Customer Reviews

Forensic Files of Batman

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4 star:		(5)
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The idea of using Batman to discuss forensic pathology is quite clever. (Indeed, one can easily imagine a CSI-Gotham City series.)
Moench does a good job intermixing research and storytelling. Much of the research is well done and interestingly told, although the interested reader might wish to consult DiMaio & DiMaio's Forensic Pathology regarding analysis of knife wounds and drowning deaths, where the textbook differs from the information in this book.
All in all, a good read and a good introduction to forensics.

This book deserves more comment. I've read and own hundreds of prose works that have been described as "superhero fiction," a subcategory, I guess, of the science-fiction/fantasy category. Plucked from the comic-books for the "more discerning" reader of costumed do-gooders, virtually the complete stables of mainstream superheros have been portrayed in black and white print instead of their usual four color, picture format: Spiderman, Hulk, X-Men, Superman, Wonder Woman, etc., etc. Some are novelizations of superhero movies, some are merely the prose form of a particularly popular comic-book storyline, others are original stories meant to supplement that characters' continuum as established in the comics. Of course, a fourth type of superhero fiction is the novel starring an entirely original character(s) not beholden to a decades-in-the-making comic-book backstory. For numerous reasons not relevant for this already wandering review, the latter version usually makes for the better novel, in my opinion.

With that said, The Forensic Files of Batman is one of the best portrayals of a mainstream, comic-book hero in prose fiction today. Ironically, it is the author's seemingly conscious effort to understate or ignore the more "superheroic" elements of the Batman mythos that makes this book so appealing. In his almost 70 years of existence, Batman has been the rare mortal hero in the pantheon of otherwise godlike champions of justice. Nonetheless, having paired off or teamed up with many of those immortal superheros, Batman certainly has the trappings of the superhero: garish costume with cape, bright chest emblem, machines and weapons that defy laws of science generally and physics specifically . . . ooh, and the cherubic, young sidekick. The Batman of "The Forensic Files . . . " has none of this. The costume is described as nothing more than "cape and cowl," draped over a chair when not in use. The "batmobile" isn't mentioned. It is merely Batman's "black car." The author gives Batman his "Batarang" - but it is little more than a less-than-perfectly manipulated club. Batman does make a swing or two from building to building - an act that would tear the arms off even a seasoned Olympic gymnast - but this too is kept to a minimum.

I agree with another review that described "The Forensic Files . . . " as more a forensics 101 course or a prose adaptation of a CSI episode. I would add that there are shades of "Silence of the Lambs" as well. Batman's story and origin aren't compromised, merely muted in favor of emphasizing the true core of this hero's mission - solving crimes. The Joker, Two-Face, Catwoman and other known villains make their appearances, but each is brought to justice through existing, practical investigative techniques.

Some parts of this book seem pointless (like the inventory of Batman's forensics lab) and gratuitous (a detailed description of a full autopsy), but each ultimately served as a point of reference when similar equipment or events occur later in the book.

"The Forensic Files of Batman" should attract a broader readership than merely comic-book or Batman fans. It really is an excellent murder/mystery, suspense/thriller on top of being great superhero fiction.

This book is not a graphic novel that supplies illustration to the events that take place. Rather, this is a novel that provides insight into the thorough steps Batman takes to retain the title of "World's Greatest Detective."

Written as case files, there is a detailed explanation as to how Batman gathers evidence and draws conclusion. Using the latest methods of criminologists and other crime scene investigators, Batman must make a case that will definitively prove that a criminal is guilty.

The book also provides a more detailed look at forensic science as a practice today. Even Batman benefits from the advances in knowledge of forensics, ballistics, and other "crime" sciences. If you have an interest in history of unusual subjects, another cool aspect of this book is the introduction to criminology and how it has developed over the years.

What also connects in this book is the effectiveness with which the superhero mythos can seem so tangible, anchored in the mechanics of the real world. Batman seems just like a detective in everyday life, adamantly combing over a crime scene to catch a killer. This book thus serves to bring
Batman to life in a whole new way. I love it when people can make fantasy seem so real and feasible. This book rocks!

