Justice League of America - Batman: The Stone King (Audio CD)

by Alan Grant (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
When an ancient pyramid is discovered just outside Gotham City, Batman and the Justice League must battle with the deadly and powerful Stone King, an ancient shaman empowered by the Earth's natural energy. With all but Batman and the Martian Manhunter captured, the two must save the Justice League and the world before the Stone King unleashes all of his power. Though a typical Justice League story, this reimagined audio performance includes some exciting battle scenes and character dynamics, despite the crux of the story resting on Batman. Voices for all the major superheroes are reprised from previous Graphic Audio productions of DC Comics material. Listeners can expect the same high-octane production that Graphic Audio has come to be known for yet, in the end, feel a bit empty without any sense of character development and sophisticated catharsis. (Aug.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From School Library Journal
Graphic Audio produces full-cast dramatizations replete with sound effects and musical scores. In this, the first of Grant's two comics-based novels (the second being Last Sons), Batman and the heroes of the Justice League are spurred into action when an ancient pyramid unleashes a torrent of supernatural energies. The reading by Audie Award winner Richard Rohan, who previously narrated the New York Times best-selling Atkins for Life, resounds with the kind of deep-voiced import usually reserved for action-adventure movie trailers. Though the near-constant jangling sound effects can be a bit much, the overall listening experience is, as the publisher promises, cinematic. Recommended where comics and graphic novels do well. [Audio clip available through www.graphicaudio.net.—Ed.]—Raya Kuzyk, Library Journal
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Audio CD
• Publisher: Graphic Audio; Unabridged edition (July 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599504588
• ISBN-13: 978-1599504582
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #653,525 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly "a movie in your mind!", January 29, 2009

By	Kurt A. Johnson (Marseilles, Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

When the JLA rescues Gotham City after a dam bursts, they pay little attention to the prehistoric pyramid that the flood uncovers. The pyramid contains the trapped soul of a 4,500 year old shaman, who calls himself the Stone King. With ancient knowledge of how to tap into the latent energies of the Earth itself, he may very well be the most powerful opponent that they have ever fought. And when the Stone King uses his awesome power to capture Superman, Wonder Woman, the Flash and Green Lantern, only Batman is left to save civilization from utter destruction. But, does Batman have the power to overcome such a potent adversary? There are resources out there for the man with enough brains to collect them, and Batman is just the man to do it!

Overall, I found this to be an excellent audiobook. The story is excellent, with a great mix of action and horror. And, as for the production of the audiobook itself, it is nothing short of awesome. So many audiobooks have little or no sound effects, and all of the dialogue is done by one voice-actor. This audiobook, on the other hand, was made with a whole cast of actors (27 according to the box!), and with a great set of special effects. This truly is "a movie in your mind!"

So, if you are a fan of superheroes, and want a *great* audiobook, then get Batman: The Stone King - you won't be disappointed!

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent cast and story, August 27, 2008

By	Brian Reaves (Anniston, AL USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This is a top notch production of a pretty good story. The cast is the same from the "JLA: The Exterminators" CD also from this company, so listening to this after that really adds to the story. They've done perfect voice casting for every character here. A pyramid is unearthed in Gotham City, and soon an evil force takes over a student and allows the return of the Stone King. He's not a villain who ever appeared in a Batman story before, but we do get to hear Batman break into Arkham Asylum to get help from one of his old foes (and it's not the Joker), as well as several other big moments. When the JLA are captured, it's up to Batman to fight it alone and save them all.

The sound effects, score, and cast are all stellar. The story never really seems to drag at any point either. The guy chosen to do Batman's voice does a good job of creating his own unique character while still giving us the vibe we're used to (imagine Kevin Conroy from the animated show crossed with Christian Bale). I look forward to more releases from these guys!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Batman on his own, against a powerful entity..., September 29, 2008

By	Chris Van Deelen "Chris Van Deelen" (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) - See all my reviews

I have to admit that Batman wasn't always a favorite of mine. I've never been partial to DC comics in general.

Of course there are people out there who will be offended with what I'm about to say, and there are, of course, people who will agree with me.

But, either way, I'm going to say it. That's just the kind of guy I am.

Marvel is far better. It's got a richer, more concise background, the universe that was created seems to mesh together far better than that of the DC universe.

Fact is though, over the past few years I have found that Batman is growing on me. I'm more interested than ever before in the world's greatest Detective.

Does Dark Knight have anything to do with this, perchance? Well, duh! Why should I deny that? The Dark Knight, in my opinion, was the best movie of 2008. Hell, it was one of the best movies I've seen in years!

And of course, due to that fact, my interest in Batman has been piqued. I won't bother denying it... after the movie; I went out and picked up a half dozen of what were considered to be the best Batman Graphic novels.

I enjoyed them all.

I almost bought the Batman encyclopedia, but I held off. That's something I'll probably pick up at a later date. I don't know everything about the DC character, but I now know enough that I can read graphic novels and comics and have a pretty good idea about what's going on.

So, what does this have to do with the review? Well, it's about Graphic Audio's adaptation of the Justice League of America - Batman: The Stone King.

I'm quite the fan of Graphic Audio's work, and have bought more than a few of their titles. The adaptations are excellent, and they've yet to really let me down.

Oh, before I forget, my trademark disclaimer - I will not give away any part of the plot that would be construed as a spoiler. The things I mention about the novel can be gleaned from the back cover.

I hate spoiling things for people.

The novel Deals with the Justice League, and many familiar DC characters are in it - Wonder Woman, Flash, The Green Lantern, Superman, Martian Man hunter, and of course, Batman.

But the novel revolves mainly around The Batman, as the title suggests.

Something has been unearthed near Gotham City, during a disaster that the Justice League fights to avert.

Things spiral out of control, as an ancient entity awakens and plans on reshaping the world, effectively bringing about Armageddon.

Once the Justice League confronts this entity, the only one to escape, the only one who can possibly bring the entities downfall is the Batman.

As I mentioned before, the production quality of the book is exceptional - I wouldn't expect less from Graphic Audio.

But - this is the kicker... I had issues with the novel.

Overall, it wasn't bad, and it was entertaining to listen to. But, I hate to say it; Comics belong as a visual medium. Either in comic format, on the silver screen, or on Television.

Books, actual word novels without pictures, it just doesn't have the same impact. Even someone with a powerful imagination, someone who can actually visualize a scene as it's described - well, it's just not enough.

That's the problem with comics being translated into novels.

Yeah, yeah, I know there are people who will argue with me over this statement, but I'll say this - it's the opinion of one man. If you don't agree, that's fine, if you do, that's fine too. You can't please everyone all the time.

Oh, as for the other issues? This isn't really a spoiler, so don't get upset. There's a scene in the novel that takes place beneath the streets of Gotham, in the sewers. It does describe how worn and old the sewers are. Got it?

Ok, according to the DC universe, Gotham had suffered a major earth quake, something that had caused tremendous damage to the city, and that took the city years to recover from.

That should have been reflected in the novel, during the scene that took place in the sewers.

Yeah, nitpicking, but it's something that really stuck out with me.

Also, when it comes right down to it, the story has been done before. A powerful entity, arisen to remake the world in its vision.

Been there, done that.

There wasn't anything really groundbreaking or new about the novel. Just a superhero twist on an old Science Fiction / Fantasy plot.

Hey, if you need a Batman fix while you wait for the next animated show to hit the air, or the third installment of the reborn franchise, or even for the Dark Knight to come out on DVD, by all means, pick this audio book up and listen to it.

Enjoy it!

But, don't expect to be totally blown away by it.

Either way, it's worth buying and listening to.

3 out of 5