The Batman Universe

I've been a fan of Batman for as long as I can remember. Like a lot of people my age (I was reminded recently that I am 'quite old') I have fond memories of the 1960's television series staring Adam West and Burt Ward, the sometimes hit and sometimes miss films of the late 1980's and 1990's, through to the films with Christian Bale over the past few years.

Along the way I've enjoyed collecting Batman merchandise and mostly enjoyed reading the Batman comics published by DC, although I've enjoyed the comics a little less over the past year or so during the Batman RIP 'event'.

With Bruce Wayne now 'absent' we're currently in the middle of the 'Battle for the Cowl' to determine - amongst other things - who will be the next Batman.

It's a struggle to keep up with things at times! There is so much Batman news and information on the internet and not all of it is as trustworthy - or even worthwhile - as it could be.

One reliable source that I've discovered is a website called www.thebatmanuniverse.net/
The website covers, in great detail, the Batman comics, films, TV, merchandise and video games and includes a lively forum. The guys that run the site also publish a number of podcasts focusing on previewing and reviewing comic releases as well as interviews with creators.

A couple of months ago the guys added a blog to their publishing empire and whether I'm reading the website, the blog or listenning to the podcasts it's clear that authors really know their stuff and their enthusiasm for Batman comes across in their written and spoken words.

The Batman Universe has become my first stop for all things Batman.

From My Comic Pile: Joker

Every month I get a small delivery from my favourite comic shop - Destination Venus in Harrogate - contaning that months releases. Typically I take every isue of Daredevil, Batman, Witchblade and any number of limited series or one-shots such as at the moment Mirrors Edge from Wildstorm, Epilogue from IDW and Gotham After Midnight from DC. Once I finish my monthlies I read from my stack of trade paperbacks/hardcovers until the next box arrives.

Over the weekend I read the Joker grahic novel written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Lee Bermejo and published late 2008 by DC.

Now, with the popularity of the Batman Begins and Dark Knight one of my regrets has been that the monthly Batman title hasn't particularly reflected the Batman from the films. This seemed a real shame to me that at a time when interest in the character couldn't have been greater the monthly wasn't really an easy 'stepping on' point for new or occasional readers.

Joker, however, is very much the character from the film. Imagine, if you can, Joker being released from Arkham Asylum after years of incarceration to find his 'territory' - the gangs of Gotham, the illegal trade, has been divided up amongst various smaller criminal gangs. As Joker attempts to regain his business and standing in the criminal underworld we see clashes with The Penguin, Two-face and finally The Batman.

The story is written from the perspective of one of Jokers gang members - Jonny Frost. Frost goes from initially being afraid of his boss, through relishing the notoriety that goes with being Jokers right-hand man, to regretting the association when his ex-wife becomes caught up in one of Jokers random killing sprees.

I enjoyed the way the supporting characters were portrayed - particularly Killer-Croc. Traditionally Killer-Croc is seen as half crocodile, half man but he's seen here as a beefy thug who's 'scaly' appearance is caused by very bad skin.

The artwork from Bermejo is superb - it's dark and moody to reflect the often violent circumstances the characters find themselves in without being difficult to follow.

In summary, 128 pages of great story and artwork - highly recommended.