Not bad. Quick read. Decent enough, but nothing one has to run out and read. The surprises are pretty good and Niles definitely attempts to give the book a thematic unity: the conversation with the Joker in the beginning relates to the upcoming plot, etc. I kept waiting for it to go over the top, but it didn't, at least for me. ( )

I enjoyed this graphic novel, which featured the art of Steve Niles, best known for his "30 Days of Night" GN series. The "afterlife 'n' zombies" storyline was different for Batman, which I enjoyed. ( )

Merideth says: Retired commissioner Jim Gordon asks Batman to look at a series of gruesome murders in the suburbs of Gotham. Although out of his element, Batman soon realizes that there is more to the murders than meets the eye. Figuring out that a cop must be responsible, Batman goes to confront the perpetrator, and in doing so, kicks off a hellish series of events.

Why, oh why, do they keep doing this to Batman? Niles is a horror writer, but couldn't he have set his horror in Bats' usual environs, instead of sucking him into some sort of pseudo Near Dark psychological wasteland? Really. I know Niles is a better writer than this, which is why this book is so very disappointing. Deadman and the Phantom Stranger are thrown in for good measure, and the ultimate mystery and solution are still a little hazy after two readings.

The saving grace of this book is the artwork which is muddy, moody and utterly amazing. Hard inks mix with soft colors to stunning effect. If you're simply looking for 'Batman Fights Zombies' you will find it here. If you're looking for a coherent storyline or compelling narrative, keep looking. (cross-posted from MeriJenBen) ( )

Retired commissioner Jim Gordon asks Batman to look at a series of gruesome murders in the suburbs of Gotham. Although out of his element, Batman soon realizes that there is more to the murders than meets the eye. Figuring out that a cop must be responsible, Batman goes to confront the perpetrator, and in doing so, kicks off a hellish series of events.

Why, oh why, do they keep doing this to Batman? Niles is a horror writer, but couldn't he have set his horror in Bats' usual environs, instead of sucking him into some sort of pseudo Near Dark psychological wasteland? Really. I know Niles is a better writer than this, which is why this book is so very disappointing. Deadman and the Phantom Stranger are thrown in for good measure, and the ultimate mystery and solution are still a little hazy after two readings.

The saving grace of this book is the artwork which is muddy, moody and utterly amazing. Hard inks mix with soft colors to stunning effect. If you're simply looking for "Batman Fights Zombies" you will find it here. If you're looking for a coherent storyline or compelling narrative, keep looking. ( )

Honestly, fuck batman in the suburbs. It is a kind of a cool twist, but there isn't anything really suburban in this. Most of it takes place in the netherworld anyway. This might have been interesting as Batman vs. the zombies or a funny Batman is a fish out of water in the suburbs, but instead it is crap.
Skip it, pal. ( )