“The Dark Knight Rises” is hitting Blu-ray and DVD on December 4 and interest in the Caped Crusader is at an all-time high. Many people are wondering where they can get more background on DC Comics’ most famous super hero. Thankfully, there’s a few graphic novels out that can satisfy anyone’s appetites for more Batman.
It’s only right to shine the spotlight on the comic book story arc that influenced Christopher Nolan to bring the saga of Bane to the big-screen. His muscle-bound presence in the Batman universe fills several graphic novels and is not easily summed up in even a two and a half hour plus movie. There’s also guest appearances by many of the members of the extended Bat-Family.
If you haven’t caught up on the third volume of “Batman: KnightFall,” you need to before watching Christopher Nolan’s vision of Bane and the Caped Crusader’s conflict. At 652 pages, “Volume 3 – KnightsEnd” spans over six different Batman titles and 28 issues. The epic conclusion to this 1990 event is as dramatic and complex as any great piece of literature should be. Several different well-known scribes worked in unison to complete this tale. They include Dennis O’Neil, Alan Grant, Jo Duffy, and Bane co-creators Doug Moench and Chuck Dixon. Art is provided by Graham Nolan, Phil Jimenez, Mike Manley, Bret Blevins, Joe Rubenstein, and many more.
“Batman: Prey” collects issues #11 through #15 and #137 through #141 of the Legends of the Dark Knight series. In the book, the evil and enigmatic Dr. Hugo Strange is intent on putting an end to Batman’s reign of justice in Gotham. The Caped Crusader also clashes with a powerful foe somehow tied to the Gotham City Police Department calling himself Night Scourge. He tangles with his constant thorn-in-the-side, Catwoman as well. Doug Moench wrote this graphic novel with illustrations by Paul Gulacy.
If you’re looking for something melding super hero lore and science fiction, you need look no further than “JLA Volume 2.” Writer Grant Morrison wrote this complex saga which features more technical terms and scientific dialogue than my simple brain could retain. The Justice League of America comes to blows with Lex Luthor’s Injustice League. As usual, the fate of the entire world hangs in the balance. This is made a bit unique by the fact that we get to revisit the JLA when Superman resembled Dr. Manhattan with his striking blue lightning presence. Aquaman had long hair, a beard, a moustache, and a hook for a hand. The spunky Kyle Rayner is the reigning Green Lantern serving with the League. Howard Porter. Yanick Paquette, and several other artists provided illustrations for the collection.
For those with a lot of time for reading, you can check out the 1,152 page “Infinite Crisis Omnibus.” This monstrosity features any and every hero and villain you can think of coming to blows in one cataclysmic event that spanned several different monthly titles in the DC Universe. The whole story is so complex there’s not enough room to get into it here. There’s berserk OMAC robots, space battles, and other climactic catastrophes. Of course Batman is involved along with Superman, Wonder Woman, and several other super heroes from the past and present. It features the talents of Geoff Johns, Phil Jimenez, Gail Simone, Greg Rucka, Dave Gibbons, Ivan Reis, Jesus Saiz, Bill Willingham and many more.
The writers and artists of DC Comics always find a way to keep Batman’s adventures interesting and appealing. There’s something for everyone, whether you like the Caped Crusader against a sci-fi backdrop or grounded in his hometown of Gotham City. The Dark Knight shows he can overcome any obstacle or criminal either by himself or with the help of his many heroic partners.
