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Batman (1940-2011) #295, 305, 306
Tales of the Batman: Gerry Conway Vol. 1
Creator Gerry Conway's classic works of the Dark Knight are collected for the first time in TALES OF THE BATMAN: GERRY CONWAY!
Conway's work in the 1980s represented some of the greatest stories ever told of Gotham City's protector, from tales featuring Two-Face, Deadshot, Killer Croc and the new Robin, Jason Todd! This graphic novel features dynamic artwork from the likes of Don Newton, Gene Colan and Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, just a few of the most well-renowned artists of all-time.
This new hardcover graphic novel collects MAN-BAT #1, DETECTIVE COMICS #463, #464, #497-499, #502-504, BATMAN #295, #305, #306, #337, BATMAN FAMILY #17, WORLD'S FINEST COMICS #250, #269, BRAVE AND THE BOLD #158, #161, #171-174.
Conway's work in the 1980s represented some of the greatest stories ever told of Gotham City's protector, from tales featuring Two-Face, Deadshot, Killer Croc and the new Robin, Jason Todd! This graphic novel features dynamic artwork from the likes of Don Newton, Gene Colan and Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, just a few of the most well-renowned artists of all-time.
This new hardcover graphic novel collects MAN-BAT #1, DETECTIVE COMICS #463, #464, #497-499, #502-504, BATMAN #295, #305, #306, #337, BATMAN FAMILY #17, WORLD'S FINEST COMICS #250, #269, BRAVE AND THE BOLD #158, #161, #171-174.
437 pages, Hardcover
First published July 18, 2017
17 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Gerry Conway
2,061 books89 followersGerard Francis Conway (Gerard F. Conway) is an American writer of comic books and television shows. He is known for co-creating the Marvel Comics' vigilante the Punisher and scripting the death of the character Gwen Stacy during his long run on The Amazing Spider-Man. At DC Comics, he is known for co-creating the superhero Firestorm and others, and for writing the Justice League of America for eight years. Conway wrote the first major, modern-day intercompany crossover, Superman vs. the Amazing Spider-Man.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 3, 2022
Tales of the Batman: Gerry Conway Vol. 1 collects stories MAN-BAT #1, DETECTIVE COMICS #463, #464, #497-499, #502-504, BATMAN #295, #305, #306, #337, BATMAN FAMILY #17, WORLD'S FINEST COMICS #250, #269, BRAVE AND THE BOLD #158, #161, #171-174.
Gerry Conway is known to many as the man who killed Gwen Stacy in the pages of Spider-Man but he's also a damn good Batman writer. In this volume, he has Jim Aparo, Michael Golden, Steve Ditko, Jose Luis Garcia Lopez, Rich Buckler, and Don Newton, among others on art.
There is a wide variety of material here and it's not all up to the standards of Conway's later work. However, I loved the two clashes with the Black Spider as well as the "Who Killed Mlle. Marie" two-parter. The Brave and the Bold issue where he teams with Scalphunter is another favorite, despite the "time travel via hypnosis" plot device that seems to have been popular in the 1970s.
Conway's Batman is a down to earth detective, as at home tracking run of the mill drug dealers as he is battling the Joker. Not only is he not invincible or infallible, he takes a couple bullets in this one and is even laid out with a fireplace poker to the back of the head. This is also during the era where the Batcave and Wayne Manor have been abandoned in favor of the Wayne Foundation building and the secret headquarters beneath.
These aren't the best Gerry Conway Batman stories but they're still a fun read. 3 out of 5 stars.
Gerry Conway is known to many as the man who killed Gwen Stacy in the pages of Spider-Man but he's also a damn good Batman writer. In this volume, he has Jim Aparo, Michael Golden, Steve Ditko, Jose Luis Garcia Lopez, Rich Buckler, and Don Newton, among others on art.
There is a wide variety of material here and it's not all up to the standards of Conway's later work. However, I loved the two clashes with the Black Spider as well as the "Who Killed Mlle. Marie" two-parter. The Brave and the Bold issue where he teams with Scalphunter is another favorite, despite the "time travel via hypnosis" plot device that seems to have been popular in the 1970s.
