Batman and the Monster Men

[CConn]

I just picked this book up today, read it. As a single issue, I was quite floored by it, moreso than really any issue in a long while. As classic a Batman you'll ever get post-crisis, with a touch of Year One, a touch of Loeb's Batman, it even sorta reminded me a bit of the first issue of All Star...only done a helluva lot better.

Has anyone else picked it up? If not I highly suggest it.

[Joker]

It's only on it's first issue,reserve judgement like that til you've read the whole thing ;)

But yes it is very good so far.I love Hugo Strange.He's a great villain.This comic kinda reminded me of 'The Man who laughs'.You know the re-telling of Batman's first meeting with a classic villain.Has a real classic feel to it.

It's also nice to see Julie Madison,Bruce's first love.

[CConn]

The thing that sorta surprised me was the art. I'm not usually one for Wagner's style, but it was pretty damn good.

[The Sage]

I enjoyed it. Reminded me of BB a little.

[SpideyInATree]

Whoa. Sounds cool. I may have to pick this up next time I stop in the comic shop.

I opted not to pick it up since Journey Into Knight was kind of mediocre. Seems there was wrong judgement there. :(

[CrimsonMist]

i bought it today, and read some of it. Sounds really good, and i like the art. The cover is outstanding.

Im assuming series takes place BEFORE The Man Who Laughs? becuase the Newspaper in the begining, reports that the previous night, Batman encountered the Red Hood and that he fell into a vat of chemicals.

and this is supposedly the first of 2 mini series that Wagner is doing? I heard he was giving The Monk a revamp(no pun intended) as well? Becuase Julie Madison is in this arc, and was involved in the original Monk story as well.

[MaskedManJRK]

and this is supposedly the first of 2 mini series that Wagner is doing? I heard he was giving The Monk a revamp(no pun intended) as well? Becuase Julie Madison is in this arc, and was involved in the original Monk story as well.

In the immortal words of Ned Flanders, "Yes-in-diddy-doodle!"

[ChrisBaleBatman]

I haven't read it yet.........but I've heard it's very BATMAN BEGINS-esque.

[The Batman]

As far as I'm concerned, this is the true All Star Batman

[CrimsonMist]

I haven't read it yet.........but I've heard it's very BATMAN BEGINS-esque.

well, it's very Year One-ish. It manages to keep that red-ish hue that was seen in Year One in some areas. It was really good.

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Just read it......and I liked it.

I don't really see how it's "real" All Star though........

but it looks like a Year Two to me. Or maybe more like a Year Two-and-a-half.........but the Red Hood thing is mentioned, and by the end of Year One the Joker is already on the loose.......so the timeline seems to really match up kinda.

I liked how they showed the more human-man side of Bruce.....I mean, we see that he does have an intimate side. I'm still deciding if wheter or not I like it that way, but it's an interesting take and I'll be sure to pick up the 2nd issue.

I say it's a MUST BUY.

[The Watchman]

Yeah, it's a great fusion of Loeb and Sales batman and Cooke's with a little animated series thrown in for good measure, sadly with all the batman mini's out there I'm afraid this one will get overlooked, it's quite honestly amazing.

[Lazlo Panaflex]

I'll wait when it's collected in TPB to flip through it.

[SpideyInATree]

Yeah, it's a great fusion of Loeb and Sales batman and Cooke's with a little animated series thrown in for good measure, sadly with all the batman mini's out there I'm afraid this one will get overlooked, it's quite honestly amazing.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I've taken chances on some pretty mediocre Batman mini's the past few months and skipped this one because I thought it'd follow the same trend. I see I was wrong and I'll be picking it up this week. :up:

[The Watchman]

Good call, I'm in the same boat as you, I've picked up some pretty mdiocre mini's, but since this one was Matt Wagner I thought I'd give it a chance, let me know what you think. :up:

[ChrisBaleBatman]

I dunno, this comic has received quite a bit of hype.....I think readers will catch on and get into this one.

