Book Review – “Batman: Knightfall”

Trying to get caught up on my reviews here…

General Information

Batman: Knightfall
Batman: Knightfall

Author: Dennis O’Neil
Original Publication Date: July 1995
ISBN: 0-553-57260-1

Premise

(From Bantam Doubleday) In 1994, DC Comics brought readers a landmark story featuring Batman. The Dark Knight has been Gotham City’s protector for years, challenged by its many villains. But now there’s a new villain on the scene, determined to conquer where others have failed. Known as Bane, he starts his campaign against Batman and Gotham by emptying Arkham Asylum, where so many of Batman’s enemies are imprisoned and have spent their time plotting revenge. Almot single-handedly, Batman fights off these long-time opponents only to find himself so exhausted after it all that his strength fails him when Bane follows the onslaught to face Batman himself. Now Bruce Wayne is confined to a wheel-chair and must turn over his cloak and cowl to his apprentice, Azrael. But Azrael’s philosophy of crime-fighting is much more violent and harsher than Batman’s ever was. And now Bruce faces two challenges: the first is dealing with his incapacitation; and the second is dealing with Azrael who, it’s become clear, is a loose cannon with an agenda all his own.

High Point

Batman hunting down Arkham’s escapees. Tense stuff.

Low Point

It doesn’t add much to the comic book version.

The Scores

To my knowledge, this is a fairly original idea to comics. Sure heroes can pass their legacy on, but this isn’t a final retirement/death situation. 4 out of 6.

The imagery is spotty. Some parts (battles especially) are good. Other stuff is rushed. 4 out of 6.

The story is interesting enough to keep you reading, but not enough to make you run out and get other Batman novels by O’Neil. 3 out of 6.

Characterization isn’t all that interesting, save for Bane, who is very cool. There’s too much assumption taking place. 3 out of 6.

The emotional response is fair. You feel for the Dark Knight, but Bane’s need to destroy Batman wears a little thin after a while. 3 out of 6.

The editing is adequate. Should build on the comic version more. 2 out of 6.

Overall I wasn’t impressed. I’ve read other superhero books and they were much better. 2 out of 6.

Total: 21 out of 42

TheAngrymob