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5.0 out of 5 stars
Inside Arkham--inside the Bat, Mar 19 2012
How do I begin? Essentially, this graphic novel will lead readers wanting more. "Arkham Asylum: A Serious House On A Serious Earth" examines the mental stability of its inmates and more importantly, the Batman himself. With villains including The Joker, Killer Croc, The Mad Hatter, Clayface, Scarecrow and Two-face, the exceedingly artistic view of each character and their state of being is reviewed phenomenally. With the exploration of Arkham Asylum, Batman relatres to each primary villain within. A must buy for any fan of Batman.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Remarkable, Aug 15 2011
To be honest, when I picked up a copy of Batman: Arkham Asylum, I wasn't expecting to be impressed. I find that a number of the "single event" graphic novels for most established super-heroes are dry, emo and not terribly well done. Let me say that this is an exception, both in narrative depth and artistic merit. The blending of multi-medium and traditional approaches to the telling of a Batman story are some of the best I've ever seen, spanning a surreal, psychological viewpoint that encompasses both The Joker and Batman in a way that makes the story infinitely engaging, whether you're a fan of art in general, graphic art, or the world in which Batman (and The Joker) inhabit/s. The dark, Gothic approach to the infamous Arkham Asylum is strange and dream-like both visually and narratively (not a word, I know), making for an experience that spans so many different venues, it would be impossible to try and elaborate without giving too much away. Safe to say, if you're a fan of incredible artwork (far ahead of it's time), or Batman, or The Joker, or just the dark gritty atmosphere of Gotham City, you will LOVE this graphic novel. BUY IT. NOW. *serious face*
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5.0 out of 5 stars
You must be mad, or you wouldn't have come here, Feb 26 2011
When Arkham Asylum was first released in 1989, I read through it without much enthusiasm. The artwork, by and large, was groundbreaking for a mainstream book, however the story in itself left me unimpressed. Aside from a few memorable lines here and there, I found myself rather baffled by the actual "point" of the book. The same was true when I reread it a few years back. However, if there is one comic book that has benefitted most from the inclusion of its script, it is this one. Morrison's draft not only sheds some much-needed light on the proceedings, but is also accompanied with annotations of an even more enlightening nature. I read through the script, then the comic once more, and discovered much that I had missed or glossed over. The script is also written in a screenplay format, as opposed to the traditional comic draft. In addition, McKean does not adhere painstakingly to the script, but deviates into what I imagine is his own interpretation of the material. This becomes clear when comparing Morrison's notes and the resultant artwork. Finally, this edition includes thumbnails/sketches by Morrison for how the layout was originally envisioned, and an afterword by Karen Berger, editor of Vertigo. The story itself is highly symbolic and allegorical, much as a dream may seem...which leads to one possible conclusion that the events which transpire may very well be confined within Batman's own psyche or subconscience. There are a few snippets of dialogue within the pages that promote this, as well as the artwork during certain pivotal scenes involving Batman and Gordon, as well as the inmates of the asylum. The quotes from Alice in Wonderland which open and close the book also lean in this direction. The parallels between Amadeus Arkham and Batman himself are also fascinating and portray a few ideas that are rarely touched upon in the Batman mythos, particularly mental illness and its implications not just on the person, but on their surrounding environment as well. This is not a typical Batman novel but a rather complicated and, at times, disturbing tale of madness and obsession which benefits greatly from the inclusion of various materials reflective of the creative process.
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