[Morgoth]

I forgot about this coming out, sounds like I should give it a chance, anyone have any pics from it they could put here?

[CConn]

I forgot about this coming out, sounds like I should give it a chance, anyone have any pics from it they could put here?DC has a 5-page preview of it up on their website...

http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=4388

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Yeah, once I read the preview.....I decided to check it out. Now, I'm glad I did.

I'm actually a fan of Matt Wagner. I thought he did a great job on his BATMAN run, and his art is very Bruce Timm-esque, like the BATMAN THE ANIMATED SERIES.

[SpideyInATree]

I haven't gotten around to reading this book yet but I got it with my weekly comic pick up. I managed to flip through it a little bit ago and I'm pretty impressed just by flipping through at a glance. I like the artwork. :up:

[The Watchman]

First issue is a pretty damn good set-up, though more about Strange than Batman, there is still a cool dock scene.

[CConn]

I'm actually a fan of Matt Wagner. I thought he did a great job on his BATMAN run, and his art is very Bruce Timm-esque, like the BATMAN THE ANIMATED SERIES.I seemed to sorta get tired of him than disliking his art...with his Batman covers, at least. But once I opened Monster Men...like you said, just excellent, and like Timm's art, which is great.

[SpideyInATree]

I definitely enjoyed this. Hugo Strange is a great character.

And I loved that part where Bruce got some lovin' and then headed down to the Batcave. :up:

Gotta love early Batman stories.

Anybody have any idea where in continuity this would take place? The first page shows the newspaper where Red Hood was thrown in the chemicals. So, I'm guessing it'd be a little bit after Year One.

[The Watchman]

between Year One and The Man Who Laughs methinks...

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Year, I think it's been coined as "BATMAN YEAR 1.5"

[SpideyInATree]

Ok. I can't wait until Batman Year 1.75

:o

:p

[Punch]

Miller's next Batman book takes place during Year 1.5 also

[The Watchman]

and it's scratched onto cardboard with coconuts...:confused:

[CrimsonMist]

Miller's next Batman book takes place during Year 1.5 also

the one where Batman takes on Al Quada?

i SO want to read that.

[MaskedManJRK]

and it's scratched onto cardboard with coconuts...:confused:

I think they're talking about Holy Terror.

[CConn]

I think they're talking about Holy Terror.Why haven't you gotten your old account back yet?

[KingOfDreams]

I bought it and plan to get the rest of the series. It's good. And for me, that's saying a lot. I love the character of Batman but I'm usually disappointed by the comics.

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Well, usually Batman comics have been disappointing.

I think the only ones that have been pretty good have been ALL STAR and MONSTER MEN.

[Joker]

Well issue 2 of Monster men was even better than issue one IMO.

I love the whole classic feel to this series.Strange is one demented dude.Really nice touch was showing him getting his subjects from Arkham.

Jim Gordon is well written.His narration gives a great intro.Nice to know his thoughts when Gotham started to turn crazy with all these costume,theatrical characters popping up.

Eagerly awaiting issue three :up:

[The Watchman]

Issue 2 was even stronger than 1 surprisingly, anyone not getting this needs to, bound to be one of the classics.

[SpideyInATree]

Definitely molding itself into a fine Batman story. If you're a Batman fan and you're not digging the Red Hood storyline I'd highly suggest picking up this miniseries in it's place. :up:

[CrimsonMist]

i plan to get issue 2 when All-Stars #3 comes out. or maybe when Gotham County Line #3 comes out...that thing kicks ass.

[The Sage]

Second issue was great. Had that noir, pulpish feel with Batman in his element.

[MaskedManJRK]

Why haven't you gotten your old account back yet?

Dew said she got the e-mail thing going for it a couple of weeks ago, and I STILL haven't gotten it. :mad:

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Hmm....when was #2 released, cuz I haven't picked it up yet.

[CrimsonMist]

Hmm....when was #2 released, cuz I haven't picked it up yet.

It came out this week.

