Customer Reviews

Batman: Other Realms

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This book consists of 2 separate stories:

'Destiny' is the first, and shortest, story. It involves the existence of a Batman-like character in Viking times. I couldn't really get into this one - the story or the art work. For me, one over shadows the other making it difficult to enjoy. The story swings back and forth between times too much, and the art swings back and forth between very good and very bad. Some of the art is very graphic (I like graphic) and some far too simplistic, especially the facial features, expressions, etc. The only art I like that's simplistic is Snoopy...

The second story is much better and almost worth the price of the book. I don't know if they've done facial expressions any better, but the art is much more consistent and compliments an excellent story. "The Sleeping" explores what happens to people in comas, namely Batman. Following a car crash Batman 'wakes' to find himself escorted to an 'other realm'. He's joined by other coma victims and together they must make their way thru many obstacles, including a 'Lake of Fire', to get back to their bodies. The actions & decisions they make here will determine what happens to them in the waking world. Quite simply, to die here is to die... We, also, get a glimpse into what Bruce Wayne's life would have been like if the Batman had never been 'born'. Don't be put off by the subject matter as the author added just the right touch of humor to keep it from being too dark. Overall, one of the best Batman short stories I've read to date. The only way they could have improved this one is to have made it longer...

Two beautiful stories done by Bo & Scott Hampton. The first story shows how the Batman solve a crime involving toxic waste which leads him to The Viking Prince who seem to live centuries ago. How? Well, you have to pick the book to find out.

The second story has a Vertigo feel into it. An accident leads Bruce Wayne into coma. From there on, he's been meeting with ghost & demons from his past and a meeting with his wife? Batman or is it Bruce Wayne has to overcome all this fears & hope to get back to the real world before his lifesigns fade out! Will he return to the real world which is bleak & gloom when there's someone to love him there in the other realm...?

Batman: Other Realms collects two stories originally printed in Batman: Legends Of The Dark Knight. That comic was about telling completely separate Batman stories that could take place anywhere and any when. They didn't need to be bogged down by current continuity. It was just supposed to be able to let creators tell great Batman takes. Unfortunately, these tales weren't great.....or good. The first story by Hampton and Kneece saw a Batman team-up with a Thor like character but it was really lacking in creativity and the art didn't do it any favor. The second story, while better didn't really make you care or want to read more by the creator or involving the characters. Overall, this is something you read when you haven't read every other Batman book yet and that's about it.