Customer Reviews

Batman: Prodigal TPB

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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.

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."

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.

We all knew this day would come. Fresh off the Knightfall storylines, Bruce Wayne goes off to "find himself" and gives the cowl to his best Robin: Dick Grayson. A rather lackluster read considering what's going on, it's awesome in the fact that Dick's still around and he's driving "dad's" car. Taking on substantial bad guys and with Robin III in tow, Dick proves he's capable of the job. But Batman is only an identity and Dick's got his own already. Thankfully this novel puts an end to the Batman of dreary moodiness we've known since Robin II's death, and gives a little TLC to Dick and Bruce, which shows to this day. Not to say Batman's any less avengeful and driven, he's moreso once this one's over. A great read overall in the myths.

For starters this is not a stand alone "graphic novel". The reader not familiar with Batman won't enjoy much here. Also, the reader will want to be acquainted with the events of the "Knightfall" story arc.

If that describes you and you haven't read "Batman: Prodigal" then what are you waiting for? This book is a lot of fun. Better in most ways to all of the books of the Knightfall saga if you ask me.

There are at least 5 shorter sub stories in this book all under the arc of Dick Grayson carrying on the Batman's legacy. The writing, mostly by Chuck Dixon and Doug Moench is delightful. Good stories, great situations. I was excited a number of time as I read. Particularly of interest was the fun Tim and Dick had running around the city. You really get a feeling that Dad's out of town and the two younger brothers have the run of the house.

__I NEVER include spoilers__

Contrary to some other reviews I read, the ending was great. I was really touched, and not at all confused about what was happening.

This papaerback tells why D. Grayson is Nightwing and why B. Wayne is Batman. It examples the differences and sums it up better than ever before. Buy it! -PC

There was a time when more than one comic-book reader(and more than one character)imagined a future where Dick Grayson would become Batman II. Now Dick has a chance to be Batman-and although he is adequate,he still feels unequal to the task. Dick did get to know Robin III better-which wasn't the case with Robin II,whose heedlessness got him bumped off by the Joker.Batman and Robin face all kinds of villains in these tales-and Robin learns more about Dick Grayson as a person.In the end, Dick Grayson and Bruce Wayne ultimately reconcile. Dick was a boy wonder as Robin,is a hero as Nightwing-but realizes there is only one Batman.

Among my Batman TPB collection, this HAS to be by far my absolute favorite of the bunch!!!

Many fans were upset in Knightfall Batman passed the Mantle of the Bat over to Azrael a stranger,
instead of his original protege Dick Grayson the original Robin.

I for one was not displeased because A) the Knightfall trilogy ROCKS!!!!!! and B) it sets up for the incredible events of Prodigal!

For many fans the relation of Batman & Robin is a very special relationship!!!
Especially with the Original Dynamic Duo, Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson, two souls orphaned by crime.
The Caped crusaders Battling the criminal underworld since the Golden Age of comics!!!

As the Character of Dick Grayson got older DC saw fit to have him depart the Batman franchise so they could tell new stories of him with The Teen Titans.
First leading the Titans as Robin, then eventually he Became Nightwing.

There had been much confusion and controversy as to exactly why he left Batman?
And in the hands of many different writers though many different books these events became more and more confused!

The story of Prodigal not only clears up the past, but restores and repairs the bond Between Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson.

In The Beginning of the Story Bruce Wayne leaves Gotham on a soul searching journey after having his Body, Mind and Spirit broken in Knightfall.

Dick Grayson now partnered with Tim Drake (the 3rd Robin) police Gotham against crime as fans are treated to Dick's recollections of his childhood adventures as Robin as well as his childhood growing up in Wayne Manor. And we see the Relationship of Dick and Tim flourish.

The book is very long and packed full of many stories as Batman & Robin face some of Gotham's classic rouge gallery as well as some new.

The art is beautiful and the re-read value is very high. Your money and time will be well spent!

This book is very rare so it's very Pricey, but it is a proud gem of any well rounded Batman TPB collection.

if you have the money to spend i highly recommend it!

Batman:Prodigal is a great book,I recommend it to anyone who is interested in Batman comics. It tells the story of what happens when Azrael, alias Jean Paul Valley,is finally takendown by Bruce Wayne and the mantle of the bat is handed on to Nightwing.

Book was in supreme condition, which is much appreciated! This particular story isn't the best of the series like Knightfall, Knights End, and the others, but if you're an avid fan it's a good read. It's one of those books that was missing from my collection and I was glad to finally get it. Enjoy!