Comic Review - Batman: Knightfall, Volume Three: KnightsEnd

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✰

Storyline - 

"In the final chapter of this series, Bruce Wayne completes his improbable recovery from his broken back and is ready to resume his role as Gotham's protector. But Jean Paul Valley, the man who now patrols the night as a vicious and violent Batman, is not willing to give up his new identity. Driven to the brink of madness by inner demons, the new Batman seeks to destroy Bruce as they meet in mortal combat. But in the end, Bruce defeats Jean Paul both mentally and physically and reclaims his legendary cape and cowl.

This new edition includes many chapters of KNIGHTFALL never before collected.

Collects Batman #509-510, #512-514, Batman: Shadow of the Bat #29-30, 32-34, Detective Comics #676-677, #679-681, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #62-63, Robin #8-9, #11-13 and Catwoman #12-13." - Goodreads

Review- 

Bruce returns to reclaim the mantle of the Bat. There is a drawn out battle between Bruce and Jean Paul, that has one of the most anticlimactic resolution I have ever seen. After his loss, Jean Paul becomes homeless and wonders the streets. I found this "ending" to be somewhat inconclusive, as things seemed to happen simply because of convenience.

The mantle is then passed over temporarily to Dick, whilst Bruce travels to do some soul searching. Dick and Tim work together, making Batman and Robin a team again. There a several clips in the comic that display an Tim in wonder at the fact the Dick is capable of doing basis day to day chores, like cooking dinner and doing washing. This is quite shocking, as I thought this view on domestic life is quite outdated, even for the 90's. I did enjoy the dynamic between Dick and Tim, as they have a boyish enthusiasm towards all things Batman.

Overall, I feel Volume Two didn't need to be as long as it was, as it brought down then overall feel of the series, dragging it out when it wasn't necessary. I recommend reading Volume One and Three, but maybe just read the synopsis on Wikipedia for Volume Two.

💜MetalandTeacups 

Information - 

Format: Paperback
Dimensions:  167 x 256 x 38mm | 879g
Published: 09 Nov 2012 by DC Comics
Pages: 652

Comic Review- Batman: Knightfall, Volume Two: KnightQuest

Star Rating: ⭐⭐✰✰✰

Storyline - 

"Mentally defeated and physically broken, Bruce Wayne suffered a crippling blow while battling the brutal Bane. Now, the mantle of the Bat must be passed on to another, and Jean Paul Valley answers the call!

But as the new Caped Crusader slowly loses his grip on sanity, his idea of justice takes a violent and deadly turn. Witnessing this dangerous behavior firsthand, Nightwing and Robin try to come to grips with Bruce's highly controversial decision while the new Batman sets his sights on taking revenge against Bane!

This volume collects Detective Comics #667-675, Shadow of the Bat #19-20, #24-28, Batman #501-508, Catwoman #6-7 and Robin #7" - Goodreads

Review- 

Knight Quest follows Jean Paul Valley as he makes the mantle of The Bat his own. Plague by the ghosts of his father and his patron saint, he struggles to define himself against the system.

Tim Drake, as Robin, realizes that Jean Paul's sanity isn't fully intact after Bruce has left the country, and Jean Paul decides he no longer needs a partner.

In the very last issue Bruce returns and can magically walk now, after rescuing Tim's father who was abducted in Knightfall. 

💜MetalandTeacups 

Information - 

Format: Paperback
Dimensions:  162 x 256 x 38mm | 907g
Published: 29 May 2012 by DC Comics
Pages: 656 pages

Comic Review - Knightfall: Volume One

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✰

Storyline - 

"The villainous Bane breaks the Bat in one of the most popular and well-known Batman tales!

The inmates of Arkham Asylum have broken free and Batman must push himself to the limits to re-apprehend the Joker, Poison Ivy, the Riddler, Killer Croc and more. Pushed to the limits, he comes face-to-face against the monstrosity known as Bane, who delivers a crippling blow destined to change the Caped Crusader forever!

This volume collects Batman: Vengeance of Bane Special #1, Batman #491-500, Detective Comics #659-666, Showcase '93 #7-8 and Batman: Shadow of the Bat #16-18." - goodreads

Review- 

The epic event that broke the bat.

Before reading this I always thought Bane was a brute who had a shallow vendetta against all things Batman, hating him because that's what he does. Turns out that is not the case.

Bane's tragic youth, imprisoned for the crimes of his father, shapes him into a man willing to confront his fears, often taking form of a giant bat. He then seeks a path of higher learning, eventually leading him to discover the existence of the Batman in Gotham city. He fakes his death to escape Pena Duro, and travels to Gotham to seek out the bat.

Knightfall adds depth to Bane in a way I never expected. It's a very layered story, taking multiple characters views to make the over all story.

Though I feel that I have missed something, as Bruce is sick with an unnamed illness after a confrontation with the Riddler, there is also a very developed relationship with Dr. Kinsolving. I also spent at least the first half of the book trying to figure out which Robin was active in this comic, it's Tim Drake, as you find out after a monologue by the Joker. 

💜MetalandTeacups 

Information -

Format: Paperback
Dimensions: 170.18 x 261.62 x 45.72mm | 861g
Published: 01 May 2012 by DC Comics

Pages: 640