Neil Gaiman, Andy Kubert: Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader?

[antonydelfini]

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=17463

[CrimsonMist]

Best. News. Ever.

[Johann Krauss]

sweet

[antonydelfini]

Now if this can be an ongoing thing.

[CaptainClown]

yay Neil Gaiman

[Nepenthes]

are you f**ken kidding me?

:D times a thousand.

Sandman will always be number one for me and Gaiman wrote the best Poison Ivy and Riddler stories I know

.

[TruerToTheCore]

I'm glad they used the name "Caped Crusader" :)

I hope this means something :hehe:

[CrimsonMist]

I'm glad they used the name "Caped Crusader" :)

I hope this means something :hehe:

maybe. The first thing that came to my mind when i read the thread title was Alan Moore's "Whatever Happened to The Man of Tomorrow" Superman story. So hopefully Gaiman's Batman story is something akin to that. That would be awesome.

and finally! Andy Kubert's art being used in a (presumably)coherent run! :woot:

[EddieNashton]

I just wish it was Neal Adams instead of Kubert.

[Mee]

Yeah, I didn't care much for Kubert's Batman stuff. Quite a few artists I'd take over him.

[venom892]

This could be awesome.But does it mean a continunity overhaul for bats?

[TheDarkKnight08]

I love the fact these 2 are on board, but does this mean that Morrison's finally gonna kill him? :cmad:

[Majic Walrus]

I think we should all come to terms with the fact that Morrison's going to kill Bruce Wayne/Batman. He might come back or he might not. The only thing that would shock me is if Bruce Wayne kept being Batman...

[BubbaGump]

New Crisis Please!!!

[Nepenthes]

^ ha ha

The name is really intriguing. I kinda feel where Gaiman might go with this just off the name alone, and knowing he's coming off Morrisons run.

[Watson]

:dances:

maybe something set in the years after Batman is gone? Whatever, as long as it's Gaiman I'll be reading it.

[Endless Dream]

are you f**ken kidding me?

:D times a thousand.

Sandman will always be number one for me and Gaiman wrote the best Poison Ivy and Riddler stories I know

.


What were those stories?

[Nepenthes]

Pavane, is a Ivy story with flashbacks to her origin in Secret Origins #36. It's uncollected from 1986, you'll probably need to find it scanned online if not ebay. It was the first go at a definitive post-crisis origin story (which is what much of the series was actually intended for), and in portraying the conflicting and alluring nature of Poison Ivy it's never been matched, imo.

The other Ivy story is Black Orchid from 1990. She's only on about four or five pages of the entire graphic novel, but Mr. Gaiman added volumes to Ivy's character with that one appearance and she's quite chilling yet sympathetic at the same time. The whole story is about plant women and it has amusing appearances from Swamp Thing and Batman.

When is a Door, is also a Riddler origin flashback of sorts. I haven't read it for a while but iirc the Riddler is trying to figure out where he belongs in the scheme of Gothams criminals. It appears in Batman - Secret Origins Special from 1989.

[Cain]

Oh yeah!!! :woot:

[TruerToTheCore]

maybe. The first thing that came to my mind when i read the thread title was Alan Moore's "Whatever Happened to The Man of Tomorrow" Superman story. So hopefully Gaiman's Batman story is something akin to that. That would be awesome.

and finally! Andy Kubert's art being used in a (presumably)coherent run! :woot:

"The Dark KNight" is that ******* that appeared as an imposter Batman in the comics since the mid-90s.

[Majic Walrus]

New Crisis Please!!!

Retcon anyone? Can I get a retcon?

[FCEEVIPER]

I think we should all come to terms with the fact that Morrison's going to kill Bruce Wayne/Batman. He might come back or he might not. The only thing that would shock me is if Bruce Wayne kept being Batman...
Won't happen, he might lose the cowl for a while like with Nightfall, but he will be back as fast as you can say Extreme Super Final Crisis. :cwink:

[TruerToTheCore]

Perhaps it is the last "Earth 1 Batman" story.

[Gamingboy]

If it's anything like Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow, then it'll be an imaginary story. Just for kicks, let's guess what it will be about, I'm guessing it'll be a tale of a possible future told by Destiny (since Gaiman's writing this, it'd be cool if he put in the Endless, especially since Destiny would be such a awesome plot device to tell the story without messing up the continuity possibilities).

[Nepenthes]

It's gonna be about peoples idea of Batman and how it's changed over time. all of Gaimans books are stories about stories.

[Keyser Soze]

Here are the covers to the two-part story, "Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader?":

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/JokerSoze/Alfred2.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/JokerSoze/BatmanFuneral.jpg

Both are impressive covers. I think in particular the cover with Alfred is beautiful, and conveys so much emotion and heartbreak. Things are looking grim for Batman. :csad:

[cokebabies]

That Alfred cover is gorgeous.

[CaptainClown]

I hope this is good... I have been fooled before however.

[The Guard]

Please don't let this be a JOKER type letdown. Please...

[The Joker]

Those covers ROCK!!!!

Especially Alfred's one. Beautiful.

[Watson]

Gorgeous covers. Can't wait for this :up:

[CrimsonMist]

The Alfred cover is the variant to the Kubert cover below if i'm not mistaken.

This is the Kubert cover to the Detective Comics issue, part 2. It's an awesome homage to Detective Comics #27.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/Beware308/dtc_cv853_new.jpg

Courtesy of http://www.newsarama.com/comics/081115-dc-solicitations-mar-09.html

This is the cover to the HC collection coming out next Summer, from Amazon.com

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/Beware308/51Giw4M22fL_SS500_.jpg

[Watson]

Nice. When do these come out?

[Dark Victory]

Neil Gaiman's writing with Andy Kubert's art? I'm there. :woot:

[SpideyZERO]

Very pretty covers. But wow, they announced the HC so soon?

[The Sage]

Oooh, I can't wait for this. Those covers are fantastic.

[FCEEVIPER]

Pass.

[Motown Marvel]

im not really into andy's covers. adam is the better artist, and joe just owns both of them combined. ross' cover is fantastic.

[Cain]

That Alex Ross cover defines awesome but the cover for the hardcover sucks the art is pretty subpar, for christ's sake Robin's legs aren't even proportionally consistent with the rest of his body.

[Majic Walrus]

I'm hoping that this lives up to the level of "Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow".

[deathfromabove]

Please don't let this be a JOKER type letdown. Please...

i dont see how that book was a let down.

[ironman29758]

Please don't let this be a JOKER type letdown. Please...
It was a good book though to some people

[Dark Victory]

i dont see how that book was a let down.


Everybody is entitled to their own opinion.



Anyway, does anyone know how long Gaiman's run will be? I only get hardcovers if the story has a good length.

[CrimsonMist]

Everybody is entitled to their own opinion.



Anyway, does anyone know how long Gaiman's run will be? I only get hardcovers if the story has a good length.

Gaiman is writing 2 issues. Part 1 in Batman and Part 2 in Detective


Amazon lists it as having 128 pages. But if im not mistaken, each issue is 48 pages. So i don't know.

But basically, it's a Batman version of Alan Moore's Superman story "Whatever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow". That was 48 pages by itself and was amazing.

Length really isn't an issue for me. If it's great in 96 pages, i'm buying the hardcover.

[C. W. Saturn]

The title is weak.

