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Grant Morrison

Batman: Arkham Asylum Anniversary Edition Paperback – January 1, 2004

by Grant Morrison (Author), Dave McKean (Illustrator)

706 ratings

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In this groundbreaking, painted graphic novel, the inmates of Arkham Asylum have taken over Gothams detention center for the criminally insane on April Fools Day, demanding Batman in exchange for their hostages.Accepting their demented challenge, Batman is forced to live and endure the personal hells of the Joker, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, Two-Face and many other sworn enemies in order to save the innocents and retake the prison.During his run through this absurd gauntlet, the Dark Knights own sanity is placed in jeopardy.This special anniversary edition trade paperback also reproduces the original script with annotations by Morrison and editor Karen Berger.Book Details:Format: PaperbackPublication Date: 11/1/2005Pages: 216

Print length

216 pages
Language

English
Publisher

DC Comics
Publication date

January 1, 2004
Dimensions

6.66 x 0.3 x 10.11 inches
ISBN-10

1401204252
ISBN-13

978-1401204259
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“ Morrison's first big commercial hit – and his first shot writing Batman, a character he would spend a great deal of time with over the course of his career – was this ground-breaking graphic novel featuring the grim, twisted artwork of painter Dave McKean. In this darkly poetic, psychologically rich tale, Batman faces off against the Joker, Two-Face, the Scarecrow and other villains inside Gotham City's house for the criminally insane”—ROLLING STONE

“Grant Morrison and Dave McKean explore that connection in Arkham Asylum, one of the finest superhero books to ever grace a bookshelf”—IGN

“Between Morrison's esoteric writing and Dave McKean's gorgeous painting, this may very well be my nominee for the definitive Batman story. Yes, even more so than The Dark Knight Returns, Year One, or The Killing Joke. Exploring both Batman and his rogues equally through significantly different characterizations than typically seen in the main DCU, Morrison boils these characters down to their essence while providing a chilling mystery story set within the confines of Gotham's home for the criminally insane”—CRAVE ONLINE

“The art of this story is striking, beautiful, and yes, today’s secret word: disturbing.”—NEWSARAMA

About the Author

Grant Morrison has been working with DC Comics for more than twenty years, beginning with his legendary runs on the revolutionary titles ANIMAL MAN and DOOM PATROL. Since then he has written numerous best-sellers — including JLA, BATMAN and New X-Men — as well as the critically acclaimed creator-owned series THE INVISIBLES, SEAGUY, THE FILTH, WE3 and JOE THE BARBARIAN. Morrison has also expanded the borders of the DC Universe in the award-winning pages of SEVEN SOLDIERS, ALL-STAR SUPERMAN, FINAL CRISIS and BATMAN, INC., and he is currently reinventing the Man of Steel in the all-new ACTION COMICS.
In his secret identity, Morrison is a “counterculture” spokesperson, a musician, an award-winning playwright and a chaos magician. He is also the author of the New York Times best-seller Supergods, a groundbreaking psycho-historic mapping of the superhero as a cultural organism. He divides his time between his homes in Los Angeles and Scotland.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ DC Comics; 15th Anniversary Edition (January 1, 2004)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 216 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1401204252
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1401204259
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.66 x 0.3 x 10.11 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #766,502 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2,166 in DC Comics & Graphic Novels
- #11,292 in Superhero Comics & Graphic Novels
- #112,740 in Science Fiction & Fantasy (Books)

Customer Reviews:
706 ratings

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Grant Morrison

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Grant Morrison is one of comics' greatest innovators. His long list of credits includes Batman: Arkham Asylum, All-Star Superman, JLA, Green Lantern, Animal Man, Doom Patrol, The Invisibles, WE3 and The Filth.

The TV series of his graphic novel HAPPY! is showing on SYFY and Netflix.

Photo by PDH (File:Grant_morrison.jpg) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.

Customer reviews

5 star		67%
4 star		15%
3 star		9%
2 star		4%
1 star		5%

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BatmanLover999

Not My Favorite

Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2012

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Grant Morrison is always very hit or miss with me. When he is on, I am in love, but when he is not, I am disappointed.

This story was in the middle for me, I didn't love it and I didn't hate it.

Overall, I liked the story, there were a few things that bugged me, like that barely anything happens yet Batman cuts himself almost immediately. I mean hes barely been in the place five minutes and he already can't take it? I just didn't think that represented Batman's strength very well.I found the lettering terrible, there were points where I could not make out what the Joker was saying until I read it a few times. I did love the illustrations, I think they set the tone quite nicely

I would not place this in my top 20 Batman stories, but I also would not place it in my worst either. It is probably not a story I will reread very often, and I don't understand why people make such a fuss over it. I would not call it a must have, I find Grant Morrison's Batman and Robin run much better and much more praise worthy.

4 people found this helpful

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Sqilliam

Interesting Reading and Art

Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2016

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This was an enjoyable read, but maybe a little shorter than I expected. If you're a fan of Batman comics there's plenty you'll enjoy and the added element of horror rather than the standard mystery/crime fighting definitely gives it a different feel from the usual Batman stories. The art really compliments the horror style of the story as well. I would say my main criticism is that the ending felt a little abrupt. Not necessarily a bad ending but it felt like a lot of build up to come to an abrupt ending. I would still recommend it though, just because of how unique it is.

4 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

What happens when the inmates take over the asylum?

Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2006

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Most criminals are arguably sane; but Gotham City has more than its share of crooks and villains who clearly are NOT sane. These are among the most dangerous inmates committed to Arkham Asylum, often after being captured by Gotham's caped vigilante, Batman. As you might imagine, the costumed and super-powered maniacs in Arkahm's high-security section want to exact their own forms of revenge on the Dark Knight. They break out, seize the asylum and its staff, and demand that Batman join them inside Arkham.

But "Arkham Asylum" is more than just another Batman-versus-bad-guys story. It is also the tale of the doctor who transformed his own home into a place for housing and treating the mentally ill. As you will discover, there is more to both Arkham the man and Arkham the asylum than most people expect. And when Batman enters the facility to face his foes in a deadly game of hide-and-seek, he discovers just how much -- and how little -- separates him from those whom he has helped put there.

One person found this helpful

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N.J. Ramirez

Pure, Utter Chaos

Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2007

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I've read varying opinions on this book, and I chalk it up to being a love it or hate it story in the Batman mythos. Obviously, I am one who loved it ;) It's to taste, I suppose, so be warned of that.

The art was strikingly different from any graphic novel I have read thus far, and it took me a moment to adjust to the style; in the end, especially after reading it, it had really grown on me. The surreal, dreamy-nightmarish depictions fit the dark chaos of the plot perfectly. Joker has never looked more chilling. I have heard complaint it is hard to follow, but I had no problem following the art along with the plot at all. The symbolic touches added to the chaos and surrealism, a perfect touch. Beautifully done.

The plot, I thought, was a delicious tale of madness, and the relevancy of madness to the sane world; it so finely draws the line between the sane and insane, underscored by the relationship between Joker and Batman, that it sometimes becomes the same bulging, hectic mass of confusion, captured by the art. Yes, some of the villains were drastically changed, but I took as being for the sake of drama, and nothing really offended me; it was an abstract view of Arkham, in a way, and the people within its walls. I didn't find Batman overly weak or anything. I thought it made sense he would question his sanity. Doesn't everyone? And, with his costume and vigilante vengeance quest, wouldn't he have to see the similarities between him and the maniacs of the night? I thought it was great that he went in with doubts and, in the end, firmly drew the line between him and the others, conquered his own doubts.

So, I would recommend this book, probably mostly to those that like Batman at his most human, fans of the madness in the series, and probably even fans of horror lol A lot of this book reminded me of the videogame series "Silent Hill" (not the movie), as it has a psychological view of abstract, symbolic terror. The backstory of the Asylum and its creator also makes the book worth it for history's sake, and is an amazing story in its own right. All in all, great book, very different, and excellently done in its poetically grotesque way.

One person found this helpful

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FireMedic

More about style than story.

Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2014

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I will start by saying I love Batman comics. Batman is by far my favorite super hero. That being said, this comic is a bit different than others. It isn't bad, but there are far better ones out there. Arkham Asylum is more about style than story. If you don't know much about Batman or Arkham to begin with, this is not a good starting point.

If you enjoy stranger artwork, and non-linear story telling, than you may like this. It is certainly worth a read, just don't start here if you are new to Batman comics. If you are starting out and looking for something modern, check out the New 52 Court of the Owls series.

Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2012

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I've not read many graphic novels, but have started into the Batman world. This book is a very interesting little gem. First and foremost the animation style is completely different from what I've grown used to. This is much more abstract and you really have to pay attention to the pictures in order to propel the story. (Which will not be mentioned in this review). For me, it was like stepping into a modern museum, you have to let it absorb you and you it before you can begin to understand what you are seeing. This is a wonderful book and I'm very happy to have it. This edition is nicely done, the quality of the issue is great (stock, colouring, gloss, etc.) This book is a keeper and most certainly worth the cost.

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MR I MOORE

but to show that I'm an intelligent, serious writer I'll also include this back and ...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 31, 2015

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What I wish for from a comic, a book, a film, is to be drawn, compulsively, into the world it presents. The artwork and premise of Arkham Asylum captivates me and keeps me reading, but all the way through I feel as though I'm reading it through a pane of glass. It doesn't draw me in. It doesn't make me care. The writing seems self conscious to me - "I am a clever comics writer, so what can I write that will show everybody that? I'll make it really dark and nasty, but to show that I'm an intelligent, serious writer I'll also include this back and forth narrative between Batman entering Arkham and facing his old enemies and the origin story of the asylum itself. I'll put in layers of esoteric symbolism and question the sanity of Batman himself." And that is all well and good - like I say, the premise attracts me, and I don't find fault with those creative decisions. It's what ISN'T there that leaves me feeling disappointed: a story that is more self aware and wise and really enjoying itself. If you like atmosphere and you're not to fussed about having your heart connect with the comic, then this could be excellent for you.

j

if your into something weird try this

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 30, 2018

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A bit ghoulish even for batman. The artwork is very psychedelic. I found the story a light on substance. Amazon delivered it on time and in perfect condition so pleased about that side of things.

Gail Whitehouse

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 22, 2018

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Book as described - no problems - would use this supplier again

Miss Esther M. Pugh

Kindle edition almost unreadable.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 24, 2017

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Reading on the kindle app on the iPad was very difficult, but the story itself wasn't very good either. I understand that it is about madness, but it didn't make much sense to me as the reader! Waste of money, in my opinion.

Gary

Lavish Art and a phenomenal story

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 19, 2021

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Lavish Art and a phenomenal story

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