Featuring several writers, artists, and a dynamite cover by Ethan Van Sciver, the New 52 version of Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Vol. 1 is a collection of five issues in classic DC Comics graphic novel form.
In this volume, Batman faces several of his greatest foes including The Joker, Killer Croc, Mad Hatter, The Riddler, and a few others who are terrorizing Gotham City in one way or another. Originally, this series was a digital exclusive before it went into print form. Since there is no ongoing story-arc, I cannot put a plot summary like I usually do. With that in mind, I will highlight my favorite and least favorite story.
“Letters To Batman” is my favorite story. In it, the Joker is terrorizing Gotham and Batman is feeling the pressure to find his archfoe. Commissioner Gordon contacts him and gives him dozens of bags of letters written to the Dark Knight from the grateful citizens of Gotham. At first, Bruce Wayne refuses to read them, but after prodding from Alfred, he sees the difference he is making in the city. It also has some killer artwork by Trevor Hairsine, who makes the story stand out.
My least favorite story was “A Slam Bradley Mystery” is written by Joshua Hale Fialkov and while it is not bad, it’s just not imaginative. I found its focus on Slam Bradley, who was originally a Superman supporting character, to be bland and lacking. Now, the artwork by Phil Hester is top-notch, but I could not get into the story.
Of course, Ethan Van Sciver does an amazing job with the cover. That is what catches me to the graphic novel. His character design of Batman is impressive and it is a shame DC Comics did not have him illustrate an entire story.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or novel you would like me to review. While you are at it, check out my reviews of Batman: Gothic and Batman: Brotherhood of the Bat. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this one.
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