Batman the Complete History: The Life and Times of the Dark Knight

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Les Daniel's history of the Batman concept as expressed in comic books and strips, television shows (animated and live action) and movies. As a young child I took great delight in the Adam West TV show--blissfully unaware of how really campy it was--the comic books, of course, and all of the Batman paraphernalia that was available in the 1960s. I picked up this book for nostalgia's sake, and did not expect it to be a very sophisticated treatment of the subject. It just looked visually like a lot of fun. So, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Daniels takes his subject very seriously indeed. He plumbs the cultural antecedents of the Batman concept, and describes its realization in the comic book. He meticulously details the process in which the comic book stories and art for Batman were accomplished over the decades, paying particularly close attention to the key artists and writers involved in the process. He carefully explains the changes--subtle or not--made to the Batman concept over time, and reveals the business and artistic philosophies behind these changes. It's fascinating to see how this cultural icon evolved over time, like a pendulum moving back and forth from the dark and creepy to the silly and campy. Daniels reveals Batman's role in the 1950s debate over the morality of comic books, and he explains how Batman's creative team sought to deflect criticism that Batman and Robin's relationship was suspect by introducing a "family" for Batman, including a Batgirl and a Batwoman. Daniels deftly addresses both the art and writing of Batman and the hugely popular cultural phenomenon Batman has been over the decades. It might have been tempting, from a commercial standpoint, to have given a lot more attention to the live action television show and the recent movies, but Daniels treats all manifestations of the Dark Knight rather evenly. I can understand the concern, expressed by others here, that the busy layout of the book distracts the reader. Admittedly, as I mentioned above, it was that eye candy that attracted me to the book in the first place. And, for me, I did not find all the illustrations and sidebars unpleasant distractions in a book devoted to such a primarily visual topic. I highly recommend this delightful, and well researched and written book, to all readers who have an undying fondness for the Batman cultural icon.

Les Daniels has written and Chip Kidd has created visually a wonderful book about that wonderful character Batman. It is a complete history and each decade is shown in its origianl bright colours or dark hues or some gorgeous combination of both. Batman is served very well as the author lovingly (yet often critically) looks at the many changes this character has gone through and survived. A particular joy is the first chapter and its look at pulps, the real roots of Batman. The book is also useful in its examination of other media, such as TV, movies and the weird and witty range of merchandise produced to cash in on various Batman crazes. This book is pure pleasure and will result in a joyous nostalgic sugar rush for the lucky reader. A great read.

I don't know if Batman is easier to identify with because he's just a normal man in a cape instead of an alien with superhuman powers, but there's obviously something human and provoking about the character that has lasted for upwards of 60 years. This book covers it all. It's a great history, particularly the early chapters which illustrate various influences and inspirations on the characters we all grew up with. Particularly fascinating (or freaky, depending on your point of view), is the development of the Joker and his evolution into Batman's perfect foil. The artwork is, of course, top notch and it's great to take a trip back to revisit whatever point in time you started reading the comics. Keep this one on your coffee table and I guarantee every visitor you have will not be able to resist picking it up.

This was a wonderful work by Les Daniels. Plenty of in-depth interviews with Denny O'Neil and the other writers/editors/pencilers, et al, in charge of keeping Batman afloat. The history on the character is priceless, and Daniels well placed photos throughout the book are quite a pleasant distraction. If you are a comic book fan, or a Bat-fan, you MUST get this book.

Highest recommendation possible. I thought the the Batman Collected and Batman: Animated books were enough but I was wrong. The abudance of information on the Batman mythos is unbelievable. An added bonus on the hardcover book is Alex Ross' (Marvels, Kingdom Come, Earth X, Batman: War on Crime) take on the artwork that is shown on the front and back dust cover. Great book for new and/or long-time fans.