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Batman: The Caped Crusader
Batman: The Caped Crusader, Vol. 2: The Origin of Robin
Gotham City is plagued by an endless supply of criminals who unleash constant chaos upon the city. But Gotham has a protector: Batman, the fearless Caped Crusader. The Dark Knight stands ever ready to fight the chaos and keep the citizens of the city safe, one night at a time.
A killer stalking Gotham's streets has his sights set on Batman. The mysterious murderer has slain innocent bystanders after clothing them in the Dark Knight's cape and cowl. Can Batman figure out who this murderous madman is before he strikes again, or will the body count continue to rise? Plus, delve into Batman's past as the origin of Batman's first alliance with Dick Grayson, the original Robin, is revealed.
An all-star cast of talent, led by legendary writers MARV WOLFMAN [NIGHTWING] and JOHN BYRNE [WONDER WOMAN] and featuring the dynamic art of JIM APARO [THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD] and MIKE DeCARLO [LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES], presents BATMAN: THE CAPED CRUSADER VOL. 2, collecting BATMAN #432-439, #443-444 and BATMAN ANNUAL #13.
A killer stalking Gotham's streets has his sights set on Batman. The mysterious murderer has slain innocent bystanders after clothing them in the Dark Knight's cape and cowl. Can Batman figure out who this murderous madman is before he strikes again, or will the body count continue to rise? Plus, delve into Batman's past as the origin of Batman's first alliance with Dick Grayson, the original Robin, is revealed.
An all-star cast of talent, led by legendary writers MARV WOLFMAN [NIGHTWING] and JOHN BYRNE [WONDER WOMAN] and featuring the dynamic art of JIM APARO [THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD] and MIKE DeCARLO [LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES], presents BATMAN: THE CAPED CRUSADER VOL. 2, collecting BATMAN #432-439, #443-444 and BATMAN ANNUAL #13.
303 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2019
38 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Marv Wolfman
2,302 books304 followersMarvin A. "Marv" Wolfman is an award-winning American comic book writer. He is best known for lengthy runs on The Tomb of Dracula, creating Blade for Marvel Comics, and The New Teen Titans for DC Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 8, 2020
What can I say? It’s early 90s Batman. It’s angsty, dark, bleak, and hornswaggled (I have no idea what that last word means nor if it applies; it just sort of happened). It’s got some great Jim Aparo artwork, a weird gap that skips over the introduction of Tim Drake (even though that’s what the volume promises), and smells a little bit like sausage. It’s good fun if you grew up on comics during this era (I started reading in the late 80s), but I’m not sure how much you’d love it if you weren’t steeped in the excess and sensibility of that time in comics (on the plus side, there are no holofoil lenticular refraction covers anywhere in here).
Still, worth a read for Batfans.
Still, worth a read for Batfans.
September 2, 2019
"The Origin of Robin" tagline on the cover is a bit of a misnomer as Tim Drake's first appearance in "A Lonely Place of Dying" is omitted even though it's all over the marketing materials. It looks like DC thought they could make more money by pulling it out and making you buy that separate. It does make the last two issues a bit strange as Batman is training Tim to be Robin without any other kind of introduction without those missing issues. The book does have "Year Three" which flashbacks to Dick becoming Bruce's ward while Boss Zucco is granted parole in the present. There's also some guest arcs before Marv Wolfman comes on the book permanently after Jim Starlin's departure. Christopher Priest (in his Jim Owlsley pseudonym) and John Byrne both bring it in some solo arcs in the meantime. This is the era right after Jason Todd was murdered by the Joker and Batman doesn't handle it well at all. Jim Aparo is still the main artist on the book and he remains THE Batman artist in my opinion.
June 16, 2019
Unfortunately, I increasingly find these post-Crisis Batman collections to be a bit of a disaster. All three volumes now (starting with Batman: Second Chances) have omitted a major story because DC makes money selling it elsewhere. Great, but we get gaps in these supposedly complete collections which keep them from telling a coherent story. This time around, DC omitted "A Lonely Place of Dying", which is bitterly ironic because all of the advertising material for this volume ... talks about "A Lonely Place of Dying". (It's presumably going to be returnable since DC lied about the content.)
This volume is also troubled by its wavering focus from #432-435, as a result of the departure of Starlin. Fortunately it gets back on track with #436 when Marv Wolfman takes over.
Dead Letter Office (#432). Another Priest story. Batman looks for a lost boy. It's actually quite a good story, because Priest makes it all about the recent loss of Robin [3+/5].
Faces (Annual #13). Priest writes Two-Face. It's a cute little mystery, and it does a good job of showing Bruce's darkening morals, but as is so often the case, it's been lengthened too much for this annual [3+/5].
The Many Deaths of Batman (#433-435). Oh where has Starlin gone? Our rotating cast of creators continues with a one-off by John Byrne that offers a fun mystery: why are people dying in Batman costumes? It's a nice self-contained story whose only flaws are the fact that it could fit just about anywhere in continuity (as opposed to being part of an ongoing comic) and it drags a bit in its final issue [4/5].
