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Batman
Batman
"Batman - die Welt des dunklen Ritters" (ID 51/02) lieferte eine 1. grosse Innensicht seiner Welt, dieser Band bietet noch detailliertere Einblicke. Der als "Star Wars"--Experte bekannte Autor (z.B. "Das Buch der Jedi", ID-A 27/11) hat in akribischer Kleinarbeit alles gesammelt, was man über Batman wissen muss: Persönlichkeit und Werdegang, Waffen und andere Hilfsmittel, Verwandte, Freunde, Kampfgenossen, Gegner u.v.m., eingebaut in den Zeitrahmen der wechselvollen Geschichte von Figur und Serie bis 2012.
199 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2012
11 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 21, 2018
Αυτό το βιβλίο το αγαπώ ιδιαίτερα..! Είναι από τα πρώτα που πήρα μαζί με τα 5-6 graphic novels! Και μέσα από αυτό το βιβλίο τα 5-6 έγιναν 50-60😉 Είναι μια μορφή εγκυκλοπαίδειας περισσότερο ,με βασικές αναφορές στο storyline του Batman ,τους κυριότερους χαρακτήρες,την στολή ,τα gadgets κλπ. και μια μικρή αναφορά στα πιο "σημαντικά" για την εξέλιξη του graphic novels.
August 24, 2014
Created by Bob Kane as a pulp vigilante figure in the late 1930s for what is now Detective Comics, the famous caped crusader of the night, known as the Batman, is one of those characters that has been integrated within the public consciousness throughout the years; whether through the comic books themselves or via the many incarnations of animated/live-action film and television series, video games, novels, and other such outlets. With over seventy years of publication history, Batman's comic book run provides a wealth of information for Dorling Kindersley to sift through for this two-hundred page compendium of the Dark Knight's many story arcs, his rogues' gallery, extended family and highly advanced gadgetry.
As with most of DK's publications surrounding particular major franchises, 'Batman - The World of the Dark Knight' serves as a storage facility of information for the more hardened fan and the general passer-by alike, celebrating DC's brooding character of the Batman in his entire run so far, from his first appearance in Detective Comics #27 (1939) to the latest New 52 reboot of Batman (Volume 2) #1.
This compendium, first published in early 2012, explores Batman's influence and storylines, starting from his war-time Golden Age adventures, retroactively placed onto the parallel world of Earth-Two, going on to look at his science-fiction themed times during the Silver Age of the 50s and 60s, and continuing into the Bronze, Dark and Modern Ages that explore a darker character taken back to his pulp-fiction roots. Additionally, there are double-spread pages that examine the relationships between Batman/Bruce Wayne and his fellow superheroes within the various teams he has been a part of during the years, such as the Justice League and the Outsiders, for instance, as well as character bios on Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl and Batwoman.
In order to examine how Batman and his supporting cast members/extended family have changed over the years in order to bring the character up to a more modern standard, there are key comic book issues that are explored in detail, taking frames from the publications themselves, with explanatory notes to accompany them. These include such famous titles and issues such as the Dark Knight's aforementioned first appearance in Detective Comics #27 in 1939, where he battled low-level street crime wearing a home-made batsuit, and Final Crisis #6, published in January 2009, where Batman supposedly died after being targeted by Darkseid's deadly Omega Beam (in actuality, being sent back in time to the dawn of man), as well as other such milestone issues.
Additionally, major storylines are outlined in double-page spread format where Batman has had some major involvement, such as the famous Knigtfall saga, where the supervillain Bane was successful in breaking the Dark Knight's back, thereby passing the mantle temporarily onto the hot-headed Azrael. Also included are major plots such as 'Death in the Family' and 'Under the Red Hood', wherein the second Robin, Jason Todd, was beaten to death by the Joker and subsequently restored to life as a raged gun-toting vigilante via cosmic causalities, and 'Infinite Crisis', the early 00s follow up to the original reality-altering event known as the 'Crisis on Infinite Earths'. In addition, very minimally explored are the many alternate versions of Batman/Bruce Wayne on the vast parallel Earths that make up the DC Multiverse, such as the Batman Beyond reality and the Elseworlds' Earth of 'Batman & Dracula: Red Rain', amongst others.
Overall, 'Batman - The World of the Dark Knight' is another great example of Dorling Kindersely's attempt to put together a full-rounded history of a famous franchise's leading superhero creation. It is important to stress that this publication explicitly focuses on the Batman featured within the comic books, and not within any of the live-action/animated television and film adaptations, video games or any other tie-in media featuring America's favourite Caped Crusader. There is, of course, always room to improve and to expand on these such publications. However, on this occasion, I believe DK have provided both beloved Batman fans and the newbie comic book reader with a general history of the Dark Knight Detective that spans over nearly seventy years of storylines and adventures throughout the DC Universe.
Also included are two collectable card prints of Batman, as featured on the front cover, and of his arch-nemesis, the Clown Prince of Crime, the Joker.
As with most of DK's publications surrounding particular major franchises, 'Batman - The World of the Dark Knight' serves as a storage facility of information for the more hardened fan and the general passer-by alike, celebrating DC's brooding character of the Batman in his entire run so far, from his first appearance in Detective Comics #27 (1939) to the latest New 52 reboot of Batman (Volume 2) #1.
This compendium, first published in early 2012, explores Batman's influence and storylines, starting from his war-time Golden Age adventures, retroactively placed onto the parallel world of Earth-Two, going on to look at his science-fiction themed times during the Silver Age of the 50s and 60s, and continuing into the Bronze, Dark and Modern Ages that explore a darker character taken back to his pulp-fiction roots. Additionally, there are double-spread pages that examine the relationships between Batman/Bruce Wayne and his fellow superheroes within the various teams he has been a part of during the years, such as the Justice League and the Outsiders, for instance, as well as character bios on Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl and Batwoman.
In order to examine how Batman and his supporting cast members/extended family have changed over the years in order to bring the character up to a more modern standard, there are key comic book issues that are explored in detail, taking frames from the publications themselves, with explanatory notes to accompany them. These include such famous titles and issues such as the Dark Knight's aforementioned first appearance in Detective Comics #27 in 1939, where he battled low-level street crime wearing a home-made batsuit, and Final Crisis #6, published in January 2009, where Batman supposedly died after being targeted by Darkseid's deadly Omega Beam (in actuality, being sent back in time to the dawn of man), as well as other such milestone issues.
Additionally, major storylines are outlined in double-page spread format where Batman has had some major involvement, such as the famous Knigtfall saga, where the supervillain Bane was successful in breaking the Dark Knight's back, thereby passing the mantle temporarily onto the hot-headed Azrael. Also included are major plots such as 'Death in the Family' and 'Under the Red Hood', wherein the second Robin, Jason Todd, was beaten to death by the Joker and subsequently restored to life as a raged gun-toting vigilante via cosmic causalities, and 'Infinite Crisis', the early 00s follow up to the original reality-altering event known as the 'Crisis on Infinite Earths'. In addition, very minimally explored are the many alternate versions of Batman/Bruce Wayne on the vast parallel Earths that make up the DC Multiverse, such as the Batman Beyond reality and the Elseworlds' Earth of 'Batman & Dracula: Red Rain', amongst others.
Overall, 'Batman - The World of the Dark Knight' is another great example of Dorling Kindersely's attempt to put together a full-rounded history of a famous franchise's leading superhero creation. It is important to stress that this publication explicitly focuses on the Batman featured within the comic books, and not within any of the live-action/animated television and film adaptations, video games or any other tie-in media featuring America's favourite Caped Crusader. There is, of course, always room to improve and to expand on these such publications. However, on this occasion, I believe DK have provided both beloved Batman fans and the newbie comic book reader with a general history of the Dark Knight Detective that spans over nearly seventy years of storylines and adventures throughout the DC Universe.
Also included are two collectable card prints of Batman, as featured on the front cover, and of his arch-nemesis, the Clown Prince of Crime, the Joker.
March 7, 2025
you know that fandoms good when you get a full city zoning map
April 27, 2018
This is really more of an Anthology/Encyclopedia but still very good reading, especially if you are, like me, a Dark Knight (I mean, an "extreme Batman Aficionado")It is a comprehensive breakdown on, well, the world of Batman, and being that I'm again in a comic phase of my reading cycle its another good piece of material to look at, learn more about, and, well, yeah! lol
Key comic Issues, decade by decade look-backs, and brief descriptions of Batman heros, villains, weapons, and gadgets are all included.
Key comic Issues, decade by decade look-backs, and brief descriptions of Batman heros, villains, weapons, and gadgets are all included.
