Customer Reviews

Batman Unauthorized: Vigilantes, Jokers, and Heroes in Gotham City (Smart Pop series)

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While Batman Unauthorized might not be the be all end all of serious literary criticism on Batman the way that, say, Geoff Klock's How To Read Superhero Comics and Why is for the superhero genre as a whole, it is still really fun, interesting read. The essays examine a variety of intepretations of the character on film, comics and television through the years. They manage to do a good job of picking apart Batman's multi-faceted existence without ever taking themselves to seriously which, I think, is always important when examining pop culture icons.

Highlights include: "The Cost of Being Batman", not the heavy handed 'emotional costs', mind you, but the actual monetary cost to pay for the equipment (the cost of the Batcomputer will make you soil yourself), "Holy Signifier, Batman!" which valiantly and convincingly explains why the old 60's show might actually be the most enduring version of the character and, my personal favorite, "To The Batpole" which imagines how the, uhm, Bat-talk might have gone down between Alfred and pre-pubescent (sp?) Bruce Wayne in the styles of the 60's camp Batman, Tim Burton's Batman, and the Michael Caine version from Batman Begins (not only is this hysterical but it manages to point out one of the inherent flaws with Batman Begins that I think a few of us have touched on in the blogs here).

There are some weak points like Mike Barr's defense of Batman's Sci-fi adventures from the 50's and early 60's ("Batman In Outer Space!" I'm sorry but this is just one aspect of the character that's best left forgotten) and an uneven essay comparing Batman to Superman that unilaterally decides to ignore The Dark Knight Returns which, for my money, is essential when comparing the two.

Overall, a nice quick read well worth the price of admission (17.95!)

"Batman Unauthorized" is a fun collection of essays concerning the Caped Crusader, his friends, his enemies, and his home, Gotham City.

As opposed to other so-called academic works I've read, the pieces are very readable and the introductory commentary by Denny O'Neal helps put the essays in context,

I have to give Darren Hudson Hick credit for his research on "The Cost of Being Batman." Checking to see how much being Batman would cost in real world dollars is a hoot and may aid in discouraging readers from thinking about a career in crimefighting.

I'm also glad there's a variety of opinions on Frank Miller's interpretation of Batman. For a long time, it seemed everyone loved his work on "The Dark Knight Returns." After reading this book, I see that's not the case.

Fun read. But for the Batman scholar only.

JThree
Williston, ND

This book is very good and the authors who write the essays on Batman have some interesting opinions on topics concerning him. Although, some of the essays are saying how Batman is just a novelty and he shouldn't be taken seriously. If you are a momentous Batman fan, like myself, you will not take kindly to these opinions. It shouldn't have honestly been in this book. But whatever. It's really interesting, because I don't really think there has been a book released that has had many opinions of Batman elements.

Of course, the great Dennis O'Neil edited the book and writes the foreword. He always has great things to say. And he was obviously the person who turned Batman around and had him become what he is today.

The book is a very quick read and I enjoyed it throughly. It's a great book to take "on the go" with you, as some of the essays are very short. The book has interesting takes on the new Batman movie - "The Dark Knight" - which was my favorite part of the book.

Bottom line: the people who know what they're talking about when it comes to Batman, they're worth it. The one's who seem like they've never had a connection to Batman, it shows - and it can be kind of frustrating.

But, highly recommended!