The Batman Files [Hardcover]

Matthew Manning (Author)

Book Description

Release date: October 25, 2011

Batman is a cultural, super-hero icon. First introduced in 1939, the alter ego of Bruce Wayne has been known through countless DC comics, a TV series, and mega hit movies. The Batman Files is Bruce Wayne's secret book that consists of journal entries from Batman's war on crime, in-depth villain dossiers and other bat-computer files, faux news articles describing major events in Batman's life, and hundreds of illustrations taken from the comics. The book will also include blueprints and schematics of Batman's costumes, vehicles, and weapons, and the Batcave, and a variety of sketches made to look like they were penned by the Caped Crusader himself, including a child's drawing of the horrible bat Bruce saw down in the cave.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

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Exclusive look at pages from The Batman Files
(Click on images to enlarge)

Batman’s status as a shadowy urban legend is explored through tabloid imagery, as well as rare security-camera stills.

Never-before-seen blueprints highlight the various gadgets and innovations employed by the Caped Crusader.

Rare artifacts offer insight into the minds of Gotham City’s most infamous criminals and disturbed residents.

Newspaper clippings shed new light onto some of the most important moments in the life of the Dark Knight.

Behind-the-scenes photos and notes chronicle Bruce Wayne’s transformation into the Batman.

From Booklist

On what day of the week were Bruce Wayne’s parents murdered? What color are Commissioner Gordon’s eyes? What are the salient characteristics of the Gotham architectural style? What are five aliases used by the Joker? If your readers care about the answers to these questions, this oversize resource belongs in your collection. Unlike The Batman Vault (2009) and The Essential Batman Encyclopedia (2008), which collect facts about a fictional character’s history, this handsomely designed and maniacally meticulous book is written as though it were the scrapbook and journal of the character himself. Featuring diary entries, police reports, newspaper clippings, and workout schedules, highlighted with sketches, blueprints, and illustrations from decades of comic-book history, Manning’s work covers every moment of this icon’s life from birth up to the moment of his recent reinvention in DC’s 52 event. While this is mainly the province of a rarefied crowd, even the uninitiated may enjoy dipping into the obsessively crafted fictional world, and placing The Batman Files in a display could help many browsers wile away a few diverting hours. Grades 8-12. --Jesse Karp

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 308 pages
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing (October 25, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1449408222
• ISBN-13: 978-1449408220
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 1.5 x 13.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,146 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > Comics & Graphic Novels > History & Price Guides

More About the Author

Matthew K. Manning is a comic book writer, historian, and fan. Over the course of his career, he's written many comics for Marvel and DC including Batman, The Batman Strikes!, Batman: 80-Page Giant 2010, Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st Century, Justice League Adventures, Looney Tunes, Spider-Man Unlimited, Marvel Romance Redux, and an upcoming creator-owned DC Comics mini series.

When not writing comics themselves, Matthew often writes books about the comic book medium and its rich history. For DK Publishing, he has written Iron Man: The Ultimate Guide to the Armored Super Hero, Wolverine: Inside the World of the Living Weapon, the updated versions of Spider-Man: The Ultimate Guide and Hulk: The Incredible Guide, the children's reader Marvel Heroes: Greatest Battles, the 1990s and 2000s sections of the retrospective Marvel Chronicle, and the 1980s and 1990s sections of the recent DC Comics Year by Year: A Visual Chronicle. Some of his other book credits include The Batman Vault for Running Press, as well as a series of children's books starring Superman, Flash and Batman for Stone Arch Books.

Manning currently resides in Brooklyn with his wife Dorothy and their baby girl Lillian. Visit him on the web at www.matthewkmanning.com

(photo courtesy of Chris Montgomery)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars THE BATMAN FILES.......a strong concept October 30, 2011

By Chongo

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I believe some of the reviews here are a bit inaccurate. This is called "The Batman Files" for a reason & if you read the product description closely; "Unearthed from the depths of the Batcave by Mathew K. Manning; includes in-depth computer files, news articles, crime scene photos, blueprints, schematics, & actual maps of Gotham City that were collected, & in many cases even drawn by the Caped Crusader himself." So therefore it's theme is supposed to be centered on a file(s) & something that came directly or taken from the Batcave (as if thats even conceivable). So in case someone says the pages or paragraphs aren't complete or some of the information seems scattered its because it's supposed to be. This massive tome isn't a book in the traditional sense but a "file", so in that end, Manning & DC have done a super great job on this product. This a must have for any true Batman fan.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Collectors Item. November 4, 2011

By R. Earl

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is essentially Bruce Wayne's scrapbook of his life. The quality of the book and the details within are fantastic. I picked it up for almost half off, which was a great bargain. Highly recommended.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for the Batman enthusiast December 6, 2011

By Steven King

Format:Hardcover

Review by Steven King, MBA, MEd
Purchasing gifts always has an aura of mystery attached to it. In anticipation of my most recent
anniversary, my wife and I visited our local mall. We toured a number of shops with the idea
that I would get a new watch for my anniversary. Each store had an ample collection and I knew
the decision was going to be tough. After departing the fourth such store, as we were walking by
a tattoo parlor I quipped, "I know--how about I get a Batman tattoo for my anniversary?"

My wife's shocking response was, "Go for it." An hour later, I had the Bat symbol popularized
in the movie "Batman Begins" emblazoned on my right shoulder.

Without apology, I admit that I am the consummate collector of Batman paraphernalia.
Recently, the amazing work, "The Batman Files", found its way into my life. Anyone who
appreciates the mystique of The Dark Knight will love this book. And while I admit that readers
often say of good books, "I couldn't put it down," that was truly my experience. I poured over
the design and relished the high quality illustrations for a few hours after opening it.

I enjoy the fact that Matthew Manning is not attempting a novel history of Bruce Wayne's
becoming Batman. Instead the author attempts to synthesize the volumes of what has been
written about Batman into a plausible amalgamation. The result is a book that looks like the
personal journal of Bruce Wayne which captures the development of the Batman. [The cover is
amazing and gives the journal an almost secretive feel.] Its back story is believable, as well--
one day, the author receives a package in plain brown wrapping. In it, he discovers this journal
and understands its receipt implies that Bruce Wayne has died. Mr. Wayne wants to set the story
straight about who Batman was, and more importantly, make a full disclosure of his life.

Serious Batman aficionados will appreciate the lengths to which the author goes. He includes
personal photographs, hand-written entries from Bruce Wayne, and newspaper clippings
heralding the exploits of Batman. Additionally, many of Batman's villains are explored;
schematics of Batman weaponry are included; and an interesting lifespan of Dick Grayson, the
original Robin is provided. Bruce Wayne wants everyone to understand that Robin was no mere
sidekick; he even donned the Bat suit when it was appropriate for him to do so.

Such an encyclopedic reference is not meant to be fully appreciated in one sitting. Its content
will keep Batman collectors busy for quite a while.

This one is a must have for any Batman enthusiast.