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Batman
Batman: Monsters
In this new collection of supernatural tales, Batman is first called to London to investigate a series of murders that seem to have been committed by a werewolf. Then, he must battle a pair of bioengineered soldiers-turned-killing-machines -- or die trying. And in the final story in this volume, Batman faces one of his oldest foes: Clayface!
Collecting BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #71-73, 83, 84, 89 and 90.
Collecting BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #71-73, 83, 84, 89 and 90.
192 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2009
3 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Warren Ellis
1,972 books5,771 followersWarren Ellis is the award-winning writer of graphic novels like TRANSMETROPOLITAN, FELL, MINISTRY OF SPACE and PLANETARY, and the author of the NYT-bestselling GUN MACHINE and the “underground classic” novel CROOKED LITTLE VEIN, as well as the digital short-story single DEAD PIG COLLECTOR. His newest book is the novella NORMAL, from FSG Originals, listed as one of Amazon’s Best 100 Books Of 2016.
The movie RED is based on his graphic novel of the same name, its sequel having been released in summer 2013. IRON MAN 3 is based on his Marvel Comics graphic novel IRON MAN: EXTREMIS. He is currently developing his graphic novel sequence with Jason Howard, TREES, for television, in concert with HardySonBaker and NBCU, and continues to work as a screenwriter and producer in film and television, represented by Angela Cheng Caplan and Cheng Caplan Company. He is the creator, writer and co-producer of the Netflix series CASTLEVANIA, recently renewed for its third season, and of the recently-announced Netflix series HEAVEN’S FOREST.
He’s written extensively for VICE, WIRED UK and Reuters on technological and cultural matters, and given keynote speeches and lectures at events like dConstruct, ThingsCon, Improving Reality, SxSW, How The Light Gets In, Haunted Machines and Cognitive Cities.
Warren Ellis has recently developed and curated the revival of the Wildstorm creative library for DC Entertainment with the series THE WILD STORM, and is currently working on the serialising of new graphic novel works TREES: THREE FATES and INJECTION at Image Comics, and the serialised graphic novel THE BATMAN’S GRAVE for DC Comics, while working as a Consulting Producer on another television series.
A documentary about his work, CAPTURED GHOSTS, was released in 2012.
Recognitions include the NUIG Literary and Debating Society’s President’s Medal for service to freedom of speech, the EAGLE AWARDS Roll Of Honour for lifetime achievement in the field of comics & graphic novels, the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire 2010, the Sidewise Award for Alternate History and the International Horror Guild Award for illustrated narrative. He is a Patron of Humanists UK. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex.
Warren Ellis lives outside London, on the south-east coast of England, in case he needs to make a quick getaway.
The movie RED is based on his graphic novel of the same name, its sequel having been released in summer 2013. IRON MAN 3 is based on his Marvel Comics graphic novel IRON MAN: EXTREMIS. He is currently developing his graphic novel sequence with Jason Howard, TREES, for television, in concert with HardySonBaker and NBCU, and continues to work as a screenwriter and producer in film and television, represented by Angela Cheng Caplan and Cheng Caplan Company. He is the creator, writer and co-producer of the Netflix series CASTLEVANIA, recently renewed for its third season, and of the recently-announced Netflix series HEAVEN’S FOREST.
He’s written extensively for VICE, WIRED UK and Reuters on technological and cultural matters, and given keynote speeches and lectures at events like dConstruct, ThingsCon, Improving Reality, SxSW, How The Light Gets In, Haunted Machines and Cognitive Cities.
Warren Ellis has recently developed and curated the revival of the Wildstorm creative library for DC Entertainment with the series THE WILD STORM, and is currently working on the serialising of new graphic novel works TREES: THREE FATES and INJECTION at Image Comics, and the serialised graphic novel THE BATMAN’S GRAVE for DC Comics, while working as a Consulting Producer on another television series.
A documentary about his work, CAPTURED GHOSTS, was released in 2012.
Recognitions include the NUIG Literary and Debating Society’s President’s Medal for service to freedom of speech, the EAGLE AWARDS Roll Of Honour for lifetime achievement in the field of comics & graphic novels, the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire 2010, the Sidewise Award for Alternate History and the International Horror Guild Award for illustrated narrative. He is a Patron of Humanists UK. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex.
Warren Ellis lives outside London, on the south-east coast of England, in case he needs to make a quick getaway.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 19, 2014
Batman: Monsters collects 1990s Legends of the Dark Knight comics that have a weak “creature” link between them. The Legends of the Dark Knight series supposedly focused on Batman’s early years when he started out, but you couldn’t tell with the generic, throwaway Batman stories in this volume.
The first, by James Robinson, sees Batman visiting London to fight “werewolves”. Robinson was never the best Batman writer and having a stereotypical foggy London and blandly “monstrous” werewolves in the background doesn't make it a compelling read. It was mostly sluggish and boring.
The second story, Infected, is written by Warren Ellis with John McCrea art. It follows two genetically engineered soldiers who have broken free of their restraints and begun a rampage in Gotham, believing a war is on. This is actually the best Batman story of the three but considering the poor quality of this collection, that’s not saying much!
Alan Grant writes the final story which is about Batman's first encounter with Clayface and the villain’s origin story. It's very simplistic with some really contrived scenes that felt a lot like the Schumacher Batman films of this time; a disappointing story from a usually decent writer.
Given the talent involved, you’d expect far better than the really poor quality Batman stories you get here. Instead, try Grant Morrison or Scott Snyder’s books to see Batman written right, or check out the recently re-launched Legends of the Dark Knight series that’s actually pretty decent.
The first, by James Robinson, sees Batman visiting London to fight “werewolves”. Robinson was never the best Batman writer and having a stereotypical foggy London and blandly “monstrous” werewolves in the background doesn't make it a compelling read. It was mostly sluggish and boring.
The second story, Infected, is written by Warren Ellis with John McCrea art. It follows two genetically engineered soldiers who have broken free of their restraints and begun a rampage in Gotham, believing a war is on. This is actually the best Batman story of the three but considering the poor quality of this collection, that’s not saying much!
Alan Grant writes the final story which is about Batman's first encounter with Clayface and the villain’s origin story. It's very simplistic with some really contrived scenes that felt a lot like the Schumacher Batman films of this time; a disappointing story from a usually decent writer.
Given the talent involved, you’d expect far better than the really poor quality Batman stories you get here. Instead, try Grant Morrison or Scott Snyder’s books to see Batman written right, or check out the recently re-launched Legends of the Dark Knight series that’s actually pretty decent.
May 16, 2018
A few years ago, I made a chronology for how to read modern Batman. I was focused quite a bit on creating the order, as opposed to just reading the books for enjoyment, so now I'm going back to see how the chronology holds up.
This collection wasn't available when I first created the chronology. But it's a fun run of stories from the 90s Legends Of The Dark Knight series by some of the more famous writers currently in comics.
I find much of James Robinson's work to be uneven, at best. But his Werewolf story is better than I imagined it would be. Not great, but a solid read. Unfortunately, it's a bit hampered by John Watkiss's art, which starts off as perfectly adequate 90s Batman art, but degrades into a style that just doesn't work with the story.
Warren Ellis's "Infected" fares much better, not just because of John McCrae weirdly engaging choices in warping human anatomy, but because Ellis has always been a solid writer. His minor callbacks to Batman: Year One are also fun little Easter eggs.
The story closes with Alan Grant's take on Clayface's origin. It's not spectacular, but it's a charming read and Quique Alcatena's art falls in-line with the McCrae art in the previous story.
I'm going to add this to the chronology, as the fifth book, following Year One, The Catwoman: Her Sister's Keeper, Batman and the Monster Men, and Batman: Dark Legends.
I recommend this for Clayface fans, Warren Ellis fanboys, people who prefer their Batman stories with an air of the supernatural, and people looking to flesh out their Batman collections with well-told but lesser-known stories from the pantheon.
This collection wasn't available when I first created the chronology. But it's a fun run of stories from the 90s Legends Of The Dark Knight series by some of the more famous writers currently in comics.
