gotham, but generally he's focused on small-time heists, revenge against Bruce or Batman, or some sort of celebration of Nora. Whether Freeze can break out of this mold remains to be seen; whether we want him to may be the main question.
Most of these feature Victor's origins in one way or another. The common, and increasingly prevalent, theme in his backstory is that Mister Freeze is motivated by a combination of obsession and hatred. He wants to bring back Nora to life, and he hates either Gotham as a whole, Bruce Wayne, or Batman for preventing this.
Read sequentially, these stories could become confusing. However, to a canon junky like me, they do get a sense fo how Mister Freeze has changed, with some common threads. For example, Nora was originally conceived of as his wife, and his depiction is somewhat sympathetic. However, a later iteration shows that Nora was never his wife, and that he's so badly deluding himself that he's probably insane.
While I prefer the earlier version (which was not part of his original Silver Age character concept), I do appreciate how Batman villains are often portrayed as having human motivations, and how the understanding of them is about as psychological as you can get in superhero comics. Freeze stands out in this regard, for sure.
It's also interesting how there's an interplay between other media and the comics. While the original comic introduced him as "Mister Zero," apparently the 1960s television show changed that to "Mister Freeze." Even comic book Robin, in a dialogue bubble, acknowledges this. Similarly, the whole Nora angle seems to have originated the animated show, but it's now part of canon.
Both of these things serve as reminders that comics don't always drive innovation in televisual media; often, TV shows and movies make the comic versions better. Mister Freeze is an example of this kind of enhancement in comics coming from without. (So, too, does Harley Quinn).
There are other commonalities across the years. His ice gun becomes bigger and more important over time. His gangs are usually small, not very loyal, and neither is he very loyal in return. Sometimes he murders people; other times he doesn't. This in particular would be confusing from a continuity perspective, because if his murders held constant, he'd be subject to several life-term sentences. Retcons seem to restore the score to zero, though. HIs dependence on cold is a constant weakness, and usually all Batman has to do is rupture his glass helmet and Freeze is rendered helpless. He's as fragile a villain as I've ever seen in comics. Perhaps like ice itself, it can be easily broken.
The scale of his crimes generally remains personal and almost introspective, and not usually grandiose, at least as portrayed in this collection. There's one issue where he wants to freeze Gotham, but generally he's focused on small-time heists, revenge against Bruce or Batman, or some sort of celebration of Nora. Whether Freeze can break out of this mold remains to be seen; whether we want him to may be the main question.
December 31, 2021
Just like with the Batman Arkham look at Killer Croc, I felt that this book presents a full dossier at the decent into madness that Victor Von Fries takes to become Mister Freeze.
When we first meet Freeze, he's not really even the same character we have grown to love over the decades. When the character first appears in 1959, he's called Mr. Zero and he's referred to by the Caped Crusader as Dr. Art Schivel. While working on a freeze gun, the frozen mixture explodes and turns Schivel into a living breathing icicle.
In the late 60s, as producers were looking for fun and unique villains to opposed Batman and Robin, they brought Mr. Zero back. But now he was called Mister Freeze and he mostly committed ice-themed crimes in order to fund his need for Freon. If wouldn't be until the 1990s when Dr. Art Schivel would become Dr. Victor Fries.
Paul Dini and Batman: The Animated Series would be responsible for turning the frozen fiend into a tragic figure. In 1992's 'Heart of Ice', we learn of Fries' life-long obsession with cryogenics and his strict, miserable childhood. Victor eventually marries a woman named Nora. Happy for the first time in his life, Fries becomes top in his field. But the happiness is short as Nora has a fatal disease that yet has a cure. Victor places her into a form of suspended animation. But a lab accident during his experiments turns Fries into Freeze!
Unable to go out into non-freezing temperatures, Freeze creates a refrigerated body suit. Unfortunately, it needs diamonds to fuel it. Plus, now a fugitive, Victor still needs funds to continue trying to save Nora. Disconnected totally from humanity, Mister Freeze, armed with a cryogenic gun, will let noone stand in his way to save the woman he loves.