July 5, 2021
Such an amazing encyclopedia for Batman comics. There were a lot of things I was confused about with all the retcons and things like that and it cleared it up perfectly. It’s also really good to get comic book recommendations out of. There are Batman villains that I didn’t even know existed and now I’m interested in reading more. This is perfect for a Batman fan. It explains everything from the beginning to the start of New 52 which makes it also perfect for new readers as well. I highly recommend it.
June 10, 2025
This is probably where the obsession began. I used to flip through this book when I had free time. I had never read any Batman comics, but I felt a strange affinity with the universe and its characters. I wish I still had this book.
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November 28, 2019COOL BOOK
June 27, 2020
419 - 2020
August 9, 2012
What with Chris Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy drawing to a close this year, the Arkham Asylum video games breaking records, and a whole plethora of Batman books coming out it's never been a better time to be a Batman fan. But what about those who're just starting to get to know the Caped Crusader or who just want a book that encapsulates all that is Batman in one book? Well DC has teamed up with DK Publishing to provide this, a compendium of Batman.
It's not a graphic novel nor a prose book but more a large glossy paged look at Batman with lots of artwork and random paragraphs throughout giving you facts about the Dark Knight. There's an extensive look at Batman such as the variants on the suits he's worn, the Batmobiles he's driven, his Rogues Gallery, and if you've ever wondered what he eats for breakfast or what his workouts are like, this is included too (high protein/carb diet, lots of cardio and weights - duh!).
There's also a look at Batman through the various comic ages - Golden, Silver, Bronze, Dark, and Modern - so you can see how the character has evolved over time and how he was perceived in different time periods. Some of the artwork of the Golden Age is corny but kind of cool.
Also for those who're not well versed in Batman books there's a guide to all of the main Batman storylines which could serve as a reading list for those looking to get into the character. The storylines explored are: Dark Knight Returns, Year One, Killing Joke, Death in the Family, Arkham Asylum, Knightfall, No Man's Land, Under the Red Hood, Final Crisic, RIP, Batman Inc, and the New 52. Pretty extensive and a faultless guide to the great Batman books (though I'd personally not include the awful Death in the Family book).
I'm not sure who the audience is for these kinds of books - maybe kids, probably fanboys? - but for most Batman fans this is an easily missed book that sets down in print precisely what's in Batman's utility belt, precisely who he is - and I think that's missing the point of the character. We don't need to know these kinds of details, the broad strokes of the character - the nobility, the discipline, the heart and light beneath the darkness, the lack of superpowers and the humanity - is what makes Batman so cool and interesting. It's a decent overview of the character but for those looking to get into Batman, go straight to the books mentioned above - it's far more satisfying and gets you to the core of the character.
It's not a graphic novel nor a prose book but more a large glossy paged look at Batman with lots of artwork and random paragraphs throughout giving you facts about the Dark Knight. There's an extensive look at Batman such as the variants on the suits he's worn, the Batmobiles he's driven, his Rogues Gallery, and if you've ever wondered what he eats for breakfast or what his workouts are like, this is included too (high protein/carb diet, lots of cardio and weights - duh!).
There's also a look at Batman through the various comic ages - Golden, Silver, Bronze, Dark, and Modern - so you can see how the character has evolved over time and how he was perceived in different time periods. Some of the artwork of the Golden Age is corny but kind of cool.
Also for those who're not well versed in Batman books there's a guide to all of the main Batman storylines which could serve as a reading list for those looking to get into the character. The storylines explored are: Dark Knight Returns, Year One, Killing Joke, Death in the Family, Arkham Asylum, Knightfall, No Man's Land, Under the Red Hood, Final Crisic, RIP, Batman Inc, and the New 52. Pretty extensive and a faultless guide to the great Batman books (though I'd personally not include the awful Death in the Family book).
I'm not sure who the audience is for these kinds of books - maybe kids, probably fanboys? - but for most Batman fans this is an easily missed book that sets down in print precisely what's in Batman's utility belt, precisely who he is - and I think that's missing the point of the character. We don't need to know these kinds of details, the broad strokes of the character - the nobility, the discipline, the heart and light beneath the darkness, the lack of superpowers and the humanity - is what makes Batman so cool and interesting. It's a decent overview of the character but for those looking to get into Batman, go straight to the books mentioned above - it's far more satisfying and gets you to the core of the character.
