Customer Reviews

Batman: The Ultimate Guide to the Dark Knight

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a blast to read. I wished this book had come out sooner when I was just finding my way around the modern Batman comics. Nevertheless, better late than never.

A word of caution. If you are looking for the DEFINITIVE guide to everything Batman, I wouldn't recommend this book to you. Les Daniels' book on Batman is by far the most comprehensive treatment on the whole history of the Batman from his pre-conception in the 1930s up till the recent stuff (including his incarnations outside the comicbook - TV, toys, cinema, etc.). Also, if you're interested in analyzing Batman as a pop-culture icon, you should check out Will Brookner's "Batman Unmasked" book. Finally, if you're interested in reading a one-volume collection of the definitive Batman - I'd recommend Frank Miller's "Dark Knight Returns" and/or "Year One" along with the "The Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told".

What then is this book by Scott Beatty about? It's about the modern day Batman. THIS Batman is as different from the classic Bob Kane/Bill Finger creation as the Tim Burton movies are from the Adam West TV show. For your information, THIS Batman is the one from Frank Miller's "Year One" (1986) and it includes the later revisions by Dennis O'Neil and Chuck Dixon up to today. In other words, this is the Batman of "Knightfall", "Contagion", "Cataclysm" and "No Man's Land". And in my opinion, this is the most exciting and rich version of the Batman since his conception in 1939. This book is not so much a guide but more a celebration of this modern-day Dark Knight of the comicbooks.

The book is neatly divided into sections. The first section is about Batman/Bruce Wayne and Gotham City. The second section covers his allies and loves (Alfred, Gordon, Nightwing, Oracle, Robin II, Robin III, etc.). The third section focuses on the many colorful villains in the Bat-mythos. Finally, there's also a foreword by Chuck Dixon, the man who, under the editorial-eye of Dennis O'Neil, pretty much shaped the direction of the Bat-books throughout the 1990s. Note: Dixon also teamed up with the author Scott Beatty on some other great works like the recent "Robin: Year One" and "Batgirl: Year One".

Despite being around for over 65 years, Batman's popularity never seems to wane. The blockbuster Batman film in 2005 once again generated enormous interest in the character. "Batman: The Ultimate Guide to the Dark Knight" has been updated right up through 2005 to ride this crest of popularity. The book is really geared towards the more casual or new Batman fans, as old-timers will already be familiar with much of the material inside the 144 page, hardcover book. Still, the book moves the reader on a rapid fire history of the character beginning with his origin and creation by Bob Kane way back in 1939.

Techie fans will love the intense coverage of all of the "wonderful toys" that Batman uses. His utility belt includes such items as tear gas pellets, an acetylene torch, a palm top communicator, grappling hook, and more. The book also presents a look at each of the Batmobiles and how the style has changed over the years from a rather modest sedan to today's sleek, armored road-killer packed with the latest cutting-edge technology. There's also a look at the various other "bat vehicles" including the Bat-plane, Bat-sub, Bat-Copter, etc...There is also a nicely diagrammed, cut-away view of the Bat-cave.

Most of the major characters in Batman lore are featured including allies such as Commissioner Gordon, the various Robins, Batgirl, Oracle, loyal butler Alfred Pennyworth, and Azrael. Then there are the Batman romantic interests: Vicky Vale, Silver St. Cloud, Talia Al Ghul, and Julie Madison. But what would any Batman book that calls itself "Ultimate" be without a rundown of the caped crusaders rogues gallery of villains. Batman's villains are almost as famous as he is and have played a huge role in the character's long-lasting popularity. They are all here: The Joker, Riddler, Penguin, Catwoman, Bane, Mr. Freeze, Scarecrow, Mad-Hatter, Two-Face, and many more. All with brief sections noting their real name and first comic book appearance.

The book covers some of the more well-known storylines in Batman history such as the Death in the Family storyline where the Jason Todd Robin was killed by the Joker. Unfortunately the book fails to mention that this gimmick storyline hinged on a fan vote via phone call to determine if Robin lived or died. Another notable storyline mentioned is Frank Miller's landmark mini-series The Dark Knight Returns.

Finally, there is a fantastic look at the Golden Age Batman as well as a timeline noting important events and stories in Bat-history along with the issue number where it took place. If I do have one nit about the book it's that issue numbers are not provided for some of these noted storylines although you can find most of them in the timeline section. The book features incredible artwork from the host of artists who have worked on the various Batman titles over the years including: Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, Brian Bolland, Paul Gulacy, P. Craig Russell, Dick Giordano, and many, many more.

All in all, "Batman: The Ultimate Guide to the Dark Knight" definitely lives up to its grand title!

