I’m not a video game player. I never have been and probably never will be. However, the concept and character design behind the “Batman: Arkham City” video game was enough to get my attention when ads started popping up in various places. When I found out DC was doing a five issue prequel comic leading into the game, I immediately knew I had to get a hold of it and read it. I’m happy to report I wasn’t disappointed.
The “Batman: Arkham City” graphic novel is made up of the five printed issues and the five digital chapters. It takes place six months before the game begins. The Dark Knight stopped the riot the Joker started at Arkham Asylum, but not before it’s destroyed beyond repair. Arkham Asylum administrator Quincy Sharp gets the credit for stopping the uprising and is elected Mayor of Gotham City.
His first order of business is to create the ultimate prison for all criminals – whether they be major or minor offenders. After 300 Gotham civilians are killed in a murder rampage, Sharp is granted martial law. He moves forward with a plan to wall off half of Gotham and construct a city where lawbreakers are left to their own devices.
Batman is convinced someone with a greater motive is behind Mayor Sharp’s actions and penetrates Arkham City to find out whom. What he finds is an urban wasteland where the Joker, Penguin, and Riddler are all competing for control. Can the Caped Crusader discover who’s giving Mayor Sharp his marching orders while simultaneously thwarting his greatest arch enemies’ plans to conquer Arkham City?
Writer Paul Dini does a fabulous job bridging the gap between the “Arkham Asylum” and “Arkham City” games. It should come as no surprise how complex the story gets to those familiar with Dini’s past work. He wrote and produced for “Batman: The Animated Series,” “Batman Beyond,” The New Batman / Superman Adventures,” and the “Justice League” shows. It’s obvious he takes the Dark Knight and his mythos very serious and it shows in his handiwork here. Dini is assisted by Derek Fridolfs (Detective Comics, Batman, Batman Beyond Unlimited) in the penning of this intricate tale.
Artist Carlos D’Anda spearheads the illustrating for the book. DC couldn’t have put it in better hands as he is one of the designers for the actual “Arkham City” game. D’Anda leads an army of six other artists who help him bring Paul Dini’s vision to the printed page. All of their work blends well together and the different styles aren’t distracting.
Readers are also treated to 15-pages of concept artwork and character sketches for both the printed issues and digital chapters. There are some interesting color character sketches of the Riddler, Harley Quinn, and the Joker at different phases of their formation. Written design breakdowns accompanied by black-and-white drawings for characters like Mr. Freeze and Solomon Grundy are featured as well.
You don’t have to be a gamer to find enjoyment in the “Arkham City” graphic novel. It stands on its own thanks to a compelling story and beautifully disturbing illustrations. This is recommended reading for any fans of Batman. It quite possibly could give video game junkies a reason to put down their controller and pick up a book to read.
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