I find much of James Robinson's work to be uneven, at best. But his Werewolf story is better than I imagined it would be. Not great, but a solid read. Unfortunately, it's a bit hampered by John Watkiss's art, which starts off as perfectly adequate 90s Batman art, but degrades into a style that just doesn't work with the story.
Warren Ellis's "Infected" fares much better, not just because of John McCrae weirdly engaging choices in warping human anatomy, but because Ellis has always been a solid writer. His minor callbacks to Batman: Year One are also fun little Easter eggs.
The story closes with Alan Grant's take on Clayface's origin. It's not spectacular, but it's a charming read and Quique Alcatena's art falls in-line with the McCrae art in the previous story.
I'm going to add this to the chronology, as the fifth book, following Year One, The Catwoman: Her Sister's Keeper, Batman and the Monster Men, and Batman: Dark Legends.
I recommend this for Clayface fans, Warren Ellis fanboys, people who prefer their Batman stories with an air of the supernatural, and people looking to flesh out their Batman collections with well-told but lesser-known stories from the pantheon.
October 29, 2024
I'm not sure why this one is rated so poorly, there are 3 story arcs in this one and all take place near the beginning of Batman's career. The story quality greatly varies, the first one was not great I didn't care for the art style and I thought it was the weakest villain, a bit too scooby doo for a Batman story. I also thought the mystery was too convoluted.
The second one had a villain I didn't like at all but the story and art around it was good. The main draw was the final story which is one of my favourite Batman stories the Clayface origin. It was Batmans first really tough physical and mental challenge. It showed Batman struggling with his own fear for the first time and really helped develop the character. the art was also excellent.
The second one had a villain I didn't like at all but the story and art around it was good. The main draw was the final story which is one of my favourite Batman stories the Clayface origin. It was Batmans first really tough physical and mental challenge. It showed Batman struggling with his own fear for the first time and really helped develop the character. the art was also excellent.
August 20, 2025
The three stories in this collection got progressively better in quality; “Werewolf” was lousy, “Infected” was decent (with some pretty freaky artwork), and “Clay” was great (also with some pretty freaky artwork). In all honesty, “Clay” sealed this book as a worthy read because if this collection had only contained the first two stories, I probably would have given it two stars instead of three. But to be fair, the artwork for all three was great. I love the idea of this book — spooky and horror-adjacent Batman is my favorite next to noir Batman — but the execution fell a bit short. I wish the horror had been a lot stronger, more monstrous. And where are all Batman’s classic foes?? Other than Clayface, anyway. Overall, solid, but not exceptional.
January 10, 2024
This wasn't all bad, but it wasn't exactly great either. I had a fun enough time with it, but I think there are plenty of other Batman collections worth reading first.
The art was retro and cool at first but it seemed less refined and got a little boring as I read more. The same applies to the stories. They play a little with the idea of Batman at the beginning of his career trying to balance his desire to fight crime as a vigilante and live a normal life-mostly argued by Alfred-but its really not all that nuanced. Still, its not utterly horrible and its kind of a fun look back at an older version of Batman in these three tales.
The art was retro and cool at first but it seemed less refined and got a little boring as I read more. The same applies to the stories. They play a little with the idea of Batman at the beginning of his career trying to balance his desire to fight crime as a vigilante and live a normal life-mostly argued by Alfred-but its really not all that nuanced. Still, its not utterly horrible and its kind of a fun look back at an older version of Batman in these three tales.
July 19, 2018
3 stories. One very good story by Warren Ellis, a good werewolf story by James Robinson and a bad Clayface story by Alan Grant. Not too bad for a collection of stories from the 90s
November 11, 2020
Stories are weak the art is just ok.
February 5, 2024
Contained within the 3 stories this trade has to offer, I prefer the Clayface encounter the most.
