Batman: The Cult (Comic)

~ Jim Starlin (Author), Berni Wrightson (Illustrator), Bill Wray (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A new printing of the classic Batman tale collecting the 4-issue miniseries from 1989. Deacon Blackfire, a charismatic shaman with roots as old as Gotham City itself, has amassed the city's homeless into an army, one he seemingly uses to fight crime. But Blackfire has a hidden agenda!

About the Author

Bernie Wrightson is a fan-favourite whose work includes Swamp Thing and Batman: The Cult. Jim Starlin is responsible for many of the greatest Batman stories ever told, as well as Cosmic Odyssey and Death of the New Gods! --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Comic: 128 pages
• Publisher: DC Comics (December 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0930289854
• ISBN-13: 978-0930289850
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #516,240 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars BATMAN & THE CULT, November 22, 2003

By	K. Jump (Corbin, KY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A harrowing 80s tale from the Dark Knight. When the enigmatic Deacon Frost moves into Gotham with an eye on the poor and downcast, the Caped Crusader is but one of many to wish the "good" Deacon success. But Frost's motives prove far from altruistic, and when he shows his true colors even Batman cannot escape his sadistic grasp. Foreshadows some of the basic story elements from "Knightfall" and "No Man's Land," but Jim Starlin's tight, moving script is a far cry from many of the overblown, maze-like plots of today. The inner conflict Starlin's "broken" Batman must overcome is handled adroitley, and Berni Wrightson's visual depiction of the Dark Night Detective is quite powerful as well. Jason Todd is still Robin in this story, and Batman can't make it without him. The Deacon himself is the kind of wolf-in-the-fold that we see everyday on TV and in the newspaper--and sometimes even in our pulpits--a false prophet whose own Messiah Complex makes him capable of feats even a Bin Laden might applaud. It's going to take everything Batman has to bring him down, and the over-the-top climax does not disappoint. Out of print, but look for it in your comic shop's back-issue section (it was originally published as a 4-issue mini-series) or order it used from Amazon and add it to your own Batcave today.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars fairly interesting, November 8, 2005

By	Corum Seth Smith (Hendersonville, NC USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Deacon Blackfire is a cult leader who has his eyes set on Gotham City. Over the course of several years, Blackfire "recruits" homeless drifters into his organization. After starving them and repeatedly drilling the message that he is their salvation into their heads, Blackfire gains a following that is capable of overthrowing Gotham City.

The interesting side note is that Batman is captured when he tries to save a potential kidnap victim. Deacon Blackfire nearly succeeds in recruiting him to "The Cult." As Batman is struggling to break free from the grip of his captors, the city is struggling with how it should deal with the potential threat of Blackfire.

Some welcome Blackfire, others are weary. However, the Deacon emerges as one of Gotham's greatest threats. Can Batman get it together and save the city?

I think "The Cult" is different from "No Man's Land" even though one probably influenced the other. In "The Cult," there is one large army approaching Gotham. In "No Man's Land," Gotham is divided into feudal territories and the Dark Ages are revisited. "The Cult" offers a unique storyline that is very relevant in the light of recent events, including Jim Jones and Heaven's Gate. I recommend it.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Batman Stories Ever Published., April 17, 2005

By	Savant11 "Savant11" (Canada) - See all my reviews

The Cult simply involves a story about Batman the disintergration of Gotham City, Bruce "Batman" Wayne's hometown. After a charismatic cult leader comes into town and influences the homeless people to take over the city. And Batman putting a stop to him.


Essentially what this book is, is a condensed precursor to the five volume No Man's Land series which was published in the late 90's.

I really enjoyed this book a lot it is interesting and engaging. And shows Batman to be a formidable warrior without turning him into a quasi ominipotent god. Jim Starlin is one of my two favorite Bat writers. In that he has always managed to capture all sides of Batman. By making him a 'man', a three dimensional human being. He's shrewd, formidable but still compassionate.

I loved this story so much that I attended a convention, just to make sure Jim Starlin would sign it.

This is a must for any true Batman afficianados.