A Celebration of the Modern-Day Caped Crusader

books:


	• Batman: The Ultimate Guide to the Dark Knight DK Publishing DK CHILDREN, 2005 - 144 pages average customer review:based on 21 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

A good starting point for new Bat fans.

As pointed out above, this is not a critical analysis of Batman, but a reasonable primer on the modern comicbooks featuring the character and his supporting cast. Very little account of the creation of Batman is given and virtually no mention of the various writers and artists who have developed his fiction is made. Unlike some other books in this series (the volume on the X-Men for example), no page-space is given to television or film adaptations of Batman. The standard of illustrations is generally high, Scott Beatty's text is clear and nicely written and the book is largely free of the weird annotations that blight other DK books (their Star Wars Visual Guides especially).

Les Daniels' "Complete History" remains the definitive book on Batman as whole. Those seeking a perspective on the character as a pop culture brand would be well served by Chip Kidd's "Batman Collected", and he and Paul Dini collaborated on "Batman: Animated", possibly the best art book about a single cartoon series ever printed, and certainly the best account of the greatest non-comics Batman ever.

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A Celebration of the Modern-Day Caped Crusader

This book is a blast to read. I wished this book had come out sooner when I was just finding my way around the modern Batman comics. Nevertheless, better late than never.

A word of caution. If you are looking for the DEFINITIVE guide to everything Batman, I wouldn't recommend this book to you. Les Daniels' book on Batman is by far the most comprehensive treatment on the whole history of the Batman from his pre-conception in the 1930s up till the recent stuff (including his incarnations outside the comicbook - TV, toys, cinema, etc.). Also, if you're interested in analyzing Batman as a pop-culture icon, you should check out Will Brookner's "Batman Unmasked" book. Finally, if you're interested in reading a one-volume collection of the definitive Batman - I'd recommend Frank Miller's "Dark Knight Returns" and/or "Year One" along with the "The Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told".

What then is this book by Scott Beatty about? It's about the modern day Batman. THIS Batman is as different from the classic Bob Kane/Bill Finger creation as the Tim Burton movies are from the Adam West TV show. For your information, THIS Batman is the one from Frank Miller's "Year One" (1986) and it includes the later revisions by Dennis O'Neil and Chuck Dixon up to today. In other words, this is the Batman of "Knightfall", "Contagion", "Cataclysm" and "No Man's Land". And in my opinion, this is the most exciting and rich version of the Batman since his conception in 1939. This book is not so much a guide but more a celebration of this modern-day Dark Knight of the comicbooks.

The book is neatly divided into sections. The first section is about Batman/Bruce Wayne and Gotham City. The second section covers his allies and loves (Alfred, Gordon, Nightwing, Oracle, Robin II, Robin III, etc.). The third section focuses on the many colorful villains in the Bat-mythos. Finally, there's also a foreword by Chuck Dixon, the man who, under the editorial-eye of Dennis O'Neil, pretty much shaped the direction of the Bat-books throughout the 1990s. Note: Dixon also teamed up with the author Scott Beatty on some other great works like the recent "Robin: Year One" and "Batgirl: Year One".

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Batcool

In the press materials, DK Publishing claimed "unprecedented access to DC Comics' archives" to produce this coffeetable title. The author works in the comic-book industry, and the book hits all the high notes: origin of Batman, origin of Robin, first meeting with Ra's al-Ghul, death of Jason Todd, crippling of Barbara Gordon (known, of course, as "The Killing Joke" and the most disturbing Batmoment to this fan!), Bane's crippling of Batman and Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns."

The pages are lush and full-color throughout, and there are page-spreads on Batman's suit, weapons, Batcave (nice diagram), Wayne Manor, Batmobile and other vehicles. Gotham City is profiled, as is every major character. This book is not comic reprints; it's a who's-who and what's-what in the Batlegend. I enjoyed it.

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LIVES UP TO ITS GRAND TITLE!

Despite being around for over 65 years, Batman's popularity never seems to wane. The blockbuster Batman film in 2005 once again generated enormous interest in the character. "Batman: The Ultimate Guide to the Dark Knight" has been updated right up through 2005 to ride this crest of popularity. The book is really geared towards the more casual or new Batman fans, as old-timers will already be familiar with much of the material inside the 144 page, hardcover book. Still, the book moves the reader on a rapid fire history of the character beginning with his origin and creation by Bob Kane way back in 1939.

Techie fans will love the intense coverage of all of the "wonderful toys" that Batman uses. His utility belt includes such items as tear gas pellets, an acetylene torch, a palm top communicator, grappling hook, and more. The book also presents a look at each of the Batmobiles and how the style has changed over the years from a rather modest sedan to today's sleek, armored road-killer packed with the latest cutting-edge technology. There's also a look at the various other "bat vehicles" including the Bat-plane, Bat-sub, Bat-Copter, etc...There is also a nicely diagrammed, cut-away view of the Bat-cave.

Most of the major characters in Batman lore are featured including allies such as Commissioner Gordon, the various Robins, Batgirl, Oracle, loyal butler Alfred Pennyworth, and Azrael. Then there are the Batman romantic interests: Vicky Vale, Silver St. Cloud, Talia Al Ghul, and Julie Madison. But what would any Batman book that calls itself "Ultimate" be without a rundown of the caped crusaders rogues gallery of villains. Batman's villains are almost as famous as he is and have played a huge role in the character's long-lasting popularity. They are all here: The Joker, Riddler, Penguin, Catwoman, Bane, Mr. Freeze, Scarecrow, Mad-Hatter, Two-Face, and many more. All with brief sections noting their real name and first comic book appearance.

The book covers some of the more well-known storylines in Batman history such as the Death in the Family storyline where the Jason Todd Robin was killed by the Joker. Unfortunately the book fails to mention that this gimmick storyline hinged on a fan vote via phone call to determine if Robin lived or died. Another notable storyline mentioned is Frank Miller's landmark mini-series The Dark Knight Returns.

Finally, there is a fantastic look at the Golden Age Batman as well as a timeline noting important events and stories in Bat-history along with the issue number where it took place. If I do have one nit about the book it's that issue numbers are not provided for some of these noted storylines although you can find most of them in the timeline section. The book features incredible artwork from the host of artists who have worked on the various Batman titles over the years including: Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, Brian Bolland, Paul Gulacy, P. Craig Russell, Dick Giordano, and many, many more.

All in all, "Batman: The Ultimate Guide to the Dark Knight" definitely lives up to its grand title!

Reviewed by Tim Janson

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

With unparalleled access to the archives of DC Comics, Batman: the Ultimate Guide to the Dark Knight provides spectacular illustrations reveal the secret workings of key installations and equipment such as the Batcave, the Batmobile, Batman's suit, and the weaponry contained in his Utility Belt. Panoramic views of Gotham City and Arkham Asylum with its villainous inmates, allow readers to enter into Batman's world. Crucial events and characters of the Batman legend are illustrated with drawings from the original DC comic books.

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