Man, this is great tragic stuff! Shakespeare, Hemingway and Vonnegut couldn't write stuff this powerful. Okay, maybe the could. But the new origin of Mister Freeze is further proof Paul Dini belongs in some sort of comic book hall of fame!
While there is a Paul Dini penned story, there's not anything from the various comics based on the 1990s cartoon.
After Dini, you start to really dive into Mister Freeze and his backstory. Victor Fries is possibly more demented than we thought. It's possible Nora Fries isn't really his bride. She might be a cryogenics test subject from the 1950s that Victor fell in love with while conducting his doctoral thesis. Plus, he might have killed a family member or two. It's kinda left up to the reader to decide.
Man, the New 52 and Rebirth did a number of this character. But wow!
I love the cold. Always have. And it's why I've had an affinity for Mister Freeze. Maybe I am a little biased. But I thought that this collection earned high marks. Freeze undergoes a very wide metamorphosis over the years. Yet that evolution kept getting better and better the more complex the character gets.
A chilling read for a hot summer's night.
When we first meet Freeze, he's not really even the same character we have grown to love over the decades. When the character first appears in 1959, he's called Mr. Zero and he's referred to by the Caped Crusader as Dr. Art Schivel. While working on a freeze gun, the frozen mixture explodes and turns Schivel into a living breathing icicle.
In the late 60s, as producers were looking for fun and unique villains to opposed Batman and Robin, they brought Mr. Zero back. But now he was called Mister Freeze and he mostly committed ice-themed crimes in order to fund his need for Freon. If wouldn't be until the 1990s when Dr. Art Schivel would become Dr. Victor Fries.
Paul Dini and Batman: The Animated Series would be responsible for turning the frozen fiend into a tragic figure. In 1992's 'Heart of Ice', we learn of Fries' life-long obsession with cryogenics and his strict, miserable childhood. Victor eventually marries a woman named Nora. Happy for the first time in his life, Fries becomes top in his field. But the happiness is short as Nora has a fatal disease that yet has a cure. Victor places her into a form of suspended animation. But a lab accident during his experiments turns Fries into Freeze!
Unable to go out into non-freezing temperatures, Freeze creates a refrigerated body suit. Unfortunately, it needs diamonds to fuel it. Plus, now a fugitive, Victor still needs funds to continue trying to save Nora. Disconnected totally from humanity, Mister Freeze, armed with a cryogenic gun, will let noone stand in his way to save the woman he loves.
Man, this is great tragic stuff! Shakespeare, Hemingway and Vonnegut couldn't write stuff this powerful. Okay, maybe the could. But the new origin of Mister Freeze is further proof Paul Dini belongs in some sort of comic book hall of fame!
While there is a Paul Dini penned story, there's not anything from the various comics based on the 1990s cartoon.
After Dini, you start to really dive into Mister Freeze and his backstory. Victor Fries is possibly more demented than we thought. It's possible Nora Fries isn't really his bride. She might be a cryogenics test subject from the 1950s that Victor fell in love with while conducting his doctoral thesis. Plus, he might have killed a family member or two. It's kinda left up to the reader to decide.
Man, the New 52 and Rebirth did a number of this character. But wow!
I love the cold. Always have. And it's why I've had an affinity for Mister Freeze. Maybe I am a little biased. But I thought that this collection earned high marks. Freeze undergoes a very wide metamorphosis over the years. Yet that evolution kept getting better and better the more complex the character gets.
A chilling read for a hot summer's night.
September 19, 2018
Batman Arkham: Mister Freeze is a compilation of some of the best representative of Mister Freeze stories over the years centering one of the more frosty foes in the Batman Rouges. This collection features Mister Freeze in all his many incarnations throughout the years.
This trade paperback collects Batman #121, #308, #375, #575, Detective Comics #373, #595, Batman: Mr. Freeze, Batman: Gotham Knights #59, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #190–191, and Batman Annual #1.