I am waiting for "Whatever happend to the Fastest Man Alive/Emerald Knight".

Weak. Disappointing.

[MasterOgami]

The title is weak.

I am waiting for "Whatever happend to the Fastest Man Alive/Emerald Knight".

Weak. Disappointing.

What else could they call it and still have it serve as an homage to the Moore Superman story (and thus perhaps be seen as something of a companion piece to it)? The title tells you exactly what you need to know: It's the last Batman story of its era*.

*As to whether or not DC makes that stick, who knows, but that's the mood they're trying to establish.

[Mee]

Marvel can have the Kuberts back. :down





...DC should get Maleev and Del Otto. :heart:

[Saint]

Please don't let this be a JOKER type letdown. Please...

So I wasn't the only one unsatisfied with JOKER? Though, admittedly, my complaint was of personal preference--I really don't give a damn about mob/crime stories. At all. Ever. No, not even The Sopranos.

[C. W. Saturn]

What else could they call it and still have it serve as an homage to the Moore Superman story (and thus perhaps be seen as something of a companion piece to it)? The title tells you exactly what you need to know: It's the last Batman story of its era*.

*As to whether or not DC makes that stick, who knows, but that's the mood they're trying to establish.

But the Batman of this era is not the "Caped Crusader", it's the Dark KNight :cmad:

[Cain]

So I wasn't the only one unsatisfied with JOKER? Though, admittedly, my complaint was of personal preference--I really don't give a damn about mob/crime stories. At all. Ever. No, not even The Sopranos.

Come one Saint you're telling me a man of your good taste doesn't even enjoy The Godfather?

That being said I didn't like JOKER much at all either. I felt that Azzarello aping alot of his favorite works of fiction (Ie: White Heat) made the story unoriginal and at times fairly boring. I don't know after waiting for over 2 years I just expected a bit more from Azzarello/Bermejo especially after something as great as their previous collabo Lex Luthor: MOS. I liked the pretty pictures though :woot:

[Saint]

Come one Saint you're telling me a man of your good taste doesn't even enjoy The Godfather?

Erm... I, uh... I haven't seen The Godfather.

[CrimsonMist]

But the Batman of this era is not the "Caped Crusader", it's the Dark KNight :cmad:

The book is not supposed to be about just one era of Batman. It's about all of them. And like it or not, he's still the Caped Crusader.

[itsthebatman]

Erm... I, uh... I haven't seen The Godfather.
I used to be like you. I'd go to parties, everyone would be discussing the Godfather, and doing Luca Brassi, and I would just smile and laugh along, hoping I wouldn't be caught.
Then, one weekend, I rented parts I and II, and spent the afternoon watching them. Absolutely brilliant. And now, I never feel out of place at dinner parties.
There are a LOT of allusions to The Godfather in TLH and Dark Victory, also, which were really nice to spot when I read them first, having seen the movies not long before.

[Saint]

I used to be like you. I'd go to parties, everyone would be discussing the Godfather, and doing Luca Brassi, and I would just smile and laugh along, hoping I wouldn't be caught.
Then, one weekend, I rented parts I and II, and spent the afternoon watching them. Absolutely brilliant. And now, I never feel out of place at dinner parties.
There are a LOT of allusions to The Godfather in TLH and Dark Victory, also, which were really nice to spot when I read them first, having seen the movies not long before.I'll have to take a look someday.

[CaptainClown]

you haven't seen the godfather? oh my. Never go near godfather 3 though. It is like reading the dark knight strikes again after the dark knight returns.

[The Guard]

Did not like The Godfather. It insists upon itself...

[Cain]

Erm... I, uh... I haven't seen The Godfather.

Being that you're a Nolan fan I think you will like them. You'll see how they were obviously influential to him as a filmmaker and not just with Batman. They're more than mob films they're character films with lots of layers so if you like those type of stories then by all means watch them whenever possible. I don't even like Coppolla outside of those movies and Apocalypse Now. Those 3 films though are worthy of the praise they always received.

[itsthebatman]

Did not like The Godfather. It insists upon itself...
How could you not like the Godfather? Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall...

[The Guard]

Fine, fine actors, did not like the movie.

[CaptainClown]

I'm pretty certain he is quoting Family Guy.

[ultimatefan]

Heh, this is Death Of Superman all over again, they tease the fans with "this time we mean it!" and fans bite the bait and buy like crazy, and then... Then don´t really mean it - not that I´m complaining, I pray to Jeebus they don´t mean it.

[Drz]

I hope they will mean it, because it would show they got balls to change things and continue the story, which would be Dick Grayson as Batman and then eventually Damian.

[ultimatefan]

They may do some temporary changes, like they did after Superman´s "death" and Bruce´s "crippling", but if you buy that it will be permanent, there´s a great piece of land outside of Baghdad I´d love to sell...

[Drz]

I just hope it will be true, i would love to see DC having balls to make some changes. :/

[itsthebatman]

Fine, fine actors, did not like the movie.
Explain yourself, what didn't you like about it? It has a valid point to make, its insistent!

[BATS N' HORNETS]

this is going to be after LAST DAYS OF GOTHAM....

written by the legendary DENNY O'NEIL

[souvlaki]

Neil Gaiman posted this panel from Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader on his blog.

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq137/souvlaki81/catwoman.jpg

[Drz]

Nostalgia moment! :P

[margon]

I thought I saw an issue of Wizard with "Caped Crusader preview" on the cover. Did I or did I not see that? Wizard is absurdly expensive here so i didn't buy it, kind of regretting that now.

[Two-Face=Badass]

It's more beautiful than I ever imagined!

[saska83]

I'm really looking forward to read this story... The title is, as it seems, an homage to Moore and his story "Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?".

[Ugfugly]

Neil Gaiman posted this panel from Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader on his blog.

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq137/souvlaki81/catwoman.jpg


Wait Catwoman is a lesbian???


:huh:






:cwink:

[Watson]

Neil Gaiman posted this panel from Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader on his blog.

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq137/souvlaki81/catwoman.jpg

:heart: I love that Catwoman is wearing her classic costume. And Batman looks very cool. His design reminds me of his look in the seventies.

[batpawn]

:heart: I love that Catwoman is wearing her classic costume. And Batman looks very cool. His design reminds me of his look in the seventies.

funny, because i think it should resemble the 50's.

great panel and can't wait for the final product. i love andy kubert, he is so talented in altering his style to fit to the storylines. but you can still see that it is kubert.

[margon]

I've never liked Andy Kuberts art more than i do in these panels. and really it could also be the early eighties

[Majic Walrus]

I like that the design stays true to the more "classic" look of Batman but still mangages to make Batman cool without being too dorky. I think a lot of 60's and 70's work can feel a little too campy.

[TruerToTheCore]

Someone should ban the word "Campy"

[margon]

^ it would just anger legions of male madonna fans. no

[[A]]

Neil Gaiman posted this panel from Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader on his blog.

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq137/souvlaki81/catwoman.jpg

Can we paint it..? :woot:

[MaskedManJRK]

Ye Gods, the Alfred cover and the Catwoman preview is just beautiful. Can't wait to read this. :woot:

[Saint]

Neil Gaiman posted this panel from Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader on his blog.

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq137/souvlaki81/catwoman.jpg

Wow, go Kubert. This brings me back to my childhood, when I would drag "The Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told" with me everywhere I went. That was really my crash course on the eras of Batman.