Conway's Batman is a down to earth detective, as at home tracking run of the mill drug dealers as he is battling the Joker. Not only is he not invincible or infallible, he takes a couple bullets in this one and is even laid out with a fireplace poker to the back of the head. This is also during the era where the Batcave and Wayne Manor have been abandoned in favor of the Wayne Foundation building and the secret headquarters beneath.
These aren't the best Gerry Conway Batman stories but they're still a fun read. 3 out of 5 stars.
Read
April 9, 2019Vigilantism is an idea, not a person.
Gerry Conway is another writer who seemed to touch every DC and Marvel character during his prime. He’s most famous for the “Death of Gwen Stacy” story from The Amazing Spider-Man, but he wrote (and created) dozens of characters, one of the biggest being Batman. Conway’s most lasting contributions to the Batman mythos, Killer Croc and Jason Todd, deserve acknowledgement at the outset. Croc and Jason both debuted in 1983, but seeing as this book collects issues up to 1981, they’re not included here. Conway also penned the famous “Rupert Thorne Saga”, which came later as well. As of this writing, the second Conway Batman volume is set for an August 28th release, and hopefully a third is forthcoming where we’ll see these issues collected.
But let’s talk about this book. Most of the stories here are decent. Conway’s a good writer, and his Batman is certainly in character. From what I can tell, there’s no overarching theme in his work, other than several stories taking place in or flashing back to historical time periods. Like Len Wein, he writes somewhat sympathetic villains, such as a vigilante intent on wiping out drug lords; a militant group bombing sites of political corruption; or Blockbuster, who just wants to belong and be understood. Throw in a Joker story here and a Scarecrow story there, and you’ve got a collection of solid Bronze Age fare.
The Black Spider issues are some of my favorites. At first glance, this Conway creation is a Spider-Man knockoff, what with his arachnid suit and apparent wall-crawling technique. The difference is Black Spider’s a gun-toting vigilante who kills drug dealers, because he himself was a victim of addiction and nearly lost his life. It’s a tough case for Batman: obviously he agrees that drug crime should be eradicated, just not by murdering dealers and importers. Conway adds another layer of drama with Black Spider taking inspiration from Batman’s vigilante justice. All this makes for a compelling villain, one who challenges Batman psychologically and ethically.
“Bad Night in Baja” from Detective Comics 497 also stands out. It’s not a unique story: Batman goes out of town to apprehend a gangster, Squid, who recently escaped Gotham City authorities. But it’s the storytelling that sets this issue apart. Take the opening two pages: there’s no narration, just some banter between three down-on-their-luck regulars at a Baja bar on a stormy night before an injured Bruce Wayne drags himself inside asking to use the phone. It immediately draws me in to the story, which later showcases Batman’s iron determination to great effect. He’s shot in the side by Squid, but keeps going and just doesn’t give up.
One of the more unique stories in this volume is a two-parter from Detective 501-502 that’s about Alfred more than anyone else. He and Lucious Fox dart off to Paris after both receiving the same mysterious letter. Batman follows them, and becomes engulfed in a murder mystery from World War II, when Alfred and Lucius both aided the French Resistance. In an emotional conclusion, it’s revealed that Alfred has a daughter, and he’s been anonymously sending her money ever since her mother, a member of the Resistance, was killed. I love Alfred, so any showcase for his character is a win for me.
Conway also goes back in time to WWII in “The Reality War” from World’s Finest 250. It’s a 56-page anniversary issue that features not only Superman, but Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, and Black Canary. He goes even further back to the Civil War in Brave and the Bold 171, where Batman teams up with Scalphunter to ensure the safe transportation of medical supplies to Union soldiers. Normally, time-travel Batman stories fall flat for me, but these boasted some strong moments that made me forgive the narrative awkwardness.
