Reviews

Batman: Blind Justice by Dick Giordano, Sam Hamm, Denys Cowan

posies23's review

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3.0

Written by the screenwriter of Tim Burton's first BATMAN film, this is a three-part Batman adventure that gives readers a bit of background on how Bruce Wayne became Batman, along with a story of Bruce being framed for anti-American activities. Oh, and there's a remote control exo-skeleton in there, too.

It's a bit of a mess, and INCREDIBLY wordy. The artwork is pretty well done, and helps to "sell" some of the weirdness of the story, but overall it just doesn't gel the way the best comics do.

As a historical oddity this is an interesting read. As a great Batman story, it fails to rise above "meh."

zare_i's review

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4.0

I read this novel in order to find out more about mysterious Henri Ducard, mercenary/detective that used to train Bruce Wayne before Bruce decided to become Batman.

Story in itself is solid one - Bruce trying to find himself and get out under the Batman's shadow with just a slight twist of silliness (mind control and other SF elements that I wont mention in order not to spoil experience for other readers).

But main character for me is Henri Ducard. Batman's evil twin, man who Bruce might have become if he left cynicism to take over his life, man who manages to uncover Bruce's alter-ego in a very short time but decides to keep it as a secret because Batman's actions are distractions to true criminal mastermind actions - actions in which Ducard also partakes.

Recommended for all Batman fans.

howattp's review

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2.0

This was a bit bloated and not really at the core of what Batman is. It really felt like a corporate thriller that happens to have Batman in it. It's a rather absurd plot.
Not really worth a place on a top 25 Batman graphic novel list.

abhijeetgaiha's review

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5.0

Bruce Wayne has been framed by a secretive international cartel because he was attempting to stop illegal mind-control experiments being carried out within Wayne-Tech. This gets Wayne and thus Batman into a world of trouble that will take all his resources - and some helpful friends to get out of.

One of the few stories that delves into the dark psyche of Batman/Bruce Wayne and does it brilliantly too. Initially published as a three part story on Detective Comics, this covers some of the ground that led up to Knightfall. Batman's mental demons have been catching up with him since the events of 'Death in the Family' and this story delves into that often ignored aspect of Batman's mythos. This would make a worthy movie, it's so good.

cjordahl's review

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4.0

Good page-turner Batman story. Art was good to very good, even though the 80s style pointy shoulder pads on Batman's costume look totally stupid. I also really disliked the ugly and boring McMansion looking Wayne Manor, but that's a minor point really.

tabman678's review

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4.0

Batman: Blind Justice is what would be considered a classic Batman story.

Bruce Wayne is Batman and what kind of justice does Batman give. WHY is Batman the way he is. Something lots of Batman stories have tried to answer and lots give a good answer and I think this one does too.

I think there are lots of things I can appreciate about the story. Some things really annoy me but overall I think this is a really good Batman story. It's consists of three issues Detective 598-600. And it was the 50th anniversary of the Bat and it contains lots of creatives talking about why they pick/love Batman.

It narrowly avoids the "Batman only needs a woman's love to stop being Batman." which I love that it does not fall into. It's smarter then that and has more to say about Batman.

It can be a bit ridiculous at times (rapidly losing money but can still afford opera tickets?) and it doesn't treat the token woman character with any respect, as she is there to fall in love with Bruce, experience tragedy, and never be heard from again.

The framing device it uses to look into his past with a trial for Bruce Wayne is well done.

Really I could go back and forth like this because everything is at least well executed. It can be annoying with the dated feeling sometimes but everything that annoyed me was not enough to not enjoy the hell out of this.

4 stars, if you like Batman this is a good one to read.

just_fighting_censorship's review

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4.0

A great vintage read that really does the Dark Knight justice. You won't find The Joker or Catwoman in this story, or any of Batman's classic foes for that matter, which is actually very refreshing. Since Batman has so many iconic villains the plot and character of Bruce Wayne get lost in the onslaught of other popular characters. In this story Batman doesn't have to fight for the spotlight, there isn't any Robin, Nightwing, or Batgirl to get in his way.

The story starts out as a pretty good mystery and develops into an interesting story with a satisfying conclusion. Overall, this late 80's classic is a must read!

morgiei's review

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

bkgunderson's review

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4.0

This is an anniversary-commemorating Batman story. It features mind control, but I did not find it to be hokey (a danger of mind control stories). I like how the tale explores the real consequences of being a masked vigilante, and the suffering (for innocent bystanders and for Bruce) that comes with that.

lordofthemoon's review

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3.0

First time comic scribe Sam Hamm makes a pretty good stab at Batman for this fiftieth anniversary story. After uncovering illegal mind control experiments, at WayneTech, Bruce Wayne tries to shut it down, but is framed for treason and must prove his innocence. Alongside this, we have a parallel story of a girl finding her long-lost brother and contrasting their relationship with the isolation of Batman.

The most interesting stories about Batman have always been about the psyche of what drives Wayne and his constant renewal of the memories of his parents' death. This story plays on that nicely, without necessarily overdoing it. The art is nice as well, spiky and with a 'classic' feel to it, that is appropriate to Batman.

The volume is short, and, for me, at least, doesn't really linger in the mind very long after putting it down but it's entertaining enough while reading. Definitely worth a read, especially if your Batman lore is limited (like mine).
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