A Lighter Batman Story That Explores the Whimsical and Pompous Fantasy World of the Penguin
934658
As far as Batman graphic novels go this is not one of the better ones in terms of story or mystery, but it is of interest in terms of psychology. This book came out around the time of the "Batman Returns" movie to give us an indepth look into the Penguin's mind and motives.

The story and characters are much lighter than what readers will generally accept from a Batman story today, but make no mistake, this is not camp. It is similar to the Penguin episodes from "Batman: The Animated Series". Anyone who enjoyed Batman or DC comics from the 70s and 80s will find this a fine read.

This is a story about obsession told with a wit and enthusiasim that is, at times, darkly humorous. The tale also makes clever allusions to the good ol' camp days of Batman and Penguin's past, but are done so in a fashion which illustrate the Penguin's desires rather than simply for excess. It manages to be both very funny and tragic at once as we see the Penguin indulge in grandiose fantasy and wallow in self-delusion.

The artwork is fairly typical of late 1980s DC comics. There are a few nods in certain scenarios to the Sprang/50s era reflecting the humor and irony of the story. The color scheme is light and rich.

Penguin is the protagonist in this story so don't expect too much Batman. He is mainly a supporting character here. This seems to be something of a definitive story on the Penguin in terms of his psychology so far. The narrative is very engaging, but this is ultimately rather mild reading. Quite good, just don't expect "Year One" or "The Long Halloween."

An amusing little treat for a Batman (and esp. Penguin) fan. At the used prices available here at Amazon, I say go for it; it's well worth it.

7/10
951428
Although I'm not sure that the wit quite lives up to the Princess Bride, this serial is a fun, lighthearted fantasy.  It is not a sweeping epic, but then, it doesn't need to be.  The dynamic of the flashbacks is well-balanced, and makes it almost seem like two stories at once, catching up the tale of the main character's life while moving forward with the plot.

At first, the language did seem a bit intentionally crude (designed to shock), but after a bit, it settles down into a fantastical yarn that is difficult to put down.  Although it is clear that the author draws inspiration from Monty Python and other fantastical humorists as well as the noted Princess Bride, the references do not detract from the story, but add to its flavor.
1278242
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more. It's a clever noir-voiced book that takes your average dick and introduces him in a world where superheroes are de rigeur.

The author's voice keeps the mood nostalgic (think Maltese Falcon) with a good dose of sarcasm. This, to me, is meant to be read tongue firmly in cheek. If you don't like to have your genres gently tweaked on the nose, this may not be for you. However, if you enjoy a farce darkly written, check this out.
3711907
What kind of story does it take to be Batman Volume 1?  This is not an origin story, nor is it a reboot: it is simply a great story that simultaneously brings Batman back to his detective roots and takes a serious look at what makes Batman tick, and at his complex, sometimes self-consciously symbolic relationship to Gotham City, and unlike some of the more prying Alan Moore, Grant Morrison and Frank Miller stories that have become so iconic, does so without changing what Batman is at the core.

Beyond what it does for the DC Comics mythos (and some real bombshells are dropped here), Court of Owls is simply an extremely fun, exquisitely paced story with a nice balance of intrigue, action and character development and art that complements the story at every turn.

5/5
4461774
My elementary-school age daughter has really liked the Princeless books I've brought home, but I've always liked it better in concept than in execution -- until now. Although the themes are storylines are always quite commendable, I always found the art to be way too cartoonish for my taste. This book, which gives a spinoff series to a teenage pirate character from the original series, has art by Rosy Higgins that feels far more sophisticated to me. The storyline is about the pirate Raven, whose father and brothers betrayed her, leaving her stranded with a ship, but no crew or money to hire one. Some of this backstory is a little confusing if you haven't read the original series, but it's not a dealbreaker -- you won't be lost.

This first volume is all about her attempts to recruit a crew for her ship -- which involves befriending a parkourish half-elf rogue, reconnecting with an old shipmate, meeting a doughty warrior woman who's got all the right connections, and re-establishing contact with a childhood friend she betrayed. There are some great action sequences, a hilarious sequence where she's interviewing potential male crew members, a great bit in which a bunch of town guards have to be scared off a mission via "The Curse" (a great play on menstruation), and there's even an intimation of lesbianism. This latter isn't made explicit, but is pretty readily signposted for adult readers -- not sure most kids would pick up on it.

It's not totally flawless -- it's a little too prone to insider jokes (for example, cameos by people like the cabbage merchant from Avatar), or geek culture fan service (there's a whole bit about game night and RPGing). But all in all, a promising start to a spinoff series I will seek out the rest of.
1946460
At first glance, the artwork leans a bit towards the minimalistic spectrum. It may even seem rushed. However, this is just Frank Miller's gritty style and it works perfectly with the story. The dialogue in the novel is deep at times, especially with Bruce's internal conflict with the Batman inside him. Also, the comic often uses Gotham's news network as a choir (much like in modern epics) to express the underlying moral issues within the story as to provoke thought within the reader.

