Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader?
The Deluxe Edition

Written by
Neil Gaiman
Andy Kubert

DC Comics

Available at Kinokuniya
$32.88

batman cover

Published July 2009.

The Plot

Batman’s dead. And master graphic novel storyteller from Sandman, Neil Gaiman weaves a fantasy setting of Batman’s funeral being attended by admirers, friends and villains alike.

The story is presented in the form of the eulogies or last words from those attending Batman’s funeral. As the tales are told, different faces behind the bat mask are revealed, and we learn of how the man, the batman, has impacted the lives of many.

As the ‘last’ of the Batman series, the book never once strays from the spirit of Batman, which means, contrary to expectations, there are no fancy comebacks, no marvelous action, just the somber reality and fragility of life through stories on the caped crusader and his lover, Gotham City.

In a shocking revelation in the chapter “The Gentleman’s Gentleman’s Tale”, it is ‘revealed’ that butler Alfred is actually the Joker and that all the villains from the Penguin to the Riddler were actually hired actors to keep ‘Master Wayne’s’ obsession entertained and contained”. This only makes this tale sadder and sweeter, the wonderful storytelling, fitting for a batman story.

Artwork

The cover, itself a stunning panel, when held in your hands, makes for a very fine addition to your library. The lighting and the moody colours fit a very depressing Gotham, but it’s also perhaps intentionally painful that the subjects in each panel are detailed in colour and clash with the background.

That said, each panel is an exquisite work of art in itself. We’d take the time to lovingly linger on each panel, but the story tugs at us to move along.

In the foreword, artist Andy Kubert was said to have drawn the comic with the make believe impression that the previous Batman artists were actually copying his style. So readers can expect to catch a familiar style of drawing on certain pages.

The Good and The Bad

The story is sad, but worthy of a fitting end to an icon. That said, anyone coming to the novel expecting action and dramatic finishes, would find this a disappointing read. Still, the innocence in the ending when Batman, as the narrator embraces his death in a manner similar to when he was young and saying ‘Good night’ to his life and Gotham as he would to the characters in a storybook, was endearing.

The book has its fill of memorable exchanges that once again reflect the dark knight’s obsessive dedication to his city, say for example a remembrance by Superman of an exchange between him and Batman. In it, Superman worries about Batman being a target of all villains in Gotham, and so he said, “He (Batman) smiled that scary smile. He said, ‘and while they’re trying to kill me, they aren’t killing innocents. Now take me home.'”

Besides the main plot, there are 4 bonus plots in this deluxe edition that are quite enjoyable, although again void of action, one humourous bonus story in particular was ‘A Black and White World’, which was an original work by Neil Gaiman. It explores Batman and The Joker as actors and present a quirky conversation. At one point, The Joker says to Batman, “Hey, that splash panel where you came through the window, that was just the coolest. I never get panels like that.” To which Batman replies, “So? You get to make speeches. I don’t get to make speeches.”

In an identical manner of The Sandman, Neil Gaiman sends the same true message that some things never truly die and will continue to live on beyond their physical death. Batman fans would not be complaining with the legendary writer helming the story and illustration wizard artist Andy Kubert working the colours.

The Conclusion

This is a fine book to enjoy on a slow day, as the pace is similarly languid. Even so, you’ll enjoy being transported into another world where one man’s love for his city has impacted the life of many others- both in novel, and in reality.