I got it today. Really good, Hugo is rather evil haha. The thing i hate about individual issues: the suspense in waiting for a month to see what happens next issue.

[The Sage]

Looking at how Wagner writes Batman, this might be close to my ideal Batman, though it might be a bit early to say so completely. Brutal, brooding, detective. Nothing true blue about this Batman.

A number of panels reminds me of TAS.

http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/9403/gordon10ch.jpg

http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/4189/batman16iw.jpg

The art has that grim n' gritty feel, with a touch of film noir.:up:

[nite-owl]

Issue two was pretty good I might add Matt Wagner to my list of favourite Batman writers. How many other Batman mini series have come out this year I've got:

Dark detective
Gotham county line (anyone else reading this)
Jeklly and Hyde

is there any others that I've missed?

[The Watchman]

Sage, Wagner is the master of comic noir, check out Sandman Mystery Theater. Loving this version too, it incorporates most everything that makes Batman such a great character, has the feel of noir, the animated series, the long halloween, year one, and obvious continuity connection like Jim talking about batman saving his son, this is going down in history as one of the must read Batman stories.

[CrimsonMist]

Issue two was pretty good I might add Matt Wagner to my list of favourite Batman writers. How many other Batman mini series have come out this year I've got:

Dark detective
Gotham county line (anyone else reading this)
Jeklly and Hyde

is there any others that I've missed?

Gotham County Line is awsome

[The Sage]

I'll check it out. Thanks. :up:

[SpideyInATree]

The thing i hate about individual issues: the suspense in waiting for a month to see what happens next issue.

Well, that's the whole point in getting comic books. Waiting that month for the next issue and when it comes it's the most awesome feeling in the world. These trade paper back buyers just don't get it. :O

[nite-owl]

Gotham County Line is awsome

Glad I'am not the only one reading this.

[Pksoze]

I like how Wagner has written Batman here...quiet,methodical, and very efficient.

He seems a lot less moody than in Wagner's trinity!

[Dark Crusader]

Well, usually Batman comics have been disappointing.

I think the only ones that have been pretty good have been ALL STAR and MONSTER MEN.
Are you mad? Read some of the 1990 comics, they kick ass! Just look at the artwork, and the storyline's are really good.

[Carmine Falcone]

God, this looks nice.

Too bad it's very hard to get Batman comics here...:(

[The Sage]

Read issue 3. Not as good as issue 2, but still good. I'm digging the art.

Batman enters a crime scene at Sal Maroni's poker game to find all of the men dead. Strange pays Maroni back his money, leaving the mob boss wondering how he'd paid it. Falcone tells Maroni to out of town for a while, but not before Batman comes at him and inadvertently causes Maroni to realize that Strange paid him with the money from the poker game. Prior to that, Batman catches Strange getting in his car, noticing him as unusual associate. Bruce really begins to fall into the Batman persona, as he's so preoccupied in his thoughts that he doesn't hear Julie. Maroni's men orders Julie's father to start his payments to Maroni, looking ominously at a frame of Julie on his desk. Batman confronts Strange and gets into a brawl with Sanjay that leads into Batman taking a dart in the neck and getting trapped...with the Monster Men.

Wagner's art is excellent. You can really see he perfected his style from his Batman: Faces story from the 90s. I'd love to see him do another mini-series when this is all said and done. Heck, let him run on All-Star Batman, writer & artist.

[CrimsonMist]

sounds awsome. How's the cover on this one? That's what sold me into buying this series. The cover for issue 1 was outstanding, as well as issue 2. The covers are great, as well as the stories. Ill be sure to pick this one up as well.

[The Sage]

I love the cover for it. Film noir and TAS-ish.

[nite-owl]

Does anyone know if it's in continuity or not.

[CrimsonMist]

Does anyone know if it's in continuity or not.

i think it is.