Victor Fries as Mister Freeze is a fictional super-villain created by Dave Wood and Sheldon Moldoff, he first appeared in Batman #121 (February 1959) named Mister Zero. The character is a former cryogenics expert in Gotham City who was involved in a laboratory accident while attempting to cure his terminally ill wife Nora Fries. The disaster lowered his body temperature to the point that he must wear a cryogenic suit in order to survive, and he utilizes a "freeze gun" that freezes its targets solid.
As a whole, Batman Arkham: Mister Freeze is a rather well collected anthology of Mister Freeze stories. Story selection must have been difficult to say the least. Mister Freeze 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: Batman #121 – the first appearance of Mister Freeze – the rest is debatable. This anthology served its purpose – giving the reader a nice overview of Mister Freeze.
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: Mister Freeze is a somewhat well selection of stories that gives a nice glimpse into the psyche of one of the most frosty villain in Batman's Rouge Gallery – Mister Freeze. 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 Batman #121, #308, #375, #575, Detective Comics #373, #595, Batman: Mr. Freeze, Batman: Gotham Knights #59, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #190–191, and Batman Annual #1.
Victor Fries as Mister Freeze is a fictional super-villain created by Dave Wood and Sheldon Moldoff, he first appeared in Batman #121 (February 1959) named Mister Zero. The character is a former cryogenics expert in Gotham City who was involved in a laboratory accident while attempting to cure his terminally ill wife Nora Fries. The disaster lowered his body temperature to the point that he must wear a cryogenic suit in order to survive, and he utilizes a "freeze gun" that freezes its targets solid.
As a whole, Batman Arkham: Mister Freeze is a rather well collected anthology of Mister Freeze stories. Story selection must have been difficult to say the least. Mister Freeze 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: Batman #121 – the first appearance of Mister Freeze – the rest is debatable. This anthology served its purpose – giving the reader a nice overview of Mister Freeze.
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: Mister Freeze is a somewhat well selection of stories that gives a nice glimpse into the psyche of one of the most frosty villain in Batman's Rouge Gallery – Mister Freeze. 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.
February 17, 2020
Beginning as the diamond thief Mr. Zero to the iconic Mr. Freeze, Dini collects 11 issues focusing on the coldest villain in Batman's Rogues Gallery. (I'll try to keep the ice puns to a minimum...) What surprised me the most, aside from the original character design of Mr. Zero (a cyan and fuchsia jumpsuit– yikes!), was the fact that Nora Fries was actually created so late in the run of Mr. Freeze. The issue in which she is first introduced is included within the book, entitled Batman: Mr. Freeze #1 (1997), was written by Paul Dini. The addition of Nora added some much needed depth to Victor Fries as before he was simply a criminal with a cool gimmick (last pun, I promise).
One problem I had with the book, however, was the order in which the issues were placed in. I think it would have flowed better if the issues were placed in chronological order to better show the evolution of not only the plots but the art over the years. It was an amusing and enjoyable read. Nothing exceptional in terms of plot or action but that didn't mean it wasn't a fun ride, which was all I was looking for.
One problem I had with the book, however, was the order in which the issues were placed in. I think it would have flowed better if the issues were placed in chronological order to better show the evolution of not only the plots but the art over the years. It was an amusing and enjoyable read. Nothing exceptional in terms of plot or action but that didn't mean it wasn't a fun ride, which was all I was looking for.
June 16, 2018
Says much like many of the other books, you get the origin story at least three times. Including the so bad even the author himself disowned it revised Post N52 Freeze origin. But there are other Freeze stories that work and work well enough to elevate it a bit.
Really, the problem with these Arkham best of collections is that when you scatter the villains appearances around a bit, their tricks seem fresh and unusual. But when you collected them together by the villain you realize, especially in the case of Batman villains, just how one note a lot of his foes are. Really, other than freezing Batman or Robin to death other threat can he be?
Worse yet, at least two stories in this collection try to make the whole Batman and Robin gimmick of 'his suit is powered by diamands' bit a thing. There is no excuse or apologizing for that movie. Enough little oddity, that goes to show you just how fast we get used to our technology: there is a story from 2008 where Alfred is just tickled pink about getting WiFi at the manner.
Really, the problem with these Arkham best of collections is that when you scatter the villains appearances around a bit, their tricks seem fresh and unusual. But when you collected them together by the villain you realize, especially in the case of Batman villains, just how one note a lot of his foes are. Really, other than freezing Batman or Robin to death other threat can he be?
Worse yet, at least two stories in this collection try to make the whole Batman and Robin gimmick of 'his suit is powered by diamands' bit a thing. There is no excuse or apologizing for that movie. Enough little oddity, that goes to show you just how fast we get used to our technology: there is a story from 2008 where Alfred is just tickled pink about getting WiFi at the manner.
August 13, 2024
Once again, we have a collection of comics focusing on a specific villain: Mr. Freeze. Originally, he was known as Mr. Zero (but soon changed to Mr. Freeze) and became Batman's frozen foe due to an accidental spill of a freezing solution. It isn't until Paul Dini and Batman: The Animated Series that Mr. Freeze became the sympathetic villain with his wife, Nora. My top three (in no order): "Batman: Mr. Freeze" (Batman: Mister Freeze #1), which expands a bit more about Dr. Victor Fries' background; "Fire and Ice" (Batman: Gotham Knights #59), where Mr. Freeze hates summer, and he and Batman face off in an ice igloo surrounded by fire; and "Night of the Owls: First Snow" (2012's Batman Annual #1), where
*This review was moved from another edition of the book to keep consistent with the Batman Arkham Collection series.*
*This review was moved from another edition of the book to keep consistent with the Batman Arkham Collection series.*
June 18, 2017
A 'Hit and Miss" collection of stories about Mister Freeze.
A 'Minor' Batman villian, he was first called Mr. Zero when he was first introduced in the comics in 1959. That might had been the end of him, save for the 1966-1968 Batman tv show, which introduced a character very similar to Mr. Zero, but with the name Mister Freeze.
The comics then brought him back, explaining he had changed his name to Mister Freeze...
Some of the stories here are good, others not so much. It is interesting to see how the character and his origin changed thru the years. (arguably the best version/origin of Mr Freeze was Batman:The Animated Series. The stories here, after 1991, follow that origin more or less)
Different artists and writers are featured here. It is interesting to see the different styles.
Not as enjoyable as some of the other Arkham collections. But still fun.
A 'Minor' Batman villian, he was first called Mr. Zero when he was first introduced in the comics in 1959. That might had been the end of him, save for the 1966-1968 Batman tv show, which introduced a character very similar to Mr. Zero, but with the name Mister Freeze.
The comics then brought him back, explaining he had changed his name to Mister Freeze...
Some of the stories here are good, others not so much. It is interesting to see how the character and his origin changed thru the years. (arguably the best version/origin of Mr Freeze was Batman:The Animated Series. The stories here, after 1991, follow that origin more or less)
Different artists and writers are featured here. It is interesting to see the different styles.
Not as enjoyable as some of the other Arkham collections. But still fun.
December 9, 2019
Definitely an enjoyable compilation: I learned a lot about Mr. Freeze (including his less-interesting start as Mr. Zero). It was fascinating to see how this character--who was once nothing more than a "thug who became a cold-themed villain"--eventually turned into the tragic criminal fueled by lost love and revenge. Mr. Freeze, in a way, is a fascinating example of how comics have evolved over the years to give just as complex stories as any other media. An added bonus in this volume is that there's a Jason Todd Robin story--those are pretty hard to find, so I enjoyed getting to see Jason's Boy Wonder in action. If you're a Batman fan, this is a great book for not only Bat-history, but it also gives you a nice glimpse into the evolution of comics as well.
January 21, 2020
Mostly Boring, With A Few Gems
The main thing I discovered from this book? That without Nora, Mr. Freeze actually hits people with a boredom ray that just looks like ice.
Okay, that's only true metaphorically, but this is the dullest Batman Arkham book I've read yet. Mr. Freeze has been bland for decades, if this is a true indication, only becoming interesting when Nora came into his backstory.
Even then, there's only three good stories in this; the last in the collection, which I recommend. They're deeper and more interesting and make Mr. Freeze sympathetic, while still villainous.
Overall, the collection is a dud, but the last three stories are worth reading. I probably wouldn't buy it for them, but it's worth picking up from the library or maybe getting used.
The main thing I discovered from this book? That without Nora, Mr. Freeze actually hits people with a boredom ray that just looks like ice.
Okay, that's only true metaphorically, but this is the dullest Batman Arkham book I've read yet. Mr. Freeze has been bland for decades, if this is a true indication, only becoming interesting when Nora came into his backstory.
Even then, there's only three good stories in this; the last in the collection, which I recommend. They're deeper and more interesting and make Mr. Freeze sympathetic, while still villainous.
Overall, the collection is a dud, but the last three stories are worth reading. I probably wouldn't buy it for them, but it's worth picking up from the library or maybe getting used.
August 31, 2021
A nice collection of stories showing various origin stories as well as a few interactions with Batman which delve a bit deeper into Fries' motivations and psyche. It's funny seeing his unbelievably campy origins evolve into what we know of him now.
November 14, 2017
Paul Dini story here is the stand out.
August 10, 2025
This collection of Mr. Freeze comics was such a fun ride. I didn’t realize he started out as Mr. Zero in Batman comics, so it also taught me a couple things. It appears it wasn’t until later in his history that he took the name of Mr. Freeze. The older Batman comics are also way more campier, which I honestly find so charming. It’s also great to get a chronological case study of a great villain in this collection. It’s one of my favorite things about the Batman Arkham rogues gallery series. I’ve only read Poison Ivy’s along with this one, but they have both offered such an immense volume of material on characters that are essential to the Batman canon (and two I love very much).
Another thing I didn’t realize about Mr. Freeze was that the origin story involving his terminally ill wife also didn’t come until later in his story, which is arguably one of the most interesting and heartbreaking parts of his character. Victor Freeze’s need to save the love of his life adds so much depth to his story. It allows you to understand why his heart has become so cold and why he blames Batman for the end of his life as he knew it. Mr. Freeze is also a great example of a good character becoming more popular throughout time because he is layered by the brilliance of different creators throughout his run.
I can’t wait to read more of the Batman Arkham collections. I think one of the reasons Batman is popular with so many people is because he has great villains like Mr. Freeze who act as a foil to himself. Like Bruce Wayne, Victor Freeze has also been shaped by his trauma. Does that make them the same? Does it justify some of his motives? Either way, it’s questions like these that keep us coming back to these rogues because they are interesting and layered with issues that cut to the core. Also, Mr. Freeze literally freezes to people to death. As a little kid, I thought that was so freaking cool. He has one of the coolest powers. If you love Batman, I totally recommend this collection.
Another thing I didn’t realize about Mr. Freeze was that the origin story involving his terminally ill wife also didn’t come until later in his story, which is arguably one of the most interesting and heartbreaking parts of his character. Victor Freeze’s need to save the love of his life adds so much depth to his story. It allows you to understand why his heart has become so cold and why he blames Batman for the end of his life as he knew it. Mr. Freeze is also a great example of a good character becoming more popular throughout time because he is layered by the brilliance of different creators throughout his run.
I can’t wait to read more of the Batman Arkham collections. I think one of the reasons Batman is popular with so many people is because he has great villains like Mr. Freeze who act as a foil to himself. Like Bruce Wayne, Victor Freeze has also been shaped by his trauma. Does that make them the same? Does it justify some of his motives? Either way, it’s questions like these that keep us coming back to these rogues because they are interesting and layered with issues that cut to the core. Also, Mr. Freeze literally freezes to people to death. As a little kid, I thought that was so freaking cool. He has one of the coolest powers. If you love Batman, I totally recommend this collection.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews