The Comicologist » DC

Batman: Haunted Knight

The Comicologist — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 05:55:51 +0000

Batman: Haunted Knight is a collection of three Halloween 'specials' focusing on different aspects of Batman/Bruce Wayne's past, present and possible future, written by Jeph Loeb and illustrated by Tim Sale.

The first story focuses on Batman's attempt to re-capture the Scarecrow, at the same time as Bruce Wayne finds himself starting up a new relationship. I can't really say anymore than that without giving the twist away... and there is a twist. In my opinion, this was the pick of the bunch.
The second story, draws on the Alice in Wonderland mythology and follows Batman's attempts to re-capture the Mad Hatter. In this story we learn that battling the Mad Hatter almost always trawls up memories of Bruce Wayne's mother, due to the Hatters association with the Alice in Wonderland tale. This story was ok. Not outstanding, just ok.

The third and final story is the Batman version of the old Christmas Carol story, with Bruce Wayne visited by the spirits of the past, present and future. In this story, the first meeting between Lucias Fox and Bruce Wayne is revealed, and we also learn how Fox finds himself at Wayne Enterprises. Besides that, you can probably guess how this plays out. In the end, Wayne realises that not all his money needs to go toward crime fighting, and that it can also be used to help others. Wayne also realises that he needs to retain his humanity even if those he fights show no humanity themselves.

Having read Batman: The Long Halloween and Batman: Dark Victory, both also products of Loeb and Sale, I held high expectations for Haunted Knight. Unfortunately, however, this time around they weren't quite able to meet my expectations. That's not to say Haunted Knight is a bad collection, just that I didn't like it as much as either The Long Halloween or Dark Victory. This collection is best suited to the Loeb/Sale completest and the die hard Batman fans. Casual readers would probably not enjoy this as much as other stories Loeb and Sale have worked on. Overall I'd give this one a 6 out of 10.

Batman: Haunted Knight NEW by Jeph Loeb

US $15.37

11h 4m

BATMAN: HAUNTED KNIGHT TPB JEPH LOEB TIM SALE

US $9.73

15h 13m

Batman Haunted Knight TPB

US $19.95

1d 17h 17m

Batman: Haunted Knight by Bob Kane, Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale (1996, Paperback)

US $9.99

1d 20h 8m

Batman Haunted Knight TP

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3d 9h 18m

BATMAN : HAUNTED KNIGHT Trade Paperback Graphic Novel DC Comics

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US $5.00

3d 21h 1m

Batman: Haunted Knight by Bob Kane, Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale (1996, Paperback)

US $10.93

4d 3h 17m

Batman: Haunted Knight - Jeph Loeb, Tim Sale

US $15.66

4d 12h 35m

Batman: Haunted Knight by Bob Kane, Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale (1996, Paperback)

0 Bid

US $10.00

6d 12h 4m

Batman Haunted Knight TPB (1996) Reprint #1 NM

US $15.06

11d 14h 5m

BATMAN: HAUNTED KNIGHT TPB Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale Joker!

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13d 19h 16m

Batman: Haunted Knight by Bob Kane, Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale (1996, Paperback)

US $12.77

16d 15h 56m

Batman: Haunted Knight Loeb, Jeph/ Sale, Tim/ Kane, Bob

US $50.11

19d 8h 4m

Batman: Haunted Knight - BRAND NEW

US $35.06

20d 3h 39m

Batman - Haunted Knight TPB - Jeph Loeb - Excellent

US $13.99

23d 7h 17m

BATMAN : HAUNTED KNIGHT Trade Paperback Graphic Novel Loeb Sale DC Comics

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24d 24m

Batman: Haunted Knight Jeph Loeb/ Tim Sale

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24d 5h 21m

Batman: Haunted Knight 9781563892738 NEW

US $13.84

27d 8h 55m

DC BATMAN HAUNTED KNIGHT SIGNED BY JEPH LOEB & TIM SALE W/COA NYCC SDCC

US $49.95

27d 18h 18m

Batman: Haunted Knight 1996 DC Comics

US $13.50

29d 10h 58m

Batman: War Games

The Comicologist — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:49:53 +0000

War Games was a Batman cross-over/event that ran in DC Comics between October 2004 and January 2005. The War Games story arc appeared in all the Gotham related titles running at the time, Detective Comics, Legends of the Dark Knight, Nightwing, Batman: Gotham Knights, Robin, Batgirl, Catwoman, Batman, and Gotham Central. The War Games story arc has since been collected in three trade paper backs, Batman: War Games, Act One - Outbreak, Batman: War Games, Act Two - Tides and Batman: War Games, Act Three - Endgame.

The story begins with Stephanie Brown (aka. Spoiler), trying to redeem herself in the eyes of Batman, after recently been fired as Robin. In an effort to regain Batman's confidence, and hoping to take back her Robin mantle, Spoiler sets into motion an elaborate contingency plan Batman had developed in the event of widespread gang violence. In essence the plan involved gathering all of Gotham's crime figures together and to unite them under a single crime boss, Matches Malone, and alias used by Batman to infiltrate Gotham's organised crime. In effect this plan would have given Batman control of Gotham's organised crime, if it were to go to plan. Unfortunately, Spoiler was not aware that Batman and Matches Malone were the same person.

When Spoiler gathers the crime figures without Batman's knowledge, and with Matches Malone an obvious no show, things turn pear shaped, and the gangs go to war with one another. Batman and friends are immediately drawn into the action, trying to put an end to the war before Gotham is destroyed.

In the chaos, The Black Mask appears, a villain that shares a history with both Batman and Bruce Wayne. An opportunist, the Black Mask decides to step into the role Matches Malone was intended to play. With Batman, Robin, Nightwing, Oracle, Batgirl and Catwoman stretched to breaking point, Spoiler is captured and tortured by the Black Mask. When Black Mask learns the truth behind the War Games scenario being played out in Gotham, he has all the information he needs in order to take control, and rule Gotham City's underworld.

Batman War Games 27 issue set complete with specials

US $89.00

8h 45m

Set amongst the over arching story are various sub plots, dealing with individual characters and how they respond to the situation and there personal circumstances. For example, Tim Drake is dealing with his parents learning that he is Robin. At the start of the story he has stood down as Robin, however as the story unfolds, he's drawn back into the role due to the escalating violence. Batman is becoming increasingly withdrawn, Nightwing is dealing with his own demons, which seem to have followed him home, and Oracle is increasingly frustrated by her role in the whole scenario.

As the story winds up, it is the Black Mask that finishes on top, successfully seizing control over Gotham's gangland. As the violence draws to a close and Gotham appears to return to 'normal', Batman is left to pick up a whole heap of pieces.

War Games has a number of repercussions on Batman, and many of the other characters that inhabit his world. Due to events in the story, Commissioner Akins declares that all masked vigilantes are now regarded as criminals, and should be treated as such. Distance grows between Batman/Bruce Wayne and Leslie Thompkins, the doctor who had been an ally of Batman for many years. An already withdrawn Batman is further wracked with guilt due to the death of Spoiler, although apparently the Spoiler character is retconned back to the land of the living later on. The Black Mask becomes the most prominent crime figure in Gotham.

I really enjoyed War Games Parts 1, 2 and 3, and ripped through them very quickly. For me, it was an introduction to a couple of characters I'd not previously seen, Nightwing, the Burtonesque Batgirl, Onyx, The Black Mask and Oracle. Even thought the story was written by a number of different authors, it all flows like one epic yarn.

War Games is essential reading for the Batman fan, so if that's you, hurry up and pick up the trades. Overall I'd give the story arc an 8 out of 10.

Batman War Games 27 issue set complete with specials

US $89.00

8h 45m

DETECTIVE COMICS 797 BATMAN WAR GAMES WOODS DC jun

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12h 56m

Batman The 12 Cent Adventure #1 2004 War Games Spoiler Catwoman DC Comics

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18h 52m

Batman War Games Act One TP

US $9.72

1d 8h 26m

Batman War Games Act Three TP

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1d 8h 27m

Batman War Games TPB (2005) #1-REP NM

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1d 10h 13m

BATMAN 12 CENT ADVENTURE COMIC 2004 NO.1 WAR GAMES NR

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1d 17h 2m

Batman: War Games, Act Two Set

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2d 11h 34m

Dc Comics Book Batman 633 War Games Nm+ b

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2d 12h 58m

New Batman War Games Act One Outbreak DC Comics

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2d 19h 56m

SET COLLETION - Batman: War Games; Black Mask seizes control of all the gangs

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2d 20h 17m

Batgirl 55 War Games Act One Part 6 of 8 VF Batman

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BATMAN THE 12 CENT ADVENTURE #1 WAR GAMES INTRO NM DC

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3d 17h 58m

BATMAN WAR GAMES 16 COMIC SET NIGHTWING ROBIN CAT WOMAN

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Batman WAR DRUMS GIRL ROBIN DC Willingham Prelude to War Games

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Batman WAR GAMES Act One OUTBREAK DC Brubaker Willingham

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Batman WAR GAMES Act two TIDES return of tim drake robin DC Brubaker Willingham

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Batman #632 "War Games" Act 2, Part 8

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Detective Comics #798 2004 Batman War Games Poison Ivy Jock DC Comics v

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Detective Comics #797 2004 Batman War Games Poison Ivy Jock DC Comics v

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Batman: Face the Face

The Comicologist — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:57:50 +0000

Before I begin, I need to say up-front that when it comes to the big DC Infinite Crisis event, I'm relatively clueless. From what little I do know, Infinite Crisis was a big deal, that concluded with the big name DC drawcards, including Batman, jump forward a year in their continuity. Batman: Face the Face was written by James Robinson with art by Leonard Kirk and Don Kramer. The trade paperback collects a total of eight issues, taken from Batman #651-654 and Detective Comics #817-820, which were originally released May - August 2006. This story-line is sometimes referred to as "One Year Later", and basically serves as the relaunch of the Batman titles.

Batman: Face the Face marks the return of Batman, and Robin, following their one year sabbatical. Prior to taking the year off, Batman left a reformed, and no longer deformed, Harvey Dent to fill the role of protector of Gotham City. From all reports, the twelve months without Batman passed relatively smoothly, and Dent appeared to have handled the challenge well. When Batman and Robin return to Gotham, and take up their crime fighting responsibilities, things start to turn pear shaped. A 'mysterious vigilante' begins dispatching some of the lower level (read crap and unpopular) super villains, such as KGBeast and Orca. When all the evidence points toward Dent, and "Two-Face", as the mastermind behind the murders. All of this is set on the backdrop of an unseen player attempting to take control of the Penguin's empire, as well as Dent growing increasingly resentful of the Dark Knight's return.

So Batman has some tough questions that need answers. Has Dent returned to the Two-Face persona? Is Dent being framed? Who is trying to take over the Penguin's operation? Well if I answered those questions for you, you would need to read the book!

Lot of 3 BATMAN Legends Of The Dark Knight #28-30 "FACES" Part 1, 2 & 3

1 Bid

US $3.00

20h 10m

Face the Face is important if for no other reason than it re-establishes James Gordon as Gotham's police commissioner and reveals that Detective Harvey Bullock is once again a member of the G.C.P.D. The collection also end with Bruce Wayne offering to adopt Tim Drake (the current Robin) as his son.

There is a real effort in this collection to reposition Batman as the detective. He is less a "super hero" in this story and more a "super detective". The whole feel of the book is one of "back to basics". Which is good and bad. It's good because it restores the character of Batman back to the ball park of where he is at his best, but bad because at the same time, there's nothing new going on that hasn't already been done before.

Overall, while the artwork in this book is solid, the story-line is more than a little disappointing. The twist in the tail is telegraphed from very early on, and from then on in it's more a case of going through the motions. For what is essentially a 'relaunch' I found Batman: Face the Face to be a let down.

Overall I'd give Batman: Face the Face 4 out of 10.

Lot of 3 BATMAN Legends Of The Dark Knight #28-30 "FACES" Part 1, 2 & 3

1 Bid

US $3.00

20h 10m

Batman #518 Black Mask: The Spidered Face

US $5.39

1d 5h 37m

Batman Face The Face TPB

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1d 17h 17m

MT*BATMAN: Two-Face & The Riddler! RARE - Graphic Novel

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2d 16h 19m

The Joker 1 strict NM- 1975 High-Grade Wythville Collection Batman Two-Face!!!

US $90.00

2d 19h 28m

Warner Brothers Gallery, Batman, Harvey Dent/Two Face, The Riddler, Plate #533

0 Bid

US $29.85

3d 14h 48m

Batman Featuring Two Face and The Riddler TP

US $8.42

4d 8h 32m

Batman: Face the Face

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4d 16h 39m

1995 "BATMAN", "TWO-FACE", "THE-RIDDLER", MCDONALDS GLASS CUPS (LOT) 8

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4d 19h 35m

TONY S. DANIEL BATMAN BATTLE FOR THE COWL#3 PG.#11 ORIGINAL ART PAGE ,-TWO FACE

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4d 20h

DC HERO ZONE BATMAN THE DARK KNIGHT HARVEY DENT TWO-FACE 6" ACTION FIGURE MOC!

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4d 21h 7m

BRAVE & The BOLD #106 4/73 Green Arrow Batman Two-Face

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Batman: Featuring Two-Face and the Riddler TPB - DC

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5d 20h 7m

BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT # 11-29,1991 Annual-Faces,Prey,Venom,Flyer-20

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6d 8h 48m

BATMAN ANNUAL # 9 -VF-THE FOUR FACES OF BATMAN-1985

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Brave & The Bold #130 VF- Batman Joker Two Face & Atom

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Batman Legends of the Dark Knight #28 1992 Two-Face Matt Wagner DC Comics v

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Batman Legends of the Dark Knight #30 1992 Two-Face Matt Wagner DC Comics

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Batman Legends of the Dark Knight #29 1992 Two-Face Matt Wagner DC Comics

US $1.75

8d 23h 28m

Batman - Face The Face SC GN

US $19.99

9d 14h 12m

Batman: The Long Halloween

The Comicologist — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 02:28:19 +0000

I'll say it up front, Batman: The Long Halloween is one of the best Batman stories I have read. The Long Halloween is a 13-issue comic book limited series written by Jeph Loeb with art by Tim Sale and originally published by DC Comics in 1996 and 1997. Even if you aren't a comic fan, chances are you'll have seen some of Loeb's work on television, as he is a Co-Executive Producer on the comic inspired NBC show "Heroes", and was formerly a producer/writer on the TV series Smallville and Lost. The Long Halloween has been collected in trade paper back and you can also find it as a DC Comics "Absolute Editions" version.

At its core, the Long Halloween is a detective story, with Batman on the trail of a serial killer known as Holiday, due to his habit of killing his victims on public holidays. Like Batman: Year One, The Long Halloween is set in the early days of Batman's career, pre-Robin. Like Year One, The Long Halloween also focuses on the early day's of Harvey Dent and his eventually transformation into Two-Face.

The Long Halloween is described as "noir-ish" which I guess is a fair way to describe it. Many of the mob gangsters that appeared in Year One return, but Gotham is slowly being over run by the "freak" element, with villains such as Two-Face, The Joker, Scarecrow, Mr Freeze and the Mad Hatter, all having surfaced in the six or so months that have past since Year One.

The story begins with mob boss Carmine "The Roman" Falcone holding Gotham city in his grip. Batman, District Attorney Harvey Dent and Jim Gordon, are working together to bring down the mob, and in particular Falcone. The three men debate the lengths they will go to bring the Roman to justice, and enter a pact, agreeing to bend the rules if necessary, but never to break them.

Not long after, one of the Roman's hitmen is murdered, on Halloween. The killer leaves behind the murder weapon, a distinctive .22 calibre pistol with the nipple of a baby bottle used as a silencer, as well as a jack-o-lantern. This is the first known victim of the serial killer that would come to be known as Holiday.

As the months roll on, the body count rises, with the list of suspects narrowing after each holiday. At first it appears the killer is targeting the Falcone family, however, the killers scope widens to include members of the rival Maroni family. Harvey Dent begins to emerge as a prime suspect, but whether or not he is the Holiday killer or not is a matter of conjecture.

How far will Batman, Dent and Gordon go to put an end to the Falcone family? Will any one be left alive to see in the next Halloween? Is Holiday actually Harvey Dent? Is Holiday acting alone? Well you'll have to read the book to find out. It's too good a story to spoil.

The Long Halloween should be on everyone's 'must read' list of Batman stories. Reading through it, you won't be surprised to find a number of similarities between it and the film The Dark Knight. Both are as much about the origin of Two-Face and the relationship between the three would-be saviours of Gotham City as they are about traditional "BIFF", "WHACK" and "SMASH" Batman action. In fact, take Batman out of the equation and you'd still be left with a cracking good detective yarn.

One of the key differences between the comic, and the film The Dark Knight, is the events surrounding the creation of Two-Face. If you've seen the film, you'll know that Harvey Dent's disfigurement was the result of severe burns, and his kidnapping by the Joker. In the Long Halloween, the Joker has nothing to do with Harvey's downfall. His disfigurement is the result of him being dossed with acid while prosecuting Falcone's rival Maroni.

The Dark Knight also adopted the concept of the "freaks" (such as the Joker, the Scarecrow and Two-Face) taking over control of Gotham from the mob as well as the central relationship between Batman, Gordon and Dent.

What did I learn?

Well, I shouldn't have waited so long to read this for one! Second, Batman stories are at the best when they are grounded in at least some semblance of reality, and not concerned with the supernatural or "super powers".

Overall I'd give the Long Halloween a 9.5 out of 10. It's a real page turner, and the story is a lot 'meatier' than you may expect to find in a comic. At 368 pages this book is well worth the $13 or so bucks you can pick it up for on Amazon or eBay in trade form. The Long Halloween is the perfect companion to Batman: Year One.

Batman: Long Halloween #13 NM- Punishment DC 1997

US $4.99

15h 5m

Batman: Long Halloween #5 NM- Valentine's Day DC 1997

US $3.49

15h 23m

Batman: Long Halloween #6 NM St. Patrick's Day DC 1997

US $3.99

15h 32m

BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN--LOEB & SALE new edition [softcover]

0 Bid

US $14.90

18h 34m

BATMAN THE LONG HALLOWEEN #10 AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED BY TIM SALE AWESOME STORY!

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22h 27m

Batman the Long Halloween 1996 series # 6 near mint

US $3.50

1d 6h 29m

Batman the Long Halloween 1996 series # 10 near mint

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1d 6h 29m

BATMAN THE LONG HALLOWEEN PROMO POSTER TIM SALE

US $4.99

1d 6h 49m

BATMAN LONG HALLOWEEN 1-13 no issue 4 SIGNED BY JEPH LOEB

0 Bid

US $20.00

1d 7h 6m

Batman The Long Halloween (1997) #2 NM

US $3.40

1d 9h 51m

Batman The Long Halloween (1997) #2 VF+

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Batman The Long Halloween (1997) #3 VF

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Batman The Long Halloween (1997) #4 VF

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Batman The Long Halloween (1997) #5 NM

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Batman The Long Halloween (1997) #5 VF+

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Batman The Long Halloween (1997) #6 NM

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Batman The Long Halloween (1997) #6 VF

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Batman The Long Halloween (1997) #7 NM

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Batman The Long Halloween (1997) #7 VF

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Batman The Long Halloween (1997) #8 NM

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1d 9h 51m

Batman: Year One

The Comicologist — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 04:57:10 +0000

Batman: Year One is a four issue story arc written by Frank Miller and illustrated by David Mazzucchelli, that originally appeared in issues #404 to #407 of DC Comics' Batman series in 1987. Batman: Year One is one of the "must read" Batman comics, and is also one of the first examples of the "limited series" format (or self contained series within a series) that is now common place in most main stream comics. Batman: Year One is also the story arc that inspired a lot of the key plot points for the film Batman Begins, and there is a clear link between the gritty style portrayed in both Year One and the film.

Batman: Year One begins with the return of Bruce Wayne. Having left Gotham city 15 years ago, following the death of his parents, it appears that Bruce Wayne has spent his time away training in martial arts as well as forensic and criminal sciences. Jim Gordon is also moving back to Gotham City, with his pregnant wife Barbara. It doesn't take Gordon long to figure out that law enforcement in Gotham is not everything that it should be. Corruption has spread to the highest levels.

Bruce Wayne, yet to adopt the Batman persona, hits the street for his first mission, creating an alibi and disguising his appearance before entering the Red Light District of Gotham. Following an altercation with a local with a local pimp, and a brief fight with a dominitrix called Seline Kyle (who will go on to become Catwoman), Bruce Wayne is shot by police. Managing to escape and make his way back to Wayne Manor, Bruce sits alone, bleeding, and wondering whether it's worth going on. Searching for a flash of inspiration, and a way to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies, a bat crashes through a nearby window and lands on a sculpture of his father. "Yes Father, I will become a bat". Batman is born.

All the while, Gordon is on his own search, desperately trying to figure out how he can clean up the Gotham City Police Department. Gordon, now sure that Gotham is run by corrupt city leaders and gangsters like Carmine Falcone, begins to draw increased attention from those he'd seek to bring down.

From here, Gordon and Batman are on a collision course that will bring the two characters together, uniting to achieve a common goal.

Batman: Year One is awesome for a number of reasons. Firstly it gives us a greater insight into the development of Batman, at a time when he's arguably at his most vulnerable. Secondly it's an origin story, and I love a good origin story. But it's not just a Batman origin story, it tells us as much about Jim Gordon as it does about Batman in many respects. It also provides a few insights into the origin of Catwoman, that had not been previously explored.

Batman: Year One also illustrates the formation of the relationship between Batman and a young Assistant District Attorney, Harvey Dent. Year One also introduces crime boss, Carmine Falcone. Finally, Batman: Year One is awesome because it re-established Batman as a dark and gritty vigilante, that wasn't afraid of getting his hands dirty to clean up Gotham City. Frank Miller effectively reclaimed the character, and I think we can all be grateful for that.

What did I learn?

Batman Begins and The Dark Knight both owe a lot to Batman: Year One. Would I recommend it? Heck Yes. Pick up the graphic novel now and read it twice.

Comic Book Lot 2000+, Batman Year One 404-408, Transformers 1 & 80, Many # 1's

US $30,000.00

14m

Batman #406, Year One, Frank Miller, 1986

US $8.62

22m

BATMAN(3/87)~Issue #405~YEAR ONE~FRANK MILLER

US $7.77

8h 11m

BATMAN(4/87)~Issue #406~YEAR ONE~FRANK MILLER

US $7.77

8h 14m

BATMAN(5/87)~Issue #407~YEAR ONE~FRANK MILLER

US $7.77

8h 17m

Year One/Batman: Ra's al ghul Comic NM condition

0 Bid

US $3.25

11h 41m

Batman Year One

0 Bid

US $5.00

13h 24m

Batman Year One

1 Bid

US $14.99

16h 57m

Huntress Year One - FULL Miniseries #1-6 - DC 2008 - NM - Batman

0 Bid

US $11.99

17h 57m

BATMAN #404 NM+ HIGH GRADE YEAR ONE!! FRANK MILLER

US $17.99

18h 49m

BATMAN #405 NM+ HIGH GRADE YEAR ONE!! FRANK MILLER

US $15.99

18h 51m

BATMAN #407 NM+ HIGH GRADE YEAR ONE!! FRANK MILLER

US $14.99

18h 52m

Batman #406 1987 Year One Catwoman Frank Miller David Mazzucchelli DC Comics va

US $9.50

18h 52m

Batman #404 1987 Year One 1st Modern Catwoman Frank Miller Mazzucchelli DC va

US $11.25

18h 52m

Batman Annual #19 1995 Year One DC Comics v

US $2.00

18h 52m

DC Batman Year One Hardcover HC HB Rare Frank Miller

US $139.00

19h 31m

1987 BATMAN YEAR ONE COLLECTION: #404, 405, 406, 407 FRANK MILLER - HIGH GRADE

0 Bid

US $19.99

19h 59m

Batman #404 Year One! by Frank Miller & Mazzucchelli!

0 Bid

US $5.99

22h 23m

Batman #407 Year One Part 4! by Frank Miller & Mazzucchelli! RARE Dual Cover!

0 Bid

US $5.99

22h 23m

Batman Year One Deluxe SC

US $9.74

1d 8h 26m

Toe Tags: The Death of Death

The Comicologist — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 06:28:12 +0000

The name George A. Romero is synonymous with the zombie genre. If you haven't yet seen the original film version of Dawn of the Dead, then you are really missing out. It's an absolute classic. In any case, once I learned that Romero had been involved in a comic series, I had to check it out.

"Toe Tags" is a 6 issue mini-series issued by DC Comics, also referred to as "The Death of Death". It was first released in late 2004, no doubt to capitalise on the success of the Dawn of the Dead remake that was also released that year. "Toe Tags" is based on an unused script Romero had written previously as a potential sequel to his "Dead Trilogy".

"Toe Tags" follows Damien Cross, who appears to be one of the few survivors of the zombie plague that has struck down the globe. His girlfriend Judy, has also survived, however the two are holed up in different buildings. Judy is the Lara Croft/Alice character, handy with a pump action shot gun, and hot looking. Fortunately for Judy, Damien has a pet elephant. Apparently a highly trained elephant at that. Mr Tembo, as the elephant is called, is sent on a rescue mission to find Judy and bring her back to Damien. It would seem that Mr Tembo is a kick ass elephant, because before you can shout "Dumbo" three times, Judy is safe and sound, yet slightly shocked. Damien is not the man she'd left behind. He's now a zombie, but he's also undead with a difference. Thanks to his eccentric zoologist friend, Damien was administered an experimental serum, that has allowed him to retain both his free will, and his memories. In other words, besides the rotting flesh, he's basically the same guy. Apparently the serum also stops him from stumbling around muttering "brains... braiiiiiiinnnssss..."

From there, Damien and Judy hit the road on the back of Mr Teembo. The story takes on a survivalist mentality. With Damien and Judy on the run from both the Undead, and the living, who are hell bent on obtaining the secrets to the serum. There are a few twists and turns along the way, but this mini-series is mostly an excuse for the artist to draw as many exploding skulls as possible.

"Toe Tags" is really Damien's story, and follows his struggle to reconcile the 'old' Damien, with the new. He remembers his former life, but struggles with determining who he is, and who's side he should be on. He's sympathetic to both the living and the undead. So essentially he exists as a walking, talking, rotting and conflicted emo guy.

What did I learn?

Never turn your back on an elephant.

"Toe Tags" is worth reading if you're interested in exploring the "Dead" universe further, but as a stand alone story, it's not all that strong.

George Romero 's Toe Tags #3 SIGNED by Bernie Wrightson Tommy Castillo & Ramos

US $7.99

2d 11h 8m

George A Romero Toe Tags #1-4 (NM+) Pub 2004-2005 by DC

US $9.99

2d 12h 55m

TOE TAGS #1,2,3,4 NM comics/Created & Written by George A. Romero,Zombies & Guns

US $8.00

2d 15h 32m

George Romero TOE TAGS comics #1,2,3,4,5,6 ~ FULL SET

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Tommy Castillo - Toe Tags 4 Pg 9 - Original Inked Page - George Romero - Zombie

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George Romero's Toe Tags #6/Zombie/2004 DC Comics

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dc toe tags zombie comic by george romero full set

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TOE TAGS FEATURING GEORGE A ROMERO #4 DC COMICS

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TOE TAGS FEATURING GEORGE A ROMERO #3 DC COMICS

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Toe Tags 1 DC 2004 VF George A Romero

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Toe Tags (2004) #1 NEAR MINT

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18d 15h 33m

TOE TAGS #2, Zombies, Wrightson, George Romero, VFN+, Bernie

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19d 12h 56m

TOE TAGS #3, Zombies,Bernie Wrightson,George Romero,NM

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19d 14h 46m

TOE TAGS #4, Zombies,Bernie Wrightson,George Romero,NM

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19d 14h 46m

Sin City Toe Tag 1996 Frank Miller Comic Promo Item B

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19d 16h 48m

Toe Tags Featuring George Romero (2004) #1 NM

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22d 6h 55m

Toe Tags Featuring George Romero (2004) #1 VF

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22d 6h 55m

Toe Tags Featuring George Romero (2004) #2 VF

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Toe Tags Featuring George Romero (2004) #3 VF

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Toe Tags Featuring George Romero (2004) #4 VF

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22d 6h 55m

You've got to love a good zombie saga! I have the first three hard cover collections of the Walking Dead series, and I intend to start those very soon. From what I've seen so far, having been unable to resist a quick flick through, I'm impressed!

The Dark Knight trailer re-enacted by kids

The Comicologist — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:50:29 +0000

As a comic geek, I felt that it was my duty to go along and see The Dark Knight a second time. Since I loved it so much the first time, for my second viewing I decided to go big, and it doesn't get much bigger than IMAX. Needless to say, The Dark Knight blew me away for a second time, although this time it was on a much bigger scale!

In my opinion, Christopher Nolan has nailed the essence of Batman, and Heath Ledger's macabre and twisted portrayal of the Joker ensures that The Dark Knight sets a new standard for comic book movies. If you haven't seen the movie yet, stop reading this and get along to your local cinema. You won't be disappointed.

If you've seen the movie, and/or the trailer, then you'll appreciate this little clip from YouTube. It's The Dark Knight trailer re-enacted by kids. Funny.

WPvideo 1.10

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comics BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT book #3 (1986) 1st print ~by Frank Miller

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16m

comics BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT book #4 (1986) 1st print ~by Frank Miller

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16m

Batman The Dark Knight Strikes Again part 2 of 3, Frank Miller Story and Art,y77

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32m

DC DIRECT★THE JOKER fROM DARK KNIGHT★1:6 SCALE DELUXE COLLECTOR FIGURE BATMAN

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Damion Scott BATGIRL #6 original art with BATMAN! Cassandra Cain,The Dark Knight

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2h 14m

BATMAN : LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #11

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2h 23m

Batman: The Dark Knight #5 Variant

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2h 43m

Batman: The Dark Knight #3 Variant

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2h 53m

Batman: Legends of the dark knight # 2 DC comics

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3h 47m

BATMAN LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT MIXED LOT OF 23 COMICS

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8h 15m

Batman The Dark Knight Strikes Again part 1 of 3, Frank Miller Story and Art,y78

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9h 11m

DK2 THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN Frank Miller NM- 9.2

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9h 25m

Batman The dark Knight Book three, First Print, Frank Miller Story and Art,y79

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9h 30m

Batman The Dark Knight #1 1st printing

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9h 37m

BATMAN LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT - DARING 12 BOOKS - BY DC COMICS # 2 to 103 !

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10h 9m

DC DIRECT - The Dark Knight Returns Collection - In ORIGINAL shipping box

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10h 33m

BATMAN LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT - DARING 11 BOOKS - BY DC COMICS # 1 to 85 !

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10h 37m

BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #168-169 NM-NM+ Modern Age DC Comic lot

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10h 44m

BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #200-201 NM-NM+ Modern Age DC Comic lot

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10h 55m

BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #203 204 NM-NM+ Modern Age DC Comic lot

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11h 20m

Batman: Turning Points

The Comicologist — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:05:41 +0000

Batman: Turning Points was a five issues mini-series focusing on the symbiotic, yet sometimes strained, relationship between Batman and Commissioner Gordon. The five issues have been collected in trade paper back form.

The five issues cover five distinctly different stories and time periods throughout Batman's career. The first issue finds Batman attempting to build up a level of trust with Gordon. The second involves Gordon attempting to reconcile in his own mind the moral implications of allowing Batman to take on a younger side kick, Robin.

The third, and perhaps most interesting story takes place shortly after the events of the classic one-shot "The Killing Joke" in which the Joker had shot Gordon's daughter in the spine, paralysing her, in an attempt to prove his point that anyone can be driven to insanity if they have "just one bad day". In this story, Batman is having trouble dealing with the guilt associated with these events, ignoring his "obligations" whilst a serial killer roams free in Gotham.

The fourth issue takes place after the events of Knightfall, in which Batman is recovering from a heavy defeat, and Azrael is temporarily standing in as Batman until Bruce Wayne can get back on his feet. This story had a couple of flaws, the major one for me being that for some reason Gordon wasn't able to identify that the 'new' Batman, was not the one he had been dealing with for years.

The fifth issue connected back to the first story, however, to be blunt, not a lot happened.

Overall Batman: Turning Points was an average collection. DC clearly called in the who's who of writing talent with Rucka, Dixon, and Brubaker all contributing, which is perhaps the most disappointing aspect with regard to Turning Points. Even with all that talent on board, they still only managed to turn out an average collection. The artwork is most definitely "old school". The cover is a good indication of what you'll find inside. If that annoys you, look elsewhere.

What did I learn? Sometimes you really should judge a book by its cover.

Would I recommend it? I wouldn't recommend this to the casual reader or Batman fan. Arguably this collection is for the Batman 'completests' only.

Batman Turning Points 1-5 SET

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Batman mini series lot of 5-Turning Points 2001 NM+ condition

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11h 39m

Batman Turning Points (2001) #1 NM

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Batman Turning Points (2001) #2 NM

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Batman Turning Points (2001) #3 NM

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Batman Turning Points (2001) #3 VF

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Batman Turning Points (2001) #4 NM

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Batman Turning Points (2001) #4 VF

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Batman Turning Points (2001) #5 NM

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Batman Turning Points (2001) #5 VF

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$5 COMIC SET BATMAN TURNING POINTS 1-5 DC RUCKA LIEBER

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Batman Turning Points TPB

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BATMAN TURNING POINTS TP 30% OFF!! GREG RUCKA

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DC Comics Batman Turning Points Set #1-5

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Batman Turning Points #1 2 4 5 Comic Book Near Set Greg Rucka

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Batman Turning Points TP

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Batman: Turning Points (2001) #1-5 (VF/NM) Complete

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DC Batman Turning Point Series 2001 Lot of 5 (Complete Set)

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Batman: Turning Points #2 (2001) NM 9.4 DC Comics

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Batman: Turning Points #3 (2001) NM 9.4 DC Comics

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Watchmen

The Comicologist — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 06:32:10 +0000

Alan Moore's Watchmen is often described by critics as being 'seminal'. Now, I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I had to look that word up:

sem·i·nal: highly original and influencing the development of future events: a seminal artist; seminal ideas.

For the record, it can also mean "pertaining to, containing, or consisting of semen." In the case of Watchmen, the first meaning here is definitely the most appropriate.

Watchmen was originally published as a monthly 12 issue comic book limited series from 1986-1987, and later collected as a trade paperback (meaning all issues in the one book). It was written by Alan Moore, also known for V for Vendetta, and illustrated by Dave Gibbons.

Watchmen is a deep read, carrying the distinction of being the only graphic novel to win a Hugo Award (up until writing this at least), as well as being the only graphic novel to appear on Time Magazine's 2005 list of the 100 best English language novels from 1923 to present. Watchmen was one of the first comics to break free of the traditional 'super hero' constraints that dominated the industry throughout the 80's and arguably paved the way for a number of more 'adult' orientated works embracing themes not really touched upon before. It's part mystery, part drama and part historical document in that it gives the reader an indication of what the political climate may have been like in the US during it's initial run.

Much of the story is set in the USA in 1985. It's an alternate reality where costumed heroes and villains are real, although a majority of the hero and villain community have are now either dead or retired (ala. The Dark Knight Returns). The main villain of the piece now appears to be the establishment. The primary story traces the past and present of a group of aging 'superheroes' (some active, and some semi-retired) as they reconnect with one another to try and piece together the events surrounding the murder of one of their former comrades. As a backdrop to this, the USA is also on the verge of nuclear war with the Soviet Union. Could the two be connected? Paranoia starts setting in as the end of the world seems to be fast approaching.

What can we learn from Watchmen? Well, if you take nothing else away after reading the Watchmen, make sure you remember this. A podgy man in his mid-40's is not meant to wear spandex.

Watchmen is highly recommended reading for the casual reader to full blown comic geek.

Incidentally, Watchmen is being developed into a feature film, with Zack Snyder at the helm (the guy that brought Frank Miller's 300 to the big screen). If the teaser trailer below is anything to go by, Watchmen then movie, appears to be a faithful adaptation of the book. It will be interesting to see the finished product.

Watchmen-Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons

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6h 59m

1987 Alan Moore Limited Edition WATCHMEN Leather Hard Cover w/ Slipcase~rare~

US $199.00

7h 57m

WATCHMEN #2 Alan Moore, Now A Movie!!! VF

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8h 36m

NEW Watchmen - Moore, Alan/ Gibbons, Dave (ILT)/ Higgin

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14h 28m

WATCHMEN COMEDIAN 1986 DC ORIGINAL PROMO POSTER PRINT ALAN MOORE AMERICAN DREAM?

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14h 31m

ABSOLUTE WATCHMEN HC ALAN MOORE

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14h 48m

Watchmen Slipcase DC / Graphitti Designs Alan Moore VF+

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16h 7m

WATCHMEN #2 OF 12. 1986 DC COMICS ALAN MOORE

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16h 36m

WATCHMEN #1-NEAR MINT COPY-HOT BOOK-ALAN MOORE

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17h 14m

Watchmen New Alan Moore Dave Gibbons DC Comics

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17h 53m

WATCHMEN DC Comics Hardcover Graphic Novel by Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons

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20h 4m

WATCHMEN TPB by Alan Moore Dave Gibbons DC COMICS MOVIE

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22h 35m

WATCHMEN #4,Dec 1986,Alan Moore Comic Book UNREAD NM

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WATCHMEN,V FOR VENDETTA,FABLES, MIXED LOT ALAN MOORE BILL WILLIMGHAM

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WATCHMEN # 12 - Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons - 1987 NM! HTF

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Watchmen #2 CGC 9.8 Alan Moore DC 1987

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WATCHMEN - By Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons - RARE

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WATCHMEN:MOTION COMICS BY MOORE,ALAN (DVD) [2 DISCS]

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WATCHMEN:MOTION COMICS BY MOORE,ALAN (Blu-Ray) [2 DISCS]

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WATCHMEN: ART OF THE FILM HC Alan Moore DC Comics Movie

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Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

The Comicologist — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:41:53 +0000

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is a mini-series written and drawn by Frank Miller and published by in four issues by between February and June of 1986.

Don't get Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (DKR) confused with the 2008 Dark Knight movie. They are two distinctly different tales. DKR is set twenty years into an alternate future in which superheroes are strangely absent, and super-villians are either jailed or dead. Ordinary criminals now fill the void, and a gang known as the "Mutants" are holding Gotham City to ransom.

Batman has not been seen for ten years following the death of the second incarnation of Robin (Jason Todd). Bruce Wayne, whilst battling a drinking problem, is still a rich man. We learn that for years he has been funding the rehabilitation of Harvey Dent, to the point where "Two-Face" seems to have disappeared, and Harvey Dent is released back out into society. When Dent returns to crime, Batman is forced out of retirement. After recapturing Dent, Batman then goes after the mutants, defeating their leader, and fuelling the media's obsession with the re-emergence of the Dark Knight.

Having spent tens years lying catatonic in a psychiatric hospital, the Joker emerges after hearing reports of the return of Batman. When the Joker escapes, Batman finds himself asking the same question many readers will have asked time and time again. If Batman had killed the Joker in their first meeting rather than locking him up, only to have him escape again and again, how many lives would have been saved?

When the Soviet Union invade nearby Corto Maltese, the US government send in Superman to naturalise the threat. The Soviet Union respond by launching a nuclear attack on US soil, causing massive power loss and social upheaval. When Batman gathers the former "Mutants", who now call themselves "Sons of Batman", and forms a small army, and restores order to Gotham, and making it the safest city in the US in the process, the US government is publicly embarrassed. When Superman is then ordered to naturalise the Dark Knight it's clear that something has to give.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is a classic not only in terms of the Batman saga, but also for the comic format as a whole. It covers themes including social alienation, the mass media's influence on society, the cold war and government corruption. It is also one of the books that Frank Miller is most well known for. The plot is dark, and has a constant feeling of foreboding as you turn the pages. You'll find yourself constantly asking, is this the end of the Dark Knight?

If nothing else, it teaches us that you can teach an old dog (or bat?) new tricks.

You'd be lucky if you found 9.4 CGC graded copy of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1 for anything less than $100US, with the 6th Edition Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Trade Paper back worth upward of $55US for a 9.8 CGC graded copy.