Batman: Haunted Knight

DC

Batman:  Haunted Knight
Jeph Loeb
Tim Sale
1996

The Summary
"This graphic novel by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale-the creative team behind the classic Batman:  The Long Halloween--includes three dark tales of horror and intrigue featuring Batman facing off against his most demented and wicked foes. Taking place on the most evil of holidays, Halloween, the Dark Knight Detective confronts his deepest fears as he tries to stop the madness and horror created by Scarecrow, the Mad Hatter, the Penguin, Poison Ivy and the Joker.

"Collects Batman:  Legends of the Dark Knight Halloween Special #1, Batman:  Madness--A Legend of the Dark Knight Halloween Special, and Batman:  Ghosts--A Legends of the Dark Knight Halloween Special."

The Good
Haunted Knight isn't bad; in fact, it fills in some narrative gaps for me.  It helps me understand the history of the Wayne Foundation and Bruce Wayne's relationship with Lucius Foxx; it introduces me to the Mad Hatter and Barbara Gordon as a young girl; it also introduces me to a Batman with which I'm not as familiar--a Batman who follows his heart, who shows an unexpectedly human fallibility.

I was particularly intrigued by the first story, "Fears."  It features Scarecrow (an apt choice, I think) running amok on Halloween, causing general disarray and chaos, prowling upon Gotham's deepest fears of the dark; however, it also focuses on Batman--or, more accurately, Bruce Wayne--and his romantic entanglement with Jillian.

I know Batman has many different romantic relationships, but his history with Jillian is both unexpected and memorable if only for what arises from the wreckage.  I'll probably spoil the story for anyone who hasn't read it, but, if you're at all familiar with the Batman canon, it's not exactly surprising if I say it falls apart.

But that's not the point.

My point is this:  Bruce Wayne makes the conscious decision to be Batman.

Throughout the story, he's viewing his work as Batman as a necessity, he has to do it because there's no other choice.  He's haggard and tired and exhausted; he's considering, if only for a moment, to hang up his cape.  And yet Jillian makes him realize something:  he wants to be Batman.  It's not a responsibility that's thrust upon him, rather it's a choice--his choice.

"I learned something over this Halloween weekend.  I thought that I didn't have a choice about being the Batman.  That Gotham City chose me to protect her.  That is wrong.  Ever since the night my parents were taken from me, I made the choice.  It means that some of my heart's desires may go unfulfilled...

"But many more are satisfied."

It was an interesting detour into the life of Batman and, personally, I'm glad I read it.

The Bad
I'll be honest, Haunted Knight is just not as a good as The Long Halloween.

Oddly enough, I found Haunted Knight to be more colorful than I expected.  It's still dark, shadowy and it's still an accurate representation of the grim, gritty underworld of Gotham, but it's unexpectedly brighter than either Long Halloween or Dark Victory.  It's not quite what I anticipated.

Plus, Bruce Wayne is a prominent figure in each of these stories, which I found surprising.  I mean, I know that Bruce Wayne is actually Batman--it's not like he can't be involved at some point--but I was surprised by the larger role Bruce Wayne in Haunted Knight.  Most Batman comics focus on Batman; heck, even Bruce focuses most of his energy on being Batman instead of the wealthy, worldly Mr. Wayne.

However, Haunted Knight really peers beneath the cowl, so to speak.  It's not that you're getting to see Bruce Wayne and how he becomes Batman; rather, it's more how Bruce Wayne is trying to reconcile his lives as Batman and Bruce.  It's less about Batman and his endeavors, and more about how being Batman has made an impact on Bruce's life.  It's a bit odd, because, honestly, I expect a Batman story, not a Bruce Wayne story.

Not that this is necessarily a bad thing.  I think it's more of a personal preference for me.

The Ugly
Gotham is a bloody place.

Read Harder Challenge 2017: Part 2

Next up for my Read Harder Challenge, I...

• Read a book about sports.
• Read a book you've read before.
• Read a book published by a micropress.

Admittedly, I wasn't sure how to conquer this first task, because I am not a sports and/or athletic person.  I am, at best, a rather sedentary creature with a great affinity for books and chocolate and good food, preferably in that order; however, I was willing to take a crack at this one, because, surely, I could find a sport liked.  Considering the sheer variety of sports out there, I knew I could find something entertaining.