It comes somtime while Year One is still in play, becuase the Red Hood incident just happened. Whether or not The Roman has the scars on his face or not will help alot to place it too. But's it's right after the Red Hood incident and before the end of Year One.

now, supposedly, Wagner is doing a mini-series retelling of The Monk, which i really want to see, becuase that 2-part series of the original story is one of my favorite Batman stories ever.

[theescapeclause]

I usually don't post on the Batman boards, but I just picked he first two issues up of this series and was blown away. I know this has been said a few times already in this thread, but it's very Year One esque. My question is, is this a mini? And if so, does anyone know how many issues it is? Thanks.

[CrimsonMist]

I usually don't post on the Batman boards, but I just picked he first two issues up of this series and was blown away. I know this has been said a few times already in this thread, but it's very Year One esque. My question is, is this a mini? And if so, does anyone know how many issues it is? Thanks.

yea, it's a mini. 6 issues. But it's 1 of 2 Mini-series Wagnger has planned. The other one is supposedly a retelling of Batman's first encounter with the vampire known as The Monk.

Both are under the title, Bad Moon Rising. atleast that's what the DC site says

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Yeah, it's the first of a 2 mini-series. Each is 6-issues, I think. They should both sort of lead into one another, so essentially it could be seen as a 12-issue mini-series all together.

I've heard that it is in continuity, Wagner has said that it's more like a BATMAN YEAR 1.5, which is pretty interesting to me. Interesting thing too, he said that he was surprised at how much "BATMAN BEGINS-ish" it feels- which really attracted me toward the comic.

[Mee]

Nice to have this mini around for some good Batman. Wagner really knows what he's doing, and the art to me seems like a mix of Bruce Timm and the artist from Year One. (don't have my copy with me to see how to spell his name and don't want to butcher it:D) The writing in All Star Batman is terrible and the regular Batman comic hasn't been good since Hush ended.

[CConn]

God, I can't wait until the next issue. I wouldn't quite say Issue #2 was better than #1, but it was certainly what it should've been, and on-par with the excellence of Issue #1.

[ChrisBaleBatman]

I'm actually having fun with ALL STAR. I think it's different. Much like ALL STAR Superman is too, a totally different take on the character.

One thing I would like explained.....how's Bruce grow a six o'clock shadow in like 5 minutes? lol

[CConn]

I would enjoy All-Star a lot more if it was just an Elseworlds mini. Miller's story just isn't what the All-Star title should be, IMO.

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Well.....it is an elseworld.

[CConn]

Obviously. But All Star would've been so awesome if it was what people thought it was going to be; the classic interpretation of Batman that everyone imagines Batman to be. No continuity to mess with his mind like Infinite Crisis, no crazy off-the-way Elseworld characterizations, just good old fashioned Batman.

That obviously isn't what ASB&R is. Which, IMO, is a shame.

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Classic interpretation that everyone imagines Batman to be?

C'mon......that's like atleast 5 different Batman's there.

[The Sage]

Classic interpretation that everyone imagines Batman to be?

C'mon......that's like atleast 5 different Batman's there.

And for some reason I doubt All-Star Batman's one of them.

[ChrisBaleBatman]

But since when has Miller's takes ever been UN-controversial?

I think ALL STAR is very different......but interesting I think.

But, your right Sage....probably not. Not 100% sure....I'd go with the MJ/Rocket safe call....99.9% sure.

[The Sage]

Lol.

[Pksoze]

Anyway back to the Monster Men...

One of the coolest series in a long time .... its interesting Wagner is actually telling a transition story of Batman going from mobsters to the costumed criminal element.

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Well, I like Wagner. I enjoyed his run on BATMAN.....and it's nice to see him doing great with MONSTER MEN.

I just loved the first scene with Batman, dragging that dude into the darkness with his nails breaking off on the ground trying to run.

Damn good.

[The Batman]

Damn ive gotta catch up.

Pretty much the only good batbook out there right now. Matt should be writing All Star Batman

[The Batman]

Classic interpretation that everyone imagines Batman to be?

C'mon......that's like atleast 5 different Batman's there.

