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Batman
Batman: Death & the Maidens
RA’S AL GHUL IS DYING
From award-winning author Greg Rucka (BATWOMAN, WONDER WOMAN) and comics legend Klaus Janson (BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, Daredevil), BATMAN: DEATH AND THE MAIDENS: THE DELUXE EDITION tells the gripping story of the final days of Ra’s al Ghul.
Ra’s al Ghul has lived for hundreds of years, but he is not immortal. Without access to his life-giving Lazarus Pit, death will come to the Demon’s Head just as it would anyone else. Ra’s knows his days are numbered, but his life’s work is far from complete. Time and again the Dark Knight has thwarted him, but now, in his final days, Ra’s must turn to the Batman for help.
In exchange for his aid, Ra’s offers Batman the opportunity of a lifetime-the chance to speak with his dead parents. But the reunion is not what Batman imagined, and what Martha and Thomas Wayne have to say to their son will profoundly change both the man and the hero.
This volume includes the complete nine-issue miniseries and prologue story as well as behind-the-scenes sketches and commentary.
From award-winning author Greg Rucka (BATWOMAN, WONDER WOMAN) and comics legend Klaus Janson (BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, Daredevil), BATMAN: DEATH AND THE MAIDENS: THE DELUXE EDITION tells the gripping story of the final days of Ra’s al Ghul.
Ra’s al Ghul has lived for hundreds of years, but he is not immortal. Without access to his life-giving Lazarus Pit, death will come to the Demon’s Head just as it would anyone else. Ra’s knows his days are numbered, but his life’s work is far from complete. Time and again the Dark Knight has thwarted him, but now, in his final days, Ra’s must turn to the Batman for help.
In exchange for his aid, Ra’s offers Batman the opportunity of a lifetime-the chance to speak with his dead parents. But the reunion is not what Batman imagined, and what Martha and Thomas Wayne have to say to their son will profoundly change both the man and the hero.
This volume includes the complete nine-issue miniseries and prologue story as well as behind-the-scenes sketches and commentary.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2004
9 people are currently reading
676 people want to read
About the author
Greg Rucka
1,494 books1,924 followersGreg Rucka, is an American comic book writer and novelist, known for his work on such comics as Action Comics, Batwoman: Detective Comics, and the miniseries Superman: World of New Krypton for DC Comics, and for novels such as his Queen & Country series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
November 4, 2023
(B+) 76% | Good
Notes: Batman plays a passive, token, background role, flashbacks and visions drive the plot, while logic and clarity suffers.
Notes: Batman plays a passive, token, background role, flashbacks and visions drive the plot, while logic and clarity suffers.
January 2, 2017
When you’ve read as much Batman as I have you basically look to the new stuff only in hopes of a great Batman story. So I was really surprised to find this overlooked 2004 storyline, Death and the Maidens, to be a hidden gem - and by Greg Rucka no less (I’m not a huge fan)!
Batman has been destroying Lazarus Pits (magical pools that rejuvenate and heal humans) leaving the centuries-old Ra’s al-Ghul, whose long life depends on the Pits, vulnerable. Ra’s is dying but makes a deal with Batman: give him a Pit and in return he’ll give him a way to speak to his dead mother and father again. But Ra’s daughter, Nyssa, has other plans for her hated father and she’s going to use her half-sister Talia to help punish him…
So this was unexpectedly awesome! Rucka introduces us to new character Nyssa and her conflicted and complex relationship with Ra’s clearly and compellingly. We see their story unfold over the course of the book but it’s told well so it never feels overly complicated or the flashbacks awkwardly placed. I was so into the al-Ghul’s family history that I’d have still enjoyed the comic without Batman!
Meanwhile, Batman has an equally interesting parents/kids-themed plotline where he embarks on a lucid dream quest to talk with his dead parents, Thomas and Martha. Without giving anything away, it’s thankfully not some syrupy, overwrought reunion and forces Bruce to ask some tough questions on his life choices. I thought it was fascinating stuff - seeing Batman emotionally challenged like this can be really exciting when it’s done as well as it is here.
I liked Klaus Janson’s art for the most part (his style is a mix of Frank Miller and Howard Chaykin) and thought his pages in Ravensbruck were especially haunting and memorable. Often though his figures are a bit too warped and sketchy and his ridiculously-waisted Talia was laughable - like Rob Liefeld/Captain America bad!
Aside from the silly Superman assassination plot that felt tacked-on at the end, Rucka’s story is fast-moving and enthralling - it’s quite a thick book comparatively but I blew through it because of the quality. The ending too is brilliant, it’s just a shame DC failed to stick with it.
Greg Rucka and Klaus Janson’s Death and the Maidens is a great Batman book - highly recommended to all fans of the Dark Knight!