Year Three (#436-439). The title of this book is a misnomer. There are flashbacks to Batman's "Year Three", where he was joined by Robin, but they're a minor element of the story, which is primarily set in the present (albeit a present that reflects upon that "Year Three" storyline). Despite that bit of false advertising, this is still a good story.
The best part of the main story is that we get the first deep focus on Bruce's reaction to Jason's death, something that's been a long time coming. Having Nightwing try to help Bruce cope is terrific (and helps to tie to the main plotline of the murderer of Dick's parents getting parole). What we do get of "Year Three", focusing on Robin, is also pretty good. Even if it's not fully a "Year X" story like its predecessors, Marv Wolfman's script is still a very strong Batman story. [4+/5].
(This is where a Lonely Place of Dying should go, but not only does DC skip it, but once again, they don't even bother to mention the omission, and so readers confusingly meet Tim in the next issue with no explanation.)
Crimesmith (#443-444). Wolfman's next arc features a new secret villain, Crimesmith, whose mysterious introduction feels very-Wolfman. We also get a better indication of what a Wolfman Batman story is: it's more focused on Bruce as a person, and even Waynetech. Though Starlin told some great Batman stories, this change in focus is very welcome [4/5]. (Shockingly, this would be the only appearance of this Crimesmith, though the last panel foreshadowed there were more tales to be told.)
This volume is also troubled by its wavering focus from #432-435, as a result of the departure of Starlin. Fortunately it gets back on track with #436 when Marv Wolfman takes over.
Dead Letter Office (#432). Another Priest story. Batman looks for a lost boy. It's actually quite a good story, because Priest makes it all about the recent loss of Robin [3+/5].
Faces (Annual #13). Priest writes Two-Face. It's a cute little mystery, and it does a good job of showing Bruce's darkening morals, but as is so often the case, it's been lengthened too much for this annual [3+/5].
The Many Deaths of Batman (#433-435). Oh where has Starlin gone? Our rotating cast of creators continues with a one-off by John Byrne that offers a fun mystery: why are people dying in Batman costumes? It's a nice self-contained story whose only flaws are the fact that it could fit just about anywhere in continuity (as opposed to being part of an ongoing comic) and it drags a bit in its final issue [4/5].
Year Three (#436-439). The title of this book is a misnomer. There are flashbacks to Batman's "Year Three", where he was joined by Robin, but they're a minor element of the story, which is primarily set in the present (albeit a present that reflects upon that "Year Three" storyline). Despite that bit of false advertising, this is still a good story.
The best part of the main story is that we get the first deep focus on Bruce's reaction to Jason's death, something that's been a long time coming. Having Nightwing try to help Bruce cope is terrific (and helps to tie to the main plotline of the murderer of Dick's parents getting parole). What we do get of "Year Three", focusing on Robin, is also pretty good. Even if it's not fully a "Year X" story like its predecessors, Marv Wolfman's script is still a very strong Batman story. [4+/5].
(This is where a Lonely Place of Dying should go, but not only does DC skip it, but once again, they don't even bother to mention the omission, and so readers confusingly meet Tim in the next issue with no explanation.)
Crimesmith (#443-444). Wolfman's next arc features a new secret villain, Crimesmith, whose mysterious introduction feels very-Wolfman. We also get a better indication of what a Wolfman Batman story is: it's more focused on Bruce as a person, and even Waynetech. Though Starlin told some great Batman stories, this change in focus is very welcome [4/5]. (Shockingly, this would be the only appearance of this Crimesmith, though the last panel foreshadowed there were more tales to be told.)
October 23, 2020
I remember these stories from their original publications, and my opinion now is pretty much what it was back then: You would think that DC, hot on the heels of the blockbuster Tim Burton film, would have planned better for the monthly exploits of their most popular character. Instead, in the wake of Jim Starlin's departure, we get different writers popping in and doing self-contained arcs, completely missing the golden opportunity of showing us how Batman might deal with the brutal murder of his partner, Jason Todd. John Byrne's three-issue arc is meh, at best, Marv Wolfman brings his wordy blandness to bear, and Jim Owsley contributes an interesting cold case mystery and a staggeringly bad Annual.Add in DC's bizarre decision to completely omit the five-issue "A Lonely Place of Dying" arc, and you've got a blah, fill-in quality collection. At least there's lots of lovely Jim Aparo Bat-art on display....
February 26, 2019
It's Batman but it's Batman from 30 years ago.
If you're younger than the stories featured in this collection you might not dig it. I imagine it might feel at least a little antiquated to you. Every generation has their own notion of what Batman is.
But if you've got a little gray in your beard (or hair, or whatever) like I do - then there's a good chance these Batman tales will feel like old friends who've been absent for far too long.
If you're younger than the stories featured in this collection you might not dig it. I imagine it might feel at least a little antiquated to you. Every generation has their own notion of what Batman is.
But if you've got a little gray in your beard (or hair, or whatever) like I do - then there's a good chance these Batman tales will feel like old friends who've been absent for far too long.
August 11, 2024
O luto é mesmo estranho.
Estar de luto é diferente para toda a gente. É um buraco enorme dentro de nós, uma pessoa que se foi. Nunca mais ouvir a sua voz. Nunca mais a abraçar. Nunca mais. O tempo não volta atrás.
O luto é diferente para toda a gente.
Como é que um indivíduo que se veste de morcego para dar porrada em criminosos lida com o luto?
O Jason Todd, segundo Robin, morreu. O Joker matou-o.
Naturalmente, a cruzada do Batman continua. Até porque é essa a natureza de uma BD mensal. Não pode parar só porque uma personagem morreu. Tem que continuar a lançar capítulos ("issues"), tem que vender. Mas o luto é parar. É desistir de tudo, por uns dias, meses ou anos. O buraco não desaparece. Mas a vida continua.
Então, afinal, como é que se conjuga o luto com uma BD que tem de lançar issues todos os meses? Em que todos os capítulos têm de ter um mistério, um crime, um assassinato? E esse crime que ser resolvido pelo protagonista. Tudo isto por imposição editorial.
Batman: The Caped Crusader, vol. 2 responde a todas estas perguntas. Bem, ou mal? Não sei, porque o luto é diferente para toda a gente.
A arte neste volume é maioritariamente fornecida pelo grande Jim Aparo. É uma arte limpa, fácil de entender, sem grandes apetrechos, mas muito bem desenhada. Nos issues que são ilustrados por outrem, sentimos saudades do velho mestre, que serve a história que se conta aqui lindamente.
O escritor Jim Starlin acabou a sua “run” no vol. 1. Coube, então, a outros escritores interpretar o luto. Christopher Priest (melhor conhecido pela sua contribuição ao Black Panther) escreve aqui 1 issue e um Annual razoável, e John Byrne (que por esta altura andava a escrever as comics do Super-Homem) escreve um pequeno arc de 3 issues, The Many Death of the Batman, antes de Marv Wolfman começar a sua run. Cada um deles se vai aproximando, aos poucos, da resposta.
Será que o luto é ficar obcecado com um caso arquivado há sete anos?
Ou talvez seja acordar todas as noites com suores frios, com pesadelos do que perdemos. Ou será que o luto é morrer? Morrer várias vezes, de seguida? Até recuperarmos, e continuarmos a viver.
Se calhar, no caso do Batman, o luto é continuar a vestir-se de morcego, e dar porrada em criminosos. O luto desta personagem fictícia, e o objetivo real da DC Comics alinham-se, então: continua-se a lutar, continua-se a publicar BDs.
E no final deste livro, a pergunta muda. Deixa de ser “como é que o Batman lida com o luto?”, e passa a ser, “afinal, o Batman precisa de um Robin?”.
Depois da história “Year 3”, presente neste volume, é leitura necessária a história “A Lonely Place of Dying”, presente noutras coleções. São os meandros do departamento editorial da DC, a complicação desnecessária. Mas a vida segue.
“Batman needs a Robin”, diz Tim Drake. Se calhar é verdade. É pena essa história não estar incluída neste volume.
O luto continua. A luta também.
Leitura adicional: Batman: Turning Points issue #3, World’s Finest (1999) issue #7, Batman: A Lonely Place of Dying
Estar de luto é diferente para toda a gente. É um buraco enorme dentro de nós, uma pessoa que se foi. Nunca mais ouvir a sua voz. Nunca mais a abraçar. Nunca mais. O tempo não volta atrás.
O luto é diferente para toda a gente.
Como é que um indivíduo que se veste de morcego para dar porrada em criminosos lida com o luto?
O Jason Todd, segundo Robin, morreu. O Joker matou-o.
Naturalmente, a cruzada do Batman continua. Até porque é essa a natureza de uma BD mensal. Não pode parar só porque uma personagem morreu. Tem que continuar a lançar capítulos ("issues"), tem que vender. Mas o luto é parar. É desistir de tudo, por uns dias, meses ou anos. O buraco não desaparece. Mas a vida continua.
Então, afinal, como é que se conjuga o luto com uma BD que tem de lançar issues todos os meses? Em que todos os capítulos têm de ter um mistério, um crime, um assassinato? E esse crime que ser resolvido pelo protagonista. Tudo isto por imposição editorial.
Batman: The Caped Crusader, vol. 2 responde a todas estas perguntas. Bem, ou mal? Não sei, porque o luto é diferente para toda a gente.
A arte neste volume é maioritariamente fornecida pelo grande Jim Aparo. É uma arte limpa, fácil de entender, sem grandes apetrechos, mas muito bem desenhada. Nos issues que são ilustrados por outrem, sentimos saudades do velho mestre, que serve a história que se conta aqui lindamente.
O escritor Jim Starlin acabou a sua “run” no vol. 1. Coube, então, a outros escritores interpretar o luto. Christopher Priest (melhor conhecido pela sua contribuição ao Black Panther) escreve aqui 1 issue e um Annual razoável, e John Byrne (que por esta altura andava a escrever as comics do Super-Homem) escreve um pequeno arc de 3 issues, The Many Death of the Batman, antes de Marv Wolfman começar a sua run. Cada um deles se vai aproximando, aos poucos, da resposta.
Será que o luto é ficar obcecado com um caso arquivado há sete anos?
Ou talvez seja acordar todas as noites com suores frios, com pesadelos do que perdemos. Ou será que o luto é morrer? Morrer várias vezes, de seguida? Até recuperarmos, e continuarmos a viver.
Se calhar, no caso do Batman, o luto é continuar a vestir-se de morcego, e dar porrada em criminosos. O luto desta personagem fictícia, e o objetivo real da DC Comics alinham-se, então: continua-se a lutar, continua-se a publicar BDs.
E no final deste livro, a pergunta muda. Deixa de ser “como é que o Batman lida com o luto?”, e passa a ser, “afinal, o Batman precisa de um Robin?”.
Depois da história “Year 3”, presente neste volume, é leitura necessária a história “A Lonely Place of Dying”, presente noutras coleções. São os meandros do departamento editorial da DC, a complicação desnecessária. Mas a vida segue.
“Batman needs a Robin”, diz Tim Drake. Se calhar é verdade. É pena essa história não estar incluída neste volume.
O luto continua. A luta também.
Leitura adicional: Batman: Turning Points issue #3, World’s Finest (1999) issue #7, Batman: A Lonely Place of Dying
June 28, 2023
This collection of issues from the late 80’s felt very “Batman-y” in very good ways. These issues focus on Batman dealing with the death of Jason Todd, with a child finding Batman and pleading to be the next Robin, with a serial killer dressing his victims as Batman, with Tony Zucco being paroled from prison, and with the Crimesmith plotting crimes behind the scenes. I love that we see how Batman really must use his detective skills in these stories, but what stands out in the biggest way this collection would be the characters around him, specifically Dick Grayson, Alfred, and Tim Drake and how they help Batman through all of these story arcs.
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June 30, 2023batman is so cool
February 1, 2022
An enjoyable if not overly impactful collection of Batman stories. For some reason, digital descriptions of this book say it includes "A Lonely Place of Dying," which it doesn't, but I have that in Batman (1940-2011): A Death in the Family The Deluxe Edition so it's not a big deal.
I enjoyed the artwork by Jim Aparo, Pat Broderick, Michael Blair, Malcolm Jones III quite a bit, and of course, the covers by George Perez contained within are absolutely stunning.
Go in with low expectations and you just might be pleasantly surprised.
I enjoyed the artwork by Jim Aparo, Pat Broderick, Michael Blair, Malcolm Jones III quite a bit, and of course, the covers by George Perez contained within are absolutely stunning.
Go in with low expectations and you just might be pleasantly surprised.
January 19, 2023
These Batman collections continue to hold great stories moving the overall world of Batman forward. This particular volume follows the events of ‘A Death In The Family’ (so maybe read that first for certain plot points to make sense). We see the change in Batman after losing Jason in the horrific event and his reaction is not healthy. He’s angry and has taken down all reminders that Jason was his partner, Robin. He’s become more violent and reckless, forgetting his own lessons of keeping a clear head and thinking before doing. The main story in this volume is the storyline ‘Year 3’, which revolves around Gotham going through an intense gang war and Tony Zucco possibly being released from prison. It also shows a bit of Dick Grayson’s (Nightwing/the first Robin) origin and flashbacks displaying how he became Bruce Wayne’s ward and eventual crime fighting partner. Dick is worried about how Bruce is handling the war going on and his rejection to properly grieve the death of Jason. Along with that, Dick is unaware that the man who killed his parents is days away from being a free man and he has no intentions of being a better person.
Main writer is Marv Wolfman and once again he can do no wrong with writing the caped crusader. His focus on Batman’s reaction to the death of Jason was sort of the main focal point which I found to be very interesting and done well. His ‘Year 3’ storyline was also super entertaining and he gives great character depth on Dick Grayson. I love how he shines on the relationship between Dick and Alfred, showing that they have their own unique bond/care for one another. Aside from that it’s some great detective stories and Batman working solo again. Another aspect I love about this era of Batman is how Wolfman writes the city of Gotham. It feels as important to the series as the characters and it overall just feels real. It’s similar to how Frank Miller wrote it in ‘Year one’ and it shows the great detail the team put into this comic back in the day.
Jim Aparo continues to be the artist superstar with Mike DeCarlo providing some great ink work. A quick shout out to Pat Broderick though as he was the main artist for the ‘Year 3’ storyline. Once again Aparo captures the perfect look for Batman, and it’s overall a classic/familiar look. Similar to how I said Wolfman writes a great Gotham City, Aparo obviously is the one displaying it with his art and he does it masterfully. It’s done in a way that feels like a place you might’ve been in before (New York, Chicago, etc.) but still has the out of world element that makes it such an iconic location in fiction. It’s dirty, gritty, and is just the place that would need a character like Batman.
Overall this was another great volume of a great era in the history of Batman. Great writing, plotting, pacing, and artwork. What’s not to like?
Main writer is Marv Wolfman and once again he can do no wrong with writing the caped crusader. His focus on Batman’s reaction to the death of Jason was sort of the main focal point which I found to be very interesting and done well. His ‘Year 3’ storyline was also super entertaining and he gives great character depth on Dick Grayson. I love how he shines on the relationship between Dick and Alfred, showing that they have their own unique bond/care for one another. Aside from that it’s some great detective stories and Batman working solo again. Another aspect I love about this era of Batman is how Wolfman writes the city of Gotham. It feels as important to the series as the characters and it overall just feels real. It’s similar to how Frank Miller wrote it in ‘Year one’ and it shows the great detail the team put into this comic back in the day.
Jim Aparo continues to be the artist superstar with Mike DeCarlo providing some great ink work. A quick shout out to Pat Broderick though as he was the main artist for the ‘Year 3’ storyline. Once again Aparo captures the perfect look for Batman, and it’s overall a classic/familiar look. Similar to how I said Wolfman writes a great Gotham City, Aparo obviously is the one displaying it with his art and he does it masterfully. It’s done in a way that feels like a place you might’ve been in before (New York, Chicago, etc.) but still has the out of world element that makes it such an iconic location in fiction. It’s dirty, gritty, and is just the place that would need a character like Batman.
Overall this was another great volume of a great era in the history of Batman. Great writing, plotting, pacing, and artwork. What’s not to like?
July 15, 2020
This is a really strong collection of Batman (and Robin) stories and I think a really good indicator of the type of stories that end up proliferating the Bat-comics in the 90s. Even though there's a few separate stories throughout they all feel strung together by the permeation of Bruce's grief over the recent, tragic death of Robin (Jason Todd). The first two stories are by the excellent Christopher Priest - a one-shot and an annual and they're both good. Issue 432 really emphasizes how Jason was Bruce's son and the grief and guilt that have plagued him since his death. And I might be biased, but the annual (which has one of the first post-Killing Joke appearances of the lovely Barbara Gordon) is also a great story. OK, mainly just the prologue which has Jason getting into trouble and Babs suiting up as Batgirl to the chagrin of her father with the great line: "You remember my name! I'm flattered." Next is a 3 issue John Byrne tale that starts with a promising, textless first issue and ends up a little convoluted - but I sure had fun getting to the end. Finally, Wolfman comes on with Batman: Year Three which retells Dick Grayson's origin story intertwined with present Dick (now Nightwing) returning to Gotham to deal with Bruce spiraling over Jason's death. I really loved the flashback bits but the overwhelming focus on Zucco just wasn't interesting to me. For some reason (corporate greed), this collection skips the iconic story "A Lonely Place of Dying," the introduction of Tim Drake as the third Robin. This definitely could cause confusion as the last two issues have Tim training to take over the role while Bruce solves the mystery of the "Crimesmith."
Overall, a very cohesive collection (minus the jarring exclusion of "A Lonely Place of Dying") with solid writing across the board and good art from Aparo. Ideal for fans of the Batfamily.
Overall, a very cohesive collection (minus the jarring exclusion of "A Lonely Place of Dying") with solid writing across the board and good art from Aparo. Ideal for fans of the Batfamily.
September 9, 2019
Mixed bag here.
The first issue and annual are decent, if nothing to write home about.
The three parter "The Many Deaths of Batman" started out okay but ultimately turned out to be dog-shit. This was a surprise seeing as though John Byrne was usually a pretty dependable writer.
"Batman Year 3" was pretty enjoyable, telling the story of how Dick Grayson became Robin (whilst sneaking a first appearance of future Robin Tim Drake) and at the same time having Batman go a bit loopy over the recent death of Jason Todd.
The last 2 issues take place after the 5 issue Batman/New Titans crossover which properly introduces Tim Drake. Unfortunately you'd have to read that elsewhere (I read it in the current edition of "Death in the family"). These issues are about The Crimesmith and were reasonably enjoyable.
The first issue and annual are decent, if nothing to write home about.
The three parter "The Many Deaths of Batman" started out okay but ultimately turned out to be dog-shit. This was a surprise seeing as though John Byrne was usually a pretty dependable writer.
"Batman Year 3" was pretty enjoyable, telling the story of how Dick Grayson became Robin (whilst sneaking a first appearance of future Robin Tim Drake) and at the same time having Batman go a bit loopy over the recent death of Jason Todd.