[margon]

you guys have the seen riddler panels too of course?

classic riddler in those

[Drz]

Can someone link Neil Gaiman's blog site?

[The Batman]

Someone should ban the word "Campy"

yes...especially since 90% of the people on here use it in the wrong ****ing context...

[SHADOWBAT69]

Neil Gaiman posted this panel from Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader on his blog.

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq137/souvlaki81/catwoman.jpg


Now this brings a smile to my face, and with it the hopes that the Batman books can be saved.

[Watson]

Can someone link Neil Gaiman's blog site?

http://journal.neilgaiman.com/

[souvlaki]

Edit- double post

[souvlaki]

:heart: I love that Catwoman is wearing her classic costume. And Batman looks very cool. His design reminds me of his look in the seventies.

I've never liked Andy Kuberts art more than i do in these panels. and really it could also be the early eighties

funny, because i think it should resemble the 50's.

That's funny, because when I first saw it I thought it looked like a weird mix of Infantino's Batman and Neal Adams' Brave and the Bold era Batman from the 60's. It's pretty cool that four different people thought it looked like a drawing from four different eras.

[The Batman]

design wise, it's 40's/50's Batman....drawing wise, its just the way kubert draws, really...

[Drz]

http://i44.tinypic.com/35ivf60.jpg

[TruerToTheCore]

The first pages are up, looks awesome-esque.
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=92159514&blogID=468114731

[Drz]

Finger it. :P (1st page, look at the ad)

[ironman29758]

Joe Chill is alive. I thought he commited suicide in Batman #673. Or was the issue was just a dream of Batman or is this story an Alternate Universe

[Drz]

It never showed Joe Chill kill himself, just like we never saw Joker die after Damian Wayne crashed the hospital car.

[TruerToTheCore]

we don't even know what this story is exactly about. And Selina Kyle mentions that Joe Chill is thought to be dead. So.:hehe:

[Cain]

design wise, it's 40's/50's

Yes it certainly is.

*points at av*

[Watson]

This is coming out next week? I thought it wasn't till closer to April...

[SpideyZERO]

Interesting preview. Next week!!! :D

[MasterOgami]

Just read Part 1, so far so fun, certainly entertaining with a nice teaser of a last page. It's a buck more than usual, but its 32 pages of story, with 4 "sketchbook" pages. Part 2/Detective 853 isn't out for another month?!? Yargh!!!

[Saint]

Very cool issue. If I had to guess, I'd say we're looking at Batmen from alternates Earths (hence Bruce's suggestion of another Batman, in a harder world, not giving up).

[Drz]

Yeah the issue was abit of a mind**** especially with Alfred, this definatly has to be an alternatie earth or why would you suggest Batmen (plural) Saint? :o Also lol@Two-Face's car. >_>

[MasterOgami]

Its all sorts of alternate Bat-eras/what if-realities, timey-wimey stuff. Young Hot Selina on one page with Old Hot Golden Age Selina on the next and so on.

[Drz]

Its all sorts of alternate Bat-eras/what if-realities, timey-wimey stuff. Young Hot Selina on one page with Old Hot Golden Age Selina on the next and so on.

Ah now i get it lol. :P

EDIT: Could this be the Omega Sanction thing tho? You know Batman living his death and each time it gets worse?

http://i41.tinypic.com/mij72b.jpg

Best. Cameo. Ever?

[margon]

LOVED IT

it's not alternate realities or what-if's, someone is just messing with batmans head. it's obvious from the narration especially on the last page. The Omega Sanction is definitely an interesting possibility. Also consider the line "Who are you? Are you Death?". "No. Death is not a person" Now what book is Gaiman most famous for....? :cwink: that would be cool ha ha

notice Ollie Queen from DKR in there too

This is a spin on the original "who killed Batman" story from the mid seventies, which had Catwoman, Riddler, Joker and Luthor all claiming to be responsible for Batmans death

[Drz]

Well the 2 deaths kinda had a meaning. Catwoman's theme was the vengeful lover, Alfred's was "everything is a joke except you" but they share a common thing... Bruce being Batman. What if the only way Bruce can escape this possible omega sanction is truly to give up the mantle?

[Galvanize]

Absolutely loved this. It felt like Gaiman was out doing Morrison in the warped wtf is going on here stakes and i really loved that.
Besides Dennys average story and the less then ideal conclusion for Batman 681 this book has really been on the money month in and month out.
Same for Dini with Detective.
Cant wait for Part 2 and such a shame its been pushed back. Bleh.

[SpideyZERO]

Love this issue. Really fun to see all the alternative Batmen, kinda feel bad for the Batman in Alfred's story, poor guy. The art is awesome and Two Face's car is plain genius :D

Can't wait for the next issue!

[Greg]

Can someone post a pic of this car?

[MasterOgami]

LOVED IT

it's not alternate realities or what-if's, someone is just messing with batmans head.

Not alternate realities and what-ifs in a strict, 52 Alternate Earths or whatever, sense, but in the sense that these Batmen/stories/possibilities aren't exactly "real" and that Bruce is being guided through something that's all messed up as far as time and reality are concerned.

[Cain]

Yeah everybody on every board I've been to is almost positive he's being guided by Morpheus' "sister" while experiencing the omega sanction. I'm thinking it's something else entirely but we'll see next month (damn DC books always being late :cmad:). I loved this issue by the way, Kubert's Joker homage to Kane was classic and I loved the part when he said he only kills when it's funny. He was really defensive and offended by being compared to a conventional sociopathic killer, Gaiman gets it.

[MasterOgami]

Yeah everybody on every board I've been to is almost positive he's being guided by Morpheus' "sister" while experiencing the omega sanction. I'm thinking it's something else entirely but we'll see next month

My gut reaction was Martha Wayne, but I don't know if DC would allow that, or if its even appropriate.

[stillanerd]

One thing about Neil Gaiman is that in the vast majority of his work, most of what he writes are stories that are, essentially, about stories. This issue was no different. In a lot of ways, "Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?" thus far reads very much like an earlier Batman story "A Black and White World" Gaiman did for Batman Black and White #2. In that story, Batman and the Joker take a "time out" from the comic and go "backstage" to discuss the nature of their roles. Here, we get a "funeral" of Batman in which various incarnations of Batman's allies and rogues from various eras in Batman's history, including multiple versions of the same character in some cases, to tell their version of how Batman died, all while the real Batman is looking on with some mysterious spirit guide who, I guess, is Death from the Sandman series.

On one level, for those keeping track of recent continuity, it's very likely this is the result of the Omega Sanction that Darkseid hit Batman with, and that Bruce is seeing variations of his life and death prior to his body landing in the prehistoric past as we saw in the last issue of Final Crisis. But on another level, this is another opportunity for Gaiman to once again show us the nature of story. As Batman observes, one of his deaths is akin to how Robin Hood died, while another is a take on "the Butler did it" cliche in mystery fiction. But as the Batman in "Alfred story" says, even if Batman was all built on a lie, he would still be Batman and would never truly die.

And that's the point. There are so many different versions of the character attending Batman's "funeral" and so many versions of how he "died" because there are so many different Batman stories, just as there are so many different stories and legends about King Arthur, or Robin Hood, or Gilgamesh or any other larger than life heroic figure of legend and myth. And just as legends have variations of an "origin" story, they also have variations of a "death" story. And because of this, legends live on. Batman, even though he may "die" is no different.