Batman has been destroying Lazarus Pits (magical pools that rejuvenate and heal humans) leaving the centuries-old Ra’s al-Ghul, whose long life depends on the Pits, vulnerable. Ra’s is dying but makes a deal with Batman: give him a Pit and in return he’ll give him a way to speak to his dead mother and father again. But Ra’s daughter, Nyssa, has other plans for her hated father and she’s going to use her half-sister Talia to help punish him…
So this was unexpectedly awesome! Rucka introduces us to new character Nyssa and her conflicted and complex relationship with Ra’s clearly and compellingly. We see their story unfold over the course of the book but it’s told well so it never feels overly complicated or the flashbacks awkwardly placed. I was so into the al-Ghul’s family history that I’d have still enjoyed the comic without Batman!
Meanwhile, Batman has an equally interesting parents/kids-themed plotline where he embarks on a lucid dream quest to talk with his dead parents, Thomas and Martha. Without giving anything away, it’s thankfully not some syrupy, overwrought reunion and forces Bruce to ask some tough questions on his life choices. I thought it was fascinating stuff - seeing Batman emotionally challenged like this can be really exciting when it’s done as well as it is here.
I liked Klaus Janson’s art for the most part (his style is a mix of Frank Miller and Howard Chaykin) and thought his pages in Ravensbruck were especially haunting and memorable. Often though his figures are a bit too warped and sketchy and his ridiculously-waisted Talia was laughable - like Rob Liefeld/Captain America bad!
Aside from the silly Superman assassination plot that felt tacked-on at the end, Rucka’s story is fast-moving and enthralling - it’s quite a thick book comparatively but I blew through it because of the quality. The ending too is brilliant, it’s just a shame DC failed to stick with it.
Greg Rucka and Klaus Janson’s Death and the Maidens is a great Batman book - highly recommended to all fans of the Dark Knight!
February 4, 2019
This may be my favorite Ra's al Ghul story I've read. This is also the best art I've seen out of Klaus Janson, an artist I typically don't care for at all. His art is usually scratchy and craggy. Here with Brian Buccellato's colors, it fits the story very well.
Ra's is dying. Batman has been searching out the Lazarus pits and destroying them. A new character Nyssa is introduced who also wants revenge against Ra's. The book flashes back throughout Nyssa's life while Batman is given a potion that will allow him to communicate with the spirits of his parents. The story is never boring. There's some absolute brutal moments and real repercussions. It's a shame DC didn't stick with this story for longer.
Ra's is dying. Batman has been searching out the Lazarus pits and destroying them. A new character Nyssa is introduced who also wants revenge against Ra's. The book flashes back throughout Nyssa's life while Batman is given a potion that will allow him to communicate with the spirits of his parents. The story is never boring. There's some absolute brutal moments and real repercussions. It's a shame DC didn't stick with this story for longer.
June 8, 2017
I love to read any and all Ra's Al Ghul stories. An immortal genocidal psychopath and alchemist? Sign me up! And this is definitely some of Rucka's and Janson's better work. This was a solid read with a slow start. But once Ra's and Batman showed up the story got moving.
The five second pitch is this: Ra's needs Bats' help, and in exchange gives him a potion to talk with his dead parents. (Pretty cool, right?) Then Ra's' other daughter Nyssa tries to stop them both. That's the story. It's not exactly something "unseen in 60 years" of Batman, with the exception of the Thomas and Martha Wayne scene, but that, with more Lazarus pits and Al Ghul drama, was pretty cool.
Klaus Janson is fantastic here, and way more refined than TDKR. His illustrations are clean and pleasantly sketchy. And Steve Buccellato's colors are a perfect compliment. This book is just wonderfully illustrated.
So overall a solid 3.5 star Batman story of immortality, revenge, and haunted pasts, with awesome illustrations. Not essential, but if you like a Ra's or Talia Al Ghul story, or a story that delves into Batman's psychology, this is worth a buy.
A Very Short Note on the Deluxe Edition...
This is actually pretty nice for a DC OHC. The hardcover is sturdy with a glossy design, rather than a bland black paper, which is a nice touch. The paper, while a bit thin, is a good high gloss. And the binding is combined sewn and glued and lays flat, it's great! If you're a Batman fan you should definitely pick up this OHC, it's worth the price.
April 3, 2018
A brilliant and heartbreaking story of Ra's Al Ghul and his daughter Nyssa. I never was a big fan of this particular part of Batman's mythology, but Rucka's story is seriously very moving. We see Nyssa as she lives through the worst parts of humanity's history, from late 18th century to our days. Meanwhile, Ra's is dying, and only Batman can get him to a Lazarus pit — but what could possibly convince Bruce to save one his mortal enemies? Needless to say, I really enjoyed this one. Batman is kind of a secondary character in this book, but even he goes through some really powerful character moments, confronting his trauma from the death of his parents. But the main character, and by far the most interesting in the entire book is definitely Nyssa. What se goes through here is just unspeakable, and by the end of it I totally buy her as a compelling villain. All in all, it's a great book that deserves more attention from Batman fans.