The last 2 issues take place after the 5 issue Batman/New Titans crossover which properly introduces Tim Drake. Unfortunately you'd have to read that elsewhere (I read it in the current edition of "Death in the family"). These issues are about The Crimesmith and were reasonably enjoyable.
August 4, 2023
For the most part, this one is extremely mediocre. Not bad by any means, other than the fact that it should NOT be focusing on forgettable short stories whenever Jason just died. Surprised they're not milking Bruce's grief. The only story here that really deals with it is Year 3, which I'll get into later.
"Dead Letter Office" is probably the second best story here. Mostly because it's only one that even addresses Batman's grief. Batman brings up an old cold case of a supposed kidnapping after catching a private investigator and questioning her. Some fairly compelling dialogue like the PI asking Batman "Can you imagine losing a son like that?" It hits too close to home for ol' Batsy and he ends up giving his all to solve the case. About a 3.5.
The Annual here isn't enjoyable. Probably a 2.5. Full of what I'm pretty sure are continuity errors (or at least retconned stuff), bland Two-Face (who is my favorite Bat-rogue), and constantly confusing or boring story. For an annual it's incredibly skippable and contributes absolutley nothing. Oh yeah, the art is also pretty ugly. Some cool pages but it draws Batman with human eyes (not even any makeup, just plain creepy eyes).
I haven't very mixed opinions on "Waiting in the Wings". Adds some strange but also somewhat interesting lore and gives Alfred a little extra personality and inner dialogue that I always enjoy. Probably a 3 star.
"The Many Deaths of the Batman" is solid. It doesn't stand out in the thousands of Batman stories, but it's definitley fun and enjoyable. 3rd best in this collection. The only issue is that it's very separate from the current events in an era where it's very important to focus on Jason's death and Batman's grief.
"Crimesmith" is mediocre. I just don't care about it. 3 stars.
Year 3 though... WOW. Probably flawed but it stands out a LOT in this collection (and in comparison to the dumpster fire that was Year Two). It's a solid 4.5 for me. Although it focuses more on Dick than Batman, it still ends up being a perfect plot device to explore Bruce's grief.
It reveals that Batman has been handling Jason's grief horribly. More than horribly, actually. He's getting rid of everything that reminds him of him and acting like he never existed. In addition, he's much more violent with criminals. It's no longer about justice, and he's no longer thinking. It's about vengeance and rage now.
It explores how Batman has become deeply, deeply flawed through the lens of someone who has witnessed Batman's darkest moments and who was one of Batmans first mistakes while mirroring it with memories of a much more peaceful man seeking justice. It's compelling, entertaining, and definitley much better than everything else in this collection. Single-handedly bumps it up to a 4 star.
"Dead Letter Office" is probably the second best story here. Mostly because it's only one that even addresses Batman's grief. Batman brings up an old cold case of a supposed kidnapping after catching a private investigator and questioning her. Some fairly compelling dialogue like the PI asking Batman "Can you imagine losing a son like that?" It hits too close to home for ol' Batsy and he ends up giving his all to solve the case. About a 3.5.
The Annual here isn't enjoyable. Probably a 2.5. Full of what I'm pretty sure are continuity errors (or at least retconned stuff), bland Two-Face (who is my favorite Bat-rogue), and constantly confusing or boring story. For an annual it's incredibly skippable and contributes absolutley nothing. Oh yeah, the art is also pretty ugly. Some cool pages but it draws Batman with human eyes (not even any makeup, just plain creepy eyes).
I haven't very mixed opinions on "Waiting in the Wings". Adds some strange but also somewhat interesting lore and gives Alfred a little extra personality and inner dialogue that I always enjoy. Probably a 3 star.
"The Many Deaths of the Batman" is solid. It doesn't stand out in the thousands of Batman stories, but it's definitley fun and enjoyable. 3rd best in this collection. The only issue is that it's very separate from the current events in an era where it's very important to focus on Jason's death and Batman's grief.
"Crimesmith" is mediocre. I just don't care about it. 3 stars.
Year 3 though... WOW. Probably flawed but it stands out a LOT in this collection (and in comparison to the dumpster fire that was Year Two). It's a solid 4.5 for me. Although it focuses more on Dick than Batman, it still ends up being a perfect plot device to explore Bruce's grief.
It reveals that Batman has been handling Jason's grief horribly. More than horribly, actually. He's getting rid of everything that reminds him of him and acting like he never existed. In addition, he's much more violent with criminals. It's no longer about justice, and he's no longer thinking. It's about vengeance and rage now.
It explores how Batman has become deeply, deeply flawed through the lens of someone who has witnessed Batman's darkest moments and who was one of Batmans first mistakes while mirroring it with memories of a much more peaceful man seeking justice. It's compelling, entertaining, and definitley much better than everything else in this collection. Single-handedly bumps it up to a 4 star.
February 11, 2023
This got to be some of my favorite stuff I have read of Batman omg, I loved it!
So the story starting with Batman reeling over the death of Jason and how its made him more brutal, some stories showing how he helps cases of a missing child and how it hits home for him and then a story of how he helps an innocent man named Freedie and helps him to be free of the clutches of false allegations and how Two-face factors into it and I love it, the banter between them and the master of disguise Bruce haha I love it!
And then the story "The many deaths of batman" was so fun, its by Byrne and one issue was so silent and the mystery deepens and its a great reveal of who the murderer was and the why of it all, classic twist one would say but it was well executed!
Then the big story with the release of Anthony Zucco and Batman becoming even more brutal and the return of Nightwing and we get to see flashbacks of how he came to be, and his whole origin and its so well explored here and one story that makes you love this collection even more annd I love how Wolfman writes them and this great dynamic and sort of Bruce getting acceptance and moving on and showing the special bond between them and I love it!
And there's a two-parter vs Crimesmith which is alright and makes for decent stories and I really enjoyed it!
So yeah do read it, you're gonna be reading some epic, grounded stories and continuing the effect of what happened to Jason and how Bruce is coping with it and also hint of a new robin! Plus the amazing art of Jim Aparo which is next level!! <3!
So the story starting with Batman reeling over the death of Jason and how its made him more brutal, some stories showing how he helps cases of a missing child and how it hits home for him and then a story of how he helps an innocent man named Freedie and helps him to be free of the clutches of false allegations and how Two-face factors into it and I love it, the banter between them and the master of disguise Bruce haha I love it!
And then the story "The many deaths of batman" was so fun, its by Byrne and one issue was so silent and the mystery deepens and its a great reveal of who the murderer was and the why of it all, classic twist one would say but it was well executed!
Then the big story with the release of Anthony Zucco and Batman becoming even more brutal and the return of Nightwing and we get to see flashbacks of how he came to be, and his whole origin and its so well explored here and one story that makes you love this collection even more annd I love how Wolfman writes them and this great dynamic and sort of Bruce getting acceptance and moving on and showing the special bond between them and I love it!
And there's a two-parter vs Crimesmith which is alright and makes for decent stories and I really enjoyed it!
So yeah do read it, you're gonna be reading some epic, grounded stories and continuing the effect of what happened to Jason and how Bruce is coping with it and also hint of a new robin! Plus the amazing art of Jim Aparo which is next level!! <3!
August 5, 2025
Do you enjoy Batman and comics from the 1980s? If so this trade paperback assembles Batman issues 432-439, #443-444 and BATMAN ANNUAL #13 that were published in the 80s. They were a lot of fun to read.
The first story is called “Dead Letter Office” and is just a single issue with Batman looking for a lost boy and there’s a bit of reflection of the lost of Robin. The next story spans three issues and it involves the death of men who are dressed up as Batman. At first people actually thought Batman did die before they figure something strange is going on. This story was pretty good. Batman Year Three is the next story and I was surprised with the title; I have read Batman Year One, Batman Year Two, and even Batman Year Zero…but a Batman year three? This was a pretty neat story where Nightwing (one of the Robin who grew up) is involved, we see Batman struggles with his lost of one of the death of one of the other Robin in the middle of crime fighting. It spans four issues. The next story found in issues 443-444 involves a villain name Crimesmith which the criminals working under him are scared of. I like how here too is the theme of Robin, but this time it is a young kid still training to be a future Robin name Tim.
Overall great stories in the issues; I had fun reading them with my kids at night before they go to sleep; they always want me to read more but we got to stop so they can go to sleep!
The first story is called “Dead Letter Office” and is just a single issue with Batman looking for a lost boy and there’s a bit of reflection of the lost of Robin. The next story spans three issues and it involves the death of men who are dressed up as Batman. At first people actually thought Batman did die before they figure something strange is going on. This story was pretty good. Batman Year Three is the next story and I was surprised with the title; I have read Batman Year One, Batman Year Two, and even Batman Year Zero…but a Batman year three? This was a pretty neat story where Nightwing (one of the Robin who grew up) is involved, we see Batman struggles with his lost of one of the death of one of the other Robin in the middle of crime fighting. It spans four issues. The next story found in issues 443-444 involves a villain name Crimesmith which the criminals working under him are scared of. I like how here too is the theme of Robin, but this time it is a young kid still training to be a future Robin name Tim.
Overall great stories in the issues; I had fun reading them with my kids at night before they go to sleep; they always want me to read more but we got to stop so they can go to sleep!
June 7, 2019
The title "The Origin of Robin" is misleading. The description of the book says that it "[c]ollects Batman #433-444 and Batman Annual #13", however, it does not have Batman #440 - 442 (A Lonely Place of Dying), which is the Origin of the Tim Drake Robin. I personally don't mind since I have a copy of A Lonely Place of Dying so I won't consider that in this review.
I bought this book because of the Many Deaths of Batman arc. The first issue was really intriguing since it didn't really have a lot of dialogue, so it tries to let the reader figure out what was happening in the story. The rest of the story was just average for me. The real gem of this collection is Batman Year 3. This is really an underrated story. Marv Wolfman is really a good Batman writer and I'm looking forward to reading more of his stories.