In short, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is a dark and edgy read that introduces an emotionally unstable Batman to a world of violence and reveals to us a more human hero while raising the question: Is Batman any different from his enemies?
2824960
Frank Miller's adept hand and wit has presented a daring challenge to readers in the form of a generally unquestioned symbol-- a superhero.
 Using Batman as a contrivance, Miller blurs the lines between what is "good" and what is "evil", he portrays an anti-hero, a man at war within himself, within the warring city of Gotham. Batman symbolizes everything that is at odds with a traditional hero. What makes him "super" is exactly what defies any idea of super-- his humanity. Bruce Wayne has no powers, he only harnesses his own fears and the shadows to scare criminals and to keep his lack of powers enigmatic. In addition to these anti-heroic qualities, it is unclear to the city of Gotham, and the reader at times, whether Batman is "good" or "evil", if he is altruistic or if revenge for past deeds drives his vigilantism. At times, the part of Bruce Wayne's identity that takes domicile in Batman is alluded to as a demon, something Bruce Wayne must suppress, like a negative urge or Batman's equivalent to the two-facedness of Harvey Dent.
 When Batman re-emerges, engaging in combat with villains, though he fights without guns, his methods are, at times, commensurate with his rivals; sadistic, prideful, and overly brutal. It's in these demonstrations that Miller forces readers ask themselves if Batman's methods are moral and just, if he is actually a hero and not another "villain" forcefully putting others lives in his hands. By examining this, readers are forced to confront their own morals.
 Frank Miller does not allow his readers a light-hearted read, he urges introspection and analysis of the human character and values and therefore one's own values. This, I believe, is an ingredient for a piece of art that commands reverence and appreciation.
 In The Dark Knight Returns, Commissioner Gordon relates Batman to Theodore Roosevelt who was thought, by some, to have known about the Pearl Harbor attack but let it happen anyway to turn fear into a fighting spirit and unite citizens into an army. Commission Gordon's successor, Yindel, asked him, and thus Miller asks readers, what the story about Theodore Roosevelt has to do with a vigilante, the Batman, but Yindel, and the readers, are left to wonder the answer.
In the world without righteous superheroes, "good" and "evil" isn't cut and dry, and good intentions aren't always recognized without delay, if at all. Although he doesn't necessarily appeal to an optimist's fanciful imagination, like Superman, Batman is a real superhero. He is the Roosevelt that fights for the greater good in the shadows, with questionable methods, yet wins the war. In the real-world do pure, "good" methods succeed? Does "good" always triumph over "evil"? Are "good" guys and "bad" guys always distinguishable?
Committing evil for a greater good is a method that suits reality, where good and evil are vague figments. Frank Miller blurs all the lines in The Dark Knight Returns that are blurred in life, he has created realistic characteristics in a fictional artwork that dares arouse and query conceptions of humanity. Frank Miller has created a fantastic statement on humans and the society we have created.
1726575
Set in an unnamed kingdom where the characters from Wonderland and Looking-Glass Land coexist with the mad mariners of "The Hunting of the Snark," Roger Langridge's new comedy/adventure series is an inspired Popeye-meets-Lewis Carroll mashup.

It's a classic quest story: Princess (soon to be Queen) Scarlett, the 8-year-old heroine, has to rescue her missing father, the Red King, from the three wicked royal advisors who've quietly ousted him in a palace coup. Her destination: Snark Island, a monster habitat and de facto political prison hidden from the rest of the world. Her unlikely allies: the Walrus and the Carpenter, a pair of hand-to-mouth con men dragged kicking and screaming into the potentially lethal adventure of a lifetime. Their adversary: the Gryphon, an implacable thug hired to hunt down Scarlett and her baby brother, Prince Rusty, at any cost.

This is a fun read for all ages, especially for those who've already immersed themselves in the satirical, philosophical, and surrealistic world of Lewis Carroll's books, and who can't get enough of the literary Easter eggs in Langridge's panels. (His attractive, lively pen lines are a pleasure to look at on their own.) It's even sweeter for those who catch the "Thimble Theatre" references to Wimpy, Swee'pea, and Olive Oyl -- the last named in a salute that has to be seen to be believed.
550770
This silly, clever book is superior to the animated TV show because the novel is more character-driven. It better conveys the Walter Mitty-like quality of existing in a superhero and supervillain-populated world while still having to suffer the mundane mechanics of everyday life.
1035458
Rating: 3.75/5 Penguins

Quick Reasons: action-packed, fast-paced adventure; the whimsy and wonder of this read took me back to my childhood; this mixes "fun" with "learning" and I adored that; some great lessons and morals passed along to readers; not real heavy on the illustrations--but the ones included are super adorable and add to the journey

HUGE thank you to Max and Maria Evan for forwarding me a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read of or opinions on this book.

Now, I have a confession to make, dear penguins: this? Was my first children's book done for a read and review. I mean, I've been reading middle grade for a while, but until this moment, had not picked up a children's book in years (because they're different, you know--middle grade and children's books are not the same). Don't get me wrong--this wasn't due to some uppity or snooty reason. It's just that I don't have kids, I'm not real close to my family members who DO have small children, and I no longer work in a childcare service. I suppose I could still pick up children's books despite all this, and I might, in the future--but until today, I hadn't really even considered breaking into this genre for my reviews. And then I read the synopsis for THIS book. And I immediately changed my mind.

---The dog had a very noble appearance, with a round chest and smooth, shiny fur. It was a fine golden color, except for a pale, star-shaped patch, which was especially visible when it wagged its amber tail.

"Of course I can talk," replied the Retriever. "I'm not an ordinary dog. I'm a circus dog."---

The plot is fast-paced and action packed. Children of all ages (and I don't necessarily mean just the small ones!) are bound to love the whimsy and wonder portrayed throughout this read. Some of the world-building, however, was a bit confusing for me overall. While I understand the children reached the alternate world through their hot air balloon ride...it was unclear exactly HOW the balloon got them there, or why the world is so similar and yet so different from our own. Of course, I could argue that this is the point--the imagination knows no bounds, and therefore might have played a huge role in a lot of the story, but... I don't think that's the case, personally.

There are also some great lessons and morals being passed along here. Things like being brave, doing the right thing, and supporting your friends even when things don't go your way are all called into question and examined closely. Also examined are the differences between "good," "evil," and that shady "gray area" in between; try, try, and try again (failure is not an option unless you make it one); and appropriately managing your time. There are, I'm sure, others that I missed or am forgetting about--this book is FULL of lessons and morals, and I loved discovering each of them in turn!

---"Here it is. Take this!" the professor said, returning to the children with a nightcap in his hand, and offering it to Christopher.

"Thank you, but I'm used to sleeping without anything on my head," the boy replied politely.---

This is a whimsical, fun, entertaining read--and I'm sure parents and children alike will appreciate the action and the lessons found within the pages. While there are few illustrations, the artwork is adorable, vibrant, and lends even more action to the story/dialogue--as well as, in a few instances, playing key roles in the plot! I am so, so glad I gave this book a chance--and can't wait to explore, in the future, other reads like it! I definitely recommend to lovers of magical whimsy, "races" to beat time, and moral-laden journeys of friendship and self-discovery.
4140486
Brian Buccellato's latest Detective Comics collection, Vol. 7: Anarky, is a good read. Rather than one long story, this collection contains several stories. The main storyline focuses on the character of Anarky, in his New 52 debut. Batman catches the Mad Hatter with the skeletons of several children, while Gotham is put on alert by a villain calling himself Anarky. Anarky distributes masks to every citizen, while also wiping out the digital imprint of every person. This causes mass chaos, and Batman is left to put the pieces together. This is a pretty good story, with several elements coming together in the end, like a good mystery should.

The other two-part story involves a plague being released via an airplane landing at Gotham International Airport. This story has a focus on Batman's problem solving skills, rather than the traditional super-villain confrontation. It was a refreshing reminder that Batman is indeed the world's greatest detective, not merely a superhero. Buccellato does an excellent job highlighting this aspect of Batman.

Although the back of this collection states that it only has Detective Comics 35-40, my copy included two more stories. Detective Comics: Engame #1 is a tie-in with the Joker story Endgame. It introduces the character of Moneyspider, a hacker who plays a role in the Anarky storyline. Also in this collection is the Detective Comics: Futures End #1. This story has a team-up between Batman and the Riddler, as they go after the Calendar Man. I enjoyed this story; however, I'm not overly familiar with the Futures End storyline, so I can't comment on how exactly it fits in.

Overall, I enjoyed Detective Comics Vol. 7: Anarky, and would recommend it to fans of Batman.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
2399497
Snuff is a Terry Pratchett Discworld novel, with the fantasy that comes with that, but this book is heavy on the darker themes and lighter on the humor than most Discworld books.  Perhaps as he fights Alzheimer's, Mr. Pratchett has less to laugh at, and this book suffers from a dearth of humor.

The plot is straightforward:  Sam Vimes, Commander of the Ankh-Morpork city watch, goes on holiday to the countryside and finds himself tangled up in a slavery ring.  There are powerful people up to no good, and it's up to Sam to uncover what happened and to bring it to an end and to see that the guilty are punished.  He meets a number of interesting people along the way, some of whom have bearing on his investigation and some of whom are merely local color.