Reviewed by Tim Janson

I do have to agree that it was not quite as big as the other books (Spiderman, X-Men, etc.), and that it didn't cover enough of the "classic Batman" that I grew up with (I'm 47). But, I still liked the book nonetheless. It has some great "shots" of Batman in variouis poster-quality poses - I thought they were well done.

Batman has been around a long time and has gone through a number of revisionist histories. Despite the fact that much of "my Batman" is missing, I was still impressed by how Beatty was able to incorporate elements of the various histories and timelines that have been in place for the past two to three decades. I really loved his treatises of the bat-suit, utility belt, bat-weapons, bat-gadgets, the Batcave, the Batmobiles and bat-vehicles. (BTW, he did manage to incorporate the Batplane and Whirly-Bat that I knew and loved as a kid.)

It was also good to see how he handled the Joker, Catwoman, Penguin, Riddler and Ra's Al Ghul. It brought back quite a few memories. And I thought the "Batman Timeline" was a nice touch.

I have a nice-sized Batman library, and I'm happy to include this book as the latest addition.

In the press materials, DK Publishing claimed "unprecedented access to DC Comics' archives" to produce this coffeetable title. The author works in the comic-book industry, and the book hits all the high notes: origin of Batman, origin of Robin, first meeting with Ra's al-Ghul, death of Jason Todd, crippling of Barbara Gordon (known, of course, as "The Killing Joke" and the most disturbing Batmoment to this fan!), Bane's crippling of Batman and Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns."

The pages are lush and full-color throughout, and there are page-spreads on Batman's suit, weapons, Batcave (nice diagram), Wayne Manor, Batmobile and other vehicles. Gotham City is profiled, as is every major character. This book is not comic reprints; it's a who's-who and what's-what in the Batlegend. I enjoyed it.

Then you need this book. A wonderful overview of the current Batman mythos, blending past Batman history with the continuity that runs throughout all of the character's modern comic book stories. Scott Beatty has assembled a Bat-Fan's dream here, balancing facts with fancy and always providing another nugget of interest to draw your eye to every corner of every page. Much of the book is art that first appeared in the comics themselves (but well chosen) and there is also some very welcome new art detailing Bat-vehicles, Bat-gadgets, and yes, that Bat-Mecca itself, the Batcave. If only it were real...
This Ultimate Guide is, though, and you should visit it often.

Scott Beatty worked very hard to compile all this data. Even a popular men's magazine recommended this as one of the top ten Christmas gifts last year. Some have complained that it wasn't enough, but after over 60 years of Batman's existence, it really would take too long to go over everything. Especially since much of the history is no longer considered in continuity. This book pretty much covers the current continuity. As a bonus it has biographies of Batman's allies as well as some of his villains. There are diagrams of the batcave, info on the various incarnations of the batmobile, and even a map of Gotham City. If you cannot find the answer to a question you have about Batman in the book, you can go to Scott Beatty's website (scottbeatty.com) and contact him on his message board. He is very friendly. I look forward to his next project, the ultimate guide to the JLA.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Scott Beatty's "Ultimate Guide" is just that. It contains all the information that any fan (or curious adventurer) would want to know about the current comic incarnations of the character. it's filled with great illustrations from the comics, as well as tech specs on all the Bat-Gadgets. A great book for all Bat-Fans.

This book was disappointing. Bland, flacid, superficial ... pointless, except for the Bat-neophyte. You'd have to know next to nothing about Batman to appreciate this book. It breaks no new ground, presents mediocre archive art in a boring way, and is a basic waste of money.

While Scott Beatty's Batman: The Ultimate Guide to the Dark Knight is advertised as a children's book, its content and the writer's sophisticated prose will please the young and mature. Beatty has an intimate knowledge and understanding of the Bat universe, yet he brings readers a new, delightful vision of the villains and heroes populating Gotham. The art was well-chosen, and the book's layout is accessible. Not a better writer for this project could have been chosen. Finally, DC got it right, and you should too: Buy this book!

Not what I expected.

Firstly, it was rather thin. For a book about arguably the best known comic hero it weighs in at a less than impressive 128 pages. I bought the Spiderman version at the same time and was impressed by that. In comparison, the Batman version is very lacking.

Not enough classic Batman. Would have loved to see more old time original stuff. Too much of the futuristic Batman stuff.

The sections on the Batmobile and Batcave were good, but again, it looked like all new stuff. Not much on the classic look. Same thing goes with the villains.

Seems the book was really showcasing the new look Batman world. It's obviously a matter of taste; this one wasn't up to my standards.