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jhstack's review against another edition
3.0
Liked this e-galley from NetGalley enough, but my background of The Shadow is very dated. Otherwise, this works nicely as a Batman trade and a homage to the source material/inspiration. The art is alright (reaction faces start to look similar - more so The Shadow than Batman), but I feel so spoiled by Greg Capullo's Batman art.
lukeisthename34's review
3.0
Great art, but a very muddled story. We all get Snyder. Everything has to be dark and violent and scary. Oh? The Shadow already is dark, violent and scary? Well, let's ratchet that up a few notches AND make it nearly impossible to understand.
pheonixangel84's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sherpawhale's review
2.0
I am super behind on my comics, so I thought clearing out a mini-series from one of my favorite writers and another writer whose work I have enjoyed when I've read it would be the way to start.
It was okay.
That's it. I was not familiar with Dynamite's The Shadow before this, but I don't think whoever he is was enough to warrant working him in so intricately to Batman's origin. In this volume, Batman's teacher was Henry Ducard who was actually The Shadow. Not a fan.
Not a fan of the introduction of Shamba-la, because the plan was to say the name and we're supposed to know what that means to the heroes and to the villains, the allure.
Not a fan of the Batcomputer talking to Bruce as AI. I'll probably have to get used to that.
Joker's uniform was way too hip. It was not Suicide Squad levels of bad, but still pretty bad.
I did like the way the artist drew the violence, it really illustrated how brutal it was.
Just an okay Batman story, though competently executed. Unfortunately, there are a ton of Bat stories, so it takes something special for one to stand out.
It was okay.
That's it. I was not familiar with Dynamite's The Shadow before this, but I don't think whoever he is was enough to warrant working him in so intricately to Batman's origin. In this volume, Batman's teacher was Henry Ducard who was actually The Shadow. Not a fan.
Not a fan of the introduction of Shamba-la, because the plan was to say the name and we're supposed to know what that means to the heroes and to the villains, the allure.
Not a fan of the Batcomputer talking to Bruce as AI. I'll probably have to get used to that.
Joker's uniform was way too hip. It was not Suicide Squad levels of bad, but still pretty bad.
I did like the way the artist drew the violence, it really illustrated how brutal it was.
Just an okay Batman story, though competently executed. Unfortunately, there are a ton of Bat stories, so it takes something special for one to stand out.
quirkycatsfatstacks's review against another edition
4.0
I received an advanced copy of Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses is the complete tale of our two heroes in their struggle against a common enemy. The combination of two longstanding DC characters is breathtaking and brilliant. If you’re looking for a Batman series where another character can actually keep up with the way Bruce Wayne thinks, then this is the story for you.
For those that don’t know him; The Shadow came to DC in the 1930s, and has been a pretty popular hero in the past. He has many talents and claims to fame, and many students have trained under him; most recently is our own Bruce Wayne (while he was working to become Batman).
There’s a new killer in Gotham – he appears to be targeting specific people, but the pattern is unclear. The first kill (that we’re shown at least) is the city’s biggest philanthropist, and he just so happens to be a friend of Bruce Wayne (naturally). The second killer I was actually quite fond of – Lamont Cranston, the man in charge of feeding all of Arkham. He seems to genuinely care about the inmates and their specific dietary needs. I knew the moment I started liking him that he was doomed to die; it was actually a pretty brilliant ploy, as I’m now emotionally invested in seeing the killer taken down.
There’s some confusion about who the killer is, as the killer appears to have done a wonderful job framing another character (you can probably guess whom), sending Batman off on a wild goose chase for a bit. I’ll admit that I was fooled as well; having assumed the mask of the killer being shown was just another one of The Shadow’s faces.
Bringing the Joker into this story was actually really interesting – he’s drawn and portrayed in subtly different ways than standard, but I really enjoyed the changes. He seems a bit more focused on revenge (not even his in this case) than with toying with Batman – though perhaps that’s just part of his con. I did love the obvious jealousy the Joker showed when Batman focused the fight onto the killer; it’s everything I would expect from a Joker/Batman confrontation.
