3. ARKHAM CITY by Paul Dini and Carlos D'Anda

As the official prequel of  the hit video game of the same name, this graphic novel by Paul Dini and Carlos D'Anda bridges the gap between Batman: Arkham Asylum and its sequel, Batman: Arkham City. With the riot in Arkham Asylum over, Quincy Sharp takes the long-coveted position of Mayor and decides to wall off one section of Gotham City and turn it into a Arkham City, where the criminal and evil-doers can build their own society. The Caped Crusader, realizing that there is someone pulling Sharp's strings, decides to intervene. 

The plot of this graphic novel is quite well-written, though any major action is deferred so as to not preempt the game. As a lead-in, the graphic novel succeeds in three things: (1) bridging the storylines of Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, (2) exciting those who have not played the game yet or shedding light on certain aspects of the game's plot for those who have played the game, and (3) provide Batman-styled action and intrigue. 

The artwork was very good. Balancing the use of darkness and light, the comic panels were dark and gritty enough to capture the essence of a Batman comic yet bright enough to be eye-catching and exciting. 

While this graphic novel was not the best Batman graphic novel I've read, it is a great read for all the fans of the Caped Crusader and the video games. 

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

BATMAN: UNDER THE RED HOOD by Judd Winick

Hi, everyone! I am so sorry for being a no-show for the past two weeks. With academic work being what it is, posting on time has become quite difficult. My class hours today, however, were cut short by the university because of a faculty awarding ceremony scheduled later this afternoon. Also, there is no homework due tomorrow, so I'm free for the rest of the day!

Batman: Under the Red Hood by Judd Winick
Art by Doug Mahnke, Shane Davis, Eric Battle, and Paul Lee

Last week, I read Batman: Under the Red Hood, the story about how a new masked figure, using the name "Red Hood", appears in Gotham City. A one-man army, he takes on the criminal empire of the Black Mask, who is the city's crime lord. Of course, his actions catch the attention of Batman, who senses that there is something more underneath the red helmet.

I love how this story arc portrays the emotional struggle of Batman. Sometimes, I feel that people, both the writers and the audience, forget that the psychological and emotional struggles are what make Batman the kind of superhero that he is. Of course, there is a lot of the exciting, action-packed fight sequences with the stunning acrobatics, martial arts, and gadgets that Batman has at hand.

The art was done in the usual style of Batman comics: gritty and dark yet eye-catching. The fight sequences, which always take the cake in a graphic novel, were riveting and dynamic.

I know that in terms of comic continuity, I am very late in reading this graphic novel. It is a very important story arc for the story of Batman and the Bat Family. So, if you are a Batman fan and you haven't read this graphic novel yet, I suggest that you pick up a copy soon. 

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop