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chudley's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
verydazedragon's review
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I think the first book was better. There was just a lot going on in this one, a lot of flashbacks, a lot of character, back stories, interrupting the action… I still think it this is a good arc, but I feel it could’ve been better.
unladylike's review against another edition
3.0
This collection was a mixed bag, as could be expected by the fact that it was written by many writers across various Gotham-related titles. Some stories - specifically, the ones from Birds of Prey, All-Star Western, and Red Hood and the Outlaws - barely warranted a 2 star rating. The issues from the primary Batman title featured some good comeback fighting, occurring almost immediately after Batman/Bruce Wayne had barely made it out of the Court of Owls' ancient labyrinth. Seeing how beaten down and truly terrified Batman became, and his mental struggle with the discovery that the city he thought was His had been operating with the powerful influence of a centuries-old elite cult, right under his nose, helped show the humanity and mortality of the Dark Knight more than most stories he stars in. But it was the tales that illuminated the diversity and humanity of the reanimated corpse army of assassins known as Talons that earned 4-5 star ratings in my book, bringing the whole collection to about a 3.5. I was extremely glad the writers didn't just plot out the same scene over and over with slightly different protagonists (as they might have done given the nature of the threat), and that they didn't even limit themselves to focusing on the protagonists' struggles at all. Instead we learn some very interesting stories told at different points in history, informing us of the origins of some of the Talon assassins, the reason behind Dick Grayson's name, and some really important newly added layers to Bruce Wayne's primary canonical mythology involving Alfred's father.
I have a fairly significant complaint about the way this collection was edited: nearly all of the issues are sequenced out of order. I get that not everything has to line up in a perfect sequence, but there were several times when an issue would end by coming back to a certain plot point, secondary mission, or a Big Reveal, and then a later issue would be partially about leading up to that thing. There's probably a better reading order already listed by fans somewhere, but the editors really botched the chronology with this sizable trade hardback.
I have a fairly significant complaint about the way this collection was edited: nearly all of the issues are sequenced out of order. I get that not everything has to line up in a perfect sequence, but there were several times when an issue would end by coming back to a certain plot point, secondary mission, or a Big Reveal, and then a later issue would be partially about leading up to that thing. There's probably a better reading order already listed by fans somewhere, but the editors really botched the chronology with this sizable trade hardback.
ericthec's review against another edition
4.0
Overall it was quite good. The Court of Owls is a simple great concept spread over several titles. Very thematic, dark and excellent art. The core titles were the best.
crzyarrow's review against another edition
5.0
Wow... Poor Gotham was a shit show in this one. Would not have liked to be living there that night. If you liked Court of Owls, this is the next one in the reading order. I've mentioned this in other reviews I've done for the New 52 comics I've read, but u have to mention it again. The Batman series does a really good job of showing flashbacks and side stories without throwing the way off from the main storyline. With all the characters and jumps in this collection it could have become very confusing very fast, but it didn't. Everything tied together nicely and the switches between characters god a nice job of breaking up the story a bit. Really nice job, didn't want to put this one down.
tmwebb3's review
3.0
This collects all the different books from the Night of Owls storyline, when the talons invaded Gotham. Not my favorite Batman story ever, since I'm not sure the Owls had any sort of plan or purpose other than assassinate people. Had read bits and pieces of this story in other collections, and wasn't to excited about it then. Had some good history of Gotham.
simira's review
5.0
I don't want to give much away, but the plot moved along well. The new characters were fairly dynamic and well rounded. Art was high quality and worth the hardcover buy.
clarks_dad's review
3.0
Night of the Owls consists of Batfamily tie-ins to the greater Court of Owls storyline being weaved in the main Batman comic line run by Scott Snyder, which has been fantastic. This volume’s purpose is mainly to show just how widespread Talon activity is during the Night of Owls and pretty effectively draws this rebooted Batfamily back together again, explaining and redefining relationships among the resuited Dick Grayson who has returned as Nightwing in the New 52 universe, Tim Drake (now known as Red Robin after striking it out on his own), Damian Wayne (the new Robin), Catwoman, Barbara Gordon (returning as Batgirl after a miraculous recovery from the damage Joker did to her spine), and the Red Hood (former Robin Jason Todd). It’s all a bit odd to be honest. Old bits of storyline have been kept in this continuity rather than just retconned or avoided entirely and it makes it kind of difficult for people who were following the Bat storyline sequentially to get their bearings, but if you can just quiet that nagging voice in your mind demanding order and rationality, it’s enjoyable enough.
Ultimately, this volume doesn’t really do that much to heighten the intensity of the Owls storyline. It’s individual issues are hit and miss in terms of quality and usually end up rather repetitive. A Talon is introduced and we see their historical roots, they stalk a member of the family and the family succeeds in putting them down and gaining a “legitimate” (at least in the eyes of the reader, and in some cases the disapproving eyes of Bruce) place in the new pantheon of Bat heroes. The only one of value were the Nightwing stories as his character is intimately tied to the Owls, but even that is explained in the main title sequence.
If you’re just looking for the core story of the Owls, which is pretty good for the most part, stick to Snyder’s main narration in the main Batman title. The tie-ins aren’t necessary and you’ll get references to the significant events of this collection in the main story.
Ultimately, this volume doesn’t really do that much to heighten the intensity of the Owls storyline. It’s individual issues are hit and miss in terms of quality and usually end up rather repetitive. A Talon is introduced and we see their historical roots, they stalk a member of the family and the family succeeds in putting them down and gaining a “legitimate” (at least in the eyes of the reader, and in some cases the disapproving eyes of Bruce) place in the new pantheon of Bat heroes. The only one of value were the Nightwing stories as his character is intimately tied to the Owls, but even that is explained in the main title sequence.
If you’re just looking for the core story of the Owls, which is pretty good for the most part, stick to Snyder’s main narration in the main Batman title. The tie-ins aren’t necessary and you’ll get references to the significant events of this collection in the main story.