One of the highlights (for me, at least) was the conversation/confrontation that occurs between Alfred and the Shadow. I never would have anticipated that event, but man was it wonderful. Alfred is one of those truly underrated and underappreciated characters, but it’s moments like this where he really shines.
I loved the way that Orlando and Snyder wrapped up the plot arc. I sincerely was worried about what was going to happen next (especially for The Shadow). I hope this team-up occurs again, and in this case I’m referring to both the characters and the creators!
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses is the complete tale of our two heroes in their struggle against a common enemy. The combination of two longstanding DC characters is breathtaking and brilliant. If you’re looking for a Batman series where another character can actually keep up with the way Bruce Wayne thinks, then this is the story for you.
For those that don’t know him; The Shadow came to DC in the 1930s, and has been a pretty popular hero in the past. He has many talents and claims to fame, and many students have trained under him; most recently is our own Bruce Wayne (while he was working to become Batman).
There’s a new killer in Gotham – he appears to be targeting specific people, but the pattern is unclear. The first kill (that we’re shown at least) is the city’s biggest philanthropist, and he just so happens to be a friend of Bruce Wayne (naturally). The second killer I was actually quite fond of – Lamont Cranston, the man in charge of feeding all of Arkham. He seems to genuinely care about the inmates and their specific dietary needs. I knew the moment I started liking him that he was doomed to die; it was actually a pretty brilliant ploy, as I’m now emotionally invested in seeing the killer taken down.
There’s some confusion about who the killer is, as the killer appears to have done a wonderful job framing another character (you can probably guess whom), sending Batman off on a wild goose chase for a bit. I’ll admit that I was fooled as well; having assumed the mask of the killer being shown was just another one of The Shadow’s faces.
Bringing the Joker into this story was actually really interesting – he’s drawn and portrayed in subtly different ways than standard, but I really enjoyed the changes. He seems a bit more focused on revenge (not even his in this case) than with toying with Batman – though perhaps that’s just part of his con. I did love the obvious jealousy the Joker showed when Batman focused the fight onto the killer; it’s everything I would expect from a Joker/Batman confrontation.
One of the highlights (for me, at least) was the conversation/confrontation that occurs between Alfred and the Shadow. I never would have anticipated that event, but man was it wonderful. Alfred is one of those truly underrated and underappreciated characters, but it’s moments like this where he really shines.
I loved the way that Orlando and Snyder wrapped up the plot arc. I sincerely was worried about what was going to happen next (especially for The Shadow). I hope this team-up occurs again, and in this case I’m referring to both the characters and the creators!
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
purplepages's review
3.0
Many thanks to DC Entertainment for this eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I have finished this some time last year and didn't know how to review it. Unfortunately, I wasn't a big fan of it. I love Batman and have love the different iterations of his story. I thought this was a good and interesting take to his story.
However, my issue really was with how his story intertwinned with the Shadow's. Might be my lack of familiarity with this specific character or the way he was written which is what made me not enjoy this character.
Also, I had a little bit of a problem with the villain, The Stag. What the fuck is he doing? His purpose is unclear to me. Villains with a clear purpose and reason for doing the shit that they're doing make a compelling antagonist - this is not the case for The Stag. I could not understand why he repeats the same shit over and over again. Why? Like really? Am I the only idiot for not knowing? I love Scott Snyder. I love his Batman works, so far, except this one.
I have finished this some time last year and didn't know how to review it. Unfortunately, I wasn't a big fan of it. I love Batman and have love the different iterations of his story. I thought this was a good and interesting take to his story.
However, my issue really was with how his story intertwinned with the Shadow's. Might be my lack of familiarity with this specific character or the way he was written which is what made me not enjoy this character.
Also, I had a little bit of a problem with the villain, The Stag. What the fuck is he doing? His purpose is unclear to me. Villains with a clear purpose and reason for doing the shit that they're doing make a compelling antagonist - this is not the case for The Stag. I could not understand why he repeats the same shit over and over again. Why? Like really? Am I the only idiot for not knowing? I love Scott Snyder. I love his Batman works, so far, except this one.
jmanchester0's review against another edition
3.0
Minister Blizzard??
The art was pretty cool. And the working of The Shadow into the DC mythos was a neat idea, but ultimately really confusing. Is this supposed to be an Elseworlds?