January 23, 2022
70% | B | Great
"You were right. I don't recognise him...I don't recognise him at all"
The Al Ghul's really put the fun(?) in dysfunctional family. This is a great read with non-stop action, twists and turns, character growth, and flashbacks...so many flashbacks . Nyssa is an interesting second protagonist, with moments of her past being nicely woven into the narrative, helping to expand on a character who isn't nearly as popular as her sister, Talia. The theme of family is heavily explored through both the Waynes and the Al Ghuls who, whilst being extremely different when it comes to their dynamics, each have their own separate struggles they need to face and overcome. An absolute must read for anyone who has an interest in the Al Ghul family.
"You were right. I don't recognise him...I don't recognise him at all"
Ra's Al Ghul, in order to save himself from death, proposes a deal with The Dark Knight; a Lazarus Pit in exchange for a potion which will allow Bruce to talk to his parents
The Al Ghul's really put the fun(?) in dysfunctional family. This is a great read with non-stop action, twists and turns, character growth, and flashbacks...so many flashbacks . Nyssa is an interesting second protagonist, with moments of her past being nicely woven into the narrative, helping to expand on a character who isn't nearly as popular as her sister, Talia. The theme of family is heavily explored through both the Waynes and the Al Ghuls who, whilst being extremely different when it comes to their dynamics, each have their own separate struggles they need to face and overcome. An absolute must read for anyone who has an interest in the Al Ghul family.
July 5, 2022
This one was so good omg!
We get to see the origins of Nyssa Al ghul and like how she has returned and tormenting Ra's whose dying and so he asks for the detective's help and we see how Batman is reluctant at first and then when Ra's give s him something to talk with his dead parents and when he does, how it changes him and then the thing with us finding out how she has united with Talia and her life story and her reason for doing it, but when the final battle starts and the fate of Batman's lover Talia is there and Ra's twisted plans.. everything changes and it will change Bruce for good.
This was an epic story and there are so many great stories here like Batman moving on from the vow and all and making peace with it, us seeing how twisted Ra's is and also acts as a great prelude to Morrison's Batman run and everything there. Plus gives a great foe in Nyssa and like is she really bad or is she similar to Bruce in that regard? Questions gallore but its just fantastic and the art while not the greatest was still good and I liked it, definitely recommending it!
We get to see the origins of Nyssa Al ghul and like how she has returned and tormenting Ra's whose dying and so he asks for the detective's help and we see how Batman is reluctant at first and then when Ra's give s him something to talk with his dead parents and when he does, how it changes him and then the thing with us finding out how she has united with Talia and her life story and her reason for doing it, but when the final battle starts and the fate of Batman's lover Talia is there and Ra's twisted plans.. everything changes and it will change Bruce for good.
This was an epic story and there are so many great stories here like Batman moving on from the vow and all and making peace with it, us seeing how twisted Ra's is and also acts as a great prelude to Morrison's Batman run and everything there. Plus gives a great foe in Nyssa and like is she really bad or is she similar to Bruce in that regard? Questions gallore but its just fantastic and the art while not the greatest was still good and I liked it, definitely recommending it!
May 2, 2021
Death and the Maidens had a surprisingly good story. Unfortunately, as highly touted as the artist is, Klaus Janson, his "comic's legend" artwork didn't really do it. Sad because this story could have used some better art. Seriously in one scene, Nyssa visits Bruce at Wayne Manor and she's sitting down, as Bruce approaches her and the art is so weird that the perspective makes Bruce look like a dwarf monkey of some sort.
Now the story? It's actually rather good. There are two stories, One concerns the "death" of Ra's-al Ghul and all his various daughter's (there's two-Talia and Nyssa) daddy issues, and they do have a few. Meanwhile, Ra's has approached Batman for the location of the last Lazarus Pit. Ra's is dying of old age and is willing to trade Bruce an alchemical potion that will allow him to speak with the dead. Specifically his parents. What follows is an interesting sequence where Bruce meets his mother and father. The scene where they see Batman in his full regalia is a great scene and again highlighted a panel where some detailed art would have been great.
Anyways, the Batman-Ra's and the Talia-Nyssa twins band together to have a slug fest of a Lazarus Pit. Ra's, after spending all this time looking for a Lazarus Pit, allows himself to be supplanted by his chosen successor. Not saying who. It IS interesting.
So all in all? A really interesting story. The Nyssa-Talia connection was a bit off, but I did enjoy the Batman-Ra's interactions as well as the intriguing Bruce talks to his parents plot. It is safe to say I liked the story. The art, while by no means putrid, is just mediocre. Batman fans should enjoy this volume. But get it for the story and not the art.