Elsewhere, this book collects five Brave and the Bold issues that I read in previous collections, plus the first story from Man-Bat’s solo series, and a handful of issues from Batman and Detective. All in all, not a bad volume. I like Conway’s take on Batman, even if it seems fairly standard for the time. He brings some intriguing narrative ideas to the table, and does strong character work for our hero and his supporting cast. I’m glad he had a go at the Caped Crusader.
Gerry Conway is another writer who seemed to touch every DC and Marvel character during his prime. He’s most famous for the “Death of Gwen Stacy” story from The Amazing Spider-Man, but he wrote (and created) dozens of characters, one of the biggest being Batman. Conway’s most lasting contributions to the Batman mythos, Killer Croc and Jason Todd, deserve acknowledgement at the outset. Croc and Jason both debuted in 1983, but seeing as this book collects issues up to 1981, they’re not included here. Conway also penned the famous “Rupert Thorne Saga”, which came later as well. As of this writing, the second Conway Batman volume is set for an August 28th release, and hopefully a third is forthcoming where we’ll see these issues collected.
But let’s talk about this book. Most of the stories here are decent. Conway’s a good writer, and his Batman is certainly in character. From what I can tell, there’s no overarching theme in his work, other than several stories taking place in or flashing back to historical time periods. Like Len Wein, he writes somewhat sympathetic villains, such as a vigilante intent on wiping out drug lords; a militant group bombing sites of political corruption; or Blockbuster, who just wants to belong and be understood. Throw in a Joker story here and a Scarecrow story there, and you’ve got a collection of solid Bronze Age fare.
The Black Spider issues are some of my favorites. At first glance, this Conway creation is a Spider-Man knockoff, what with his arachnid suit and apparent wall-crawling technique. The difference is Black Spider’s a gun-toting vigilante who kills drug dealers, because he himself was a victim of addiction and nearly lost his life. It’s a tough case for Batman: obviously he agrees that drug crime should be eradicated, just not by murdering dealers and importers. Conway adds another layer of drama with Black Spider taking inspiration from Batman’s vigilante justice. All this makes for a compelling villain, one who challenges Batman psychologically and ethically.
“Bad Night in Baja” from Detective Comics 497 also stands out. It’s not a unique story: Batman goes out of town to apprehend a gangster, Squid, who recently escaped Gotham City authorities. But it’s the storytelling that sets this issue apart. Take the opening two pages: there’s no narration, just some banter between three down-on-their-luck regulars at a Baja bar on a stormy night before an injured Bruce Wayne drags himself inside asking to use the phone. It immediately draws me in to the story, which later showcases Batman’s iron determination to great effect. He’s shot in the side by Squid, but keeps going and just doesn’t give up.
One of the more unique stories in this volume is a two-parter from Detective 501-502 that’s about Alfred more than anyone else. He and Lucious Fox dart off to Paris after both receiving the same mysterious letter. Batman follows them, and becomes engulfed in a murder mystery from World War II, when Alfred and Lucius both aided the French Resistance. In an emotional conclusion, it’s revealed that Alfred has a daughter, and he’s been anonymously sending her money ever since her mother, a member of the Resistance, was killed. I love Alfred, so any showcase for his character is a win for me.
Conway also goes back in time to WWII in “The Reality War” from World’s Finest 250. It’s a 56-page anniversary issue that features not only Superman, but Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, and Black Canary. He goes even further back to the Civil War in Brave and the Bold 171, where Batman teams up with Scalphunter to ensure the safe transportation of medical supplies to Union soldiers. Normally, time-travel Batman stories fall flat for me, but these boasted some strong moments that made me forgive the narrative awkwardness.
Elsewhere, this book collects five Brave and the Bold issues that I read in previous collections, plus the first story from Man-Bat’s solo series, and a handful of issues from Batman and Detective. All in all, not a bad volume. I like Conway’s take on Batman, even if it seems fairly standard for the time. He brings some intriguing narrative ideas to the table, and does strong character work for our hero and his supporting cast. I’m glad he had a go at the Caped Crusader.
