The definitive Batman of the 21 century!, November 29, 2011

By 

Carla G. Dávalos Rdz “Chuckymonster” (Mexico, DF Mexico) –

  

Being particularly jaded with sexy vampires and blushing maidens pondering whether to accept to accept the gift of eternal beauty and immortality I was not that familiar with Scott Snyder’s American Vampire so when I learned that he would be taking over Detective Comics I was not that hyped about it….what I was excited about was Jock coming over with him, I begin a huge fan of his work in Hellblazer and the Losers, so I decided to give it a shot…and what I found was some of the best Batman stories I have read in quite awhile. While I love Grant Morrison, his work tends to be rather overwhelming at times; here was a perfectly accessible series (in comic book terms at least) magnificently written by Snyder, and beautifully drawn by Jock and Francavilla. Their art styles might be quite different, but since they got to draw completely different stories (Jock focuses on the Dick Grayson Batman and Francavilla on James Gordon) it works like a great collaboration which is helped by focusing on each artist’s strength, plus Francavilla’s style is reminiscent of Dave Mazzucchelli’s Batman Year One, which is always a plus for me in a Batman story.
This collected edition covers Detective Comics 871-881 and the 3 mayor arcs that Snyder set up to during his run, based the premise that Gotham city somehow corrupts all its inhabitants and heroes. It is a rather striking concept which sets up the city itself as an actual character (similar to Will Eisners’ The Spirit).
I won’t comment much on the storylines in case you didn’t get to read the original single issues, but I will say the read rather nicely as a single unified story (especially the James Gordon backups). The hardcover collection also includes some cover sketches and a rather interesting script by Snyder which really shows the meticulous and through approach he takes to his craft.
All in all this is a must for any Batman fan past or present and surely fated to become a modern classic, and at the price that Amazon is offering it is a steal.
BTW I did get to read Snyder’s American Vampire and I must say it really good to, so give it a look in case you are interested

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A Great Batman Story. Should be in the top Five., November 30, 2011

By 

T. JACKSON “Scholar Librarian” –

  

Scott Snyder is an amazing writer and his grasp of the Batman lore and mythos is pretty cool. I am a Batman fan. He is without question my favorite superhero. I especially like to read Batman when he is written well and the mythos of the character are seen as assets to the narrative as opposed to a liability. Given the long history of the character and his supporting cast, there are only a handful of writers who have been able to develop the core of who the character is. Snyder does no compromise that in his work. The Batman in Black Mirror is his adopted son and protege Richard ‘Dick’ Grayson who was the first Robin the Boy Wonder and later Nightwing.Nightwing: Year One (Batman) Grayson replaced the original Batman Bruce Wayne when he “died” Batman R.I.P.and this story takes place after Bruce makes his return from the “dead”. Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne This story should be on the top five lists of Batman tales. It is just that good. I think Scott Snyder will go down as one of the best Batman writers ever. The story is awesome and stunning. I highly recommend you pick this up especially if you are fan of Batman. You can read this as stand alone tale but if you want some background on Dick Grayson’s tenure as Batman check out Batman & Robin Vol. 1: Batman RebornBatman & Robin Vol. 2 Batman vs. RobinBatman & Robin Vol. 3: Batman & Robin Must Die! Those were written by Grant Morrison. I can’t say enough about Scott Snyder. If you are a current comic book fan I highly recommend his current run on Batman. (With Bruce Wayne back as Batman). That is proving to be an awesome run. Batman #1 Often in the pantheon of Batman writers we tout Frank Miller as the pinnacle because of Batman Year One. I think Scott Snyder is going to be a threat to that crown when it is all said and done. This was a great book and its worth your money. It’s not typical and predictable. I appreciate a writer who honors the mythos and creates something fresh and different. 5 stars for this book. Pick up this hardcover before it is sold out. Trust me it will be.I am sure it will be issued in paperback but his hardcover will be a great collectible.

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