Now the story? It's actually rather good. There are two stories, One concerns the "death" of Ra's-al Ghul and all his various daughter's (there's two-Talia and Nyssa) daddy issues, and they do have a few. Meanwhile, Ra's has approached Batman for the location of the last Lazarus Pit. Ra's is dying of old age and is willing to trade Bruce an alchemical potion that will allow him to speak with the dead. Specifically his parents. What follows is an interesting sequence where Bruce meets his mother and father. The scene where they see Batman in his full regalia is a great scene and again highlighted a panel where some detailed art would have been great.
Anyways, the Batman-Ra's and the Talia-Nyssa twins band together to have a slug fest of a Lazarus Pit. Ra's, after spending all this time looking for a Lazarus Pit, allows himself to be supplanted by his chosen successor. Not saying who. It IS interesting.
So all in all? A really interesting story. The Nyssa-Talia connection was a bit off, but I did enjoy the Batman-Ra's interactions as well as the intriguing Bruce talks to his parents plot. It is safe to say I liked the story. The art, while by no means putrid, is just mediocre. Batman fans should enjoy this volume. But get it for the story and not the art.
May 3, 2015
Batman makes a deal to help Ra's Al Ghul in exchange for speaking with his dead parents but this is more of a tale as to the other daughter Ra's Al Ghul had and why she hates him so.
Veteran writer Greg Rucka and veteran artist Klaus Janson contribute.
OVERALL GRADE: B plus.
Veteran writer Greg Rucka and veteran artist Klaus Janson contribute.
OVERALL GRADE: B plus.
February 9, 2017
3.5 stars. Oh man, how I've missed Batman. There will be minor spoilers in here, but I'll leave out all the good stuff just to leave you wondering and force you to read it yourself.
As usual, I dove headfirst into this not having all of the very useful prior knowledge I probably should've had, but picked up most of it along the way. (Out of curiousity, does anyone else do that, or am I just weird and impatient?)
Just for the record, I officially loathe Nyssa. This burgeoning hate shifted several times throughout the book as we learned more about her character: where she came from, what she's done, and - more importantly - just exactly what she's planning to do. I sympathize with her past, but she's taken a horrible situation and found a way to make it irrevocably worse (which is quite an achievement considering how messed up it was in the first place).
I also - hold onto your proverbial hats - found myself gulp feeling bad for Talia Al Ghul. *insert violent gagging noises here* I'm honestly disgusted with myself for what horrors she later inflicts on Damian (who I'm actually growing a soft spot for, the little punk) but this is before all that, when she was younger and ignorant and reckless and finds herself in a position where she's just grasping for someone to hold onto. Well, Nyssa, quite sadistically, inserts herself into this position (after events that I cannot explain because that's just too many spoilers). Anyway, I kinda feel dirty now. If it wasn't 12:20 A.M. here in Toronto I'd be compelled to take a shower.
There was also the entire other aspect that I also won't/can't get into much without blowing some important secrets, but I will say that Bruce gets the opportunity to possibly to talk to someone(s) who he thought for certain he would never, ever, get to speak with again - let alone hear their opinions on who he's become. I'll leave that cryptic note there.
Honestly, I might get all the background/context from reading previous volumes, I might reread this and give it a slightly higher rating, but it didn't really blow me out of the water. But suffice to say, it was worth the read if for no other reason than to get some critical background on the warped and broken mind of Talia Al Ghul. And to watch poor Bruce get completely thrown for a loop.
As usual, I dove headfirst into this not having all of the very useful prior knowledge I probably should've had, but picked up most of it along the way. (Out of curiousity, does anyone else do that, or am I just weird and impatient?)
Just for the record, I officially loathe Nyssa. This burgeoning hate shifted several times throughout the book as we learned more about her character: where she came from, what she's done, and - more importantly - just exactly what she's planning to do. I sympathize with her past, but she's taken a horrible situation and found a way to make it irrevocably worse (which is quite an achievement considering how messed up it was in the first place).
I also - hold onto your proverbial hats - found myself gulp feeling bad for Talia Al Ghul. *insert violent gagging noises here* I'm honestly disgusted with myself for what horrors she later inflicts on Damian (who I'm actually growing a soft spot for, the little punk) but this is before all that, when she was younger and ignorant and reckless and finds herself in a position where she's just grasping for someone to hold onto. Well, Nyssa, quite sadistically, inserts herself into this position (after events that I cannot explain because that's just too many spoilers). Anyway, I kinda feel dirty now. If it wasn't 12:20 A.M. here in Toronto I'd be compelled to take a shower.
There was also the entire other aspect that I also won't/can't get into much without blowing some important secrets, but I will say that Bruce gets the opportunity to possibly to talk to someone(s) who he thought for certain he would never, ever, get to speak with again - let alone hear their opinions on who he's become. I'll leave that cryptic note there.
Honestly, I might get all the background/context from reading previous volumes, I might reread this and give it a slightly higher rating, but it didn't really blow me out of the water. But suffice to say, it was worth the read if for no other reason than to get some critical background on the warped and broken mind of Talia Al Ghul. And to watch poor Bruce get completely thrown for a loop.
January 6, 2023
first good Ra's al Ghul story!!!! wow!! a bit too edgy in some instances, which I won't even get to, but overall, I liked Nyssa!! UNTIL SHE COMPLETELY BACKTRACKED AT THE VERY END :D did not enjoy that a lot.
I also felt a bit confused at the end?? She already failed her dad?? How?? Not sure, guess we'll see.
but overall I had fun! I liked Talia and Nyssa's relationship, as well as their general story arc, starting out as Totally Incidental Neighbours and moving on from there. I feel like the counterbalance of Nyssa might make Talia a somewhat more beatable character for me, it kind of started to feel that way.
The Bruce Meets His Parents Through Alchemy was also great! Grimm but great!! Really enjoyed it.
Also, if Ra's actually stayed dead I'd be like. So happy. You have no clue. At least Nyssa has more motivations to destroy humanity than Ra's"boo hoo I think people bad let me kill" al Ghul.
I also liked the little Clark cameo.
I also felt a bit confused at the end?? She already failed her dad?? How?? Not sure, guess we'll see.
but overall I had fun! I liked Talia and Nyssa's relationship, as well as their general story arc, starting out as Totally Incidental Neighbours and moving on from there. I feel like the counterbalance of Nyssa might make Talia a somewhat more beatable character for me, it kind of started to feel that way.
The Bruce Meets His Parents Through Alchemy was also great! Grimm but great!! Really enjoyed it.
Also, if Ra's actually stayed dead I'd be like. So happy. You have no clue. At least Nyssa has more motivations to destroy humanity than Ra's"boo hoo I think people bad let me kill" al Ghul.
I also liked the little Clark cameo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2016
so i saw this on my GR recommended read and i remembered reading it , i Was not particulary a big fan of this one , as the whole Nyssa broke Talia ANGLE, made a mess of things for a long time (Remember that weird Jason and Talia angle that nobody talks about anymore?) . Besides this felt less about Batman and more about Nyssa . not to forget the countless flaws i mean if Nyssa had a Lazarus pit why couldn't she just save her family members? especially since she was apparently capable of using one pit multiple times. The fact that Nyssa was forgotten in furthur future DC comics makes me feel more satisfied that her character was pretty much a Dead End . Not to forget the Red Herring angle where until the last part you can't guess whether Nyssa was a lover or daughter to Ra's still pisses me off , it's just Weird and CREEPY. Talking of CREEPY i don't even want to talk about the implications given in the conversation of Bruce with his mother .it wasn't thought out well , but oh well not like this is the worst comics or anything
March 25, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this comic. The illustrations and the writing style were different which set the stage for the comic to be unique among the other Batman comics. We get to see a character who (in my opinion) is not quite as popular as some of her relatives; Nyssa, the youngest(?) daughter of Ra's Al Ghul. We learn of her origin and what led her to be the person she is in the present. I enjoyed the flashbacks and seeing those different time periods. Plus more of Ra's! And once again, a staple in Batman comics (see my Batman: Hush review if you want to read a mini-rant about this) however, there *some* changes to the origin that made it fresh and hauntingly different. Overall, this comic was fast-paced, interesting and made me crave to know what comes next!
January 17, 2012
At the time, this was billed as the "last" Ra's al Ghul story. Maybe that really was the intention at the time, but he's shown up a time or two since. The art doesn't really do anything for me, so let's put that aside right away. It's written by Greg Rucka, whose work in the Batverse is usually good for me. This time I just couldn't get into it. Maybe it's because the character of Nyssa wasn't connecting for me (not surprising, since she's written to be disconnected herself), or because I've never been thrilled by Ra's storylines. It is by no means bad, but it wasn't something I could connect to. I did like that the trade included some behind-the-scenes content in the back, comparing the original pencils to what ends up on the final page. I always love seeing that in a book.
June 21, 2017
Considering I've never loved anything by Rucka, this wasn't bad. Rucka creates another sister for Ra's al Guhl and to my knowledge this is the first time she existed. He does an excellent job building her story and crafting her life view which drives her actions. The climax is definitely a change to the status quo. There are a couple sub-plots that to me were undeveloped.
Jansen's art could have been better, reminding me of Howard Chaykin (who's art I don't care for). It has his gritty feel to it which suits the story, but his anatomy is very distracting at times. I much prefer him as an inker.
Jansen's art could have been better, reminding me of Howard Chaykin (who's art I don't care for). It has his gritty feel to it which suits the story, but his anatomy is very distracting at times. I much prefer him as an inker.