May 13, 2018
This is a decent enough collection of Batman stories from a bygone era but, overall, there's not much here that's truly memorable.
Read
January 26, 2024Edge of the seat right from the beginning, full of twisting plots you won't see coming, great eye catching art from the start, full of three-dimensional characters and epic goings on! :D
September 26, 2017
In this era of comic book characters being either insultingly centrist or off-puttingly neocon, there's something to Batman fighting for West Virginia coal miner unions and solving a murder mystery wherein communists aren't the villains but rather a justice-seeking party. Sneak 'em in where ya can, Gerry!
It's funny that GRITTY STREET FRENCH CONNECTION Batman still has Alfred make him some nice cocoa when he gets home. This is frankly the perfect combination of Batman elements for me.
The weakest stuff comes in the form of Brave and the Bold, where Batman is just jammed into whatever hero they wanna spotlight and it takes away from at the very least Batman, and maybe the other heroes. I'm not as familiar with Firestorm and Green Lantern, so I can't really speak on those. It almost feels like fictional character Batman is putting in contractually obligated appearances in other titles and just phones it in, but they still end up pleasant and brisk reads.
Batman's jolly friendship with Superman in World's Finest is amazing stuff, and something I really hope to see on screen someday.
It's funny that GRITTY STREET FRENCH CONNECTION Batman still has Alfred make him some nice cocoa when he gets home. This is frankly the perfect combination of Batman elements for me.
The weakest stuff comes in the form of Brave and the Bold, where Batman is just jammed into whatever hero they wanna spotlight and it takes away from at the very least Batman, and maybe the other heroes. I'm not as familiar with Firestorm and Green Lantern, so I can't really speak on those. It almost feels like fictional character Batman is putting in contractually obligated appearances in other titles and just phones it in, but they still end up pleasant and brisk reads.
Batman's jolly friendship with Superman in World's Finest is amazing stuff, and something I really hope to see on screen someday.
October 23, 2017
While these mostly standalone mystery/supervillain stories may seem quaint compared to today's blacker-than-black, grim, gritty Batman multi-issue epics, these are the Batman stories that made me a fan. They're fun stories that hold together pretty well today, and the art, including Batman greats like Jim Aparo and Don Newton, is fantastic!
Want to read
July 18, 2017I can tell by a quick browse that this is going to be one of the best in this series of Batman books. And it's a terrific series. The best series of Batman books every produced. Can't wait to get into this one...
Read
September 13, 2017These are the stories I grew up on, so it was great to revisit many of them. There were also a few that I may have missed the first time or merely forgotten. You really can go home again.
August 5, 2017
Conway has never been my favorite writer. His Justice League of America and Legion of Super-Heroes runs were pretty bad overall, as was his Wonder Woman. Batman, though, was usually better for Conway. This book collects some of his earlier Batman stories before his consistent run on Detective Comics, although there are a few here.
Although there are a few clunkers, and the detective stories are ho hum, there is a Batman here that is accessible and not given over to darkness. Batman's relationship with Commissioner Gordon is strong. Robin is a trusted ally, as is Batgirl. Although some on the city council are trying to tear Batman down, he has a city that admires and appreciates his service.
A couple tales here are from World's Finest Comics, a title that co-starred Superman along with Batman for 30 years or so. One story is from the time World's Finest was a Dollar Comic, with backup strips of Wonder Woman, Black Canary, Green Arrow, and others. Conway constructs a rather complicated time travel plot that featured all of these heroes but is still nice for the era.
Conway's stories from the Batman team up book The Brave and the Bold are also included, and feature Batman fighting along Wonder Woman, Firestorm, Adam Strange, the Guardians of the Universe, and Green Lantern.
Nice art by Don Newton, Jim Aparo, and others.
A potential second volume should be forthcoming.
