Batman: The Story of the Dark Knight [Hardcover]

Ralph Cosentino (Author)

Book Description

Release date: June 12, 2008 | Age Range: 3 and up

Have no fear?the Dark KnightTM is here!

Created nearly seventy years ago, Batman is one of the world?s most recognized super heroes. Now he?s starring in his very own hardcover picture book, designed specifically for young children. Learn how Bruce Wayne, a mild-mannered businessman by day, became a tireless crime fighter?Batman?by night. Illustrated with bright, bold pictures and told in simple language, Viking?s Batman is the perfect introduction to a beloved cultural icon.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3–The right combination of bold illustration, large lettering, and action-oriented storytelling makes this original tale perfect for young superhero fans. In simple first-person narrative, Batman reveals his secrets, describing his reasons for fighting crime and highlighting his archenemies. The text infuses humor in the form of onomatopoeia and one-liners. Cosentino's stylized art is reminiscent of mid-20th-century pulp comics with bold lines and shading. Several illustrations include monochromatic backgrounds featuring enlarged Benday dots à la Roy Lichtenstein's Pop Art. From the bat wings depicted in the grillwork of the Wayne Manor gate to a rat perching on a Gotham City trash can, the layering of different elements and textures adds great interest to the pictures, and the details will draw children back again and again. The layout tends toward that of a picture book with full pages and spreads, though a comic-book aesthetic is maintained by the frequent use of borders, word boxes, and sound effects. Series of panels number no more than four, making it easy for children to follow the action. Humor is also found in the facial expressions of the characters as they are foiled by Batman. This well-constructed and effective introduction to this hero and comic-book elements will have children revisiting the Dark Knight until the pages wear thin.–Kim T. Ha, Elkridge Branch Library, MD
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From Booklist

Cosentino’s take on Batman, from orphaned child to self-made superhero, features crackling, atmospheric art that honors the source material while giving the story a modern sense of depth and energy. Even the page design is well conceived, merging picture-book layout and comic-book page composition into a slick, fluid style. But the question of audience looms. The story of Batman seems a peculiar choice to introduce the superhero’s mystique to young children, given the traumatic murder of his parents (covered only briefly here) and his nightmarish gallery of enemies, such as Joker and Two-Face. Exacerbating the problem is Cosentino’s penchant for showing the defeat of villains as a matter of punching them in the head rather than outsmarting them. With imagery too mature for young children and text too simple to engage older readers, this isn’t entirely successful. Readers able to appreciate Cosentino’s artistic style and verve will get the most from this awkward match of subject and audience. Grades 1-3. --Jesse Karp

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Viking Juvenile (June 12, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670062553
• ISBN-13: 978-0670062553
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 0.4 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #51,450 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #69 in Books > Children's Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Superheroes

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Design and Art July 5, 2008

By Andrew Fish

Format:Hardcover

Wow-- if they had books like this when I was a kid I would have worn the cover off!

Designed for the younger set, as an adult I can appreciate the incredibly clean lines and deep rich color work-- I bought this book for myself after seeing it in a store and all I have to say is WOW.

Cosentino does an excellent job of combining elements of the classic Dark Knight to tell his story to audiences of all ages. If you enjoy the clean work of Chris Ware, Daniel Clowes or Paul Popinski this is truly the book for you.

Be warned, however, that my friends three year old grandaughter did find parts of this scary-- but then that sums up the roots of the Dark Knight doesn't it?

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great!!! May 23, 2013

By Pen Name

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Perfect for a 3 year old who loves Batman and equally important Mom and Dad won't mind reading it over and over.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars great book! May 17, 2013

By Jeannie

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

These books are awesome! My two boys can't get enough of them. We have the batman and superman, and need to purchase wonderwoman

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome introduction to Batman! April 3, 2013

By MTStan

Format:Hardcover

When my son became obsessed with Batman a very smart relative sent us this book. It is by far the best Batman book we own and a must have for any young Bat-fan.

This book does a wonderful job introducing Batman and his story reducing it down to the basic elements a kid needs to know. What's amazing is the author's ability to nail all these pieces so well in such a condensed way without making you feel that it's abbreviated for a young reader. We're also treated to a brief introduction to a few of Batman's adversaries (Two-face, Catwoman, Penguin and the Joker of course.) This is done quickly to show us who the bad guys are, but once again is handled such that doesn't get bogged down in back story or the darker elements of those characters, after all this book is about Batman for kids.

The artwork is beautifully handled, invoking the memories of some of the classic depictions of Batman while managing to stand on it's own as original. I especially love how the author manages to keep a comic book feel without overdoing the number of panels or text boxes, each of which could be confusing to young readers who haven't been exposed to the busier multi-panel comic books.

This is a fine addition to any kids library, especially one who love superheroes.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars great introduction to super heroes for young children! February 4, 2013

By Melissa Taylor

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this book for my 4 year old (just turned 4). He loves it. I love reading it to him. Young boys around 3 years old are curious about super heroes even though they've never seen the cartoons or movies. This author and illustrator do a wonderful job of providing the story of Batman that is very age appropriate. I have also bought the Superman version. I highly recommend them both. I look forward to future releases of this series.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The grim story of the Caped Crusader, but for KIDS! December 29, 2012

By Jesus

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

A concise, melodrama rich but gore free version of the origin of the Batman. A perfect introduction for young children. I found it Super motivational as Bruce is determined to become a unstoppable machine of dark vengeance! Great for Kids!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A preschooler favorite! December 17, 2012

By PW

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

My boys love this book and the Superman too by the same author. (I do though skip the part about Batman being an orphan due to a robbery.) My sons are really into superheroes and love the comic illustrations in this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Book for Toddler and Up February 16, 2012

By Chris

Format:Hardcover

We bought this book for our 2 1/2 year old son. His grandmother bought him a batman action figure and he was enthralled with it. So we purchased this book to tell the story of Batman. The graphics are great and the story is just right. The Superman book is also stellar.