I think the idea was better than the execution. They tried to go too ‰ЫПhigh concept‰Ыќ. I always like working in ancient myths and biblical ideas, but when it makes the story too hard to follow, it doesn‰ЫЄt work. And the most interesting characters were too short-lived. I would hope a Batman/Shadow crossover would be more interesting. I think I‰ЫЄd only recommend it for die hard Shadow and Batman fans. It‰ЫЄs not something that‰ЫЄs easy to follow if you don‰ЫЄt know the worlds - particularly Batman‰ЫЄs world.
I think 3 stars fits both for Netgalley (I Recommend This Book: Maybe) and Goodreads (liked it).
Thanks to NetGalley and DC Comics for a copy in return for an honest review.
The art was pretty cool. And the working of The Shadow into the DC mythos was a neat idea, but ultimately really confusing. Is this supposed to be an Elseworlds?
I think the idea was better than the execution. They tried to go too ‰ЫПhigh concept‰Ыќ. I always like working in ancient myths and biblical ideas, but when it makes the story too hard to follow, it doesn‰ЫЄt work. And the most interesting characters were too short-lived. I would hope a Batman/Shadow crossover would be more interesting. I think I‰ЫЄd only recommend it for die hard Shadow and Batman fans. It‰ЫЄs not something that‰ЫЄs easy to follow if you don‰ЫЄt know the worlds - particularly Batman‰ЫЄs world.
I think 3 stars fits both for Netgalley (I Recommend This Book: Maybe) and Goodreads (liked it).
Thanks to NetGalley and DC Comics for a copy in return for an honest review.
jilljemmett's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first Batman comic I’ve read and I really enjoyed it.
The graphics looked older, so it looks like a classic Batman comic. This is great for such an iconic character, like Batman.
I liked the way the story arc was completed through the whole graphic novel. It was a great mystery that left a cliffhanger at the end of each issue. This made me want to keep reading.
Though I know of the Batman characters, I’ve never read a Batman comic before, but I really enjoyed this one. I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. This is a great graphic novel!
The graphics looked older, so it looks like a classic Batman comic. This is great for such an iconic character, like Batman.
I liked the way the story arc was completed through the whole graphic novel. It was a great mystery that left a cliffhanger at the end of each issue. This made me want to keep reading.
Though I know of the Batman characters, I’ve never read a Batman comic before, but I really enjoyed this one. I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. This is a great graphic novel!
hobbes199's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not usually a big fan of crossover titles, but this one was a good fit for once.
Art compliments the story, but it's Snyder's depiction of Batman (and more importantly Bruce) that is the real standout here.
A quick, fun read.
Art compliments the story, but it's Snyder's depiction of Batman (and more importantly Bruce) that is the real standout here.
A quick, fun read.
undertowsoul's review against another edition
4.0
I've long been a fan of both Batman and The Shadow so I was very excited to read this. Despite a few minor things that bothered me, I really enjoyed it. The thing that bothered me the most was that I really didn't like how some of the faces were done (specifically Batman and Alfred to name a couple). I loved most of the artwork for this series but a few faces just didn't feel right to me. The sad part about it is that some of the artwork is just beautiful and amazing but I would get involved in it and then see one of the faces that just wasn't right to me and it would pull my attention back to that. Another, very minor, thing that bothered me was the inclusion of the Joker. The enemy that Batman and The Shadow are fighting throughout the book is a new one, invented by the series. I liked that. Then the Joker comes in and it made me feel like they put him in since he's been very popular in the past few years. I wouldn't have minded if The Shadow was fighting one of his own villains (this is a reboot after all) and that villain joined forces with the Joker but the new foe felt look he could sufficiently occupy the time of both crime fighters.
All of that being said, I did really enjoy this book. Like I said, the artwork is great and the story is actually probably even better. It was very well written. The whole thing was rather well done, despite my niggling complaints. If you like either of the heroes, definitely check it out.
I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All of that being said, I did really enjoy this book. Like I said, the artwork is great and the story is actually probably even better. It was very well written. The whole thing was rather well done, despite my niggling complaints. If you like either of the heroes, definitely check it out.
I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.