Customer Reviews

Batman Scarface: A Psychodrama

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Scarface and the Ventriloquist haven't been around as long as most of Batman's more popular villains. In fact he only showed up in '88. And unfortunately for fans like me, he was killed off last year. I personally feel he is one of Batman's most underrated villains.

What I love about the relationship between Scarface and the Ventriloquist is how much Arnold wants to be rid of him but he is weaker and must do what his more dominent half tells him to do. This story here explores that concept a little further with Arnold replacing Scarface with a new dummy, Lola, in an attempt to go straight and become a performer. Rhino is still assisting him, just waiting for Scarface to return.

What I really loved about this story is how much focus there was on Arnold and even though it's a Batman story, he is hardly in it to give more focus on the Scarface/Ventriloquist relationship. Penguin makes an apperance as well as Scarface's bitter rival, an excellent character development for both of them. Arnold really is an insane man, but at the same time very sympathetic. The artwork here was fantastic as well, very well suited for the story and characters.

The only thing that detracts from this story is how short it is. It ends a little too abruptly. As soon as Arnold and Scarface are reunited, it's pretty much over, which wasn't a terrible way to end it, but I still wanted to see more happen after that. It should have been another 20-30 pages and then it would have been perfect. What DC should really consider is putting together a collection of Scarface stories throughout his history including this book and some others from the late 80's early 90's like his introduction and The Return of Scarface, the way they've done with practically every other big villain in the Batman mythos. Of course the only way I see them doing this is if Scarface were to be a featured villain in one of the new Bat films, which might not translate to live action as well as in animation, but I would still love to see them try it. He would be perfect for the tone and more realistic approach they're taking with the new series.

A short story, but expertly told by Scarface's creator, Alan Grant. Obviously not to be missed by Ventriloquist fans, but for Batman fans who don't know a lot about him, I recommend picking this up.

I found this at a used book store for $5.00, which in my opinion is overpriced. This story is very dull, sloppily paced, and utterly pointless. I'm not sure what the motivation behind this story is because there is so little substance to it. It's the worst Batman graphic novel that I own.