October 12, 2024
Bangers & Mash - a werewolf story
November 5, 2016
The stories in this book appeared in publication order, which was a mistake. James Robinson's Werewolf was not the story to open with: neither the characters nor the story are engaging, and it is too long. (However, it has a couple of surprising similarities with "The Hounds of Baskerville," the episode of Sherlock that would air 17 years after the publications of these issues.) Next came Warren Ellis's Infected, which was why I bought this collection in the first place, years ago. This story is creepy, the "monsters" are memorable, and Batman is believable and sympathetic. Of the several "The-Batman-never-uses-a-gun-but-this-time-he-will-use-a-gun" stories that I have read, this is one of the best. Finally, Alan Grant's Clay/I, Clay. This is my favourite story in the collection! It is set within the first three weeks of Batman's mission, and follows the aftermath of a recent traumatic event in Bruce Wayne's life. Although we know the overall outcome of the story, it is suspenseful. At times, it is painful.
September 11, 2022
Legends of the Dark Knight series. The title of the book is Monsters because all three stories are monster-centric. Werewolf, written by James Robinson, deals with a killer werewolf. Infected, written by Warren Ellis, features two infected zombie-like soldiers; Clay, written by Alan Grant, is the modern-day retelling of Detective Comics (1937) 298 — the origin story of the second Clayface, Matthew Hagen. Robinson, Ellis, and Grant are well-renowned writers. However, don’t expect too much if you decide to read this book. The only story I liked is Alan Grant’s Clay.
My Batman Collected Editions Instagram page
My Batman Collected Editions Instagram page
March 17, 2010
These three stories aren't too bad. They should be considering the quality of the names lined up here. Alan Grant's Clayface effort is the best of the trio - the script and art are both pretty good. But what is the point of this book? No self respecting Batman fan is going to want to buy a book containing three random stories. The stories are ok but nothing special - so it's not as if this is a cherry picking selection. So a star deducted for stupid marketeering.
December 25, 2015
I read anything with Batman in it even when I shouldn't. I trudged through reading Batman turning into a vampire, because well the man has been my favorite (vigilant) super hero. I don't enjoy seeing Batman up against the paranormal. I enjoy reading about him actually going up the villains created for him to fight. They are more entertaining and have more depth. Horror and Batman just don't mix.
June 27, 2012
Not a bad set of stories. The GN itself is poor, no effort made with an intro, epilogue, anything, just straight reprints, including covers. The stories are all decent enough, moody writing and art, and some nice early turns by James Robinson, Warren Ellis, and Alan Grant. The clay face story is probably the best, though I do like the werewolf in London turn from Robinson. A little cliched, but enjoyable. Probably one for Bat completists only.
September 27, 2019
This was an unfortunate look back at some less than stellar Batman stories. All three involve "monsters" of different degree and none are impressive. Two are throw away villains and one is a clumsy Clayface tale. The art is okay for its time but not memorable. Overall, this collection isn't worth the time.
December 4, 2009
Long-winded review here (Please note: there's some swearing...chances are there will be swearing in anything I link to, so if you don't like that, don't follow links from here):
http://everydayislikewednesday.blogsp...
http://everydayislikewednesday.blogsp...
August 5, 2010
not the best collection ever, i can safely say. it was quite interesting to read something of warren ellis' that was this old (i really haven't read much of his pre-transmet stuff), and his story alone bumps this up to three stars.
Want to read
April 4, 2011Me parece que todavía no leí ninguno de los números que componen este tomo, pero pinta interesante. Creo también que no incluye "Batman Alas", que ECC Sudamérica sacó en revista hace poco. Pero en el caso de que sí lo incluya, van mis tres estrellitas provisorias.
November 26, 2013
Batman fighting monsters is not concept unheard of. A couple of 1939 comics had him pit against a vampire called The Monk, who is able to command werewolves. The stories here are enjoyable, but they do not really stand out as other Batman stories do.
November 6, 2009
Some of the best John McCrea art I have ever seen.
October 5, 2010
as much as I perversely adore Warren Ellis, this was a sad adaption for the Batman. I hold out hope for Neil
Gaiman . . .
Gaiman . . .
February 4, 2013
The Ellis story is the only one worth reading and that is certainly not Ellis at his best.
May 30, 2013
The best story was the one with Clayface - the others were meh
April 20, 2016
These are solid detective stories. No bullshit!
January 10, 2016
2.5 stars
January 17, 2016
The story by James Robinson is quite good, but the other two stories were mediocre.
September 7, 2014
Alan Grant story was the best of the three...
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews