As we come to the end of another decade in Batman comics, I'd be interested to hear a few opinions on the highlights of this decade. Any story or run stand out for you? Any disappointments?
The Gotham Central series was definitely a highlight of the decade, though I'm unsure if it really counts as a Batman comic. The relationship between Gotham's police force and the vigilante has always been interesting, and this series explored it in more depth than ever. I loved the depictions of the Gotham rogues, too - they've rarely come across as more sinister or threatening. The Two-Face/Montoya arc was the highlight.
Made of Wood by Ed Brubaker was a great mystery story, involving a team-up between Batman and the original Green Lantern. This was included in the Man who Laughs trade, and IMO is actually the better story.
Year 100 by Paul Pope divided opinion, but was pretty fantastic in my book. Really beautiful and evocative art, with the idea of Batman as an undying symbol against oppression and corruption. Great read.
The Joker's Asylum series of villain-centred stories was enjoyable but nothing to write home about - except for "He Who Laughs Last", a fantastic Penguin story which is perhaps the best ever depiction of the character. He's proven a very difficult character to contemporise, but this short story proves that it's good to still have him around.
Death and the Maidens by Greg Rucka and Klaus Janson - this story didn't get a fantastic reaction it seems, but although it isn't perfect, it is hugely enjoyable. Like a lot of plot developments this decade, the outcome of the story seemed to be rendered moot almost immediately afterwards (see also: Hush by Loeb/Lee).
Ego by Darwyn Cooke was a fantastic short story that explored Batman's psyche. Top notch writing and art, though the (inner) resolution felt a little too easy.
Paul Dini's run in Detective Comics had some excellent stories, such as Slayride, the team-up with Zatanna and the re-invention of the Riddler, which worked really well in my opinion. What I really like is, among the longer story arcs like "Heart of Hush", the run comprises mostly of one and two-part mysteries, just like the great Alan Grant and Peter Milligan runs in the late 80s/early 90s. Short stories are perfectly suited to Batman and his world, but had become increasingly rare since Knightfall - that made these stories refreshing.
DKR2 was undoubtably one of the decade's biggest letdowns, and felt like a 12-year old hack trying to pass off as Frank Miller. He's only gone downhill since then.
I haven't gotten to read Morrisson's run yet, so for now I'll withhold judgement. I'd love to get hold of Dead Reckoning by Ed Brubaker and the Matt Wagner year-one stories, so perhaps they'll be added to my list before the decade is over.
The Gotham Central series was definitely a highlight of the decade, though I'm unsure if it really counts as a Batman comic. The relationship between Gotham's police force and the vigilante has always been interesting, and this series explored it in more depth than ever. I loved the depictions of the Gotham rogues, too - they've rarely come across as more sinister or threatening. The Two-Face/Montoya arc was the highlight.
Made of Wood by Ed Brubaker was a great mystery story, involving a team-up between Batman and the original Green Lantern. This was included in the Man who Laughs trade, and IMO is actually the better story.
Year 100 by Paul Pope divided opinion, but was pretty fantastic in my book. Really beautiful and evocative art, with the idea of Batman as an undying symbol against oppression and corruption. Great read.
The Joker's Asylum series of villain-centred stories was enjoyable but nothing to write home about - except for "He Who Laughs Last", a fantastic Penguin story which is perhaps the best ever depiction of the character. He's proven a very difficult character to contemporise, but this short story proves that it's good to still have him around.
Death and the Maidens by Greg Rucka and Klaus Janson - this story didn't get a fantastic reaction it seems, but although it isn't perfect, it is hugely enjoyable. Like a lot of plot developments this decade, the outcome of the story seemed to be rendered moot almost immediately afterwards (see also: Hush by Loeb/Lee).
Ego by Darwyn Cooke was a fantastic short story that explored Batman's psyche. Top notch writing and art, though the (inner) resolution felt a little too easy.
Paul Dini's run in Detective Comics had some excellent stories, such as Slayride, the team-up with Zatanna and the re-invention of the Riddler, which worked really well in my opinion. What I really like is, among the longer story arcs like "Heart of Hush", the run comprises mostly of one and two-part mysteries, just like the great Alan Grant and Peter Milligan runs in the late 80s/early 90s. Short stories are perfectly suited to Batman and his world, but had become increasingly rare since Knightfall - that made these stories refreshing.
DKR2 was undoubtably one of the decade's biggest letdowns, and felt like a 12-year old hack trying to pass off as Frank Miller. He's only gone downhill since then.
I haven't gotten to read Morrisson's run yet, so for now I'll withhold judgement. I'd love to get hold of Dead Reckoning by Ed Brubaker and the Matt Wagner year-one stories, so perhaps they'll be added to my list before the decade is over.