I really wish people would stop trying to justify millers batman

his Batman will never be iconic, just like the silly 50's version will never be iconic.

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Yeah......that's me all right, the huge Miller fan......hey, it's Miller time!!

Dude, I think it's a different take that is interesting, and I still think it's TOO EARLY to bury the series.

[The Batman]

yes...after three issues of suck, we should all expect the stories to become ten times better. As Dr.Evil would say "Riiiiiiiiight"

[ChrisBaleBatman]

It's happened before. Who's to say 3 or 4 issues down the line, everyone praises it?

[souloffire]

yes...after three issues of suck, we should all expect the stories to become ten times better. As Dr.Evil would say "Riiiiiiiiight"Why do you keep reading them if they suck so much?

[nite-owl]

i think it is.

It comes somtime while Year One is still in play, becuase the Red Hood incident just happened. Whether or not The Roman has the scars on his face or not will help alot to place it too. But's it's right after the Red Hood incident and before the end of Year One.

now, supposedly, Wagner is doing a mini-series retelling of The Monk, which i really want to see, becuase that 2-part series of the original story is one of my favorite Batman stories ever.

So is it now going be:

Year one
Monster men
the other miniseries
the man who laughs

[CConn]

I'm delaying reading Issue #3 just to tease myself a little. :(

[SpideyInATree]

Pretty good issue. I like Wagner's artwork in this a lot, definitely fits the world of Batman. :up:

[Pksoze]

Sorry if its a choice between Journey Into Night vs Monster Men on whats cannon I'm picking Monster Men.

Here's How I view it...

Year One
Monster Men/Mad Monk
Man Who Laughs
The Long Halloween

[CrimsonMist]

just got Issue 3 today. Really good. I like the foreshadowing with Maroni about Dent and his ulcer...that was cool. Cant wait for issue 4

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Yeah, that was smart foreshadowing there. Alot of ppl complain that working in reverse like that can kinda suck.....but it can be great as well b/c you can sort of have dialogue that foreshadows what's going to happen....things everyoen knows about, ie: Maroni tossing acid in Dent's face.

The story is pretty sweet so far.

[CrimsonMist]

i want to see Dent in this story, maybe a cameo, same goes for Falcone. Maroni's always on the phone with him.

now, what i really want to see is The Monk story

[Cobblepot]

I just read the three issues, and it's very good.
I guess it's Wagners idea to revamp, those early Detective comics that had Hugo Strange in them with a couple of giants and Julie Madison!!
Although Wagners art isn't as good as it was in Faces, I still love this story.

[MaskedManJRK]

Damn ive gotta catch up.

Pretty much the only good batbook out there right now. Matt should be writing All Star Batman

I don't know, I think Miller's All-Star is more fitting with the old fourties comics. I mean, he was a crazy bastard in those. I mean, there weren't any "Goddamn Batman"s, but he did make a lot of comments like that, and DID KILL.

Really, Monster Men is a mixed bag. On one hand, it's cool that they're adapting these cool stories into continuity. On the other hand, reading those stories without the crazy bastard is...well...it's like watching porn without any nudity. What's the point?

[The Sage]

I don't know, I think Miller's All-Star is more fitting with the old fourties comics. I mean, he was a crazy bastard in those. I mean, there weren't any "Goddamn Batman"s, but he did make a lot of comments like that, and DID KILL.

Really, Monster Men is a mixed bag. On one hand, it's cool that they're adapting these cool stories into continuity. On the other hand, reading those stories without the crazy bastard is...well...it's like watching porn without any nudity. What's the point?

Well I haven't read many of the old stories so I can't agree. I'm loving Monster & Men so far.:up:

[ChrisBaleBatman]

What I'm digging is the personal life angle. I don't think I've ever read a Batman comic that took that approach to Bruce Wayne, and not neccessarily Batman. I mean, we're getting a good mix of BOTH Bruce and Batman......we see him juggling both his personal life and his night escapades.

What's good to see is that he's, so far atleast, pretty successful at it. Plus, having us see into his wifey's head is pretty cool- it's obvious she knows he's hiding something, she's just not sure what.

[The Sage]

http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/5987/acvr7yt.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Just checked out issue 4. Good issue, though not as good as the first two. The story's moving along well.

[Mee]

I got that one too, but on DC's site it says it's not due out till the 8th.:confused: :D

[New Shh! user.]

Monster Men is average. It's not Bad, not great.

Nothing new is really added to the character, and as the 4 issues stand, nothing significant will come out it.

All it is a re-vamp of Yr 2, in terms of the character its nothing we haven't seen before.

[CConn]

...that's sorta the point. That you don't need anything to be added to the character or have it be reinvented to write a good, enjoyable story. Too many people, I think, get caught up in this idea that great comics need to be these epic, revolutionary tales.

And maybe that's true for the legendary comics, but the ones that are really the most memorable, and enjoyable, are the classic, little throwback adventure stories.

That's what Monster Men is supposed to be. Not some revolutionary graphic novel, not some big character event, but rather a simple, fun story with a classic interpretation of the character. I really don't get how some people can't enjoy that...

[New Shh! user.]

...that's sorta the point. That you don't need anything to be added to the character or have it be reinvented to write a good, enjoyable story. Too many people, I think, get caught up in this idea that great comics need to be these epic, revolutionary tales.

And maybe that's true for the legendary comics, but the ones that are really the most memorable, and enjoyable, are the classic, little throwback adventure stories.

That's what Monster Men is supposed to be. Not some revolutionary graphic novel, not some big character event, but rather a simple, fun story with a classic interpretation of the character. I really don't get how some people can't enjoy that...

I do enjoy, but i don't give it a seconds thought between the time i finish reading one issue and when i buy the next. I don't think it has to be 'some revolutionary graphic novel' either, but my opinion of it is pretty justified. It wasn't like i was slating it.

[New Shh! user.]

Similarly i don't understand how you can call it Excellent, or whatever word you used in the first post.

[ToddIsDead]

I've enjoyed it consistently over the months. It's really good!

[CrimsonMist]

it's just a damn good story. It's something for me to read between the All Star delays.

but in all honesty, i think the Monk re-vamp story will kick Monster Men's ass.

[CConn]

I do enjoy, but i don't give it a seconds thought between the time i finish reading one issue and when i buy the next. I don't think it has to be 'some revolutionary graphic novel' either, but my opinion of it is pretty justified. It wasn't like i was slating it.What I'm saying is, I don't understand your reasoning. Like, say you said you didn't enjoy the story, I disagree, but it's understandable. Or even if you didn't enjoy this interpretation of the Batman; it's an understandable opinion, to me, at least. But to say you don't like it merely because there's no big event in it, I don't quite understand.
Similarly i don't understand how you can call it Excellent, or whatever word you used in the first post.I've explained my reasoning several times throughout the thread, including my last post.

I think the characterization of Batman may be the best I have seen in Post-Crisis, I'm enjoying the story, I love the art, and I love the overall tone and setting of the book. That's it, basically.

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Meh, it's like 10x better than ALL STAR......

[Mee]

comicscontinuum has a preview of #5 with some pages. Looks just as good as all the other issues.

[King Krypton]

I don't know, I think Miller's All-Star is more fitting with the old fourties comics. I mean, he was a crazy bastard in those. I mean, there weren't any "Goddamn Batman"s, but he did make a lot of comments like that, and DID KILL.

Uh...what you're referring to is 1939-1940, and even that period was no where near as sadistic and insane as Miller's warping of the character. He was closer to the early Zorro than anything else. 1940 onward, Batman was more or less his classic self.

Really, Monster Men is a mixed bag. On one hand, it's cool that they're adapting these cool stories into continuity. On the other hand, reading those stories without the crazy bastard is...well...it's like watching porn without any nudity. What's the point?

First off, he wasn't "a crazy bastard" in the originals. He was a modern-day take on the early Zorro. If you don;t believe me, re-read the old stuff and read The Mark of Zorro to see the similarities.

Secondly, why should Batman be retconned into the Miller version just to fit an inaccurate view of the early stories? That, to me, is without point.

[celldog]

This is a great story.

[Mee]

#5 was great. The Bat-mobile was like a mix between the Burton- mobile and the Tumbler. And it looks like #6 is going to have alot of action.

[CrimsonMist]

any idea when Wagner's take on The Monk story is coming out? i REEEEEALLY want to read that!

[Joker]

any idea when Wagner's take on The Monk story is coming out? i REEEEEALLY want to read that!

Wagner's doing the Monk story??

Awesome.That guy pre-dates all Batman's villains I believe.

And issue 5 of Monster men kicked ass.Things are really heating up.Looks like next issue is going to be action packed.

[Carmine Falcone]

I want to read this. The art looks superb.

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Great read.......really loving it.

And, the Batmobile.....swwwwwweeeeeeetttttt.

It looks like a cross between the Tumbler and the Burton-mobile.

[SpideyInATree]

Yeah, I really liked this issue a lot. I think I enjoyed it more for the continuity than anything else. Had Gordon talk about Commissioner Loeb, etc.

Further proves to me that this is a nice little Year 1.5 story.

And I'm looking forward to Batman taking on the giant Monster Men again. I showed this guy at work the latest issue and he's all into Batman now. :o

[Mister J]

Due to the solid reviews you guys were giving this, I went and picked up some back issues today. I'm only on #2 right now, but it's been good stuff so far.

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Yeah, it does get better too.

Very BTAS like to me.

[SpideyInATree]

Yeah, it does get better too.

Very BTAS like to me.

That's what it reminded me of but I couldn't put my finger on it...well, until now when I saw you posted it. :o

[Tojo]

I refused to buy issue 5 so read it in the shop what can i say it was terrible. The dialogue, especially between Alf/Bruce in the Batmobile scene was TERRIBLE. Just pure shlock.

Dont get me wrong it's an alright story, but does not deserve the accolades it's getting. Imo.

[CrimsonMist]

I refused to buy issue 5 so read it in the shop what can i say it was terrible. The dialogue, especially between Alf/Bruce in the Batmobile scene was TERRIBLE. Just pure shlock.

Dont get me wrong it's an alright story, but does not deserve the accolades it's getting. Imo.

i think that part was just a rip on all the fans who wanted(and still want) fins on the tumbler. I thought it was amusing.

and as far as im concerned, that's the best looking Batmobile period. Also, this has the coolest cover.


now damnit, bring on The Monk story!!!!!!!!!

[LennonMcCartney]

I know I'm going to be flamed for this, but I find Monster Men to be good, but not amazing. Yes, it is well written, but it isn't the best Batman story I've ever read. The art is good, but in my opinion, not great. I don't have much to say about Monster Men, because it isn't all that remarkable. I'm not saying its bad, I am enjoying it, but there isn't as much depth to Batman as I would like. It is much better than All Star, but nothing like Dark Victory,Long Halloween or Year One.

[Tojo]

i think that part was just a rip on all the fans who wanted(and still want) fins on the tumbler. I thought it was amusing.



i'mm not talkin about that particular sentence.

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Well, it is a pretty good Batman story. No, so far....not the best. But, Batman has ALOT of best stories that are tough to top. The story is pretty good so far, and it does keep getting better.....and there's quite a few more issues to go so.....it can get to that BEST mark.

[LennonMcCartney]

This is true. At the time I made the post, I thought there were only going to be 6 issues, but from what you've written I guess there will be 12?

[ToddIsDead]

It's only six issues, but this is only part one of Dark Moon Rising. Part two is the Monk story and that will be another six issues.

[LennonMcCartney]

The Monk? I hope the wikipedia article has some info on this...

[CrimsonMist]

The Monk? I hope the wikipedia article has some info on this...

Detective Comics #s 31 & 32. Then i believe in the 70's, The Monk came back. There is a thread somewhere here, which discusses that. I cant be sure though.

[VaderRISE]

Yeesh, this is the first I've heard of this. My local comic shop shut down just because not to many people BUY comics in my area. I don't really feel like subscibing through DC though.

Anyone know of any other way to do so? I'll probably just wait for the trade to come out since I won't be able to pick up back issues.

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Yeah, this half is wrapping up........but there's another 6 issue run that is said to be pretty much the continuation of Dark Moon Rising.

[The Sage]

Well, that's a wrap. Good issue. I'll check out the Monk series when Wagner returns in July.

[CrimsonMist]

Well, that's a wrap. Good issue. I'll check out the Monk series when Wagner returns in July.

The Monk series comes out in July? Excellent!

[Joker]

Just read issue 6 of Monster Men.Really great ending to this mini.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story.It was well written and had a great classic feel to it.Hugo Starnge was a great villain.

I look forward to the Monk mini next.I hope it's as good as this one was.

[The Batman]

what happens in ish six?

[ToddIsDead]

Lots, and lots of people die.

[CrimsonMist]

the last issue was alright. Maybe i should read all the issues straight through this time, becuase issue 6 was just "eh" in terms of an ending when i read it.

[Joker]

what happens in ish six?

Hugo Strange's men attack the Roman's place where Maroni and his men are,and are about to shoot Julie's dad.They slay a bunch of Maroni's men before Batman shows up.

Batman traps one of them in a net from the Batmobile.However some of Maroni's men use the opportunity to kill it by shooting it to death.

Hugo Strange's indian assistant goes crazy when he sees this,and starts shooting them all,but one of the men shoots him in the head,then Hugo Strange kills the guy who shot his assistant.

Meanwhile inside the mansion,Maroni makes his way to the roof where there's a helicopter pad.Batman takes down two more of the monster men,then he finds Julie's dad,who freaks out when Batman addresses him by his first name.

On the roof Maroni and his last surviving henchman realise neither of them can fly a helicopter.Suddenly a monster man appears on the roof and kills Maroni's henchman.Maroni is about to shoot at the monster when Batman shows up and pumps it full of tranquiliser.
It only dazes the monster,which charges at Batman,crashing into the helicopter,and both go flying over the roof where they explode into flame below.

Maroni then pulls a gun on Batman from behind him,but Batman easily disarms him,and tells Maroni that Julie's dad is off the hook with whatever debt he owes Maroni.Maroni agrees.

Downstairs,Julie's dad is freaking out that Batman knows him,and thinks Batman knows about his dealings with Maroni,that's how he knows his name.He begins to run from the mansion,when he bumps into Hugo Strange outside.Strange thinks he's one of Maroni's men come to get him,and kicks him down and then flees.

Bruce goes to see Julie in hospital and tells her everything is ok.He's going to help her dad pay off his debts.Julie is delighted and they leave the hospital to go and see her dad.

On the way they see a television show with Hugo Strange on it,giving his expert psychological opinion on the Batman.He says Batman is crazy and dangerous and is not to be trusted.Bruce is angry that he does not have enough evidence to take Strange down.

We then see Julie's Dad watching this same TV show,and is now more frightened than ever of Batman.

[Swordmaster]

Super-dee-duper bump :o


I just got the TPB yesterday. Having never read any of it, save for a few bits and pieces, I was pleasantly surprised. As many have said, there's a definite TAS vibe, as well as a BB one.

Oh, and the Batmobile kicks ass

[The Sage]

How much does the trade cost?

[CConn]

Officially, $14.99. But you know you can get it on amazon or whatever for about 10.

[Swordmaster]

Officially, $14.99. But you know you can get it on amazon or whatever for about 10.
It's listed as 12.95 on the back of my copy :confused:

[CConn]

Huh, DC's website says 15. :huh:

[SpideyInATree]

They LIED!!! :eek:

[The Sage]

Those are all good prices, and well worth it.