I bought this book because of the Many Deaths of Batman arc. The first issue was really intriguing since it didn't really have a lot of dialogue, so it tries to let the reader figure out what was happening in the story. The rest of the story was just average for me. The real gem of this collection is Batman Year 3. This is really an underrated story. Marv Wolfman is really a good Batman writer and I'm looking forward to reading more of his stories.
March 9, 2022
Having read both Batman: Year One and Batman: Year Two: Fear the Reaper, I wanted to follow up with Year 3, which is a part of this volume. There were a lot of great stories in this that I am glad I got to dig into. The Batman film has inspired me to discover Batman stories that I have never gotten around to and it has been really rewarding. If you are a Batman enthusiast, I recommend checking out all three of these volumes.
August 1, 2023
Koliko god Wolfman bio odličan na New Teen Titansima, toliko je bezvezan na Batmanu. Epizode nisu užasne, samo su... dosadne. A nisam oduševljen niti sa Year Three storyarcom koji stvarno nije ni sluga Year Twou, a kamoli Year Oneu. Da nema Owsleya na nekoliko priča - sigurno bi albumu dao dvicu umjesto trojke. Jim Aparo drži solidan nivo crtežu, ali pravo te ugodno iznenađenje je tuš Graya Morrowa preko olovke Michaela Baira na Annualu iz 1989. Mimo toga, ništa posebno. Mislim da ću, nakon ovoga, uredno preskočiti ostatak Wolfmanovog runa na post-crisis Batmanu. Šteta što Starlin nije ostao duže, čini mi se da se taman ugrijao nakon Death in the Family storyarca.
January 20, 2021
Some classic arcs here include The Many Deaths of Batman and Batman: Year Three (which has the first blink-and-miss-it appearance of Tim Drake). Some are weaker, some stronger, but most are fairly entertaining.
Slightly annoying that it is missing the A Lonely Place of Dying arc, where Tim Drake is properly introduced. I get that it was a crossover with Teen Titans, but would it have killed anyone to just include a couple more issues? Now there is a jump where you catch a glimpse of little Tim, and the next thing you know, he's in the Batcave.
Slightly annoying that it is missing the A Lonely Place of Dying arc, where Tim Drake is properly introduced. I get that it was a crossover with Teen Titans, but would it have killed anyone to just include a couple more issues? Now there is a jump where you catch a glimpse of little Tim, and the next thing you know, he's in the Batcave.
December 25, 2024
batman year three and a lonely place of dying were pretty good but the other issues weren't as interesting. alfred was so slay in batman year three, and i liked how the whole volume went further into batman's grief over jason's death. the panels with both two face and batman were cool and i liked that plot (but what was that panel with the twin towers UMMMMM that did not age well). also tim intro was fun (idk how convincing it was but also idc i'll just overlook that), legit fanboyed his way into becoming robin lol
July 17, 2021
The stories that bookend this volume are thoroughly engaging crime/detective stories, and if the entire collection were like them, I would rate it higher. The interruption of the “Year Three” arc is only okay. More to the point, there is an awful lot being juggled here regarding Batman’s partnerships. The loss of Jason Todd and the training of Tim Drake seem like enough; revisiting Dick Grayson’s story in “Year Three” seems like too much.
March 19, 2023
These are good stories, but holy shit, why would you have events as big as A Death in the Family AND The Killing Joke happen outside these collections? I guess, on one hand, we've had those packaged and re-sold enough, we got it. On the other, though, I have a suggestion for DC: Just put together post-Crisis Batman in one fat, digital stack, charge a little too much for it, and Pete is happy.
April 24, 2020
Batman continues to react to the loss of Robin and the stage is sort of being set for the next one to appear. Some decent stories with superb art but not quite as fun as some of the other collections of this era.
April 18, 2025
[3.5] I'm kind of glad I knew about batman lore before going into this. I understood references to most characters mentioned even when they werent shown much. The only one I didn't know is Vicki Vale.
June 22, 2019
4.5 stars. Strong Batman stories here, including the oft-forgotten “Year 3” and a few other short late-80s Bat arcs. As always, Jim Aparo’s art is worth the price of admission.
June 22, 2019
God do I miss these type of Batman arcs. Mysteries, histories, all of it just well written and well drawn.
March 22, 2020
Marv Wolfman’s 90’s run on Batman is finally collected starting in this volume.
April 12, 2021
A great look at Batman's behavior after Jason's death and a peek into the very early days of training Tim to become the next Robin. Overall, a good collection.
May 2, 2022
Order of my preference:
1. Batman: Year Three
2. The Many Deaths of the Batman
3. Dead Letter Office
4. Faces
5. The Coming of Crimesmith, Crimesmith and Punishment
1. Batman: Year Three
2. The Many Deaths of the Batman
3. Dead Letter Office
4. Faces
5. The Coming of Crimesmith, Crimesmith and Punishment
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