Doubleday

And, luckily, I did.  A co-worker recommended Playing for Pizza by John Grisham, and, since the challenge doesn't specify fiction or nonfiction, I thought I'd give it a whirl.  I'm so glad I gave Grisham's novel a chance, because I enjoyed it so much more than I expected.  Granted, I listened to the audiobook, which features Christopher Evan Welch as narrator, but I don't think that matters as Playing for Pizza is a fun, accessible and entertaining novel whether listening or reading.

Not to mention, I really enjoyed the description of food.  (I was craving pasta like mad, before all was said and done.)

Playing for Pizza begins with a game, specifically the worst game of Rick Dockery's career.  Now, marked as the worst player in the NFL--and effectively banished from Cleveland--and sporting a terrible head injury that would leave most player's contemplating retirement, Rick is at his wits end.  Since he can't find a new position in the U.S., his agent directs him to Parma--as in Parma, Italy, where he becomes quarterback for a ragtag group of Italians who just happen to be American football aficionados.  It's a huge change for Rick--and, as Rick learns, it might not be a bad one.

Next, I decided to reread Hush by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee.  This is one of my favorite Batman comics for the simple fact that it has some of the most alluring, most beautiful art I've encountered, and it has such a richly detailed, incredibly poignant story that it kept me absolutely mesmerized the first time around.  I love every bit of this book, and I found it to be even better the second (okay, third) time.

DC Comics

Unlike Loeb's earlier works, Long Halloween and Dark Victory, which features Batman's earlier career, Hush follows the weathered and strained Batman/Bruce Wayne as he tries to keep Gotham safe from new and ever worsening dangers.  Together with his cadre of crime-fighting vigilantes--including Nightwing, Robin, Huntress, and Superman (but not quite Catwoman)--Batman sets out to find the puppet master who has set the whole of Gotham's underworld onto his heels.

Hush is one of those comics that will knock your socks off.  It's thoughtful, it's complex, and it explores every emotional side of a Dark Knight who has suffered innumerable losses, endured more grief and pain than most can manage, and defeated some of the most terrifying villains in the world.  Moreover, it has a level of Agatha Christie-esque mystery, which I enjoyed.

I mean, I certainly didn't expect it to end the way it did--and I found Batman to be all the more clever for ultimately solving the mystery.

Last, I read Master of Crows by Grace Draven.  Originally published by Amber Quill Press (which, I realize, is not a micropress), it was eventually republished by Grace Draven--and, as the definition of a micropess means it is a small and/or single-person publisher, I decided it would fit nicely into this category to complete my challenge.

Yes, yes, I realize I might be pushing the rules with this one, but I have to point out that I haven't had a lot of luck finding books published by micropresses to which I have easy access.  I know of a few local publishers, but they are publishing companies with a large enough staff that I feel they don't count.  Moreover, I couldn't find something I enjoyed by a micropress to which I had access at my local library, thus the Internet--and Master of Crows--became my go-to choice.

Amber Quill Press/
Grace Draven

Now, putting aside my (weak) justifications, Master of Crows wasn't a bad novel.  In a world where magic exists and dark creatures lurk at the periphery of civilization, Silhara and Martise are thrust together in an unexpected alliance when one of the old gods--Corruption--returns.  Determined to stop Corruption and deny his fate, Silhara enlists the aid of the Conclave and meets Martise, a slave girl turned spy.  Together, they must discover Corruption's weakness and save the world....or, quite possibly, die trying.

I realize it sounds melodramatic and, yes, I suppose it is; however, it's also an unexpectedly complex novel that I enjoyed.  It has its faults, but, overall, it had interesting characters and created a sturdy setting that I appreciated.  Personally, I think I enjoyed Draven's ability to build her world.  It's rich with detail and magic, and I absolutely loved learning more and more about the creatures, places, and history of Silhara and Martise's world.  I realize it's more of an acquired taste, but it's certainly worth sampling.

Unless, of course, you're not a fan of explicit romance.  In which case, I probably wouldn't recommend it.

Kingdom Come

DC Comics

Kingdom Come
Mark Waid
Alex Ross
Todd Klein
1996

The Summary
"Winner of five Eisner and Harvey Awards, Kingdom Come is the best-selling graphic novel from acclaimed writer Mark Waid and superstar painter Alex Ross.

"Set in the not so distant future, the DC Universe is spinning inexorably out of control.  The new generation of heroes has lost their moral compass, becoming just as reckless and violent as the villains they fight.  The previous regime of heroes--the Justice League--returns under the most dire of circumstances, setting up a battle of the old guard against these uncompromising protectors in a battle that will define what heroism truly is."

The Good
First off, Kingdom Come is perhaps the most beautiful and breathtakingly intricate comic I have ever read.  I didn't realize, until my brother pointed it out to me, that Alex Ross actually created individual oil paintings for each of the panels.  So all that detail you see there on each page?  That's from one man taking his time, painting each shadow and line on a canvas.

There's beauty to be found in that much detail.  There's a realism and depth that's absolutely magnificent, that puts Kingdom Come into a class of its own.

Second, it's also one of the more confusing.  Despite it's deep philosophical reach, I have to say I loved it.  I was a bit confused by Batman's motivations and, honestly, I still don't think I understand what happened to the superheroes--like, why did the Justice League suddenly split up?  Why are there so many heroes and what happened that drove some of them to the brink of insanity?  Why did things have to go such extremes?  And what, exactly, is the Spectre doing--and where does Norman McCay fit into the grand scheme of things?

I'm sure the answers are buried in the story somewhere and, I think, I understand the basic premise of the story, but, regardless, I enjoyed it overall.  The story sheds light on aging superheroes, putting faces on a new generation of superhumans and creates a fascinating world that's hanging by a thread--a complex, precarious world that pits humanity against the superheroes that both save and endanger them.

Honestly, Kingdom Come is difficult to describe.  It's one of those you need to read to see and believe.

The Bad
Like I said, Kingdom Come is a bit confusing.  It's mostly the philosophical musings of the characters that throws me for a loop and the thinly veiled religious undertones that proved more puzzling than anything.  Otherwise, no complaints.

The Ugly
I haven't known much about Captain Marvel--well, I'm more familiar with him as Shazam, his newer DC moniker--but I feel truly bad for the guy.  I mean, here's a superhero who suddenly fell into the clutches of Lex Luthor I don't want to give anything away, but, just know, his story may break your heart.  I mean, he isn't a villain, not like  you might think.  His history and his fate are, truthfully, shattering.

Batman: Year One

DC Comics

Batman:  Year One
Frank Miller
David Mazzucchelli
Richmond Lewis
1987

The Summary
"In 1986, Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli produced this groundbreaking reinterpretation of the origin of Batman--who he is and how he came to be.

"Written shortly after The Dark Knight Returns, Miller's dystopian fable of Batman's final days, Year One set the stage for a new vision of a legendary character.

"This edition includes the complete graphic novel, a new introduction by writer Frank Miller and a new illustrated afterword by artist David Mazzucchelli.  Completing this collection are over 40 pages of never-before-seen developmental material such as character and layout sketches, sample script papers, sketches, and more that provide a glimpse into the making of this contemporary classic."

The Good
I really enjoyed Batman:  Year One.  Unlike The Dark Knight Returns which feels grim and gritty...and just counter intuitive to the Batman I know and love, Year One feels so new and fresh and yet familiar at the same time.  It has the same hard edges, the same dark heart you expect of Gotham, but I loved seeing the origin of Batman.

I liked seeing how Batman learned and changed, how he grew into the cowl and made mistakes; I also liked learning about Gordon, seeing him change from the squeaky clean officer to the hard-boiled lieutenant with a family and a city to protect.  As I read, I felt like I was growing up with these characters and I felt like I was getting to know the real Batman--the real Gotham.

I loved it.

Plus, I loved the detail in the art.  Frank Miller makes an excellent story, but David Mazzuchelli really brings it to life.  Year One is dark and frightening, it conveys the sinister aura of Gotham without compromising the beauty of the artwork.  Like Long Halloween and Dark Victory, there's something beautiful about the shadows and the dark part that help to set the tone for the story and give it depth.

I feel like Batman:  The Long Halloween and Dark Victory, both of which I adored, take their cues from Frank Miller's original story.  It has the same dark ambiance, but young Bruce is all grown up and Gordon had grown a little grayer and new characters have arrived on the scene.  Year One feels like a completion of the the story.  It helps to flesh out Batman's story, give new depth to Gordon and Gotham--and I couldn't be more pleased.

Year One is an excellent addition to any Batman fan's collection.