The Forensic Files of Batman is about an equal mix of good and bad. When the book is telling a story where Batman uses forensic science it is amazing. When the book just spins its wheels about forensics it feels like Moench has just been cutting and pasting out of a text book.

The book is organized as different journals written by Batman, a young Bruce Wayne, Alfred and Jim Gordon. The Batman stories are well written with a great balance of science and story. Not only are these stories great, but the final story of the book is also one of the best Batman stories ever told. The young Bruce Wayne stories are the most informative, but all they do is educate with no story. They are just lists or long winded passages about forensics. They also have a childish tone that matches Bruce's age, but not of the overall book. The Alfred and Gordon chapters are great. Each of them allows the reader to watch Batman work without being in his head and make very interesting additions.

Overall, when this book is doing what it should it is great. It allows Batman to fight crime with just his brain and really shows that he has earned the title detective.

"Forensic Files of Batman" truly is an entertaining read. People often forget about Batman's intelligence, overfocusing on the action elements of the Dark Knight genre. While some readers and reviewers are nitpicking on little details (e.g. Commissioner Gordon still working, no mention of Robin, etc.), this book is meant for all, not just diehard fans. If you like good detective short stories or are a general Batman fan, this book is for you.

this is a collection of case files, pages from bruce's diary, and a how-to, it is also so a warning. do not try this at home! it is a execellent book the only two flaw was on the second or third page 1. it refers to jim gordon being commissioner, he retired by the time this book was written, you could argue when bats wrote this will gordon was head of police but bats is the type to update these kinds of things 2. he says he thinks the possiblity of a successor being remote but with tim, dick, and cassanda around i think any of them could continue as the Dark Knight.

Love this book. It shows why Batman is called the worlds greatest detective. You do not have to be a batman fan to enjoy this book. If I had to say that there was a down side to this book, it would have to be that sometimes it goes into too great of detail.

The Forensic Files of Batman is exactly that, a series of various case files compiled by Batman whose ultimate resolutions were facilitated by the use of modern, and occasionally not so modern, forensic techniques and the evidence collected through them. Not to be discounted of course is the substantial role borne out of his keen and discerning intuition and insight, therefore warranting him the appellation The World's Greatest Detective. However not all cases directly involve the legendary icon; indeed most could have been handled without him, which alas begets the one major criticism of the book. Combined with his slightly out of character portrayal, which may be partially due to events taking place during his formative, pre-Dark Knight days, and the main protagonist could just as easily have been a regular police officer. Plus only a few cases feature his infamous rogues gallery, which by itself is not necessarily critical, but does play a part in the central critique. Ideally all or at least most should have revolved around them, therefore unequivocally making it a Batman novel while also allowing the opportunity to depict them in a distinctive, more forthright manner in contrast to their customary, over the top comic appearances. These objections fortunately are compensated for by Doug Moench's proficient and informative prose, clearly far superior to his routine unexceptional comic assignments and convincingly displaying where his writing strengths do lie. Some may lament the passages that read markedly like a verbatim textbook, but that was obviously a significant aspect of the intended outline. In summary, a thoroughly engaging and quite educational endeavor whose only ironic shortcoming may be the reduced relevance of the main man himself.

I thought it would be a fantasy book, but it's really good. I have enjoyed it so much.

With a nod to the Batman/Bruce Wayne from 1939 and into the 1940s, author Doug Moench takes the reader into the realm of forensic science and the detective-work that was the foundation of the superhero.

Through the use of case files - the majority "written" by Batman, but also supplemented with material from Gotham City Police Commissioner James Gordon and Alfred the Butler - the collection has the feel of researching evidence from professional diaries/documents. Sidebar information helps explain the more technical aspects of the data.

Through the use of iconic villains like Catwoman, Two-Face and Joker, Moench has an appealing mix that is sure to please fans of the old-school Bat-Man and those who came to know the character as The Dark Knight.