May 12, 2013
A look at the Batman university from a self-proclaimed continuity stickler, "Batman: The World of the Dark Knight" is a pretty good volume for fans of Batman. The book takes you through each era and key issues of DC that feature the Dark Knight. It offers a nearly complete timeline, character profiles, a gallery of some of the world-shaking villains of Gotham, a look at the Batcave, a glimpse at Batman's arsenal of weapons and much, MUCH more! The pages visually look great and packed to the brim with info. But what keeps this from 5 stars from me is the readability. Layouts are dynamic and the dark color scheme works well but the inconsistent font usage and type size as well as sometimes hard to read type-layouts bothered me. That issue aside the book is relatively recent and even has time to briefly touch on "The New 52" story lines as well. Great addition to the Bat-shelf!
August 19, 2012
FIVE STARS!
This is as good as this type of book gets! And it is the first DC book of this type that I have been impressed with. Of course, it was handled by the same publisher that handled all of the Marvel guides that I enjoy so much.
Great selection of stories, a varied selection of artists and very well laid out. I feel like I have just read a Cliff Notes version of the entire Batman history. And instead of being satisfied, I want to go out and find some of these individual stories and read them in their entirety. A great introduction for first timers and the mildly initiated (myself) and I would imagine that the hard-core fans would enjoy it as well.
I wish there was a Superman version as well done as this one.
This is as good as this type of book gets! And it is the first DC book of this type that I have been impressed with. Of course, it was handled by the same publisher that handled all of the Marvel guides that I enjoy so much.
Great selection of stories, a varied selection of artists and very well laid out. I feel like I have just read a Cliff Notes version of the entire Batman history. And instead of being satisfied, I want to go out and find some of these individual stories and read them in their entirety. A great introduction for first timers and the mildly initiated (myself) and I would imagine that the hard-core fans would enjoy it as well.
I wish there was a Superman version as well done as this one.
May 22, 2013
Enjoyed it, thought it fitting to the character, the times, and the medium. Introduced many, but not all, of the keys to The Batman's storied legacy. A few of the spreads were either poorly edited or justly summed up some pretty poor story arcs (this poorly-comic-read reader doesn't know which, but some of those arc summaries sure weren't inspiring me to find and read them).
I like it, will keep it in the library. I've flipped through some of the other DK superhero titles and this one seemed the best thus far.
I like it, will keep it in the library. I've flipped through some of the other DK superhero titles and this one seemed the best thus far.
August 30, 2012
Just okay, though a very nice visual run-through of 73 years of Batman.
Why only 3 stars?
Blame the pages wasted on obvious marketing plugs (Trinity, Flashpoint, Blackest Night) while skipping over major story arcs or characters--minimal to no coverage of Azrael (and his entire Batman arc), Ra's al Ghul (and his Contagion storyline), Hugo Strange (and the bulk of the Englehart/Rogers run), and many others.
Why only 3 stars?
Blame the pages wasted on obvious marketing plugs (Trinity, Flashpoint, Blackest Night) while skipping over major story arcs or characters--minimal to no coverage of Azrael (and his entire Batman arc), Ra's al Ghul (and his Contagion storyline), Hugo Strange (and the bulk of the Englehart/Rogers run), and many others.
April 7, 2014
Really nicely printed and laid out with some striking artwork, this is about as comprehensive a Batman (comic) history book as you're likely to find. Apart from a few areas where the print is tiny or on a dark background, and maybe 4 or 5 typos that nobody will notice, there was little to fault. Perfectly enjoyable, if a little geeky and repetitive towards the very end. A solid 7.75/10
October 4, 2012
Great condensed look at Batman's world. I like this book better than the DK book released about a decade ago.
October 6, 2012
A fantastic summary of the career of Batman. The only way it could have been better if the chronology had stopped before the new 52 content started.
October 15, 2012
Everything you ever wanted to know about Batman, up to the New 52 series by DC. Great wealth of info, and a way to pick up a lot of knowledge on the Dark Knight in one spot.
June 25, 2013
(DC Comics)Y741.5973 WAL
September 9, 2013
fun
a great review of all the is Batman.
a few things I didn't know
and a good idea of what I still need to read
a great review of all the is Batman.
a few things I didn't know
and a good idea of what I still need to read
February 13, 2015
finally finished reading this and I know so much more about Batman now
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August 14, 2015dc comics
August 25, 2016
A great art book.
April 22, 2019
this book is a wonderful addition to have in any collection it contains loads of information on the characters, weapons, vehicle,s gadgets used in the world of batman a definite must have
May 30, 2016
amazing
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October 30, 2018I not gonna lie I got bored on the book , but I did finish it.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews