Batman: No Man's Land

It is a great book, which is written from different points of view. It's short chapters and interesting plots help you stay into the book. I think its great how different stories are developing seperatly and occasionaly meet to create tense and action packed chapters. All the different stories lead up to a great climax towards the end in which all stories come together to create a great finish to the book.

Being a longtime reader of the Batman line of comics, and a fan of the crime books by Greg Rucka, I was very excited to see the two combined in Batman: No Man's Land.Mr. Rucka has taken his straight ahead style of writing and brought us an in depth look at Batman, his friends, associates and enemies during the darkest hour of Gotham City.Having been devastated by an earthquake, the city is in shambles. Instead of rebuilding, the govt. decides to evacuate the citezens and isolate the city by cutting off access and turning it into a "No Man's Land". Those who stay will be forced to fend for themselves.The novel looks at how the different players left in Gotham react to these changes, with some surprising results. With no law and little order, the line seperating good from bad is blurred, and in some cases erased. If you are already a fan of Batman, this book gives you insight into his workings and dealings with others in the cast that you don't normally get from the comics. The various reactions and emotions he provokes are in turns surprising and funny. If you only "know" of Batman and not a fan of the comics, there is enough of a background so you won't feel lost. Indeed, Mr. Rucka's style turns this from a novel based on the comic books, to a genuine action-thriller. Even though I knew the outcome, his writing of the twists at the end made me (and will make you) want to go back and search for the clues that were missed. This book is a great opportunity to get inside the heads of some of the most complex and dangerous characters ever created. Once there though, you may never want to leave.

The earthquake devastated Gotham City in a way that villains such as The Joker and Two-Face could never dream of accomplishing. Thousands died and seemingly millions wounded. The city desperately needs federal aid, but instead, the shocking decision is made to simply cut the city off from the rest of the country. All the saddened police commissioner could do is watch the explosives blow away the bridges over the Gotham River that connected the city to other parts of America.The earthquake plunged Gotham into chaos. The national decision to isolate the city sends it into a deadly abyss. The cells of Arkham Asylum have been opened, releasing dangerous and psychotic criminals like Bane, Poison Ivy, Two-Face, and the Joker. These criminally insane villains have taken over NO MAN'S LAND. Only a handful of former Gotham City cops, a few superheroes, and Batman remain to protect the survivors, but infighting leaves them divided. No path gives any hope to these brave men and women or for those they vow to protect.This adaptation of one of 1999's best running comic book story lines works as readers feel the devastation, loss, and helplessness confronting the citizens including the superheroes. The tale is filled with non-stop action. Though readers may wonder about a federal decision to cut off Gotham City, politics caused that response. Wizard magazine has Lex Luther as the 2-1 favorite to have forced the government into making that decision. Fans of Batman and anyone who enjoys a post holocaust story line will fully relish this novel and the comic books that Greg Rucka derived the story from. New "Dark Knight" fans should also try 1998's fabulous detective story, THE LONG HALLOWEEN.Harriet Klausner

When I made my list of the best books of 1999, I had no idea a comic series would be at the top. Without a doubt the No Man's Land saga was the most compelling read of the year. A tour de force story that encompassed human emotion, strength, and the will to survive. The reader is taken on a journey into the depths of human hell where only the strong will survive. The basic storyline is this: An earthquake of epic porportions destroys Gotham City (home of Batman) beyond repair. The federal government declares the city No Man's Land after refusing to provide federal aid. If you want to be surprised and shocked, pick up this book. Plus, if you like Batgirl, you will love this book. (Note: This is how the real Batgirl should be and not the character we see in those awful movies). The best read of the year!

If you were looking for a story that can redesign the Batman, stop looking. He must adapt to a new city, and to do that he has to forget all the rules and create new ones. Now he has to be more violent if he wants to rule the night. I find it the best I ever read about Batman. Everything is different. After this book you can't look at him the same way.