November 25, 2018
I get that this was supposed to be a huge event but it was so mediocre. I got that it was pretty average after 5 pages in. I didn't really feel anything for this new daughter of Ras....meh.
October 21, 2020
3.5
Death and the Maidens by Greg Rucka was highly recommended to me as a one-two storyline. The other will be the resurrection of Ra's al Ghul by Grant Morrison. I tend to find it funny that I have read so much Batman comics over the years and I'm still finding out new stuff to check out. I haven't read a lot of Greg Rucka but I'm just about to open the Gotham Central Omnibus which has his name attached.
Why the 3.5?
I wasn't a giant fan of this storyline. There was promise of something grand and spectacular but it struggles to fulfil this promise. The overall storyline feels underdeveloped and I just struggled to enjoy. The book is not the worst Batman storyline out there, I do attempt to avoid things that don't carry some fan recognition. There was some nice story beats, the family reunion was a stand out for me. Death and the Maidens was a quick read when you consider the amount of issues and pages. I will say if you're a completist this will appeal to you, but for people looking for a nice jumping on point, this won't appeal to you. I honestly hate the villains breaking into the bat cave. I'm eager to read the resurrection storyline by Morrison as he is one of my favourite authors in the medium.
Death and the Maidens by Greg Rucka was highly recommended to me as a one-two storyline. The other will be the resurrection of Ra's al Ghul by Grant Morrison. I tend to find it funny that I have read so much Batman comics over the years and I'm still finding out new stuff to check out. I haven't read a lot of Greg Rucka but I'm just about to open the Gotham Central Omnibus which has his name attached.
Why the 3.5?
I wasn't a giant fan of this storyline. There was promise of something grand and spectacular but it struggles to fulfil this promise. The overall storyline feels underdeveloped and I just struggled to enjoy. The book is not the worst Batman storyline out there, I do attempt to avoid things that don't carry some fan recognition. There was some nice story beats, the family reunion was a stand out for me. Death and the Maidens was a quick read when you consider the amount of issues and pages. I will say if you're a completist this will appeal to you, but for people looking for a nice jumping on point, this won't appeal to you. I honestly hate the villains breaking into the bat cave. I'm eager to read the resurrection storyline by Morrison as he is one of my favourite authors in the medium.
January 17, 2024
Possibly the best comic I’ve bought from Dollarama yet. Klaus Jansen’s art isn’t really my cup of tea but he obviously is very talented and knows what he’s doing. With that said, the story is phenomenal. An excellent addition to the Bat-canon and truly thought provoking. I couldn’t help but think of the similarities between this and Rucka’s more recent creator owned series Old Guard. Both reflect on aging and changing relationships through the lens of immortality. Highly recommended!
August 13, 2017
This is a hard story to review. On the one hand, I like Ra's Al Ghul as far as villains go. His villainy motives are complicated, vigilantism taken to its extreme, and I can respect that. But, the thing about Bats and his parents, I'm done. Had I read more Batman than just the highlights, then I'd probably be okay with his parents' death rearing its head now and again, but it's predominant in the highlights.
Bats is way too old, he's lost so many people, saved as many if not more, has so many interesting nemeses who seem to exist because of him, and just as many heroes. More importantly, he has had so many opportunities to have worked through all his issues to still be defined by his parent's death to this extent. He's borderline irrational. However, Death and the Maidens isn't a regular my parents are dead story. It's about his parents questioning his Batman identity, and drawing negative conclusions. It's about him overcoming that negativity, and coming to the conclusion that he is Batman for himself and not for anyone else. It is fascinating. But it makes the book a bit hard to rate, because I don't like the topic itself, but I liked the execution of it.
The other part of it, Ra's Al Ghul, is dying. There are no more pits, and he has to beg Batman for the use of one. He barters a potion that lets Bats to talk to his parents. Bats says he'll think about it, but you know he's going to reach for it. There is also Nyssa - Ra's Al Ghul's other daughter, one who also has a pit, and someone who has an axe to grind with her father. Ra's in his infinite wisdom, had left Nyssa's family to die in the concentration camps of World War II Germany (Nyssa's mother was Jewish). And Nyssa uses Talia to be her sword.
Talia. I haven't read too much of her (I haven't yet gotten to Damian in the reading of my highlights). But here she goes through some really hideous things, and comes out on the other end brainwashed by Nyssa and ready to end her father. I have no idea how to feel about that, except that Nyssa isn't any better than Ra's. It's the book's point, and I find it, I don't know, simplistic? I certainly don't like it.
The artwork by Klaus Janson is great, especially in the concentration camp parts of the story, and in Talia's Lazarus Pit experience. The roses were a great touch as well. The edition I read had some of the earlier, unused artwork, and I enjoyed looking at those. Some of the panels were worth using and would have added to the continuity.
