Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
It is no wonder that Batman remains arguably one of the finest superhero creations to ever grace comic book, graphic novel and film alike, not just in the realms of D.C. Comics but across the whole spectrum.
Whilst graphic novels never seem to get the acclaim that their sister media outlets do, such as film or even television, the hard work that goes into publications such as Batman: Dark Victory should not be underestimated. From the exciting writing by Jeph Loeb to the fantastic and often intricate artwork by Tim Sale and including the visual colouring by Gregory Wright, Batman in the modern context and away from the original concept by the legendary Bob Kane and overlooking completely the semi-dreadful television series of the 1960s, Batman: Dark Victory could be seen as the reason why the films of the 21st Century starring Christian Bale in the lead role were so popular and compelling to watch.
The moments of pure and abject loneliness that is captured fully with the imaginations of both Mr. Loeb and Mr. Sale is as perfect as you are likely to ever find and wonderfully follows on from the outstanding Batman: The Long Halloween. The epic to follow the classic, two blockbusters on the run, if only graphic novels were as revered as much as film! Perhaps the problem is that it takes a different type of investment in graphic novels than it does in screen adaptations, anybody can wander into a cinema, find a comfortable chair for a couple of hours and be whisked away by celluloid and it also arguably helps when the person on screen, no matter the gender or genre, is one in which you would want to be or to be with. For graphic novels it is different, even again from the written novel, there is a lot to take in with the imagination, the words, no matter how superbly written depend on the reader finding a voice for each character, of getting past the sometimes unexplained. The stories unfold at a slower pace as you want to take in the art, the significance of the texture and colouring in certain scenes and perhaps for all of that the mystery and appeal of the graphic novel is sometimes a much finer experience than many people are willing to submit to.
Batman: Dark Victory is no exception, the complex story, one in which reintroduces Dick Grayson as Robin, sees the continuing saga of the Holiday Killer and the fallout from the death of the head of the mafia style family The Falcone’s. The reader, already reeling from the deaths by the Holiday killer in The Long Halloween, now sees their attention switch to deaths of ranking policeman, the thin line of blue has been taken apart and only Police Commissioner Gordon and the Dark Knight stand in the way of yet more senseless brutality. With some of Batman’s oldest foes making yet another impressive return, including The Joker and the seldom seen Penguin, this is one sequel that more than lives up to its expectations.
Batman: Dark Victory is available to purchase from Worlds Apart on Lime Street, Liverpool.
Ian D. Hall