This issue, I think, beautifully explores this, with some great nods to earlier eras of Batman for long time fans, with some references newer fans would recognize that, unlike Morrison's RIP, don't get in the way or distract from the story. Not to mention the terrific artwork by Andy Kubert and the touches he brings in. For example, seeing the various guest from Dark Knight Returns version of Oliver Queen, Bruce Timm's Joker, the original Red Hood, Gorshin's Riddler, what I assume is Zorro himself. Likewise the repeated motiff of the villains and their cars, including a very clever take on the "Two-Face mobile." It's another example of how a comic book medium can have the advantage of working hand-in-hand with the story, as these surreal depictions of Gotham (complete with Airships), Crime Alley, the funeral parlor, and the guests serve to emphasize the dream like quality of the story Gaiman is telling. Best of all, even Batman's "death" and "funeral" is a mystery for Batman to solve. Hopefully, the delay to the second part in Detective Comics won't kill the momentum of what is, no doubt, a fitting love letter to the Caped Crusader.

[theMan-Bat]

design wise, it's 40's/50's Batman.

Yes it is.
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/916/stupid1234538879stupid8ah8.jpg

[SpideyZERO]

Can someone post a pic of this car?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v178/BladeEX/Batman686-010.jpg

[theMan-Bat]

Can someone post a pic of this car?

The wacky, preposterous Silver Age gimmick cars:
The Kitty Car, which first appeared in Det. #122 (1947) and was popularized on Adam West's 1960s Batman TV show...
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/8278/stupid1234566655stupidbzw5.jpg
The Jokermobile, which first appeared in Batman #37 (1946)...
http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/3306/stupid1234567120stupid2mx3.jpg
And the Silver Age styled Two-Facemobile which Neil Gaiman just made up...
http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/160/stupid1234568224stupid6fz4.jpg

[Joker]

I kind of the get the feeling that Neil Gaiman read Batman RIP and Final Crisis, like a lot of people couldn't figure out what the hell was going on in either of them, and decided to do it this way so as not to have to address how Batman "really" died. I still don't understand myself how Batman died in an explosion in one book, and then got Omega Blasted a month later in another...

[Cain]

I still don't understand myself how Batman died in an explosion in one book, and then got Omega Blasted a month later in another...

What's so hard to understand? he didn't die in the explosion (Batman #683) and survived to take part in the Final Crisis and then face Darkseid.

[sclabguy]

What's so hard to understand? he didn't die in the explosion (Batman #683) and survived to take part in the Final Crisis and then face Darkseid.

they could've elaborated on how that happened

[Saint]

they could've elaborated on how that happened

How what happened? Surviving the crash? He's Batman. He survives that crap on a weekly basis.

[Saint]

I kind of the get the feeling that Neil Gaiman read Batman RIP and Final Crisis, like a lot of people couldn't figure out what the hell was going on in either of them, and decided to do it this way so as not to have to address how Batman "really" died. I still don't understand myself how Batman died in an explosion in one book, and then got Omega Blasted a month later in another...
Perhaps you should have continued reading, because two issues later they explained that he survived the crash (and, honestly, I can't believe that anyone really thought he had died there).

[BatJeff7786]

I think the idea behind his death in "RIP" was for him to disappear from the Batman world, so fans who solely read his books don't have to read Final Crisis.

[Joker]

Perhaps you should have continued reading, because two issues later they explained that he survived the crash (and, honestly, I can't believe that anyone really thought he had died there).

I did keep reading. There was an incomprehensible story about how he was being kept in a machine by a monkey or something? But there was no "Yes, we found him, alive but injured, and put him in this machine. Also, I am a monkey!" explanation, it just seemed like more random silver age throwback bulls**t. And the book was called Batman RIP, and Morrison said he died at the end of it. Which apparently he didn't, because Morrison is not only crazy, but a liar too. I guess Morrison decided he needed a shock moment for Final Crisis, because nothing else happened in the entire god damn book except for Barry Allen coming back.

Also, I still don't understand WHY they're doing any of this. I mean, fine, you can kill a character if you want, and it leads to good stories. Captain America right now is proof of that. But Gaimans little story here that is completely ignoring everything done prior to it except "Batman is dead" is the only good thing to come of it, and there's no god damn reason they couldn't have done this as a kind of Elseworld thing on it's own. The fact is, we all know in a year or so, Bruce will be back, and the status quo will be returned. 2 or 3 years at most. Whenever Batman 3/Dark Knight 2/whatever comes out at the very god damn latest.

[CaptainClown]

I did keep reading. There was an incomprehensible story about how he was being kept in a machine by a monkey or something? But there was no "Yes, we found him, alive but injured, and put him in this machine. Also, I am a monkey!" explanation, it just seemed like more random silver age throwback bulls**t. And the book was called Batman RIP, and Morrison said he died at the end of it. Which apparently he didn't, because Morrison is not only crazy, but a liar too. I guess Morrison decided he needed a shock moment for Final Crisis, because nothing else happened in the entire god damn book except for Barry Allen coming back.

Also, I still don't understand WHY they're doing any of this. I mean, fine, you can kill a character if you want, and it leads to good stories. Captain America right now is proof of that. But Gaimans little story here that is completely ignoring everything done prior to it except "Batman is dead" is the only good thing to come of it, and there's no god damn reason they couldn't have done this as a kind of Elseworld thing on it's own. The fact is, we all know in a year or so, Bruce will be back, and the status quo will be returned. 2 or 3 years at most. Whenever Batman 3/Dark Knight 2/whatever comes out at the very god damn latest.
I like you

[ultimatefan]

One thing about Neil Gaiman is that in the vast majority of his work, most of what he writes are stories that are, essentially, about stories. This issue was no different. In a lot of ways, "Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?" thus far reads very much like an earlier Batman story "A Black and White World" Gaiman did for Batman Black and White #2. In that story, Batman and the Joker take a "time out" from the comic and go "backstage" to discuss the nature of their roles. Here, we get a "funeral" of Batman in which various incarnations of Batman's allies and rogues from various eras in Batman's history, including multiple versions of the same character in some cases, to tell their version of how Batman died, all while the real Batman is looking on with some mysterious spirit guide who, I guess, is Death from the Sandman series.

On one level, for those keeping track of recent continuity, it's very likely this is the result of the Omega Sanction that Darkseid hit Batman with, and that Bruce is seeing variations of his life and death prior to his body landing in the prehistoric past as we saw in the last issue of Final Crisis. But on another level, this is another opportunity for Gaiman to once again show us the nature of story. As Batman observes, one of his deaths is akin to how Robin Hood died, while another is a take on "the Butler did it" cliche in mystery fiction. But as the Batman in "Alfred story" says, even if Batman was all built on a lie, he would still be Batman and would never truly die.

And that's the point. There are so many different versions of the character attending Batman's "funeral" and so many versions of how he "died" because there are so many different Batman stories, just as there are so many different stories and legends about King Arthur, or Robin Hood, or Gilgamesh or any other larger than life heroic figure of legend and myth. And just as legends have variations of an "origin" story, they also have variations of a "death" story. And because of this, legends live on. Batman, even though he may "die" is no different.

This issue, I think, beautifully explores this, with some great nods to earlier eras of Batman for long time fans, with some references newer fans would recognize that, unlike Morrison's RIP, don't get in the way or distract from the story. Not to mention the terrific artwork by Andy Kubert and the touches he brings in. For example, seeing the various guest from Dark Knight Returns version of Oliver Queen, Bruce Timm's Joker, the original Red Hood, Gorshin's Riddler, what I assume is Zorro himself. Likewise the repeated motiff of the villains and their cars, including a very clever take on the "Two-Face mobile." It's another example of how a comic book medium can have the advantage of working hand-in-hand with the story, as these surreal depictions of Gotham (complete with Airships), Crime Alley, the funeral parlor, and the guests serve to emphasize the dream like quality of the story Gaiman is telling. Best of all, even Batman's "death" and "funeral" is a mystery for Batman to solve. Hopefully, the delay to the second part in Detective Comics won't kill the momentum of what is, no doubt, a fitting love letter to the Caped Crusader.

I agree on everything, except I don´t think he´s been guided by Death of the Sandman stories. As you pointed out, Gaiman loves to write about the nature of stories, and he also loves to write a story where someone is telling a story, so I wouldn´t be surprised if this wasn´t any plot against Batman, but merely someone telling him a story, that somehow feels real to him - which is another trademark of Gaiman, that a story has to feel true, which doesn´t mean it has to be attached to specific facts or, the dreaded fanboy obsession, "continuity". Batman himself points out the "inaccuracies" and "holes", none of it matters, the greater spiritual, emotional, philosophical, etc., meaning behind the story is the point.

And there are very intriguing ideas in this one: is Batman insane or is Gotham an insane world that he is just a reflection of, or the one who has to deal with it? Is Batman obsessed with fighting crime or is this city, this world obsessed with dragging him into it?

[PrincessBoss]

I did keep reading. There was an incomprehensible story about how he was being kept in a machine by a monkey or something? But there was no "Yes, we found him, alive but injured, and put him in this machine. Also, I am a monkey!" explanation, it just seemed like more random silver age throwback bulls**t. And the book was called Batman RIP, and Morrison said he died at the end of it. Which apparently he didn't, because Morrison is not only crazy, but a liar too. I guess Morrison decided he needed a shock moment for Final Crisis, because nothing else happened in the entire god damn book except for Barry Allen coming back.

Also, I still don't understand WHY they're doing any of this. I mean, fine, you can kill a character if you want, and it leads to good stories. Captain America right now is proof of that. But Gaimans little story here that is completely ignoring everything done prior to it except "Batman is dead" is the only good thing to come of it, and there's no god damn reason they couldn't have done this as a kind of Elseworld thing on it's own. The fact is, we all know in a year or so, Bruce will be back, and the status quo will be returned. 2 or 3 years at most. Whenever Batman 3/Dark Knight 2/whatever comes out at the very god damn latest.

I'm sorry, but i think that anyone who didn't enjoy Morrison's Last Rites issues or the first part of Whatever Happened... just can't be that much of a Batman fan in the first place. The detail and depth of research in both of these stories is phenomenal and are clearly written by fans and written for fans.

How is Gaiman's story ignoring everything done prior to it? You don't kow much about Batman at all, do you?

And Morrison NEVER said Batman would die - he always said that they would give him 'a fate worse than death' and we now know he meant the Omega Sanction.

[CaptainClown]

I'm sorry, but i think that anyone who didn't enjoy Morrison's Last Rites issues or the first part of Whatever Happened... just can't be that much of a Batman fan in the first place. The detail and depth of research in both of these stories is phenomenal and are clearly written by fans and written for fans.

How is Gaiman's story ignoring everything done prior to it? You don't kow much about Batman at all, do you?

And Morrison NEVER said Batman would die - he always said that they would give him 'a fate worse than death' and we now know he meant the Omega Sanction.
Go to the "what would you like to see in Nolan's Batman 3" thread and read some of the fan fic in there... It is terrible, it is clearly written by fans and written for fans and still makes it terrible.

Also a person could research the hell out of what makes a good story but still isn't capable of creating a good one on their own. Hell they could have researched the original intentional name for Bruce and made it an integral part of the story but it is all for not when the story itself isn't that interesting.

Morrison also had the decision to call this arc Batman R.I.P. and give heavy implications that this is the death of batman. The hype around this series was like SM3 and just like SM3 it disappointed the fans. Morrison in a sense bit off more then he could chew by saying Batman will have a fate worse then death. That statement alone conjures images of a grand ending for Batman. Also sorry but the Omega Sanction just doesn't come off as fitting as the grand death of Batman.

Also calling people not true fans if they don't like something generally doesn't end well. I will call you Palin.

[Tvar10]

I've been a "die hard" Batman fan for all my life and I cant stand what Morrison's doing with Batman. If not liking his garbage doesnt make me a true fan then I'm fine with that because IMO hes ruining Batman

[MasterOgami]

I run hot and cold on Morrison's Batman, but enjoyed RIP, so lemme play Devil's Advocate (to a degree) for a moment...

Morrison also had the decision to call this arc Batman R.I.P. and give heavy implications that this is the death of batman.

But publicly stated that Batman -was not going to die-.

The hype around this series was like SM3 and just like SM3 it disappointed the fans.

What does the hype have to do with whether something is "good" or "bad"? Hype should be dismissed and a work critiqued on its own merits.

Morrison in a sense bit off more then he could chew by saying Batman will have a fate worse then death. That statement alone conjures images of a grand ending for Batman. Also sorry but the Omega Sanction just doesn't come off as fitting as the grand death of Batman.

The Omega Sanction is "a fate worse than death" and is precisely what Morrison was hinting at. It is in no way a "grand ending for Batman" because, put simply, its not the grand ending of Batman and was never designed to be.

Anywaaaay, this is heading a bit off topic, maybe we can -all- keep the Morrison-talk to the relevant threads?

[Cain]

I did keep reading. There was an incomprehensible story about how he was being kept in a machine by a monkey or something?

It covered Batman's Final Crisis experience since you found something so obvious to be incomprehensible then obviously you didn't read Final Crisis.

But there was no "Yes, we found him, alive but injured, and put him in this machine. Also, I am a monkey!" explanation,

Yet there was a flashback of Bruce coming back to to the cave cowless after R.I.P. and then explaining that he got a call from the Justice League and Alfred telling us he went off on his last adventure (Final Crisis).

it just seemed like more random silver age throwback bulls**t.

Another case of people using the same tired criticisms against Morrison's run without saidf criticism actually making any sense.

Morrison said he died at the end of it. Which apparently he didn't, because Morrison is not only crazy, but a liar too.

he did? really? do you have a link? I could've sworn I read every interview with Morrison regarding R.I.P. and not once do I remember him stating this, just that he will give Batman a "fate worse than death". I'm prepared to stand corrected if you provide an actual link.

I guess Morrison decided he needed a shock moment for Final Crisis,

No, but the EIC did.

because nothing else happened in the entire god damn book except for Barry Allen coming back.

Again you obviously didn't read it. I understand that without specific tie-ins (Superman Beyond, Batman 682 & 683, Submit and Resist) all 7 issues of the main series don't gel as well. Which was the main mistake of DC editorial not giving the main series 12 issues and not releasing the story in chronological order even if it meant going a couple of months without an issue of the main series.

However even if you only read the main series you'd know things like Batman ended up somewhere in the past, Renee Montoya is now down with the Checkmate Global Police Force, Mr. Miracle and Sonny Sumo are on the same earth that the new gods now watch over, Tattoo Man has gone from third rate villain to honorary JL member and the Monitors who watched over the DC universe are no longer super beings and apparently living as humans thanks to Superman's wish (the best for all of us).

Also, I still don't understand WHY they're doing any of this.

Gee I dunno, perhaps to maybe you know ummmm tell a story.

I mean, fine, you can kill a character if you want, and it leads to good stories. Captain America right now is proof of that.

Except Batman wasn't killed and it could still lead to good stories.

But Gaimans little story here that is completely ignoring everything done prior to it except "Batman is dead" is the only good thing to come of it,

You know it's ignoring everything because you've already read his complete story? oh and it's the only good thing to come out of it yet there are thousands of readers who have enjoyed the direction of BATMAN for months on a consistent enough basis to make it a top 10 book and one of DC's only top sellers.

there's no god damn reason they couldn't have done this as a kind of Elseworld thing on it's own.

Why because for once people are actually trying to move the story of Batman forward and add more layers to it? the shame.

The fact is, we all know in a year or so, Bruce will be back,

Yeah like we were ever told otherwise especially when the guy orchestrating the whole thing has repeatedly said "the story isn't over".

[Saint]

I did keep reading. There was an incomprehensible story about how he was being kept in a machine by a monkey or something? But there was no "Yes, we found him, alive but injured, and put him in this machine.
Since I know you are capable of basic comprehension, I have to assume you simply didn't want to understand what was happening in that story, or that, no, you did not read, because all this material was covered in either Final Crisis or in the Last Rites FC tie in issues. There is a scene which explains quite explicitly that Batman survived the crash, that he returned to Wayne Manor, and that he then moved on to the events of Final Crisis (that is, investigating Orion's murder, where he was captured by Darkseid's minions--such as the monkey person--for the purpose of creating an army of clone Batmen for Darkseid.

[margon]

yeah that scene was definitely in my copy too

[The Batman]

Since I know you are capable of basic comprehension, I have to assume you simply didn't want to understand what was happening in that story, or that, no, you did not read, because all this material was covered in either Final Crisis or in the Last Rites FC tie in issues. There is a scene which explains quite explicitly that Batman survived the crash, that he returned to Wayne Manor, and that he then moved on to the events of Final Crisis (that is, investigating Orion's murder, where he was captured by Darkseid's minions--such as the monkey person--for the purpose of creating an army of clone Batmen for Darkseid.

It really is annoying when people say morrisons current work is confusing...because all it shows is that they didnt read it all, and are only complaining because of the dislike they've had for morrison all along....

[Alastor]

I think a lot of people need to have stories go from point A to point in a linear fashion, with the story being explained to them. Morrison most certainly has a different approach, that I can see how it would turn away sum. But its sad, because I found his run on Batman to be very entertaining, R.I.P. was great (Bat-mite and Zen er Arrh! Awesome way to weave those stories into the present), and I am in the process of finishing Final Crisis, but I like what he has done with Batman in it, and didnt have a problem understanding it.

[BatJeff7786]

Looks like Part 2 has been delayed till April 15th.

[Watson]

^DAMN YOU KUBERT!!! :cmad:

[SpideyZERO]

That's pretty bad

[K.B.]

Finally got to read part 1 and I loved it. I havent been a fan of the R.I.P. stuff but I think Gaimen really nailed it with this issue.

[BatJeff7786]

Delayed another week. April 22nd.

http://dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=11110

[Drz]

http://i39.tinypic.com/sfciom.jpg

[Watson]

Delayed another week. April 22nd.

http://dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=11110

boourns.

[TruerToTheCore]

embarrasing for those "professionals".
I don't think I will buy it now.

[Watson]

^Extreme reaction, don't ya think?

[TruerToTheCore]

No, because I "vote with my wallet". I don't know what would happen to me if I'd delay my work all the time and I don't want to support those "superstars" who can't keep a deadline.

[Watson]

^it's your choice I guess, but it's not like they just stopped working. It's only a few weeks delayed, and this happens all the time in the comics industry. Just recently I found out planetary was releasing it's final issue YEARS after it was supposed to come out.

It sucks that it's delayed, but it was a great story and I'm happy to get the second issue whenever it come out.

[TruerToTheCore]

and this happens all the time in the comics industry.

That's a big problem in the comic book industry and dont want to be a part of this problem. Why should I support this? Why should it remain this way? There was a time when all comics were released in time.

"well, those stupid fans are going to buy it anyway, so why bother?"

[theMan-Bat]

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/8634/stupid1239639644stupidm.jpg

[K.B.]

I think certain writers/artists are allowed to be late becasue usually it is for a good reason ie: giving the fans the best possible product they can.

I don't know about you but comics aren't exactly cheap these days so if it takes Gaimen or Kubert a few extra weeks or a month to get the book "just right" then I dont feel cheated out of my 3.99 or however much a book costs.

Of course there are other times a book is delayed due to editorial concerns such as "timing" and "crossovers" (which seem to be the big ones at DC, hell look at the Rucka/J.H. Batwoman book)

[Paste Pot Pete]

That's a big problem in the comic book industry and dont want to be a part of this problem. Why should I support this? Why should it remain this way? There was a time when all comics were released in time.

"well, those stupid fans are going to buy it anyway, so why bother?"

If it's a well-done book (which it is; Part One, anyway), then it's worth waiting for. I can wait three or more years between Batman movies; I can wait a few more weeks between Batman books.

If we all stopped reading just because books were coming in later than expected, pretty soon we won't have anything to read at all. Which is a real possibility.

[K.B.]

Exactly...and besides the amount of books that come in on time every month far outweigh the ones that come in late.

[Grommers]

As nice as things are done on time, I'd rather things be done right and late, than on time and wrong.

Having never made a comic book, I don't know the processes and changes that go through, but I know with other forms of entertainment e.g. Video games (Blizzard in particular) they are consistently late on due dates, and in all honesty the quality that they produce is much greater than most other video game companies.

I can see comic books having the same ordeals, so one person whose mad that its not out on time, won't be matter if its still a damn good quality product, because if its good, people will talk about it, and get everyone else hyped about resulting in probably that person that gave up on it for being late to go buy it.


I just hope it is good, and deserves the delay.

[Watson]

I agree with Pete and KB completely :up:

[BatJeff7786]

That's a big problem in the comic book industry and dont want to be a part of this problem. Why should I support this? Why should it remain this way? There was a time when all comics were released in time.

"well, those stupid fans are going to buy it anyway, so why bother?"

Would you feel better if they came out and said "Sorry for the delay, we came up with a way better idea for the second half of the story than we originally did, so that's why it's taking so long."? Because that might be why.

[Drz]

http://comics.ign.com/articles/973/973059p1.html

Joker is a sad clown. :(

[K.B.]

8. What happened to the second part of “Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?

DD: It should be in your hands next week, unless I’m mistaken. There were some slowdowns here and there, and there was a minor mishap with production at the very end that didn’t have anything to do with the writer or the artist that we lost a week and a half on, and unfortunately, when you lose a week and a half, that turns into two to three weeks on the production schedule. It was an unfortunate situation that was basically hardware-based, not people based.

NRAMA: I would guess that when you see the clock tick down on the production deadline, those are the worst of the delays, given that those units of time are then in terms of weeks that can telescope out...

DD: Yeah, they are. It something where we push everything we can to get there as quickly as possible, and then something breaks down. It’s one of those things that can happen when you run a really tight schedule – if something breaks down at the end, it has a greater impact than if you’re not running a tight schedule.

[TruerToTheCore]

Would you feel better if they came out and said "Sorry for the delay, we came up with a way better idea for the second half of the story than we originally did, so that's why it's taking so long."? Because that might be why.

it's everyone's right to be fooled.

I am thinking what my costumers would say if I argued like that. You now, in the real economic world, not the modern day comic book industry where every magazine is a fanzine.

[MasterOgami]

My gut reaction was Martha Wayne, but I don't know if DC would allow that, or if its even appropriate.

What do I win?!?! Though quoting myself made it obvious what I'm trying to hide here. Eh no big deal really.

Just finished 853. Wonderful wonderful wonderful, if you ask me. There's a bit in particular that's maybe a lil..eh..., but it doesn't mar the story overall. Kinda felt like a dang-good TV series finale.

However, I think anyone looking for a, how do you say, hmmm, concrete resolution might be a tad letdown.

[BatJeff7786]

What do I win?!?! Though quoting myself made it obvious what I'm trying to hide here. Eh no big deal really.

Just finished 853. Wonderful wonderful wonderful, if you ask me. There's a bit in particular that's maybe a lil..eh..., but it doesn't mar the story overall. Kinda felt like a dang-good TV series finale.

However, I think anyone looking for a, how do you say, hmmm, concrete resolution might be a tad letdown.
2001: A Bat Odyssey.

I liked that it basically summed up everything that Batman was and ever will be though. It truly was a good "last" Batman story.

[GrendelPrime32]

DDs all the Way, baby! worth the wait, so hate the haters-
so what if it took a couple extra weeks to get one for the ages?
and when can we get some pages for posters? like for realz. posters. want some. now. a series of those big splash pages would b fine.
but way to swing for the fences, guys- not just gaiman and not just kubert, but williams, sinclair, And fletcher- Everybody brought their A-games and it shows all over it-
yeah, @ First, i Was a Little irritated it was late (nice lil 'slip' @ the end where it says 'Next In Battle for the Cowl #1'!) but really, i'm with dr watson, kb, grommers, and pete on this one. i understand professionalism, doing your job on time, etc etc etc, but this Is comic books, people; it's not like a c-section gone wrong, preventing iran from getting the bomb, or halting a global ebola pandemic here. those are things where deadlines Matter and being late's a reason to freak out, punch an authority figure, and run for the hills; this? not so much. i'm just glad to have a 2 part batman comic book that's so kickass i can get my wife to read it (she dug DKR and AA, but won't read the monthlies unless, well, unless neil gaiman writes a 2 parter, since i can say he's the guy who wrote Good Omens with the incomparable Terry Pratchett, Signal To Noise, Neverwhere, American Gods, Coraline, AND that other thing he wrote i can't remember right now, since i'm so sleepy.)
so yays all around.
i give it an eleven & the haters can suckit- i think i'll vote with my wallet too and buy the hardcover when it comes out, and maybe i'll move to utah and Marry it and my wife'll think it's cool @ first since she won't have to do the housework anymore, but then she'll get jealous and say "yeah well, maybe i'll just let whatever happened to the caped crusader make your southwest omelets the way you like em and serve em up to you on sunday mornings in bed!" before breaking down in tears...

my revenge is a dish best served with bacon.

[Cain]

Kubert's work was worth the 2 month wait the best art on a DC book not named R.E.B.E.L.S. by far really phenomenal stuff I love how he adopted other people's styles so fluidly especially McKean's unique work.

I loved the message of the story heroes may be reborn but they never die, the Batman truly is forever.

[TruerToTheCore]

Goodnight, Neil Gaiman.

[Dirt Like Me]

Stories like this are why I read comics.

[signalman]

Love the Bat-Girl page. She has never look more beautiful.
Also like the way Kubert drew Batman in the Joe Staton style on that page.
BRAVO!!!

[Drz]

The end almost gave me a tear, bravo Neil Gaiman.

[ultimatefan]

REVIEW: WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE CAPED CRUSADER? (PARTS 1 AND 2)

(BEWARE OF SPOILERS)

It´s not that often that a Batman story is more touching than it is dark, or gritty, or violent. But Neil Gaiman´s and Andy Kubert´s “Whatever Happened to The Caped Crusader” is more of a heartfelt tribute to the character than the umpteenth “Batman is a freak and Gotham is a hellhole” story. It´s also a very surreal story, where Batman seems to be witnessing his own funeral, while a number of different characters he´s crossed paths with throughout the years tell very different versions of how he died.

As the stories are told, Gaiman takes us through all incarnations of Batman, from golden age to the Adam West show to The Killing Joke, and so forth. Andy Kubert does a great job of mixing up different styles of the big artists who made their mark on the mythos. It´s all different, and yet it all feels true to the character.

A common theme emerges from all the stories. It annoys me to no end how some fanboys pick a certain take on the character and become tremendously anal about this or that one being the “true” Batman, when in fact the multitude of potential interpretations and versions of the bat-verse is a big part of what has made him relevant more than 70 years after his creation. Gaiman acknowledges that there´s a myth, a legend of Batman that´s bigger and more lasting than any specific notions on how to portray him.

The one thing that never changes is that Batman has a destiny. And this is where we get to the revelation that the dark knight is having a near death experience – the hallucinatory nature of the experience explains the shapeshifting, surreal nature of the whole thing. And this is what his “real” death would be like. As Gaiman points out, this is the only way it can end for Batman. He dies for his mission, whether it´s saving Gotham, rescuing a baby, being killed by one of his enemies, etc. It´s the only thing that can happen, not only because he´s human and mortal, but because that´s the only way to stop him. Batman can´t quit, can´t give up. If he ever attempted to leave it all behind him, it would just devour his soul or come back to bite him hard in the ass, as it happened in The Dark Knight Returns, Mask Of The Phantasm and The Dark Knight, among other stories.

But, as Gaiman also points out, Batman never truly, really dies. For his legend is also bigger than the man himself. As long as his stories are told and his fans enjoy them, Batman goes on, for he´s not only a fun and interesting character, but also, much as his life is driven by tragedy and a frustrated will to correct it, he´s an inspiration, for his partners, the policemen, even maybe to some of his enemies. And most of all, to us. In his goodbye, Bruce Wayne gets to be a kid again, and he says goodbye to the world of Batman the same way a fan would, savoring the wonder of it as a child at heart.

As a fan of Neil Gaiman´s work, I´ve long waited to see him do a big story with the character – the satirical short story he did with Simon Bisley for “Batman – Black and White” is fun, but this talent and this character deserved more when put together. And they got it.

GRADE: A

[the_ultimate_evil]

the ending was fantastic, yes a bit weird but the underlying message that batman will never end and will only stop when he is dead was great and perfect for the character

superman can retire, possibly wonder woman but bats will only stop when he stops breathing

[TruerToTheCore]

superman can retire, possibly wonder woman but bats will only stop when he stops breathing

says who?

[ultimatefan]

Maybe the difference is that Supeman and WW feel being superheroes is something they have a duty to do. Batman NEEDS to be Batman, is what drives his entire life.

[Two-Face=Badass]

Maybe the difference is that Supeman and WW feel being superheroes is something they have a duty to do. Batman NEEDS to be Batman, is what drives his entire life.
Thankyou, I get sick of fans saying Superman or Wonder Woman would retire but only Batman would go on. The point of the story as you say is that Batman has no duty or obligation because of power, he is merely driven to do what he does, and will never stop.

[the_ultimate_evil]

says who?

Thankyou, I get sick of fans saying Superman or Wonder Woman would retire but only Batman would go on. The point of the story as you say is that Batman has no duty or obligation because of power, he is merely driven to do what he does, and will never stop.

that was my point, bats would never stop because it would drive him insane, not because he "was/is" better than the other two in the trinity, ultimatefan said it better than i could

[souvlaki]

The end almost gave me a tear, bravo Neil Gaiman.

I can't lie, I started tearing up toward the end of the story as well. That was one of the best Batman stories I've read in years. Neil Gaiman did an amazing job with this.

[Drz]

Indeed, thinking of Batman saying everything good night only to find a new baby born was just beatiful.

[Saint]

That book was a thing of beauty. I think my favourite part was "There's always something you can do."

[kid dropper]

I can't lie, I started tearing up toward the end of the story as well. That was one of the best Batman stories I've read in years. Neil Gaiman did an amazing job with this.



I knew i wasnt alone. i totally broke down at the end, tears of sorrow and joy. The beauty of the bat-mythos and of life and death itself laid bare all at once. you cannot beat that. Hail Gaiman.

[SpideyZERO]

Man, beautiful issue and beautiful art. I'm gonna get the hardcover now too!

[ultimatefan]

One thing I forgot to mention, another stance of Gaiman´s brilliance. After we see all these different versions of Batman´s death, the one story he´d most like to change is the one that doesn´t, has no other outcome: his parents being killed iright n front of him, still a kid.

[Drz]

Ye im definatly gettig the hardcover too.

[The Batman]

says who?

Agreed. I wish people would realize that comics are an ever changing artform, and that characters change as well. Alot of people said that superman would never marry lois, because lois only loves supes and not clark (A concept, imo, i do not disagree with, as that was lois' intended purpose anyway)...but look where we are now.

really, i just get bothered at all these absolutes people throw at certain characters. As long as their fate's are interesting, anything could happen. Hell, look at Bruce in Batman Beyond, he straight up chose to quit...he couldve kept fighting, moved passed the gun incident, and the fact that he had heart problems....but he quit anyway.

[Nepenthes]

this is *exactly* the kind of story you'd expect from Neil Gaiman. his style is like a well worn boot. except where other writers would seem tired and cliche Gaiman is still able to floor you with it. I dunno about you guys but likewise i expected nothing less from this comic.

wait for the collection with his Ivy and Riddler stories, they're great too

[CaptainClown]

its a very very inspirational read

[Alastor]

I wish it was longer, so that we could have gotten more extended stories of Batman's death, instead of just one page or even panel stories in Part 2. Other than that, I loved it. All of it, the premise, the artwork, the execution, and what it says about Batman and his history. I may have to get this in hardcover.

[Watson]

I had to wait a while before posting my thoughts on this comic. The story impacted me on a deeply personal level. The same week it came out a friend of mine died in a car accident. I read this the weekend following the funreal, and in some ways it really helped me put everything into perspective. Aside from the themes about Batman being everlasting, I liked the perspective on death and life...that in the end, it's just like saying goodbye and goodnight. It was very comforting.

I'd like to pick up the trade to. Hopefully there will be some interesting insights from Gaiman.

[K.B.]

Sorry I'm late to the party...

Finally read the second part last night before bed.

Fantastic second part and yes, well WORTH the wait. This was a fab "end" story and as always, very clever work from Gaimen (but did we really expect anything less?) but I have to say, not only him. As other have stated EVERYONE on this two parter really knocked it out of the park and made it an instant classic.

[boywondernerdDC]

An absolutely amazing read. Since i've been a Batman fan nearly my whole life, i was somewhat devastated when he died in Final Crisis. This story put everything in perspective for me, the greatest values that I saw in Batman I saw in the 2-part series.

All I can say is thank you to Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert. And of course Bob Kane and Bill Finger for giving me a hero.

[Anita18]

On Free Comic Book Day I finally traipsed over to the local comic book store to find this and check this out. Will get the hardcover, not a fan of the monthly issue format.

Yes, a beautiful story. :yay: And of course Neil being Neil, he managed to sneak in a Tori Amos reference ("Dew Drop Inn") and made me cheer. :grin:

[adhokk7]

However, I think anyone looking for a, how do you say, hmmm, concrete resolution might be a tad letdown.

I sadly have to confess to being one of those people. I was all on board during the first part, felt pulled into the story, was entertained and intrigued, was anxious to see where it was going. But the end just left me with nothing. I already knew Batman never gives up, that it's Batman's destiny to be Batman, etc.
I wanted to like this story, being both a huge Batman fan and a huge Gaiman fan, but in the end it just didn't work for me at all.

[Drz]

Guess who bought the deluxe edition today! =) Its OUTRAGEOUS! Not only does it have 1-2 extra sketches it has all the Neil Gaiman Batman stories! It has the Joker and Batman talking off-screen/back stage about their roles, it has the Poison Ivy and Riddler story and the "original sins" story and which all are new to me. =O It was really great and enjoyable to read this and the foreword by Neil Gaiman. 5/5 Graphical Novel and it only costs 20 euros or so! :)

[TruerToTheCore]

Maybe the difference is that Supeman and WW feel being superheroes is something they have a duty to do. Batman NEEDS to be Batman, is what drives his entire life.

As soon as Earth wouldn't need him anymore, Pre-Crisis Superman would search for a new planet where he can help.

So much for the difference. :wow:

[Watson]

Guess who bought the deluxe edition today! =) Its OUTRAGEOUS! Not only does it have 1-2 extra sketches it has all the Neil Gaiman Batman stories! It has the Joker and Batman talking off-screen/back stage about their roles, it has the Poison Ivy and Riddler story and the "original sins" story and which all are new to me. =O It was really great and enjoyable to read this and the foreword by Neil Gaiman. 5/5 Graphical Novel and it only costs 20 euros or so! :)

Aw man, I didn't want to have to buy this. Now I will :)

[Figs]

Guess who bought the deluxe edition today! =) Its OUTRAGEOUS! Not only does it have 1-2 extra sketches it has all the Neil Gaiman Batman stories! It has the Joker and Batman talking off-screen/back stage about their roles, it has the Poison Ivy and Riddler story and the "original sins" story and which all are new to me. =O It was really great and enjoyable to read this and the foreword by Neil Gaiman. 5/5 Graphical Novel and it only costs 20 euros or so! :)

Finally got mine in the mail a few days ago. Really enjoyed this a lot.

Only question that I have since I'm usually behind everyone else because I hardly buy single issues anymore. Is this supposed to take place right after Batman R.I.P. or is this not part of canon but something DC/Gaiman/Kubert did for fun because of the R.I.P. arc?

[Bruce Malone]

^^^^

Yeah i'm wondering the same.

[Venom 1988]

Is this supposed to take place right after Batman R.I.P. or is this not part of canon but something DC/Gaiman/Kubert did for fun because of the R.I.P. arc?

I'm pretty sure it's a not canon