Bats is way too old, he's lost so many people, saved as many if not more, has so many interesting nemeses who seem to exist because of him, and just as many heroes. More importantly, he has had so many opportunities to have worked through all his issues to still be defined by his parent's death to this extent. He's borderline irrational. However, Death and the Maidens isn't a regular my parents are dead story. It's about his parents questioning his Batman identity, and drawing negative conclusions. It's about him overcoming that negativity, and coming to the conclusion that he is Batman for himself and not for anyone else. It is fascinating. But it makes the book a bit hard to rate, because I don't like the topic itself, but I liked the execution of it.
The other part of it, Ra's Al Ghul, is dying. There are no more pits, and he has to beg Batman for the use of one. He barters a potion that lets Bats to talk to his parents. Bats says he'll think about it, but you know he's going to reach for it. There is also Nyssa - Ra's Al Ghul's other daughter, one who also has a pit, and someone who has an axe to grind with her father. Ra's in his infinite wisdom, had left Nyssa's family to die in the concentration camps of World War II Germany (Nyssa's mother was Jewish). And Nyssa uses Talia to be her sword.
Talia. I haven't read too much of her (I haven't yet gotten to Damian in the reading of my highlights). But here she goes through some really hideous things, and comes out on the other end brainwashed by Nyssa and ready to end her father. I have no idea how to feel about that, except that Nyssa isn't any better than Ra's. It's the book's point, and I find it, I don't know, simplistic? I certainly don't like it.
The artwork by Klaus Janson is great, especially in the concentration camp parts of the story, and in Talia's Lazarus Pit experience. The roses were a great touch as well. The edition I read had some of the earlier, unused artwork, and I enjoyed looking at those. Some of the panels were worth using and would have added to the continuity.
May 19, 2022
Let's get this out of the way upfront: yes, Death and the Maidens is yet another "my parents are dead!" Batman story. How many times do we need to watch those bloody pearls hit the ground in Crime Alley?
One more time at least. Death and the Maidens offers a fine addition to the Batman legend, almost certainly because it so heavily features Ra's al Ghul and his various offspring. I've always liked the mystical manipulator whose Lazarus pits have kept him alive for ages. He's easily one of the most fascinating Batman villains and he's no slouch here, coming to Batman with the offer of a visit with his dead parents if only Batman will reveal the location of the last Lazarus pit.
The give and take between Batman and al Ghul is nicely juxtaposed with the story of Nyssa, al Ghul's daughter. Through time, we see her spurn her father and be spurned in turn, leading to a steady ethical decline that leads to the unexpected conclusion. She's just as important a character here as Batman, if not more important.
(And, to be clear, the whole mindtrip with Batman's dead parents is actually quite surprising and revealing. It's not the typical sob story with Batman reflecting on his gloomy, rage-filled life.)
A note about the art: it's largely good, with dynamic panel work, strong colors, and sweeping backgrounds. But it also features the mark of late 90's comic art where women have some pretty strange and honestly horrifying proportions. Nyssa looks largely human on one page, then on the next she has a twelve-inch neck and a pencil-thin waist. It's off-putting.
One more time at least. Death and the Maidens offers a fine addition to the Batman legend, almost certainly because it so heavily features Ra's al Ghul and his various offspring. I've always liked the mystical manipulator whose Lazarus pits have kept him alive for ages. He's easily one of the most fascinating Batman villains and he's no slouch here, coming to Batman with the offer of a visit with his dead parents if only Batman will reveal the location of the last Lazarus pit.
The give and take between Batman and al Ghul is nicely juxtaposed with the story of Nyssa, al Ghul's daughter. Through time, we see her spurn her father and be spurned in turn, leading to a steady ethical decline that leads to the unexpected conclusion. She's just as important a character here as Batman, if not more important.
(And, to be clear, the whole mindtrip with Batman's dead parents is actually quite surprising and revealing. It's not the typical sob story with Batman reflecting on his gloomy, rage-filled life.)
A note about the art: it's largely good, with dynamic panel work, strong colors, and sweeping backgrounds. But it also features the mark of late 90's comic art where women have some pretty strange and honestly horrifying proportions. Nyssa looks largely human on one page, then on the next she has a twelve-inch neck and a pencil-thin waist. It's off-putting.
October 24, 2011
I love Rucka's writing usually but perhaps the very premise of the story was too far-fetched to really work on paper. I still found it to be a gripping read—I think Ra's al Ghul is a formidable opponent to Batman because there really is something noble in his misguided attempts to purify the world. I always like the tension between the two. I wish there'd been more of that than this strange new daughter of the demon's head.
I am also a fan of Klaus Janson but I was surprised to be disappointed at a lot of his work here. I did enjoy the sequences with Bruce and his parents. And the pearls as a metaphor. I think he needs to revisit a lesson or two on drawing realistic human proportions though, especially the women!
I am also a fan of Klaus Janson but I was surprised to be disappointed at a lot of his work here. I did enjoy the sequences with Bruce and his parents. And the pearls as a metaphor. I think he needs to revisit a lesson or two on drawing realistic human proportions though, especially the women!
September 22, 2018
I liked the art and the design of the book. The story just didnt go anywhere. Disappointing. 2.5 stars.
December 30, 2021
An interesting Batman tale focusing on parental influence and family legacy.
Not only is the immortal Ra's Al Ghul dying, he is being chased to the grave by his daughter Nyssa whom he has neglected and betrayed for centuries. Meanwhile, in an attempt to prevent Batman from destroying the last Lazarus Pit, Ra's offers the detective a chance to commune with his long lost parents. Being the dutiful son that he is, Batman takes up this offer and learns some hard lessons about how he might have squandered his own potential.
There is a lot to like about Batman: Death and the Maidens. My favourite parts included snippets of the secret history between Nyssa and Ra's and the tough love Batman receives from his own deceased parents as well as his living parent, Alfred.
Rucka's storytelling is strong though I didn't particularly like how one-note he made Talia Al Ghul, the better known daughter of Ra's. She basically becomes a weapon which Nyssa turns on her father, though previous stories have shown Talia to have considerably more backbone.
Meanwhile Janson's artwork is evocative for the most part though there are some rather odd-looking panels in terms of character body shape.
These details set aside, I would say that Batman: Death and the Maidens is an important part of the Batman mythos and vital to the character arc of Ra's Al Ghul. I recommend this graphic novel to Batman fans who find themselves intrigued by The Demon's Head and his bloody path through history.
Not only is the immortal Ra's Al Ghul dying, he is being chased to the grave by his daughter Nyssa whom he has neglected and betrayed for centuries. Meanwhile, in an attempt to prevent Batman from destroying the last Lazarus Pit, Ra's offers the detective a chance to commune with his long lost parents. Being the dutiful son that he is, Batman takes up this offer and learns some hard lessons about how he might have squandered his own potential.
There is a lot to like about Batman: Death and the Maidens. My favourite parts included snippets of the secret history between Nyssa and Ra's and the tough love Batman receives from his own deceased parents as well as his living parent, Alfred.
Rucka's storytelling is strong though I didn't particularly like how one-note he made Talia Al Ghul, the better known daughter of Ra's. She basically becomes a weapon which Nyssa turns on her father, though previous stories have shown Talia to have considerably more backbone.
Meanwhile Janson's artwork is evocative for the most part though there are some rather odd-looking panels in terms of character body shape.
These details set aside, I would say that Batman: Death and the Maidens is an important part of the Batman mythos and vital to the character arc of Ra's Al Ghul. I recommend this graphic novel to Batman fans who find themselves intrigued by The Demon's Head and his bloody path through history.
February 5, 2018
A Batman story featuring Ra's Al Ghul. Batman has been destroying Lazarus pits that Ra's need to rejuvenate himself. He offers Batman the chance to speak with his parents in return for allowing him to live. At the same time we see some back story for Ra's and a new character is introduced, a daughter of Ra's who is working against both Batman and her father.
August 19, 2018
A tale of hate and revenge based around apparent immortality, speaking with the dead and Lazarus pits.
July 17, 2020
A great story based around revenge and how past will always hold us all in its grip, although it is hindered by some bad artwork.
April 26, 2024
Exploring The History of Ra's Al Ghul and unveiling the secrets.
March 1, 2025
The Al Ghuls are crazy ❤️❤️
January 6, 2022
An interesting entry in the ongoing Ras al Ghul saga, and unusual in that the events depicted seem to add to the story and move it forward, a rarity in superhero tales where normally there is a fairly rigid status quo to be maintained. Some nice, expressive artwork too.
June 6, 2022
So this book follows a similar vein to broken city where Batman is dealing with the death of his parents still but gets the chance to talk to them from ra’s in exchange for his help in finding a Lazarus pit to extend his life as he is dying.
I like everything that was done with him and his parents in this book and feel like it came to a good conclusion for his character. The book as a whole I liked, the artwork was good and a solid story but it jumped about a lot and I found it hard to follow at times with the very big time jumps randomly happening and not reading this in one go left me confused coming back to read it again.
Nevertheless I thoroughly enjoyed this Batman story and am looking forward to the next one!
I like everything that was done with him and his parents in this book and feel like it came to a good conclusion for his character. The book as a whole I liked, the artwork was good and a solid story but it jumped about a lot and I found it hard to follow at times with the very big time jumps randomly happening and not reading this in one go left me confused coming back to read it again.
Nevertheless I thoroughly enjoyed this Batman story and am looking forward to the next one!
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