Batman Masterpiece Edition: The Caped Crusader's Golden Age (Hardcover)

by Les Daniels (Author), Geoff Spear (Author), Alex Ross (Author), Joe DeVito (Author), Chip Kidd (Author) "Batman came out of the darkness, out of the collective unconscious where visions of avenging angels dwell, but he also came out of the shadows..." (more)
Key Phrases: Bob Kane, Detective Comics, Bill Finger (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Following the success of the Superman Masterpiece Edition comes another nostalgic celebration of the equally popular Batman. Since 1939, this nocturnal super hero has been the tragically orphaned Bruce Wayne by day, and the moody but fearless guardian of Gotham City by night. Our classic boxed set captures the golden age of the Caped Crusader with an exclusive action figure of the early Batman (complete with utility belt, wire-framed cape, and a Batarang); the first-ever facsimile reprint of the first Batman comic book; and a lavishly illustrated, full-color hardcover book by best-selling author Les Daniels detailing Batman's early years. This deluxe boxed set is thoroughly collectible, and a must-have for Batman fans across the world.

About the Author
Les Daniels is the author of many books including Superman: The Complete History and Batman: The Complete History. He lives in Providence, Rhode Island.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; Masterpiece ed edition (July 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811827828
• ISBN-13: 978-0811827829
• Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #993,215 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars ...A SUPERSTITIOUS, COWARDLY LOT., August 6, 2000

By	Uncle Sparky "Uncle Sparky" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

A very nice, if pricey, set. The repro of the first Batman story is wonderfully reminiscent of those oversized reprints from the '70s -- but actually neater because it's the same size as the original. The abridged history of the caped crusader is a nice intro for anyone who doesn't own the other, more complete history book by Les Daniels (a highly recommended purchase, by the way). However, the best reason to get this is, of course, the 9-inch figure representing Bob Kane's original version of the Bat. Of all the Batman figures released over the years, this one has the best cape EVER! It's worthy of the ever-present billowing capes we've seen in the comics throughout the years -- it really can cloak the figure in darkness. COOL! As I say, though, the only drawback is the price for this set. Look for it on sale...

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If there was one fault to this set, it's..., August 2, 2000

By	Reginald M. Lumagui "green_lantern_2814" (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

probably the fact that the box is too big for the contents. It seems like we've got a great big box with lots of space as the comic book, the Batman history book, and the action figure don't take up all the space in the box. But anyways, this set is a much more delightful piece than the Superman edition in the fact that it does have a Golden Age rendition of the classic Batman which was partially designed by the great Alex Ross. The figure looks as you see in the picture with that grim expression we've come to expect from Batman. He comes with a batarang that fits into his utility belt. His wings are wired so that you can pose it into various forms. And his costume is made from a wooly fabric unlike other 9" figures which use a spandex type material in order to give a classic sense to the figure. The set was definitely worth getting for the figure alone, but then we also can't forget about that nice informative book by Les Daniels. It was a pretty good historical view of Batman through his comics and tv series though it could've been a much larger book for something that was supposed to be in a "masterpiece" set.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for any Bat-fan, July 4, 2001

By A Customer

This is truly and exceptional collection for fans of the Dark Knight. The replica original comic is wonderful to read and is beautifully nostalgic. The hardbound Daniels'"Golden Age" is the perfect companion but the standout of the group is the 8" mego-like figure based on the original Bob Kane Batman of detective comics. This is absolutely the best Batman figure ever produced and is incredibly accurate in detail right down to the purple gloves. This certainly is a must have for any true disciple of the Dark Knight