Although there are a few clunkers, and the detective stories are ho hum, there is a Batman here that is accessible and not given over to darkness. Batman's relationship with Commissioner Gordon is strong. Robin is a trusted ally, as is Batgirl. Although some on the city council are trying to tear Batman down, he has a city that admires and appreciates his service.
A couple tales here are from World's Finest Comics, a title that co-starred Superman along with Batman for 30 years or so. One story is from the time World's Finest was a Dollar Comic, with backup strips of Wonder Woman, Black Canary, Green Arrow, and others. Conway constructs a rather complicated time travel plot that featured all of these heroes but is still nice for the era.
Conway's stories from the Batman team up book The Brave and the Bold are also included, and feature Batman fighting along Wonder Woman, Firestorm, Adam Strange, the Guardians of the Universe, and Green Lantern.
Nice art by Don Newton, Jim Aparo, and others.
A potential second volume should be forthcoming.
October 1, 2021
Equal parts good and bad. The stories are just plain dull. Batman is frequently beat up by even the most low level villians and the plots are derivative. But the good part almost outweighs the bad. And that's the art. The only art that was not great was the Carmine Infantino, which is strange because I have never seen him turn in poor work. But among the great artists we have Jim Aparo, Steve Ditko, Michael Golden, Don Newton, Rich Buckler, and Jose Luis-Garcia. Art by all of these guys is fantastic. Too bad the stories don't match up.
May 19, 2020
At this point I can say I've read my fair share of Batman anthologies. Imagine my surprise when I found out that none of the batman stories collected here appeared in any of them. But having read the volume, I am no longer surprised. The stories here are just stale, outdated and in some cases even utterly stupid. Like who the hell writes about WWII in the late 70s and early 80s? Batman and Superman fighting Nazis more than 30 years after the war? That's just plain stupid!
May 6, 2025
A weak volume of routine work that nevertheless improves as Conway's feel for the character gets better over time. This isn't a really consistent run of work though and I particularly hate that writers were hopping about over The Brave and Bold and World's Finest titles which clearly always felt like an obligation, and only occasionally turn in decent stories. I know that Conway's Batman gets better but that didn't make this volume, overall, any less of a slog.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
February 16, 2018
This is a collection of stories from a number of comic books that I read faithfully in my youth. So this was very much a trip down memory lane. I have always liked Gerry Conway's stories; he was one of the first writers I would generally recognize and would gladly follow. So nice to read these stories again.
March 30, 2019
I really wanted to love this. It contains stories that are from my favorite era of Batman (also my personal “golden age”), but the stories were uneven to me.
Also, it seemed I was watching Rockford Files as many times as Batman got smacked in the head from behind. Also, that’s a lot of TBI there.
Also, it seemed I was watching Rockford Files as many times as Batman got smacked in the head from behind. Also, that’s a lot of TBI there.
April 11, 2020
These Batman stories from the mid-'70s through early 1981 are from my favorite era of the Darknight Detective. Particular favorites include "Scars" from BATMAN FAMILY #17 and the Mlle. Marie two-parter from DETECTIVE COMICS #501-502 that introduced Julia Pennyworth.
May 14, 2025
kooky but not very memorable. some starry interplanetary travel, a wonder woman team-up, and of course lots of midnight prowling. i liked detective comics #497: bad night in baja most (as well as the following blockbuster arc).
June 4, 2019
This is just a mighty fine collection!
March 15, 2019
Tomote en tapa dura que recopila la primera etapa de Conway en Batman. Recopila números de Detective Comics, Batman, Man-Bat, Batman Family, World's Finest Comics y Brave and The Bold.
August 15, 2022
It's the mid to late bronze era, but Conway seems like a true nerd who loves the Batman of his childhood (there's a lot of Batman getting conked on head from behind and waking up in a death trap). Sometimes that commitment to old school goofiness in the midst of a (comparatively) more self serious era of Batman comics leads to some cool issues, but more often leads to tonally challenged dopiness, like when Batman travels back in time to the Civil War. It's hard not to notice that Steve Englehart did this sort of half retro/half modern thing with a lot more imagination.
C
C
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