I don't much like Sam Vimes as a character. He runs rough-shod over the law and attempts to dominate everyone he meets in a way that I find annoying.  But his adventures are interesting, and I've read several of the Watch books to follow the character on his rounds.  This book has darker themes than much of Pratchett's fiction, which I liked just fine, but in the end it ties up nicely, and the guilty are punished (after a fashion; after all, the law works differently for the well-heeled).  Just be ready for a more serious outing this time around.
2328674
John Shirley's Batman novel is a nice change of pace. I wish the Hollywood movies would make more grown-up Batman movies such as this.

Unfortunately, nowadays, everything seems to be geared towards the kids and teens. If you loved frank Miller's Dark Knight graphic novels, (and is the title of the new Batman movie coming in 2008!), then you'll love this latest novel.

Packed full of darkness and mayhem, Shirley delivers action and adventure in this franchise as he did in the Predator franchise. But, in my humble opinion, his Predator: Forever Midnight novel was much better. Actually, his best to date.

But his Batman here is a fun, thrill ride reading experience too. John Shirley did a fine job capturing both the Batman of the comic books, and the movies, blending them into batman's 1st year as a crime fighter. Going up against grown-up gangsters and white supremasists, Batman utilizes a fun gaggle of gadgets sure to please the majority of readers who love Batman adventures.

But this ain't for kids to read. Leastways, unless they are 17 or older, perhaps...
3415434
Grant Morrison's first Batman tale is a mixed bag.  The story skews supernatural, which is totally fine with me, but if that's the way he's going it should have gone further.  I wished the antagonist's motives and origins were not explained so well.  This was a case where there was too much exposition.  The dialogue was good but some plot points were either too goofy or unneeded.  Klaus Jansen's art was typical Jansen, great Batman and weird faces.  Overall, a decent supernatural Batman story with some rough edges.
2501783
I am surprised by how much I have enjoyed this little book, which is light-hearted but not cheap or tossed-off.

Storywise, Seth takes the approach that comic collectors are benign eccentrics and makes this book somthing of a valentine to collectors.  I was expecting the usual alternative comics criticism of how foolish and misguided society is.  While there's something to be said for that critique, Wimbledon Green is a refreshing alternative to the alternative.

Seth is also a versatile artist.  He is capable of understatedly beautiful approach, such as in the Green Ghost and Fine and Dandy pages.  For the most part, though, he is content with talking heads.  He adopts the style to fit the story, which is part of his understated approach.

However, I do not want to give the impression that the story is simplistic.  It has a large cast of characters, a central mystery about identity and a sense of humor that is gently self-mocking.  My favorie example of the book's humor is when Daddy Doats asks Wimbledon and Bindle by what right they would steal his copy of the Green Ghost, which Doats has tracked down and paid for.  Our hero can't doesn't even try to answer him; he laughs it off as absurd and irrelevant.  It's a great moment because it ribs the audience for cheering on Green, an unapologetic thief, while also portraying collectors as amoral free-agents, playing a game in which all the participants know there are no rules.
3366766
3.5 stars. This is a fun introduction to Nick and his super power (super hearing). A light story that sets up the world and the characters with a focus on how Super Fantastic Guy tends to take all of the credit for Nick's work. There are plenty of ways for this new series to grow in future books. Kids will enjoy this superhero story.

I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4527416
DC Comics had a line of stories called Elseworlds. In these comics, "heroes are taken from their usual settings and put into strange times and places--some that have existed or might have existed, and others that can't, couldn't or shouldn't exist." [Inside cover] In this particular book, Gotham by Gaslight, Batman is put back into the Victorian era. He's still in Gotham City which is in America, but he lives in the late 1800s.

The first story in the book pits Batman against Jack the Ripper. After committing his series of crimes in London, the Ripper comes to Gotham and starts killing again. Can Batman take him down? The resolution has a measure of brains and brawns involved, making for a good Batman tale. Mignola's drawings are evocative of the Victorian era with a Gothic feel.

The second story is called "Master of the Future" and pits Batman against a madman determined to stop the mayor's city fair. Bruce Wayne struggles with retiring. He's already caught his parents' killer and now has no personal vendetta to pursue. But does he have a public duty, to protect the city? The issue is resolved in a way readers can easily guess but at least the discussion makes the story more interesting. This art is by Eduardo Barreto and also evokes the Victorian vibe but with a more colorful, optimistic look.

Overall, this is a good, not great, book. I was interested in it as a Mignola fan (he's the writer/artist for Hellboy) and was satisfied to see some of his early work. The flashbacks in his story are very much in his style.