Batman Under the Cowl

Title
Batman Under the Cowl

Library Link

Batman
: Under the cowl.
New York : DC Comics, c2010.

10 Second Review
A collection of stories that features some of the characters that have filled in for Batman. Like when he's incapacitated or on a Bat-cruise.

The writing and art in this book covers a wide range of styles and time frames. A good choice for fans but others might not understand that they are reading about a replacement Batman.

Notes
A 'Batman Beyond' story is included.

Learning Curve
Moderate: New readers will likely be confused by multiple Bat-personalities.

Reading Order
N/a

Batman The Brave and the Bold

Title
Batman The Brave and the Bold

Library Link

Batman
: the brave and the bold / writers, Matt Wayne, J. Torres
Wayne,
Matt (Matt S.) New York : DC Comics, c2010.

10 Second Review
Based on the animated program, this comic follows the adventures of Batman and his crime-fighting friends. This book contains several short stories that allows for lots of guest appearances.

Should be a good choice for younger readers and fans of the TV show.
Fun art but the simple stories might not appeal to more serious fans.

Notes
Kid Eternity is highlighted.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Batman Hush

Title
Batman Hush

Library Link

Hush / Jeph Loeb, writer ; Jim Lee, penciller ; Scott Williams, inker ; Richard
Starkings, letterer ; Alex Sinclair, colorist ; Jim Lee & Scott Williams,
original series covers ; Batman created by Bob Kane
Loeb,
Jeph.

10 Second Review
Batman reunites with some old acquaintances to solve a mystery that manages to challenge the master detective.

Exceptional art by Jim Lee and a story that will surprise even die-hard fans.
Good for those returning to comics. Many Bat-standard villains make an appearance.

Notes
Good for returning fans.

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for new readers with a basic understanding.

Reading Order
N/a

Superman Batman: The Search for Kryptonite

Title
Superman Batman: The Search for Kryptonite

Library Link

Superman
Batman : the search for Kryptonite / Michael Green with Mike Johnson,
writers ; Shane Davis, pencils ; Matt "Batt" Banning, inks ; Alex Sinclair
(Chapters 1-5), Pete Pantazis (Chapter 6), colors ; Rob Leigh, letters
Green,
Michael, 1943-

10 Second Review
After a brush with death, Superman decides he should remove all the kryptonite from Earth. Batman decides to help but both are surprised by how much kryptonite there is. Who has it presents another nasty surprise.

Above average art and a good story make this a fun read.

Notes
Toyman gets a dream date.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Those new to Superman might be confused.

Reading Order
N/a

Superman and Batman versus Aliens and Predator

Title
Superman and Batman versus Aliens and Predator

Library Link

http://catalog.houstonlibrary.org/search~S1
Available
at Lakewood Public Library
DC Comics, 2007, by Mark Schultz

10 Second Review
Batman and Superman investigate separate events that lead them to a strange discovery in a South American volcano.

A simple yet fun story that veers a bit off the DC path to include some of the most popular sci-fi figures. An easy read with exceptional art, this book should have wide appeal.

Notes
Art by Ariel Olivetti

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Batman Snow

Title
Batman Snow

Library Link

Batman
: snow / J.H. Williams III, Dan Curtis Johnson, story ; Dan Curtis Johnson,
script & dialogue ; Seth Fisher, art ; Dave Stewart, colors ; Phil Balsman,
letterer
Johnson,
D. Curtis.

10 Second Review
Batman actually listens to Alfred and recruits some help in tracking down a local gangster that leads to Mr. Freeze.

Excellent art (Seth Fisher) and a good writing tell a story from Batman's early days and gives some background on one of the more dangerous Bat-villians.

Notes
The team dynamics of this story are fairly unique and provide interesting reading.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.

Reading Order
Occurs prior to Dick Grayson joining Batman

Batman: Joker's Asylum

Title
Batman: Joker's Asylum

Library Link

Batman
: Joker's Asylum
New York : DC Comics, c2008.

10 Second Review
A collection of creepy stories narrated by the Joker.
All of the Batman staples have their own story to include the Joker, Penguin, Poison Ivy and Two-face.

Good stories and great art make for a fun read.

Notes
More violent then the average comic so it might be a bit heavy for younger readers.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Batman: The Black Casebook

Title
Batman: The Black Casebook

Library Link

Batman
: the black casebook.
Black casebookNew York : DC Comics, c2009.Year:
c2009Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
The book contains a collection of unrelated Batman stories and is described as the "stories that inspired Batman R.I.P."

The included comics are from the late 50's and early 60's and are aimed at a young audience.

Older readers might enjoy the nostalgic nature of these books but others will find them too juvenile.

Notes
See the first appearance of Bat-Mite!

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.

Reading Order
N/a

Batman RIP

Title
Batman RIP

Library Link
Batman R.I.P.

R.I.P.Morrison, Grant.New York : DC Comics, c2009.Year: c2009Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Batman go crazy now.
A group of villains attempt to push Batman over the edge.

An interesting examination that will leave the reader to wonder what did and didn't happen.

Notes
Check out the new Bat-suit!

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to Batman might be confused.

Reading Order
N/a

Batman and the Outsiders: The Snare

Title
Batman and the Outsiders: The Snare

Library Link
Batman and the Outsiders : the snare

SnareNew York : DC Comics, c2009.Year: c2009Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Batman sends the team to China to investigate a covert operation going on behind the Moon.

Good story and good art. An easy, fun read.

Notes
Batgirl and Nightwing make an appearance.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Batman: The Ultimate Guide to the Dark Knight

Title
Batman: The Ultimate Guide to the Dark Knight

Library Link
Batman : the ultimate guide to the dark knight

Beatty, Scott, 1969-New York : DK Pub., c2005.Year: c2005Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
A big, fun book full of color pictures and stories that walk the reader through the history of Batman.

Heavy on images but light on information.

Notes
Good reference material for old and new readers.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Batman: False Faces

Title
Batman: False Faces

Library Link
Batman.

False facesVaughan, Brian K.New York, NY : DC Comics, c2008.Year: c2008Format:
BOOK

10 Second Review
Three stories in this book with one Wonder Woman story and two from Batman. First, Batman must solve the murder of his own alias and then Batman fights dragons from wonderland. Wonder Woman faces a beast trying to steal her ancient clay.

Good art with stories going from excellent, to good to fair.

Notes
Nightwing lends a hand.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.

Reading Order
N/a

Batman: Man Who Laughs

Title
Batman: Man Who Laughs

Library Link
Batman.

Man who laughsBrubaker, Ed.New York : DC Comics, c2008.Year: c2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Two Stories: The first takes readers back to when the Joker first appeared in Batman's world. The second involves the original Green Lantern's connection to a cold murder case.

The Joker story will seem too familiar for veteran fans but the Green Lantern story is interesting.

Notes
Reveals Green Lantern's little known weakness

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.

Batman and the Outsiders: the Chrysalis

Title
Batman and the Outsiders: the Chrysalis

Library Link
Batman and the outsiders.

ChrysalisNew York : DC Comics, c2008.Year: c2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Batman teams up with misfits like Metamorpho and Cat Woman to determine why a company is building their own OMACs and shooting them into space. Good art and interesting story.

Notes
Batman gets assistance from an unexpected duo

Learning Curve
Moderate: Some little known characters but are generally explained.

Reading Order
N/a

Superman Batman Vengeance

Title
Superman Batman Vengeance

Library Link
Superman Batman : vengeance

VengeanceLoeb, Jeph.New York : DC Comics, c2006.Year: c2006Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Superman and Batman team up to unravel a mystery involving alternative realities. Crisp, clean illustrations. A standard story which loses its way but with lots of interesting guest stars.

Notes
Bizarro, Batzarro and other odd characters make an appearance.

Learning Curve
High: new readers will likely be confused by large a cast of alternative characters.

Reading Order
N/a

Batman Ego and Other Tales

Title
Batman Ego and Other Tales

Library Link
Batman : ego and other tails

Cooke, Darwyn.New York : DC Comics, c2007.Year: c2007Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Several short stories written and illustrated by Darwyn Cooke.

Features a story about Bruce Wayne arguing with Batman.

Good reading and great illustrations.

Notes
Cooke is probably best know for illustrating DC The New Frontier

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers but may be too dark for younger kids.

Reading Order
N/a

The Essential Batman Encyclopedia

Title
The Essential Batman Encyclopedia

Library Link
The essential Batman encyclopedia

Greenberger, Robert.New York : Del Rey/DC/Ballantine Books, c2008.Year:
c2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
This book lives up to the name of encyclopedia. Light on images but heavy on text this tome should satisfy anyone looking for Bat info. Almost 400 pages.

Notes
N/a

Learning Curve
Low

Reading Order
N/a

Batman and Son

Title
Batman and Son

Library Link
Batman and son

Morrison, Grant.New York : DC Comics c2007.Year: c2007Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
After cleaning up Gotham, Batman takes some time off only to discover he has a son. Good story but the last chapter will leave many confused.

Notes
Batman can be more dark then most comics and might be disturbing for younger readers.

Learning Curve
Low: OK for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

52 Aftermath: The Four Horseman

Title
52 Aftermath: The Four Horseman

Library Link
52 aftermath : the Four Horsemen
Fifty-two aftermath : the Four HorsemenGiffen, Keith.New York : DC Comics, c2008.Year: c2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Superheroes work together to battle powerful beings left over from the 52 series.

DC pushes their luck with this 52 afterthought. After a great series like 52, this book is very disappointing. Weak story, poor writing.
Nothing to see here, move along.

Notes
Stars the big DC three: Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman

Learning Curve
Moderate

Reading Order
To be read after the 52 series