Batman: Prodigal TPB [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Chuck Dixon (Author), Alan Grant (Author), Doug Moench (Author), Bret Blevins (Illustrator), Romeo Tanghal (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1998

Barely recovered from the wounds he received in battle against Bane during the bestselling Knightfall series, the Dark Knight asks Dick Grayson, now the hero known as Nightwing, to take his place while he recovers and reexamines his quest for justice in this companion to the two Batman: Knightfall volumes and Batman: Knightsend.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: DC Comics; illustrated edition edition (January 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563893347
• ISBN-13: 978-1563893346
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,134,456 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

CHUCK DIXON
Born in Philadelphia, Pa.

Chuck Dixon has more than twenty-five years of experience in the graphic novel field as an editor, writer and publisher. He has contributed well over a thousand scripts to publishers like DC Comics, Marvel, Dark Horse, Hyperion and others featuring a range of characters from Batman to the Simpsons. His comic book adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit continues to be an international bestseller. Considered to be one of the most prolific writers in his field, this award-winning storyteller currently writes G.I. Joe and A-team for IDW, The Good the Bad and the Ugly for Dynamite, The Simpsons for Bongo Comics along with many creator-owned projects for various publishers. He is also the co-publisher of an ambitious line of graphic novels based on the American Civil War.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Prodigal Son, March 19, 2001

By 

Anthony (Makati City, Philippines) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Batman: Prodigal TPB (Paperback)

Prodigal is aptly titled by DC Comics' writers and deserves a well-rounded applause from Batman readers old and new.

This story is about how Nightwing--Dick Grayson, the first Robin--would fare if he was made as Bruce Wayne's replacement as the Dark Knight. It's a pretty easy task for good, old Dick. Donning the costume and doing what Bruce did, he thought it would be an easy task and it's like going back to the good old days of fighting crime. But, Gotham City's changed. It wasn't like before when he was still Robin. There are no medals to gain after busting criminals at the end of the day and there is no honor in fighting for a cause only Bruce Wayne is willing to die for. All that remains in Gotham are the monsters and madmen to stop before the city 'dies' in the hands of gang war violence. And after a short while, Dick begins to have second thoughts if he truly deserves to be Bruce's replacement as the Batman.

This trade paperback is a typically light roller-coaster ride for any Batman fan asking the question: "What would it be like if Dick was the Batman?" After the Knightfall series--when Bruce's back was broken by Bane--fans everywhere were shocked when a complete stranger, Azrael, wore the cape and cowl. And in more ways than one, this is DC's way of fulfilling what fans demanded in the first place--to have Dick Grayson as the rightful heir to the mantle of the Bat.

Although the book is commendable in its own way--with its own strong weak points--the conclusion was not very convincing and readers were left hanging in the cold as to what the heck really happened. In fact, it's a tough call and you really have to read between the lines to fully understand how the story concluded.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Full Circle, December 5, 1998

By 

Joe Khachadourian ([e-mail]) (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Batman: Prodigal TPB (Paperback)

Way back in the late 30's, Bob Kane created a memorable comic character to aid his Dark Knight. This young man's name was Dick Grayson, also known as Robin. Flash forward to 1997. Two Robins later, Dick Grayson now becomes Batman. After the events of Knightfall, Knightquest, and Knightsend, Bruce Wayne officially passes on the mantle of the Bat to Dick Grayson. Grayson's evolution from the sidekick Robin to the lone avenger Nightwing to Batman is clearly defined here. The story tellers each keep true to the Batman history, but also give Batman a younger, fresher voice. Also, teaming up this new Batman with the newest Robin (Tim Drake) is classic. The two learn from each other. Finally, the conclusion of this book sums up over 60 years of Batman mythology between "a father and a son."

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable storyline., July 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Batman: Prodigal TPB (Paperback)

I hadn't known a lot about the Batman continuity - this book bridges some of that gap wonderfully. Beautifully drawn and well-written, the story shows the trials and tribulations of Dick Grayson as he takes on the mantle of the bat - and a glimpse of Bruce Wayne's reurn - in the end.