The Bad
I didn't always like the narration.  It was illuminating, and it was fascinating to be able to see in Gordon's and Batman's minds; however, I didn't always care for it.  I don't know why.  It wasn't bad, exactly, but it wasn't exactly an endearing quality in Year One.

Otherwise, no complaints.

The Ugly
Batman is dark and grim.  That doesn't change.

So expect the usual murder, mayhem and corruption.

Hush

DC Comics

Hush
Jeph Loeb
Matt Lee
2009

The Summary
After a number of crimes strikes Gotham, Batman is faced with the usual suspects in his investigation:  Poison Ivy, Joker, Harley Quinn, Riddler, Ra's al Ghul.  It's just another normal day in Gotham for the Dark Knight.

Except someone else behind the scenes is pulling the strings, preparing to take the city by storm and take Batman down along with it.

The Good
I absolutely loved Hush.  Granted, I'm an ardent fan of the Dark Knight (which probably explains most of my reading choices when it comes to comics), but I enjoyed Hush because it is singularly wonderful in its own right.

Matt Lee, the illustrator, does a fantastic job of depicting Batman and his usual band of villains in a new light, offering a level of depth and detail that's absolutely astounding.  As Jeph Loeb points out in the foreword, "Where Tim [who illustrated The Long Halloween] works well in the shadows and ink, Jim demands that you see it all.  The magic is in the detail.  What glorious details!"

And it is magical to see everything take shape, to see Batman and Robin and Alfred and Catwoman - and all those wonderful, wicked, and wacky characters - come to life.  It really does make all the difference.

Likewise, Jeph Loeb manages to give Batman and his cohorts an amazing amount of emotional and psychological depth, exploring what has damaged them in the past and what continues to play upon their fears in the present.  More importantly, he manages to breathe life into his characters with the understanding that they have their own unique memories, experiences, fears, and expectations.

The Bad
Although Hush begins in a later chapter of Bruce Wayne/Batman's life, Loeb does an excellent job of filling in the blanks for new readers.  He and Lee transition effortlessly - flawlessly - from previous works and building upon the Batman canon; however, their intention is to tell a story, build a new plot, rather than spoon feed their readers.  It's probably helpful to know a little history about the Dark Knight and Gotham before you begin reading.

The Ugly
The thing about Hush is that it dredges up some spectacularly ugly things from the past:  things that should stay buried.

Batman: The Long Halloween

Image courtesy of
DC Comics

Batman:  The Long Halloween

Jeph Loeb

Tim Sale

1997

The Summary
Like any good defender of Gotham, Batman spends his days - and holidays - catching crooks and vanquishing villains.  Another day in the life of Gotham's most fearsome caped-crusader.

However, a new threat has arisen in the city:  a serial killer known only as "Holiday," who has taken to murdering members of the local mob and causing ripples in the crime community.

But stopping Holiday could prove more difficult than Batman imagines.  Between the transformation of Harvey Dent into a criminal mastermind and a plethora of supervillains taking turns to tear apart the city, Batman must use all his wits and gadgets to stop a serial killer and make Gotham safe - well, safer.

The Good
Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's comic is filled with the usual Batman-y goodness:  adventure, intrigue, plot twists, despicable villains, fantastic stories, and hints of tragedy.  As the drama unfolds, it's certainly easy to become enveloped in the story.  Between trying to guess Holiday's identity (it isn't who you think, trust me) and watching as Batman struggles with his own personal demons, The Long Halloween is surprisingly intricate and well-executed graphic novel that's sure to entice any reader.

The characters in this novel are also well-built and intriguing, deserving of their very own mention for the wild and wacky qualities they bring to Batman's story.  It's especially interesting to see how Bruce Wayne continues to develop as Batman, and how Catwoman fits into the whole equation.  They make a surprisingly effective duo.

Likewise, the art in The Long Halloween proves to be just as interesting.  Harsh lines and dark shadows make the plot more sinister, matching the atmosphere of the comic and breathes life into the script it follows.

The Bad
Honestly, I can't say there's anything I disliked about this comic.  It was surprising, creative, and enjoyable.  Perhaps the worst aspect about reading Loeb and Sale's work was the wait to see how it ended.

The Ugly
Gore, mob violence, strong language, murder - the usual in a dark, gripping crime novel with Batman as the central protagonist and mob bosses running amok in the city of Gotham.