TPB

Adam Strange

DC Comics.

Adam Strange Archives 1 (Showcase 17-19, Mystery in Space 53-65; w Gardner Fox; a Mike Sekowsky, Carmine Infantino). [From DC Comics: Born in 1958 in the midst of the space race, DC’s science-fiction hero Adam Strange captured the imagination of a new generation of comics readers! Now, those classic Silver Age tales are revisited in ADAM STRANGE ARCHIVES Vol. 1, a 224-page hardcover collecting stories from SHOWCASE #17-19 and MYSTERY IN SPACE #53-65! These issues were written by Gardner Fox and feature the pencils of Mike Sekowsky and Carmine Infantino, with inks by Bernard Sachs, Joe Giella and Murphy Anderson. This volume, which features a cover by Gil Kane & Sachs, also includes an introduction by longtime inker and Alter Ego magazine contributor Jim Amash. Adam Strange was an archaeologist working in South America who was whisked away by a Zeta-Beam to the futuristic planet Rann that circled the star Alpha Centauri. There, the displaced Earthman began a string of adventures that found him bouncing back and forth between his normal life on Earth and defending Rann from bizarre menaces all at the whim of the Zeta-Beam!] 2/11/04

The Man of Two Worlds (3-issue mini; w Richard Bruning; a Andy Kubert). [From DC Comics: Once Adam Strange was celebrated as a hero of two worlds—his homeworld of Earth and his adopted world of Rann. Now… He's in danger of losing them BOTH. All life forms on the planet Rann are facing extinction because of mysterious increasing sterility. Because of the bleak future of the planet, Adam is held in contempt by much of the populace, but there is a glimmer of hope: Adam's wife, Alanna, is expecting a child... In The Man of Two Worlds, we discover the man behind the myth. Adam Strange's childhood on Earth is explored, his relationship with his estranged family is revealed, and secrets of Rann—and of Adam's new life—are uncovered. The Man of Two Worlds collects the 1990 3-issue Prestige Format minseries starring one of the DCU's best-known science fiction heroes, written by Richard Bruning (Gangland) with art by Origin's Andy Kubert and color art by Adam Kubert (Ultimate X-Men). In addition, this volume features a new introduction by Brunning as well as sketchbook material from Andy Kubert.]

Animal Man

DC/Vertigo.

Animal Man (1-9; w Grant Morrison; a Chas Truog, Tom Grummet). [From DC Comics: The much-demanded collection from writer Grant Morrison is back in print, in a new edition from VERTIGO! Morrison is all set to breathe new life into the X-Men, and has already helped revitalize the JLA, making it DC's #1 title. But before all that, Morrison produced a ground-breaking run on ANIMAL MAN that's since become a cult fan-favorite. Buddy Baker is more than just a second-rate super-hero. He's also a devoted husband, a loving father of two and a fierce animal activist. But just as he's attempting to jump-start his super-hero career again, his life takes some unexpected and bizarre turns. Reprinting the first nine issues of one of the most original, innovative, and thought-provoking super-hero comics of the last dozen years, the ANIMAL MAN TP showcases some of Morrison's early genius in storytelling—including the infamous ""Coyote Gospel"" story and featuring appearances by Superman and Martian Manhunter.]

Origin of the Species (10-17, Secret Origins 39; w Grant Morrison; a Chas Truog, Tom Grummet). [From DC Comics: ANIMAL MAN: ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES is a 224-page VERTIGO trade paperback collecting issues #10-17 of Morrison's run, and also includes the 19-page story from SECRET ORIGINS #39. Featuring art by Chas Truog, Tom Grummett, Doug Hazlewood, Steve Montano, and Mark McKenna, ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES also sports a brand-new painted cover by Brian Bolland - the fan-favorite artist whose remarkable and distinctive covers for ANIMAL MAN drew raves from every quarter. In the issues collected here, Animal Man moves more and more deeply into the cause of animal rights, but something else is going on beyond his burgeoning radicalism. Strange visions of aliens, people disappearing into strange pencil-like drawings, and hints of a terrible Crisis lurk around the edges of reality. And Animal Man begins to sense something moving towards him...something invisible...something worse than evil.]

Deus ex Machina (18-26; w Grant Morrison; a Chas Truog, Doug Hazlewood, Paris Cullins, Mark Farmer, Steve Montano). [From DC Comics: Long before The Filth, writer Grant Morrison was turning reality inside out with his legendary work on ANIMAL MAN and DOOM PATROL, helping to break the ground that VERTIGO would take root in. Now ANIMAL MAN: DEUS EX MACHINA completes the collection of Morrison's legendary reimagining of Animal Man. In stories written by Morrison with art by Chas Truog, Doug Hazlewood, Paris Cullins, Mark Farmer, and Steve Montano. Reprinting ANIMAL MAN #18-26, DEUS EX MACHINA follows Buddy Baker (a.k.a. Animal Man) through an incredible odyssey of discovery, traveling from spiritual enlightenment to the blackest depths of grief and culminating in a meeting with the Creator himself (in the form of Grant Morrison!). This hefty 232-page collection also features a brand-new painted cover by renowned artist Brian Bolland.]

Aquaman

DC Comics.

The Water Bearer (Aquaman 1-4 and stories from Aquaman: Secret Files 1 and JLA/JSA Secret Files 1; w Rick Veitch; a Yvel Guichet, Norm Breyfogle, Joshua Hood, Dietrich Smith, et al.). [From DC Comics: Banished from Atlantis! Branded a traitor! This is Aquaman as you've never seen him before! Join writer Rick Veitch, pencillers Yvel Guichet, Norm Breyfogle, Joshua Hood, and Dietrich Smith, inkers Mark Propst, Dennis Janke and Sean Parsons, and cover artist J.G. Jones as they present a refreshing new take on a classic hero in AQUAMAN: THE WATERBEARER a 128-page trade paperback collecting AQUAMAN #1-4 and the lead story from AQUAMAN SECRET FILES. In the aftermath of the Obsidian Age — where the King of the Seven Seas was forced to re-sink Atlantis in order to save it — Aquaman is now hated by his former subjects and exiled from the life-giving ocean he once called home. But in a mysterious freshwater lake, he finds refuge and much more, as he is granted amazing new powers and a new mission in life!]

Aquaman

DC Comics.

The Atom

DC Comics.

Atom Archives 1 (Showcase 34-36, The Atom 1-5; w Gardner Fox, Julie Schwartz; a Gil Kane, Murphy Anderson, Mike Sekowsky). [From DC Comics: Following the resounding success of the revival of The Flash, Green Lantern, and the JLA, editor Julie Schwartz, the "architect of the Silver Age," turned his attention to another of DC's then-fallow Golden Age Heroes: The Atom. Like The Flash and Green Lantern, there had been an original Golden Age incarnation of a character calling himself The Atom. Although he was a long-lived character, he was frankly not much more than a short tough guy with a not-particularly inspired costume. But, this new Atom, now this was something really different! This guy really had some powers; Ray Palmer, by constructing a device employing the beam of a white-dwarf star, was able to shrink to any size - even microscopic - and vary his weight. Under Schwartz's guidance, writer Gardner Fox delivered his signature plot-driven sci-fi-influenced scripts, and the dynamic and slick art provided by the team of Gil Kane and Murphy Anderson produced perhaps the finest-looking book on the stands at the time. Now, readers new and old can enjoy the first eight appearances of the "Tiny Titan" collected here in his first Archive Edition!]

Atom Archives 2 (6-13; w Gardner Fox; a Gil Kane, Murphy Anderson, Sid Greene). [From DC Comics: Volume 2 includes the Mighty Mite’s first team-up with Hawkman and Hawkgirl, the classic villainy of Dr. Light, the return of Chronos, an encounter with Edgar Allan Poe, and 10 more exciting adventures!]

Zatanna's Search (19). [From DC Comics: In this classic tale, the teenage mage seeks help from the heroes of the Justice League of America in rescuing her father — Golden Age great Zatara — from certain doom! This volume also includes a 10-page Zatanna origin story by Gerry Conway and Romeo Tanghal from DC BLUE RIBBON DIGEST #5 (1980).] [For complete contents, see JLA.]

Batman's Sidekicks

DC Comics

Robin

Series

Robin Flying Solo (1-6; Showcase '94 5-6; w Chuck Dixon; a Tom Grummett, Phil Jimenez). [Tim Drake.]

Misc.

A Hero Reborn (Robin mini 1-5 and Batman 455-457; w Chuck Dixon; a Tom Lyle & Bob Smith). [Tim Drake. From DC Comics: After being deemed worthy by Batman to become the new Robin, Tim Drake sets off for France to study specialized fighting techniques under an ancient master. But before long, Robin's training is sidetracked when he finds himself working together with a maverick DEA agent and a deadly female assassin in order to stop the modern day release of the Bubonic plague. Learning street fighting and martial arts from his new companions, Robin endures a baptism of fire as he discovers the danger of living a life based on anger and revenge.]

Tragedy & Triumph (Robin II: Joker's Wild mini 1-4 and Detective Comics 618-621; w Chuck Dixon; a Tom Lyle & Bob Smith). [Tim Drake.]

Robin: Year One (4-issue mini; w Chuck Dixon & Scott Beatty; a Javier Pulido, Marcos Martin & Robert Campanella). [Dick Grayson. From DC Comics: For years he fought alongside Gotham City’s greatest protector, the light to Batman’s irrepressible darkness. Against all manner of foe he braved inconceivable odds, ever skirting the line between heroism and death. His name is Dick Grayson, and his earliest adventures as the Boy Wonder, sidekick to the mysterious Batman, are revealed in ROBIN: YEAR ONE—a 200-page trade paperback collecting the hit miniseries written by Chuck Dixon (ROBIN, NIGHTWING) & Scott Beatty (THE JOKER: LAST LAUGH), with art by Javier Pulido (The Incredible Hulk), Marcos Martin (LAST LAUGH, BIRDS OF PREY) & Robert Campanella (BATGIRL). Before he became Nightwing, Dick was the first to don the mantle of Robin. When his parents fell victim to the machinations of a mobster, the young orphan was taken under the wing of millionaire Bruce Wayne—known to a precious few as Gotham's Dark Knight, Batman. For months Grayson trained in the ways of crime-fighting, until at last he was ready to patrol the night with his mentor. But the training ground and the threats of the real world are two very different things. For the newly anointed Robin, it would be a baptism of fire. Batman gave Robin purpose, but the evil of the world would shape Dick's destiny. ROBIN: YEAR ONE is the tale of Robin’s tragic beginning, which shaped him into one of the world’s greatest heroes!]

Nightwing

Series

A Knight in Bludhaven (1-8; w Chuck Dixon; a Scott McDaniel & Karl Story). [From DC Comics: A dazzling collection of the first eight issues of the popular NIGHTWING ongoing series, featuring a new cover by artists Scott McDaniel and Karl Story! In this handsome paperback, Dick Grayson makes a new home for himself in Blüdhaven, Gotham City's deadlier neighbor. Dick soon discovers that, behind the corruption and villainy that permeate the city, there lurks a powerful foe: the newly intelligent, incredibly powerful Blockbuster!]

Rough Justice (9-18; w Chuck Dixon; a Scott McDaniel & Karl Story). [From DC Comics: Attempting to create his own life and forge his own destiny, Nightwing has begun anew in the city of Blüdhaven. Leaving behind his adolescent days as Robin, the vigilante confronts his own rogues gallery as he faces off against the deadly threats of underworld kingpin Blockbuster, the half-creature, half-human Man-Bat, and the lethal assassin Deathstroke. But even distance and time will not allow him to escape his past, as Nightwing finds himself once again battling the fear-inducing Scarecrow and working side-by-side Batman, when his mentor pays him an unwelcome visit to check up on him.]

Love and Bullets (1/2, 19, 21-22, 24-29; w Chuck Dixon; a Scott McDaniel). [From DC Comics: The heroic debut and near death of Nite-Wing, the murderous first appearance of the (literally) twisted villain named Torque and Nightwing's reunion with the Huntress after their ill-fated love affair are just some of the stories included in NIGHTWING: LOVE AND BULLETS. This newest NIGHTWING trade paperback reprints 8 1/2 issues of the popular NIGHTWING series, including NIGHTWING #25's delightful team-up of Nightwing and Robin!]

A Darker Shade of Justice (30-39; Nightwing Secret Files 1 lead story; w Chuck Dixon; a Scott McDaniel & Karl Story). [From DC Comics: Since relinquishing the Robin costume and persona, Nightwing has attempted to become his own man outside the shadow of Batman. But when his adopted town of Blüdhaven is overrun with fleeing Gothamites, Dick Grayson realizes that he must return to Gotham City to help his mentor. In a story that features Superman, the Huntress, and the Darknight Detective himself, Nightwing must infiltrate Blackgate Prison and wrest control from the vicious criminals that have taken it over. But in searching for a new life, he may have only found his own death.]

Nightwing The Hunt for Oracle (41-46; Birds of Prey 20-21; w Chuck Dixon; a Greg Land et al.). [From DC Comics: Blockbuster, Blüdhaven’s deadliest crime boss, is on a rampage. A mysterious hacker has made Blockbuster’s life difficult for far too long. It’s time for Nightwing—with the help of the Birds of Prey—to hunt this person down and terminate this hacker’s actions once and for all, at whatever cost. And that hacker is Oracle! The chase is on in NIGHTWING: THE HUNT FOR ORACLE—a 192-page trade paperback collecting NIGHTWING #41-46 and BIRDS OF PREY #20-21, written by Chuck Dixon (BATGIRL: YEAR ONE), with art by Greg Land (Sojourn, NIGHTWING), Patrick Zircher (NIGHTWING, Thunderbolts), Butch Guice (BIRDS OF PREY, Ruse), and Drew Geraci (NIGHTWING). While Nightwing desperately tries to rein in the unstable vigilante Nite-Wing, his daytime counterpart Dick Grayson graduates to a street cop. Meanwhile, Blockbuster’s thirst for vengeance against Oracle has him sending some of the deadliest assassins after the hacker. When the crime boss captures Nightwing, will our hero be tortured into revealing Oracle’s location?]

Big Guns (46-50, 80-page Giant, Secret Files; w Chuck Dixon; a Greg Land et al.). [From DC Comics: Dick Grayson needs to clean up the corrupt police force in Blüdhaven…and he gets his chance when he joins the ranks! It all goes down in NIGHTWING: BIG GUNS, a 192-page trade paperback collecting NIGHTWING #46-50, NIGHTWING 80-PAGE GIANT #1, and material from NIGHTWING SECRET FILES, written by Chuck Dixon with art by Greg Land, Patrick Zircher, Manuel Gutierrez, Mike Collins, José Marzán, Jr., Drew Geraci, John Stanisci, Sean Parsons, Steve Bird, and Wayne Faucher and a cover by Land and Karl Story. While searching for evidence, Nighting also must deal with the out-of-control Nite-Wing; Sylph, a killer lady in white with a grudge; Torque, the former cop with his twisted view of the world; and Hella, a vicious woman with a mad-on against a certain cop family!]

Misc.

Ties that Bind (Nightwing: Alfred's Return; Nightwing mini 1-4; w Dennis O'Neil, Alan Grant; a Greg Land, Dick Giordano, Mike Sellers).

Batman/Nightwing: Bloodborne (One-shot; w Kelley Puckett; a Toby Cypress). [From DC Comics: Batman's mission and war on crime helped form Dick Grayson's life, turning him into the hero Robin, and later Nightwing. But in turn, it was Dick Grayson's humanity that prevented Batman from becoming detached from his emotions while driven by vengeance. The relationship between these two heroes changed recently when Bruce Wayne adopted Dick, and was tested during the events of THE JOKER: LAST LAUGH. And it is this special bond that's at the heart of BATMAN/NIGHTWING: BLOODBORNE—a Prestige Format one-shot written by Kelley Puckett (BATGIRL) and illustrated by Toby Cypress (STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE—N-VECTOR), with a cover by Ted McKeever (BATMAN: NOSFERATU). When a distress call comes in from Siberia, we learn that Batman is in trouble…possibly dying from an exposure to a super-germ virus. The only one who can save the Dark Knight now is Nightwing. But to do so, Nightwing must face terrorists, the Russian Army and a man-made plague that not only threatens the life of his former mentor, but the world at large! BLOODBORNE delivers high-flying action and suspense, building towards a blistering climax that will have readers on the edge of their seats!]

Nightwing/Huntress (4-issue mini; w Devin Grayson; a Greg Land & Bill Sienkiewicz). [From DC Comics: One is a former acrobat whose life was changed by the death of his acrobat parents. The other is a troubled woman who became a crossbow-wielding vigilante after the violent death of her mob-boss father. Though they have a grudging respect for each other, the two heroes — Nightwing and the Huntress — have never had a particularly close relationship...until now! When an undercover cop is killed — apparently by a mob boss — the worlds of Nightwing and the Huntress collide in NIGHTWING/HUNTRESS, a 96-page collection of the 4-issue miniseries written by Devin K. Grayson (NIGHTWING), with stunning art from the unexpected collaboration of artists Greg Land (Sojourn, NIGHTWING) and Bill Sienkiewicz (SUPERMAN: DAY OF DOOM). As the two heroes approach the policeman's brutal murder from very different angles — Nightwing looking for justice and the truth, Huntress looking for vengeance — they find that opposites really do attract. And an unexpected romantic development may distract them from the case at hand...with fatal results.] 12/31/03

Batgirl

Series

Silent Running (1-6; w Kelley Puckett & Scott Peterson; a Damion Scott & Robert Campanella). [From DC Comics: After helping Batman during Gotham's darkest hours, Cassandra Cain was quickly accepted as the new Batgirl. But now as Gotham resurrects itself, Cassandra must deal with her own inner demons. Trained from early childhood by a notorious assassin, Batgirl has the uncanny ability to sense her opponents' movements before they happen. With this advantage, she is unbeatable. But when an attempt to "fix" Batgirl's inability to speak robs her of this sixth sense, she finds herself training with a crippled Barbara Gordon, the original Batgirl, as she fights to regain her former prowess and live up to the expectations of Batman.]

A Knight Alone (7-11, 13-14; w Kelley Puckett; a Damion Scott & Robert Campanella). [From DC Comics: Stripped of her ability to sense an opponent's next move, Batgirl continues her quest to regain her former battle prowess and more importantly, her confidence. But as Batgirl struggles to recapture her fighting capabilities, the deadly Lady Shiva returns to Gotham with her usual agenda of finding a worthy foe and challenging them to a deathmatch. Now in her weakest state, Batgirl must face her toughest rival with her life as the price of failure. And even if she is lucky enough to escape her encounter with the lethal Shiva will she be able to stay out of the grasp of the government agency that has targeted her to become one of their own?]

Batgirl 12 was part of the Batman: Officer Down crossover, although the issue does not seem to be in the trade.

Death Wish (17-20, 22-23, 25; w Kelley Puckett & Chuck Dixon; a Damion Scott & Robert Campanella). [From DC Comics:In DEATH WISH, Batgirl fights the good fight in a handful of adventures guest-starring Batman, Robin and Spoiler. Only something’s distracting her — the indomitable teen is letting punches connect, and that never happens. The reappearance of her father, the assassin Cain, isn’t making things any easier. And on an important anniversary, she vows that “Nobody dies tonight”—but can she really keep that promise?]

24 is part of Bruce Wayne: Murderer, although it is not collected in the trade. 15-16 and 21 are in the next volume.

Fists of Fury (15-16, 21, 26-28; w Kelley Puckett, Scott Peterson; a Damion Scott, Phil Noto, Vincent Giarrano, Robert Campanella, and Jesse Delperdang). [From DC Comics: In this action-packed volume, Batgirl faces the deadliest of Gotham's villains — the Joker — who gets the "Last Laugh" when Cassandra and guest-star Spoiler must also defeat a "jokerized" Shadow Thief. Then, can Batgirl stop the father of a young boy from making a lethal mistake? And just who are the mysterious agents that are after our heroine?] 4/14/04

Misc.

Batgirl / Ghost: The Resurrection Engine (4-issue mini; w Mike Kennedy; a Ryan Benjamin). [From DC Comics: Some people would like to have a new life, but they'd rather not have to die to get it! The recently dead are walking the dark streets of Gotham City, and Batgirl must journey to the Deco canyons of Arcadia to find who's responsible for these creepy reanimations. But Arcadia's spectral avenger, Ghost, is also hot on the trail of the zombie maker, one Malcolm Graymater, and Batgirl had better not get in Ghost's way! And when the murderous Two-Face gets in on the act to reclaim several of his reanimated henchmen, a deadly four-corner showdown headlines the fight card!]

Batgirl: Year One (9-issue mini; w Scott Beatty & Chuck Dixon; a Marcos Martin & Alvaro Lopez). [From DC Comics: Barbara Gordon is currently known throughout the DC Universe as the information powerhouse called Oracle. But before that, she was better known to the world as Batgirl! The writers of ROBIN: YEAR ONE along with an acclaimed art team returned with another look into the past of one of comics' most popular characters! BATGIRL: YEAR ONE is a 224-page trade paperback that collects the acclaimed 9-issue maxiseries written by Scott Beatty (BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS) & Chuck Dixon (BIRDS OF PREY, NIGHTWING, Way of the Rat), with art and covers by Marcos Martin & Alvaro Lopez (BIRDS OF PREY, ROBIN). Following her chance meeting with the Boy Wonder at the end of ROBIN: YEAR ONE, Barbara Gordon aspires to become a vigilante herself. But between the skepticism of Batman and the watchful eye of her adoptive father, James Gordon, she's finding entry to the hero biz difficult at best. And in her first time out of the gate, she must take on the Killer Moth! ] New Book of the Week 11/12/03

Harley Quinn

OK, so she's not a sidekick. But I had to put her some place, didn't I? If I didn't, she'd probably hurt me. She also is the star of an ongoing series that has not yet been collected.

Batman Adventures: Mad Love (OGN; w Paul Dini; a Bruce Timm). [From DC Comics: Timed to coincide with Harley Quinn's DC Universe debut, this award-winning special showcases the irrepressible Harley in the "adventures" animated style.]

Batman: Harley Quinn (OGN; w Paul Dini; a Yvel Guichet & Aaron Sowd). [From DC Comics: At last! The story that introduces the mega-popular Batman animated series character Harley Quinn into the regular continuity by series writer/producer (and creator of Harley Quinn) Paul Dini!]

Harley & Ivy: Love on the Lam (OGN; w Judd Winick; a Joe Chiodo). [From DC Comics: If love is a battlefield, then what the heck is love on the run? Find out as Harley Quinn, spurned psychotic sidekick to the Joker, faces the prospect of a broken heart. Luckily for Harley (and unfortunately for us), her old pal Poison Ivy, controller of plants and men's hearts, is on hand to cheer her up. Murderous mayhem, and anger looking for a target. A deadly combination which even LOVE might not conquer!]

Batman

DC Comics.

Archives
Detective Comics
Batman Comics
Legends of the Dark Knight
Batman Adventures
Gotham Central
Crossovers and Anthologies
Minis
Original Graphic Novels
Team-Ups
Misc.

Archives

Batman Archives 1 (Detective Comics 27-50; w Bill Finger; a Bob Kane). [From DC Comics: For over 50 years he has been apart of the American mythos. He was a sensation from the moment of his first appearance, and today he has archived an even more phenomenal level of popularity. In that uniquely American contribution to popular fiction, the comics book, only one other creation has rivaled the celebrity of Batman: that being the archetype of all comic book heroes, Superman. In fact, the heroes represent two sides of the same coin. Superman, a super-powered alien sent to earth to become our greatest champion. And Batman, whose brutal origin on the dark streets of Gotham City results in comics' most grim avengers. His earliest stories reveal Batman as he was initially conceived: a mysterious dark nemesis of crime, a non-nonsense vigilante driven by some inner demon to eliminate society's malefactors. Later, with the introduction of Robin, we are presented with the more human side of our protagonist. Not so fierce perhaps, but every bit as resolute. DC Comics is proud to present this definitive collection of Batman's earliest adventures. Assembled here are the first two years of his appearances in his first home. For fans both new and old of The Dark Knight (or of popular culture in general) THE BATMAN ARCHIVES will be an indispensable addition to their library. In this volume lie the seeds of a true American folk legend.]

Batman Archives 2 (Detective Comics 51-70; w Bill Finger; a Bob Kane).

Batman Archives 3 (Detective Comics 71-86; w Bill Finger; a Bob Kane).

Batman Archives 4 (Detective Comics 87-102; w Bill Finger, Dick Sprang, Joseph Greene, Don Cameron, Edmund Hamilton, Alvin Schwartz; a Bob Kane, Dick Sprang, Pat Gordon, Ed Kressy, Jerry Robinson, George Roussos, Jack Burnley, Charles Paris, Ira Schnapp). [From DC Comics: Forged in the crucible of personal tragedy, the Dark Knight quickly grew into one of the most popular and enduring characters in modern fiction. Almost sixty years later, The Batman survives, stranger and more popular than ever as the star of five best-selling monthly comic-book titles, as well as some of the highest-grossing movies in motion picture history. Featured in this Fourth Batman Archive is the return of The Penguin and the 100th issue of Detective Comics!]

Batman Archives 5 (Detective Comics 103-119; w Bill Finger, Alvin Schwartz and Don Cameron; a Bob Kane, Win Mortimer, Dick Sprang, Jack Burnley and various). [From DC Comics: Batman and Robin battle gangsters, corruption, blackmail, and a motley assortment of evil-doers in this fifth installment of the Batman Archives.]

Batman: The Dark Knight Archives 1 (Batman 1-4; w Bill Finger, Gardner Fox and Whitney Ellsworth; a Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson, Sheldon Moldoff and George Roussos).

Batman: The Dark Knight Archives 2 (Batman 5-8; w Bill Finger; a Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson, George Roussos, Fred Ray).

Batman: The Dark Knight Archives 3 (Batman 9-12; w Bill Finger, Joseph Greene, Jack Schiff, Edmond Hamilton, Don Cameron; a Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson, Jack Burnley, Fred Ray, and George Roussos). [From DC Comics: The Dark Knight faces some of his greatest foes in classic tales of the Golden Age—some never-before-reprinted—in BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT ARCHIVES Volume 3. This handsome hardcover volume features some surprising tales of Batman and Robin, including a classic holiday tale from 1942! These hard-to-find stories pit Batman against the Joker, the Penguin and, in her first appearance in a new costume, Catwoman. Rounded out with Batman's first Christmas story.]

Batman: The Dark Knight Archives 4 (Batman 13-16; w Bill Finger, Don Cameron, Jack Schiff; a Bob Kane, George Roussos, Jerry Robinson, Jack Burnley). [From DC Comics: BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT ARCHIVES VOLUME 4 is a 224-page hardcover that collects BATMAN #13-16 (from 1942-1943), written by Batman forefathers Bill Finger, Don Cameron and Jack Schiff with art by Batman creator Bob Kane, George Roussos, Jerry Robinson, Jack Burnley and a cover by Robinson. Plus, comics journalist and historian Bill Schelly contributes an introduction! This fourth volume features the introduction of Bruce Wayne’s faithful butler Alfred, as the Batman and his trusty sidekick Robin once again face off against the Joker, Catwoman, and the Penguin. These tales and others serve as a fascinating insight into the evolution of one of comics’ greatest legends. Villains beware! The Dark Knight is here!]

Batman in World's Finest Archives 1 (World's Fair Comics 1940; World's Best Comics 1; World's Finest Comics 2-16; w Bill Finger, Joe Greene, Jack Schiff; a Bob Kane, Jack Burnley, Ray Burnley, Charles Paris, Fred Ray, Jerry Robinson, George Roussos, Joe Simon, Hal Sherman, Dick Sprang). [From DC Comics: The WORLD’S FINEST title has been best known for its teaming of Batman and Superman together in action. But what many comics fans don’t know is that both heroes appeared in that title in solo adventures for many years before they ever were paired together. Now the first seventeen tales of Batman (and Robin) from WORLD’S FINEST COMICS—most of them unseen for over 60 years with only two ever reprinted since they originally appeared—are collected in the first BATMAN IN WORLD’S FINEST ARCHIVES Volume One! This 240-page hardcover volume features an introduction by famed cartoonist and comics historian R.C. Harvey. With Volume One, a rich vein of seldom-seen comics history is now re-presented for fans both old and new. Showcasing the classic early work of Bill Finger, Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson, Dick Sprang, and others, these stories feature such milestones as the first appearance of longtime Bat-nemesis the Scarecrow and the last appearance of the early, rotund Alfred.]

Batman in World's Finest Archives 2 (World's Finest Comics 17-32; w Bill Finger, Don Cameron, etc; a Bob Kane, Win Mortimer, Jim Mooney, Dick Sprang, Jerry Robinson, Jack Burnley, etc.). [From DC Comics: his volume features 16 adventures of Batman and Robin from WORLD’S FINEST COMICS #17-32 (1941-1948), only one of which has ever been reprinted since it originally appeared! A rich vein of seldom-seen comics history is now re-presented for fans both old and new, showcasing the classic early work of Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson, Dick Sprang, Jack Burnley and others. These are early Batman and Robin stories at their most exciting! Plus, this volume features an introduction by comics historian Bill Schelly.] 4/14/04

Batman: The Dynamic Duo Archives 1 (Detective Comics 327-339; w Gardner Fox, John Broome; a Carmine Infantino & Joe Giella). [From DC Comics: With Batman’s 300th appearance in DETECTIVE COMICS, editor Julie Schwartz decided to give Batman and Robin a “new look.” In 1964, the sales on these characters—believe it or not—were low and in need of a kick-start. But in the hands of Schwartz’s talented team of writers and artists, the Dynamic Duo were revitalized and regained their popularity! By popular demand, DC inaugurates a new Archive series with BATMAN: THE DYNAMIC DUO ARCHIVES Volume One—a 240-page hardcover advance-solicited for arrival in February. Written by Gardner Fox and John Broome, and illustrated by Carmine Infantino & Joe Giella, these celebrated stories have never been collected before! THE DYNAMIC DUO ARCHIVES Volume One gives comics fans the opportunity to watch a new editorial approach grow and mature. This volume reprints DETECTIVE COMICS #327-339—considered to be the first “Silver Age” adventures of Batman & Robin. Some of the pulse-pounding tales you can expect within include “The Joker’s Last Laugh,” “The Man Who Stole From Batman,” “Batman’s Super-Powered Punch,” and “Batman Battles the Living Beast-Bomb!” All this, plus an Elongated Man story!]

Detective Comics

Zatanna's Search (335, 355). [From DC Comics: In this classic tale, the teenage mage seeks help from the heroes of the Justice League of America in rescuing her father — Golden Age great Zatara — from certain doom! This volume also includes a 10-page Zatanna origin story by Gerry Conway and Romeo Tanghal from DC BLUE RIBBON DIGEST #5 (1980).] [For complete contents, see JLA.]

Strange Apparitions (469-479; w. Steve Englehart, Len Wein; a Marshall Rogers et al.). [From DC Comics: Long requested by devoted Batman readers, one of the most memorable eras of the Dark Knight's adventures—the Steve Englehart/Marshall Rogers run in DETECTIVE COMICS—is collected in a single volume, the BATMAN: STRANGE APPARITIONS trade paperback. Featuring an introduction by Englehart and a new cover by Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin, this eagerly anticipated collection also includes work by writer Len Wein (THE DREAMING: TRIAL AND ERROR) and artist Walter Simonson (MANHUNTER: THE SPECIAL EDITION). Reprinting DETECTIVE COMICS #469-479, BATMAN: STRANGE APPARITIONS finds the Dark Knight's relationship with Gotham City's government—presided over by the corrupt "Boss" Rupert Thorne—at an all-time low. With little help from the GCPD, Batman faces an array of incredible foes, including Dr. Phosphorus (in his first appearance), the Joker, Clayface, Professor Hugo Strange (who haunts Thorne after the boss orders his execution) and Deadshot, the deadly marksman whose battle with Batman atop a giant typewriter is one of the best-remembered sequences in either character's history. ]

Batman, Year Two: Fear the Reaper (Detective Comics 575-578; Batman: Full Circle; w Mike W. Barr; a Alan Davis, Todd McFarlane, Mark Farmer, Paul Neary). [From DC Comics: Why doesn’t Batman use a gun in his war on crime? And what happens when he meets Joe Chill — the man who murdered his parents? The Dark Knight’s second year on Gotham’s streets found him still fresh as a crimefighter, forging relationships with Commissioner Gordon and others while facing some of the most difficult decisions of his life. Due to popular demand, the long out-of-print and controversial storyline, “Batman: Year Two,” is collected again — and now includes the follow-up one-shot sequel! BATMAN: YEAR TWO—FEAR THE REAPER is a 176-page trade paperback collecting DETECTIVE COMICS #575-578 written by Mike. W. Barr (who provides a new introduction), and featuring the artwork of Alan Davis & Paul Neary and Todd McFarlane & Alfredo Alcala. This new edition also collects BATMAN: FULL CIRCLE, by Barr, Davis and inker Mark Farmer. In “Year Two,” Batman ends up in violent conflict with Gotham City’s first vigilante, the scythe-wielding Reaper—now a brutal killer. Batman has no choice but to make a desperate alliance with Joe Chill to bring the Reaper down! Then in FULL CIRCLE, the Reaper is back—spreading his menace and madness throughout Gotham! Batman must confront the secrets of his parents’ murders once again—at the risk of his own sanity…]

Anarky (608-609). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Robin: Tragedy & Triumph (618-621, Robin II: Joker's Wild mini 1-4; w Alan Grant; a Norm Breyfogle, Steve Mitchell, Dick Giordano).

Knightfall 1: Broken Bat (659-663). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Knightfall 2: Who Rules the Night (664-666). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Knightfall 3: Knightsend (676-677). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Prodigal (679-681). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Contagion (695-696). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Legacy (700-702). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Cataclysm (719-721). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

No Mans Land 1 (730-731). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

No Mans Land 2 (732-733). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

No Mans Land 3 (734-735). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

No Mans Land 4 (736, 738-739). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

No Mans Land 5 (740-741). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Evolution (743-750; w Greg Rucka; a Shawn Martinbrough & Steve Mitchell et al.). [From DC Comics: Picking up where BATMAN: NO MAN'S LAND VOLUME 5 left off, this trade paperback begins the rebirth of Gotham City. Once again sanctioned by the government, Gotham finds itself on the brink of a civil war between the OG's, those that stayed in Gotham when it was declared off limits, and the DeeZee's, those that left and have now returned. As Batman, Nightwing, Robin, and Batgirl try to prevent a war on the streets from breaking out, the Dark Knight's greatest nemesis, Ra's al Ghul, enacts a deadly plot that will first consume the city and then the world.]

Officer Down (754). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Bruce Wayne: Murderer? (766-767; w Greg Rucka; a Scott McDaniel, Steve Leiber). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Bruce Wayne: Fugitive 2 (768-772; w Greg Rucka; a Steve Leiber, Sergio Cariello). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Bruce Wayne: Fugitive 3 (773-775). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Batman

Batman, Year One (404-407; w Frank Miller; a David Mazzucchelli). [From DC Comics: A young Bruce Wayne has spent his adolescence and early adulthood, traveling the world so he could hone his body and mind into the perfect fighting and investigative machine. But now as he returns to Gotham City, he must find a way to focus his passion and bring justice to his city. Retracing Batman's first attempts to fight injustice as a costumed vigilante, we watch as he chooses a guise of a giant bat, creates an early bond with a young Lieutenant James Gordon, inadvertently plays a role in the birth of Catwoman, and helps to bring down a corrupt political system that infests Gotham.]

Ten Nights of the Beast (417-420; w Jim Starlin; a Jim Aparo).

A Death in the Family (426-429; w Jim Starlin; a Jim Aparo). [From DC Comics: Batman readers were allowed to vote on the outcome of the story and they decided that Robin should die! As the second person to assume the role of Batman's sidekick, Jason Todd had a completely different personality then the original Robin. Rash and prone to ignoring Batman's instructions, Jason was always quick to act without regard to consequences. In this fatal instance, Robin ignores his mentor's warnings when he attempts to take on the Joker by himself and pays the ultimate price. Driven by anger with Superman by his side, Batman seeks his vengeance as he looks to end the Joker's threat forever. ]

Many Deaths of the Batman (433-435; w John Byrne; a Jim Aparo).

A Lonely Place of Dying (440-442; New Titans 60-61). [From DC Comics: This edition reprints the entire 5-part saga which introduced Tim Drake, the new Robin, from Batman #440-442 and New Titans #60-61. ]

A Hero Reborn (455-457, Robin mini 1-5; w Alan Grant; a Norm Breyfogle, Steve Mitchell). [From DC Comics: After being deemed worthy by Batman to become the new Robin, Tim Drake sets off for France to study specialized fighting techniques under an ancient master. But before long, Robin's training is sidetracked when he finds himself working together with a maverick DEA agent and a deadly female assassin in order to stop the modern day release of the Bubonic plague. Learning street fighting and martial arts from his new companions, Robin endures a baptism of fire as he discovers the danger of living a life based on anger and revenge.]

Knightfall 1: Broken Bat (491-497). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Knightfall 2: Who Rules the Night (498-500). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Knightfall 3: Knightsend (509-510). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Prodigal (512-514). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Contagion (529). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Legacy (533-534). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Cataclysm (553-554). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

No Mans Land 1 (563-564). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

No Mans Land 2 (565). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

No Mans Land 3 (566-569). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

No Mans Land 4 (571-572). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

No Mans Land 5 (573-574). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Officer Down (587). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Bruce Wayne: Murderer? (599-600). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Bruce Wayne: Fugitive 1 (601, 603). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Bruce Wayne: Fugitive 2 (605). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Bruce Wayne: Fugitive 3 (606-607). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies below.]

Hush 1 (608-613; w Jeph Loeb; a Jim Lee). [From DC Comics: The most-talked about story of the year, collected in one volume! Reprinting BATMAN #608-612, this hardcover features the first arc of Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee & Scott Williams' acclaimed "Hush," including guest appearances by Superman, Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Killer Croc, Huntress, and more! Plus, four brand-new pages and two pages previously seen exclusively at www.dccomics.com!]

Hush 2 (613-619; w Jeph Loeb; a Jim Lee & Scott Williams).[From DC Comics: The 12-part “Hush” storyline – masterly crafted by comics heavyweights Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee & Scott Williams — topped sales charts for an entire year, thrilling readers and critics alike. Now, advance-solicited to be in stores December 3, the second half of that legendary story arc — BATMAN #613-619 — is collected in BATMAN: HUSH Volume 2, a handsome 192-page hardcover. This volume contains the stunning conclusion to “Hush,” featuring the Dark Knight’s shocking showdown with the Joker, the debut of a brand-new Batmobile, a catfight among Catwoman, Talia and Lady Shiva, and, perhaps, most surprising of all, the true identity of the enigmatic Hush! Plus, this collection includes the 6-page story previously available only in Wizard #0. This hardcover belongs in every comic-book reader’s collection!]

Legends of the Dark Knight

Shaman (1-5; w Denny O'Neil; a Ed Hannigan & John Beatty). [From DC Comics: The corpses begin to mount amidst rumours of human sacrifce and strange primitive rituals. Using his detective skills, the Dark Knight begins trailing the madman who has been terrorising Gotham City. The trail leads to Wayne Manor and a maniacal cult, with Alfred's life hanging in the balance.]

Gothic (6-10; w Grant Morrison; a Klaus Janson). [From DC Comics: Now back in print: the popular trade paperback reprinting BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #6-10, written by JLA's Grant Morrison with striking art by Klaus Janson (BATMAN: BLACK AND WHITE). When a series of murders plagues Gotham, Batman discovers that the likely culprit—a mysterious figure named Mr. Whisper—may have a connection to a previously undisclosed chapter in Bruce Wayne's childhood.]

Venom (16-20; w Denny O'Neil; a Trevor von Eedon, Russell Braun, José Luis García-López, Steve Oliff). [From DC Comics: After failing to save a girl from drowning, Batman decides to augment his abilities with a devastating drug called Venom.]

Faces (28-30; w & a Matt Wagner). [From DC Comics:Two-Face's mad scheme involving a small Caribbean Island, murdered plastic surgeons, and an army of the deformed is written and illustrated by Matt Wagner, who also supplies this collection's painted cover! ]

Other Realms (35-36,76-78). [From DC Comics: Two very unusual tales of the Dark Knight take Batman to lands far from his native Gotham in this trade paperback collection. In "Destiny," co-written by Mark Kneece with artist Bo Hampton (reprinted from BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #35-36), Batman travels to Norway when he discovers a connection between himself, an armor-wearing vigilante, and a piece of ancient folklore involving the Viking Prince. In "The Sleeping," written and illustrated by Scott Hampton (reprinted from BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT#76-78), an adventure for survival takes place in the mind of a comatose Bruce Wayne, as the Dark Knight must escape from a metaphysical "land of sleep" before he perishes.]

Dark Legends (39-40, 50, 52-54).

The Arrow, the Ring and the Bat (Legends of the DC Universe 7-9, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight 127-131; w Denny O'Neil; a Greg Land, Sergio Cariello, Dick Giordano). [From DC Comics: Green Arrow provides the focal point for two stories set early in the careers of Batman, Green Lantern and Green Arrow, each written by comics master Dennis O'Neil! BATMAN: THE ARROW, THE RING, AND THE BAT is a 192-page trade paperback collects LEGENDS OF THE DC UNIVERSE #7-9, featuring art by Greg Land & Dick Giordano, and BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #127-131, with art by Sergio Cariello. This collection features a new painted cover by Jon Foster and an introduction by O'Neil. In the first story, Green Lantern Hal Jordan and Green Arrow meet for the first time as they get caught up in an Asian country's attempts to gain unlawful weapons of mass destruction. In the second story, the thwarted leader seeks revenge and sends an assassin after Arrow, leading them both to Gotham City and its Dark Knight protector!]

Batman Adventures

The Batman Adventures (The Batman Adventures 1-6; w Kelley Puckett, Martin Pasko; a Rick Burchett, Ty Templeton, Brad Rader). [From DC Comics: Based on the critically acclaimed BATMAN animated series, this book is Illustrated in an animated style that reflects the design and mood of the TV series. The Joker enlists the help of the Penguin and Catwoman to bring his dastardly plot to air a televised unmasking of the Batman about. Also includes two more complete storylines-one in which Batman foils the Scarecrow's nefarious doings, and another in which Bruce Wayne is embroiled in a murder plot.]

The Dark Knight Adventures (The Batman Adventures 7-12). [From DC Comics: Utilizing a straightforward writing style and clean artistic design, this trade paperback presents Batman in battle with some of his most classic yet dangerous foes. Based on the highly popular animated Batman series, these tales provide gainful insight to the characters that make up the Dark Knight's rogues gallery. As Batman and Batgirl go up against Harley Quinn, the Riddler, Poison Ivy, Clayface, and Killer Croc, fascinating background information about these characters is revealed creating a greater understanding of their life choices and motivations.]

Mad Love (OGN; w Paul Dini; a Bruce Timm).

The Lost Years (OGN; w Hilary J. Bader; a Bo Hampton, Terry Beatty).

Dangerous Dames & Demons (The Batman Adventures Annual 1-2, Batman Adventures: Mad Love, Adventures in the DC Universe 3; w Paul Dini; a Bruce Timm). [From DC Comics: Paul Dini and Bruce Timm were two of the primal forces that rewrote the rules for television animation with their work on The Batman Adventures. Inspired as they were by the comics they read as kids, it seems only fitting that they would bring their talents to the printed page as well as the TV screen. Their first comics collaboration, Batman: Mad Love, garnered tremendous critical acclaim and won the 1994 Eisner and Harvey Awards for Best Single Issue, as well as the Thunderbolt Award for Best Graphic Novel. The following year their story "Laughter After Midnight" was a 1995 Eisner nominee for Best Short Story. Now all of the best of Dini and Timm's collaborations in the world of the Dark Knight - many of them long out-of-print - are collected here for the first time, presenting readers with the fruits of a truly inspired partnership.]

Gotham Central

Gotham Central (1-5; w Greg Rucka, Ed Brubaker; a Michael Lark). [From DC Comics: Living in the shadow of the Bat has given the detectives of Gotham’s police force the determination to prove they have what it takes to enforce the law in a city rife with criminals — with or without Batman’s help. Their stories are told in BATMAN: GOTHAM CENTRAL, a 128-page trade paperback collecting the first five issues of the critically acclaimed series by fan-favorite writers Greg Rucka & Ed Brubaker with moody, evocative art and a cover by Michael Lark. Plus, this volume features sketchbook material by Lark and an introduction by Mystery Grandmaster Lawrence Block. When Mister Freeze takes down one of their own, the cops of the G.C.P.D. make it their business to bring him in. It’s a race against time to stop the super-powered villain and solve the crime before the Caped Crusader intervenes and a young girl’s murderer gets away!] 4/28/04

Crossovers and Anthologies

[There are too many writers and artists for most of these series to justify listing them.]

The Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told (Batman 1, 25, 47, 61, 156, 234, 250, 312; Detective Comics 31, 32, 211, 235, 345, 404, 429, 437, 442, 457, 474, 482, 500; Worlds Finest Comics 94; The Brave and the Bold 197; Star Spangled Comics 124; DC Special Series 15). [From DC Comics: This softcover reprints some of the best Batman stories ever! Includes stories by Bob Kane, Sheldon Moldoff, Carmine Infantino, Neal Adams, Alex Toth, Marshall Rogers, Walt Simonson, and Dick Giordano.]

Featuring Two-Face and the Riddler (Detective Comics 66, 68, 140, 377; Batman 179; Batman Annual 14; Secret Origins Special 1).

Batman: Illustrated by Neal Adams, Volume 1 (Batman 200*, 203*, 210*; Brave and the Bold 75-76*, 79-85; Detective Comics 370*, 372*, 385*, 389*, 391-392*; World's Finest 174*, 175-176, 178-180*, 182-183*, 185-186* [*=cover only]). [From DC Comics: Over the years, many artists have contributed to the look of one of the most iconic characters in popular culture: Batman. The most influential and popular may be Neal Adams, who in the late 1960s put the Dark Knight back in the shadows and updated his image for a new generation of fans. Now, for the first time, all of Neal Adams’s Batman work—covers and stories—is being chronologically collected in three volumes, the first of which debuts in September! Batman: Illustrated by Neal Adams Volume 1 is an extraordinary 240-page hardcover featuring Adams’s contributions from 1967 through 1969, showing the process of introduction, adaptation, and innovation that the young artist brought to this legendary crime-fighter. Along the way, Adams also illustrates many other DC heroes, including Superman, The Flash, Aquaman, and The Teen Titans, as well as his signature character, Deadman .When Adams burst onto the scene in the 1960s, his sense of design, color and realism not only helped influence a generation of artists and excited fans, and also inspired many writers to new heights of creativity—including Bob Haney and other writers showcased in Volume 1. Adams provides a new cover and introduction, and has gone back to tweak some of his early art and re-color five of the eight stories presented here.]

The Last Arkham (Shadow of the Bat 1-4; w Alan Grant; a Norm Breyfogle).

Four of a Kind (Batman: Shadow of the Bat Annual 3; Detective Comics Annual 8; Batman Annual 19; Legends of the Dark Knight Annual 5).

Anarky (Detective 608-609; Batman Chronicles 1; Shadow of the Bat 40-41; Anarky 1-4). [From DC Comics: A compelling trade paperback traces Anarky's development from fascinating villain to even more fascinating hero! This collection includes appearances by Batman, Darkseid and the Demon, and features an introduction by writer Alan Grant and an introduction and new cover by artist Norm Breyfogle. ]

Knightfall 1: Broken Bat (Batman 491-497; Detective Comics 659-663). [From DC Comics: In the first installment of this classic storyline that leads to the birth of a new Batman, the Dark Knight's greatest enemies have all simultaneously escaped from Arkham Asylum and are preying on Gotham City. With his city under siege, Batman pushes his body to its physical breaking point as he takes on the Joker, the Mad Hatter, Poison Ivy, Killer Croc, the Riddler and the Scarecrow, one after another. But things get much worse, when Bane, the mad behind all of this madness, confronts an exhausted Batman and cripples him by breaking his back.]

Knightfall 2: Who Rules the Night (Batman 498-500; Detective Comics 664-666; Batman: Shadow of the Bat 16-18). [From DC Comics: Mentally defeated and physically broken, Bruce Wayne turns to Azrael to assume the identity of Batman during his absence. Accepting his new mission, Jean Paul begins to lose his grip on his sanity as he metes out justice with devastating levels of aggression and violence. Witnessing this dangerous behavior firsthand, Nightwing and Robin try to come to grips with Bruce's highly controversial decision. This collection not only features the first appearance of the new Batman costume but also a titanic battle between Bane, the man who broke the original Batman's back and the new Batman.]

Knightfall 3: Knightsend (Batman 509-510; Batman: Shadow of the Bat 29-30; Detective Comics 676-677; Legends of the Dark Knight 62-63). [From DC Comics: 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.]

Prodigal (Batman: Shadow of the Bat 32-34; Detective Comics 679-681; Batman 512-514; Robin 11-13). [From DC Comics: Bruce Wayne is Batman no more, and only one man can take up the mantle of the Bat - Dick Grayson, Batman's first partner. Once he was Robin, the Boy Wonder, then the vigilante Nightwing. Now Bruce has asked his "prodigal son" to take up the identity of Batman, perhaps forever.]

Contagion (Azrael 15-16; Batman 529; Batman: Shadow of the Bat 48-49; Batman Chronicles 4; Catwoman 31-32; Detective Comics 695-696; and Robin 27-28). [From DC Comics: Plague in the streets! A city in the throes of chaos! Gotham’s wealthiest citizens locked in a luxury ghetto, willing to pay any price for a cure. A band of heroes desperate for a solution... This is the world the Dark Knight must face in BATMAN: CONTAGION, a new printing of the 264-page trade paperback collecting the shocking storyline that led the way to BATMAN: CATACLYSM and ultimately BATMAN: NO MAN'S LAND. CONTAGION features the talents of writers Chuck Dixon, Alan Grant, Dennis O’Neil, Doug Moench, and Christopher Priest, with artists Barry Kitson, Mike Wieringo, Matt Haley, Jim Balent, Tommy Lee Edwards, Kelley Jones, Graham Nolan, Vince Giarrano, Dick Giordano, Frank Fosco, and others, and features a new cover by Rodolfo Damaggio and Bill Sienkiewicz. This volume reprints AZRAEL #15-16, BATMAN #529, BATMAN: SHADOW OF THE BAT #48-49, BATMAN CHRONICLES #4, CATWOMAN #31-32, DETECTIVE COMICS #695-696, and ROBIN #27-28. A mysterious and lethal virus is unleashed on the unknowing inhabitants of Gotham City, causing excruciating pain—and ultimately, death—within 48 hours of contact. Batman, Robin and Nightwing must race to contain the chaos while finding a cure—with the help of unlikely allies Azrael, Huntress, Catwoman and Poison Ivy. But can the Dark Knight and his crew stop an invisible enemy? And what happens when one of them is infected?]

Legacy (Detective Comics 700-702; Batman 533-534; Shadow of the Bat 53-54; Robin 32-33; Catwoman 36).

Cataclysm (Batman 553-554; Detective Comics 719-721; Shadow of the Bat 73-74; Nightwing 19-20; Catwoman 56; Robin 53; Batman Chronicles 12; Blackgate: Isle of Men 1; Huntress/Spoiler: Blunt Trauma 1). [From DC Comics: An unexpected natural disaster strikes Gotham City and it's up to Batman and his allies to save the day - but can even the Dark Knight fight the forces of nature herself unleashed? This is the event that started Gotham City on the road to No Man's Land, the beginning of it's downward spiral into utter chaos, representing Gotham as a true concrete jungle and Batman as the driving force of rationality and justice in a world gone mad.]

No Mans Land 1 (Batman 563-564; Shadow of the Bat 83-84; Detective Comics 730-731; Legends of the Dark Knight 116). [From DC Comics: After suffering a cataclysmic earthquake, the U.S. government has deemed Gotham City as uninhabitable and ordered all citizens to leave. It is now months later and those that have refused to vacate "No Man's Land" live amidst a citywide turf war in which the strongest prey on the weak. As gangs terrorize the ravaged populace, the Scarecrow uses a church relief project as a real life lab to test his experiments in fear. But with the return of the vigilante, Batman, and the appearance of an enigmatic new Batgirl, justice returns to Gotham.]

No Mans Land 2 (Legends of the Dark Knight 117,119; Shadow of the Bat 85-87; Batman 565; Detective Comics 732-733). [From DC Comics: In the second installment of the NO MAN'S LAND storyline, Batman and his allies continue their fight to save Gotham during its darkest hour. Taking on a new costume and persona as Batgirl, the Huntress joins forces with Barbara Gordon, the former Batgirl, while Nightwing, the former Robin, tries to help the city's remaining citizens in any way he can. But as Batman begins to realize that he is fighting a fight he can't win, he collapses into a state of despair from which he may never recover.]

No Mans Land 3 (Batman 566-569; Legends of the Dark Knight 120-121; Shadow of the Bat 88; Detective Comics 734-735). [From DC Comics: Batman, Robin, Nightwing, Commissioner Gordon, and the Huntress (back to her former guise), continue their war against the gangs and super villains who want to take control of the quake-ravaged Gotham. As Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, and Clayface each make their individual plays for power, Superman visits No Man's Land for the first time and the newest Batgirl makes her first appearance ever.]

No Mans Land 4 (Batman 571-572; Batman Chronicles 18; Legends of the Dark Knight 125; Shadow of the Bat 92-93; Detective Comics 736,738-739). [From DC Comics: In the fourth installment of the No Man's Land saga, Batman and his allies continue their quest to bring justice back to Gotham. But as Batman, Nightwing and Batgirl try to defeat the warring gangs of the city and reclaim Gotham, Bane, the man who once broke Batman's back, returns with his own self-serving agenda. Now, battle weary and physically depleted, the Dark Knight must find the inner strength and mental toughness to face the one man to ever defeat him.]

No Mans Land 5 (Batman 573-574; Legends of the Dark Knight 126; Batman Shadow of the Bat 91; Detective Comics 740-741). [From DC Comics: In the fifth and final installment of the NO MAN'S LAND saga, Batman begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel as the United States government step in to restore Gotham City. But after months of physically fighting for his city, the Dark Knight might see all of his work go in vain as Lex Luthor plots to own Gotham. While working against this "hostile takeover" as Bruce Wayne, Batman learns that his greatest foe, the Joker, has returned. Now, at his physical and mental breaking point, Batman must simultaneously fights battles on two different fronts.]

Officer Down (Batman 587, Robin 86, Birds of Prey 27, Catwoman 90, Nightwing 53, Detective Comics 754, Batman: Gotham Knights 13). [From DC Comics: Batman must solve a mystery of an extremly personal nature: Who shot Commissioner James Gordon three times in the back? As one of his dearest friends lies close to death, the Dark Knight begins his investigation with the only eyewitness, Catwoman. As Batman delves deeper into the mystery, he quickly learns that this is more than a simple whodunit. Enlisting the aide of Robin, Batgirl, Nightwing, Azarel, and Oracle, Batman discovers the true and shocking identity of the assailant and now must live up to his oath to bring him to justice. ]

Bruce Wayne: Murderer? (Detective Comics 766-767; Batgirl 24; Batman: Gotham Knights 25-26; Batman 599-600; parts of Nightwing 65-66, Birds of Prey 39-40, Robin 98-99). [From DC Comics: Every man has a breaking point. Bruce Wayne’s has just reached his. When Wayne is discovered with the murdered Vesper Fairchild in his arms, a chain of events begins that results in a monumental shakeup for the Batman mythos. BATMAN: BRUCE WAYNE—MURDERER? is a massive 264-page trade paperback collecting the most talked-about storyline of the year! Arrested and imprisoned for murder, alienated from all whom he has ever called ally, Wayne stands poised to lose his identity to the spectre of his Dark Knight counterpart: Batman! MURDERER?, which is retro-solicited for arrival in July, features a riveting story and dramatic art by some of DC Comics’ top talents! Writers Ed Brubaker, Chuck Dixon, Greg Rucka, Devin Grayson, and Kelley Puckett join artists Rick Burchett, Rick Leonardi, Steve Lieber, Trevor McCarthy, Scott McDaniel, Roger Robinson, Damion Scott, Pete Woods, and others. Topping the volume is the eye-catching cover by Dave Johnson that was also the cover of the record-breaking BATMAN: THE 10-CENT ADVENTURE. A reprint of that shocking issue starts off the volume, with the entirety of these chapters of the groundbreaking storyline also included: DETECTIVE COMICS #766-767, BATGIRL #24, BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #25-26, and BATMAN #599-600. Plus, relevant portions of NIGHTWING #65-66, BIRDS OF PREY #39-40 and ROBIN #98-99 are contained within. What happens when the line between Bruce Wayne and Batman is shattered? You’re about to find out—and you won’t believe what it means for the future of Batman!]

Bruce Wayne: Fugitive 1 (Batman 601, 603; Batman: Gotham Knights 27-28; Batgirl 27, 29; Birds of Prey 41, 43; Nightwing 68- 69). [From DC Comics: Bruce Wayne is missing. Indicted for the killing of Vesper Fairchild (shown in the BATMAN: BRUCE WAYNE—MURDERER TP), Bruce is sent to Blackgate Prison…only to escape, launching a citywide manhunt. Now one of the most electrifying storylines of the year continues in BATMAN: BRUCE WAYNE—FUGITIVE Volume One, a 160-page trade paperback collecting all the relevant elements from the first half of the groundbreaking “Fugitive” event. Featuring the writing talents of Chuck Dixon, Ed Brubaker, Devin Grayson, and Kelley Puckett, Volume One’s impressive lineup of artists includes Scott McDaniel (who provides a new cover), Roger Robinson, Rick Leonardi, Damion Scott, Trevor McCarthy, Phil Noto, William Rosado, Dave Ross, Sean Philips, and more! Reprinted in their entirety are the following issues: BATMAN #601 & 603, BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #27-28, BATGIRL #27 & 29, BIRDS OF PREY #41 & 43, and NIGHTWING #68- 69. Batman now has gone to ground—renouncing his true identity and operating deeper in the shadows than ever before. It falls to his extended family—Nightwing, Robin, Oracle, Batgirl, Spoiler, and Alfred—to figure out who really did commit the murder. While the clues point to a possible setup, no one can deny that those same clues might point to Batman’s actual guilt.]

Bruce Wayne: Fugitive 2 (Detective Comics 768-772; Batman: Gotham Knights 31; Batman 605). [From DC Comics: The conclusion to one of the most talked about Batman events of all time! Batman's allies decide he's been framed for the murder of Vesper Fairchild. Now the Dark Knight must find out who did it—and why!]

Bruce Wayne: Fugitive 3 (Detective Comics 773-775, Batman 606-607, Batgirl 33). [From DC Comics: Bruce Wayne has been cleared of killing Vesper Fairchild and David Cain has been taken into custody, but the story doesn't end there! Sasha Bordeaux, Wayne's bodyguard, is incarcerated in a maximun security prison. Can she survive in a hellhole populated by some of America’s most dangerous women? And Deadshot returns to Gotham, with Cain as his target! Don’t miss the stirring conclusion to the best-selling “Bruce Wayne—Fugitive” storyline!]

Minis

Arkham Asylum: Living Hell (6-issue mini; w Eric Powell; a Ryan Sook). [From DC Comics: Arkham Asylum. The very mention of the name sends chills down the spine of every rational person in Gotham. Delve inside the walls of this terrible place in ARKHAM ASYLUM: LIVING HELL, a 144-page trade paperback collecting the edgy 6-issue miniseries written by Dan Slott (BATMAN ADVENTURES, Ren & Stimpy) with art by Ryan Sook (THE SPECTRE, SUPERMAN: MAN OF TOMORROW) and a stunning painted cover by Eric Powell (The Goon). Reminiscent of the HBO series Oz, ARKHAM ASYLUM: LIVING HELL is a creepy prison drama that introduces readers to the dark underbelly of Gotham’s notorious “House of Madness.” Warren White, one of Gotham's most successful financiers, thought he could beat his jail rap by pleading insanity. Now he's finding out why you don't cop an insanity plea in Gotham! ARKHAM ASYLUM: LIVING HELL includes appearances by many favorites, including Batman, The Joker, Two-Face and The Riddler, as well as a host of new residents of the Gotham crazyhouse, including Humpty Dumpty, Death Rattle, and the Junkyard Dog!] 2/18/04

Batman Black & White 1 (4-issue mini; many writers and artists). [From DC Comics: The first 16 tales originally presented as backups in BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS are reprinted in BATMAN: BLACK AND WHITE Volume 2, a 176-page oversized softcover. This volume also includes five 8-page stories created just for the original hardcover! Printed on high-quality paper and topped with a cover by Mike Mignola (Hellboy), this handsome book is a must-have for the collections of every Batman fan and aficionado of comics fine art! This talented roster behind the GOTHAM KNIGHTS back-ups must be seen to be believed: Warren Ellis and Jim Lee; John Byrne: Paul Pope; John Arcudi and Tony Salmons; Paul Levitz and Paul Rivoche: Walter Simonson and John Paul Leon; Arcudi and John Buscema; Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso; Howard Chaykin and Jordi Bernet; Alan Brennert and José Luis García-López; Robert Kanigher and Kyle Baker; Dave Gibbons; Harlan Ellison and Gene Ha; Dini and Ronnie Del Carmen; Tom Peyer, Gene Colan and Tom Palmer; and Alan Grant and Enrique Breccia! Plus: Look for stories created for this collection by Paul Dini and Alex Ross; Chris Claremont; Steve Rude and Mark Buckingham; Steven T. Seagle and Daniel Torres; Kelley Puckett and Tim Sale; and Ty Templeton and Marie Severin!]

Batman Black & White 2 (back-up stories from Gotham Knights 1-16; many writers and artists). [From DC Comics: After the success of the first BATMAN: BLACK AND WHITE anthology series (and subsequent collection), the noir-flavored short stories featuring the Dark Knight—written and drawn by a stellar lineup—have continued as a popular backup feature in the monthly BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS. Now the first sixteen of those tales are reprinted in BATMAN: BLACK AND WHITE Volume 2—a 176-page oversized (7 1/2” x 11 5/8”) hardcover that also includes five new, never-before-published 8-page stories created just for this volume! (Note: these new tales will eventually be seen as backups in BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS). Printed on high-quality paper and topped with a stunning cover by Mike Mignola (Hellboy), this handsome book is a must-have for the collections of every Batman fan and aficionado of comics fine art! And wait until you hear who’s supplying the new stories! First up, multiple award-winning creators Paul Dini and Alex Ross—who have collaborated on such highly successful Specials as SUPERMAN: PEACE ON EARTH and BATMAN: WAR ON CRIME—reunite on “Case Study,” a story that features Ross’s rare black-and-white painted work. Then, popular writer Chris Claremont (Extreme X-Men, GEN13) teams with Steve Rude (Nexus, X-Men: Children of the Atom) & Mark Buckingham (Peter Parker: Spider-Man, FABLES) for “A Matter of Trust.” Writer Steven T. Seagle (THE CRUSADES) supplies the story of “Fortunes,” featuring art by internationally acclaimed illustrator Daniel Torres (Heavy Metal). BATGIRL’s Kelley Puckett writes “Night After Night” for Eisner Award-winning artist Tim Sale (BATMAN: DARK VICTORY, Spider-Man: Blue). And the irrepressible Ty Templeton (BIGG TIME) teams up with the legendary Marie Severin for “Bats, Man!” But that’s not all! The talented roster behind the reprinted tales from BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #1-16 must be seen to be believed: Warren Ellis & Jim Lee, John Byrne, Paul Pope, John Arcudi & Tony Salmons, Paul Levitz & Paul Rivoche, Walter Simonson & John Paul Leon, Arcudi & John Buscema, Brian Azzarello & Eduardo Risso, Howard Chaykin & Jordi Bernet, Alan Brennert & José Luis García-López, Robert Kanigher & Kyle Baker, Dave Gibbons, Harlan Ellison & Gene Ha, Dini & Ronnie Del Carmen, Tom Peyer & Gene Colan & Tom Palmer, and Alan Grant & Enrique Breccia!]

Batman, Year One (Batman 404-407; see above).

Batman, Year Two: Fear the Reaper (Detective Comics 575-578; Batman: Full Circle; see above).

The Complete Frank Miller Batman (Longmeadow Press; deluxe hardcover collecting The Dark Knight Returns mini, Batman: Year One mini, and Wanted: Santa Claus Dead or Alive one-shot; w Frank Miller, Denny O'Neil; a Frank Miller, David Mazzucchelli, Klaus Jansen).

The Cult (4-issue mini; w Jim Starlin; a Bernie Wrightson). [From DC Comics: For years the Dark Knight has weeded out Gotham City’s evil. He’s never been corrupted or broken…until now. BATMAN: THE CULT collects the controversial classic by Jim Starlin and master horror artist Bernie Wrightson. THE CULT finds Batman pitted against charismatic Deacon Blackfire, a mystic figure with roots as old as Gotham itself. Blackfire has created an army among the city's disaffected and homeless…but what is his hidden agenda? As Batman's will and psyche are broken down, the Dark Knight is left vulnerable to Blackfire's influence. Torn by confusion and fear, Batman must end Blackfire’s quest for martyrdom!]

The Dark Knight Returns (4-issue mini; w & a Frank Miller; i Klaus Jansen). [From DC Comics: Over five years since it was last published in hardcover form, one of the most groundbreaking comic-book tales ever created returns in a new hardcover edition, also featuring a dust jacket designed by Chip Kidd! Writer/artist Frank Miller’s classic tale BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS—NEW EDITION is a 224-page saga of a dark world and even darker knight. Joined by inker Klaus Janson and frequent colorist collaborator Lynn Varley, Miller reinvented the Batman story with this masterful tale taking place ten years after the Dark Knight retired from crimefighting. But crime itself has not gone away, and the man who was Batman is unable to exorcise the bitter memories of his parents’ murders—making the long suppressed voice of his vigilante side aching to break through once more. The Dark Knight returns in a blaze of glory, fighting a new generation of crime in Gotham City. And he is not alone—soon he is joined by teenager Carrie Kelly who becomes an all-new Robin to complete the Dynamic Duo. But can they handle the likes of Two-Face and the Joker, when time has only made them crazier and deadlier than ever? And what of a certain Man of Steel, who disapproves of his former crimefighting friend’s methods? THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS has been hailed as a comics masterpiece and is one of the most influential stories ever told in this medium. If you’ve never read this seminal work, then here’s your chance to experience it in a handsome new hardcover volume.]

The Dark Knight Strikes Again (3-issue mini; w & a Frank Miller). [From DC Comics: The eagerly anticipated sequel to BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS is gathered together for the first time with THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN—a 256-page hardcover written and illustrated by Frank Miller with magnificent colors by Lynn Varley. This incredible volume, designed by multiple award-winner Chip Kidd, features an introduction by Miller commenting on returning to the world he created fifteen years ago. The book includes the complete 3-part story, plus sketches, color samples and other never-before-seen material. It’s been three years since the events of THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, and everything is just fine—at least on the surface. What the world at large doesn’t know is that it’s a total sham. A perfectly choreographed, pretty little world where everything that’s ugly, or even potentially disturbing, is all nicely wrapped up with neat little ribbons and swept under the carpet. Only he knows better. He’s watched it fester to near-breaking point, and it’s time for the only free man left who can effect any real change to bring it all down around their ears once and for all. The Dark Knight returns once again with a vitality unseen since the first years of his war on crime. Together with his army of Bat-soldiers, including Carrie Kelly—formerly Robin, and now the new Catgirl—the Dark Knight wages a new war on a diseased world that’s become completely lost. THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN features appearances by such DC icons as Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, Martian Manhunter, the Atom, the Question, and more. But are they still the World’s Greatest Heroes?]

Dark Victory (Batman: Dark Victory 0-13; w Jeph Loeb; a Tim Sale). [From DC Comics: In BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN, writer Jeph Loeb and artist Tim Sale (SUPERMAN FOR ALL SEASONS, Spider-Man: Blue) took a haunting look at the early days of Batman's career, revealing a Gotham caught between mobsters and freakish criminals...a Gotham whose defenders—James Gordon, Harvey Dent and the vigilante called Batman—were changed forever by the year-long hunt for the serial killer known as Holiday. Loeb and Sale then returned to the Dark Knight's early days in a staggering follow-up to THE LONG HALLOWEEN with BATMAN: DARK VICTORY—an epic sequel now collected as a massive 392-page trade paperback. DARK VICTORY contains all thirteen issues of the maxiseries, plus the #0 issue from Wizard: The Comics Magazine, and a cover by Sale! DARK VICTORY showcases some of the Dark Knight's deadliest foes, including Poison Ivy, Mr. Freeze and the Joker, and introduces Batman's most trusted ally, Robin. As Gotham completes its journey from a city run by organized crime to one run by lawless freaks, the Dark Knight completes his transformation into the city's greatest defender while facing multiple threats, including the seeming return of Holiday. But, as readers of THE LONG HALLOWEEN remember, more than one person was responsible for Holiday's murders, so the question remains: Who is committing Holiday's crimes this time? And how many will die before Batman learns the truth?]

Gotham Adventures (Batman: Gotham Adventures 1-6) [From DC Comics: ]

Haunted Gotham (Batman: Haunted Gotham 1-4). [From DC Comics: ]

Haunted Knight (Legends of the Dark Knight Halloween Special 1; Batman Madness; Batman - Ghosts; w Jeph Loeb; a Tim Sale). [From DC Comics: This graphic novel includes three dark tales of horror and intrigue featuring Batman facing off against his most demented and wicked foes. Taking place on the most evil of holidays, Halloween, the Darknight Detective confronts his deepest fears as he tries to stop the madness and horror created by Scarecrow, the Mad Hatter, the Penguin, Poison Ivy and the Joker.]

The Long Halloween (Batman: The Long Halloween 1-13; w Jeph Loeb; a Tim Sale). [From DC Comics: Taking place during Batman's early days of crime fighting, this trade paperback tells the story of a mysterious killer who murders his prey only on holidays. Working with District Attorney Harvey Dent and Lieutenant James Gordon, Batman races against the calendar as he tries to discover who Holiday is before he claims his next victim each month. A mystery that has the reader continually guessing the identity of the killer, this story also ties into the events that transform Harvey Dent into Batman's deadly enemy, Two-Face.]

Sword of Azrael (4-issue mini; w Dennis O'Neil; a Joe Quesada & Kevin Nowlan). [From DC Comics: Rising from the ashes of an ancient order of avenging knights, Azrael encounter Batman on the trail of a demonic crimelord.]

Thrillkiller (Elseworlds; 3-issue mini + Thrillkiller '62; w Howard Chaykin; a Dan Brereton). [From DC Comics: A stunning, fully-painted trade paperback collects the popular THRILLKILLER miniseries and its sell-out sequel THRILLKILLER '62! THRILLKILLER takes place in a world of beatniks and bohemians, where a pair of thrill-crazed costumed youths—Batgirl and Robin—are making waves in 1960s Gotham City, until brutal murders and police detective Bruce Wayne complicate matters.]

Original Graphic Novels

Absolution (w J. M. DeMatteis; a Brian Ashmore). [From DC Comics: Ten years ago, an attack on Wayne Enterprises by the Children of Maya—a group of urban terrorists—left behind blood and bodies and a furious Bruce Wayne...determined to bring those responsible to justice! He is, after all, Batman. How long could these killers possibly elude him? BATMAN: ABSOLUTION is a 96-page original hardcover written by J.M. DeMatteis (THE SPECTRE) and lushly painted by newcomer Brian Ashmore that finds the Dark Knight—after a decade of frustration—in India. Having stalked his prey across the United States and Europe, Batman's sources tell him the architect behind the Wayne bombing, Jennifer Blake, is now in hiding there.In the course of a harrowing journey that takes him from the Taj Mahal to the hidden temple of a great Indian saint, Batman finds all his precious concepts of crime and punishment, justice and retribution, God and man, turned inside out. His health will be shattered, and he will be near death...finding himself at the center of a literal firestorm during which he must question whether any human being can truly change—and whether a mass murderer could possibly be worthy...of absolution.]

Arkham Asylum (w Grant Morrison; a Dave McKean). [From DC Comics: In this painted graphic novel, the inmates of Arkham Asylum have taken over Gotham's mental illness detention center on April Fool's Day and demand Batman in exchange for their prisoners. Accepting their demented challenge, Batman is forced to live and endure the personal hells of the Joker, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, Two Face and many other of his sworn enemies in order to save the innocents and retake the prison. During his run through this absurd gauntlet, the Darknight Detective's own sanity is in jeopardy.]

Batman/Joker: Switch (w Devin Grayson; a John Bolton). [From DC Comics: Has someone finally pulled the ultimate joke on the Joker? That unlikely scenario plays out in BATMAN/JOKER: SWITCH, a Prestige Format Special written by Devin Grayson (NIGHTWING, BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS) with breathtaking painted art and cover by John Bolton (BATMAN: MAN-BAT, THE BOOKS OF MAGIC)! The Joker awakens drugged and confused on the streets of London…and he’s undergone a shocking transformation. Can Batman find his arch-nemesis before he carves up all of England looking for the source of his mutilation? And even if he can, does Batman have any chance at stopping the man who’s finally turned the Joker into a victim of a sadistic joke?]

Batman/Poison Ivy: Cast Shadows (w Ann Nocenti; a John Van Fleet). [From DC Comics: A new skyscraper in Gotham City casts a large shadow over Arkham Asylum, where Poison Ivy is being held. But the sudden lack of sunlight is driving her mad, since she can no longer grow the plants that are an important part of her therapy. And when a series of attempted murders of the building’s developers and financial elite takes place, Batman immediately thinks Ivy is involved. But he’s running out of time…and he’s been infected with the same toxin as the developers! Is Ivy to blame — and will she help him?] 3/31/04

Book of Shadows (w Pat Mills, Debbie Gallagher; a Duke Mighten). [From DC Comics: A moody, stylized vision of the Dark Knight comes to life in a Prestige Format one-shot featuring art by Aeon Flux creator Duke Mighten, written by Pat Mills (2000 A.D.) and Debbie Gallagher! When a group of occultist predators begin preying on the lonely and brokenhearted of Gotham, will Batman the "King of the Lonely" become the ultimate sacrifice? ]

The Chalice (w Chuck Dixon; a John Van Fleet). [From DC Comics: When a simple bowl that may or may not be civilization's greatest prize finds its way into the hands of the Dark Knight, it sets off an unforgettable battle between the forces of good and evil in BATMAN: THE CHALICE. Now available in a softcover edition, this stunning graphic novel written by Chuck Dixon (NIGHTWING, ROBIN) and fully painted by John Van Fleet (SHADOWS FALL, X-Files Season One) tells one of the most stirring Batman tales in recent memory. Wrapped in a gripping cover by Van Fleet, THE CHALICE opens with a mysterious Gotham City denizen delivering an old box to its rightful owner: the only son of the late Dr. Thomas Wayne. This mysterious delivery sets in motion a dizzying series of events, as an array of villains that includes Ra's al Ghul, Catwoman, the Penguin, and dozens of enigmatic mercenaries comes looking to take possession of the ancient, seemingly unremarkable drinking bowl now in the Dark Knight's hands. Could this prize be the legendary Holy Grail? And if it is, can even its miraculous qualities keep Batman alive as the war to possess it builds to a savage crescendo?]

Child of Dreams (w & a Kia Asamiya). [From DC Comics: When a crime spree takes the Dark Knight from the familiar turf of Gotham City across the globe to Tokyo, he finds himself locked in mortal combat with his greatest enemies...but are they really what they appear to be? BATMAN: CHILD OF DREAMS presents famed manga creator and new Uncanny X-Men artist Kia Asamiya's (Silent Moebius, Steam Detectives) uncompromising take on the World's Greatest Detective, first serialized in Japan and now collected in English in one mammoth 352-page hardcover volume! Originally presented over a year-long span in the pages of Kodansha's Magazine Z, CHILD OF DREAMS has been painstakingly adapted by acclaimed mystery novelist Max Allan Collins (ROAD TO PERDITION, BATMAN). The question at the heart of BATMAN: CHILD OF DREAMS is whether Batman is truly at war with the familiar members of his Rogue's Gallery - The Joker, The Riddler, Two-Face, The Penguin, and Catwoman - or if they're just bizarre simulations brought on by Fanatic, a new drug that's hit the mean streets of Gotham City. Batman soon learns that Fanatic turns would-be super-villains into facsimiles of the genuine article...with just one hitch: After a few hours, they melt down into mummified corpses! Now it's up to Batman to put a decisive stop to the chaos caused by Fanatic, even if the battle takes him to another continent! BATMAN: CHILD OF DREAMS is far more than just another Batman story; it represents an iconic figure transcending the international borders of comic-book style and finding a interpretation from a distinctly different cultural perspective!]

Dark Knight Dynasty (Elseworlds; w Mike W. Barr; a Scott Hampton, Gary Frank & Cam Smith, Scott McDaniel & Bill Sienkiewicz). [From DC Comics: Three heroes who bear the mantle of the bat face the immortal Vandal Savage in BATMAN: DARK KNIGHT DYNASTY, the softcover edition of the centuries-spanning Elseworlds hardcover. From writer Mike W. Barr and an incredible array of artists that includes Scott Hampton, Gary Frank and Cam Smith, and Scott McDaniel and Bill Sienkiewicz comes a startling three-chapter tale that begins in the time of the Crusades and concludes in the distant future, as 14th-century soldier Joshua of Wainwright and his descendants battle the villainous immortal Vandal Savage. Wrapped with a stunning painted cover by renowned fantasy painter Brom (from a sketch by McDaniel), DARK KNIGHT DYNASTY is told in three chapters, each set in a different era, with art and lettering styles selected to reflect each chapter's distinctive setting. The first chapter (painted by Scott Hampton) begins in the 14th century as Joshua of Wainwright, a soldier in the Crusades, interrupts the villainous Vandal Savage in the middle of an attempt to bring a strange meteor crashing to Earth. Joshua dedicates his life to thwarting Savage's plans, an oath that commits his descendants to the task as well, as modern-day Bruce Wayne dons the cowl of Batman to face a reborn Savage (in a chapter illustrated by Gary Frank and Cam Smith) and siblings Brenna and James Wayne face Savage in a final battle in the distant future (in a chapter with layouts by Scott McDaniel and finishes by Bill Sienkiewicz).]

Detective # 27 (w Michael Uslan; a Peter Snejbjerg). [From DC Comics: In the streets of Gotham City, a boy is orphaned, his parents slain by an unknown assailant. Devoting himself and his inherited fortune to bettering his body and mind, he swears to become a force for justice, aided only by his faithful manservant Alfred. A familiar story? Perhaps, but this time the year of the crime is 1929, and young Bruce Wayne is about to become the latest inductee of a secret society of crimefighters — one in which the members are known only by their number. Twenty-six detectives have preceded him — a roster that includes legendary lawman Allan Pinkerton, former U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt and other well-known heroes — so clearly Bruce must become...Detective #27! BATMAN: DETECTIVE #27 is a stunning original Elseworlds hardcover graphic novel that blends dynamic action, meticulous period research and moody art. Written by movie producer Michael Uslan (Batman, Batman Returns) and beautifully realized through the intricate artwork of Peter Snejbjerg (STARMAN), DETECTIVE #27 is a classic adventure story that spans the decades, as Abraham Lincoln's assassination sets a chain of events in motion that shapes the destiny of Bruce Wayne, Alfred, Selina Kyle, and an array of real and fictional 20th century characters. BATMAN: DETECTIVE #27 revels in the history of the Dark Knight, pulp magazines and America itself, telling a thrilling story of a world readers surely will want to visit time and again!]

Ego (w & a Darwyn Cooke). [From DC Comics: A stylish Prestige one-shot set early in Batman's career explores the psychological pressures that drive the Dark Knight.]

Fortunate Son (w Gerard Jones; a Gene Ha). [From DC Comics: When the Dark Knight suspects a modern-day rock-and-roll icon of masterminding a nationwide crime spree using teenaged fans as his henchmen, Batman runs into opposition from his own ward, Robin. It's an unusual tale that plays out in startling ways in BATMAN: FORTUNATE SON, the popular graphic novel (described in Entertainment Weekly as "coolly collectible") written by Gerard Jones (BATMAN: JAZZ, GREEN LANTERN: MOSAIC) with dazzling art by Gene Ha (TOP 10) being offered for the first time in a softcover edition. In FORTUNATE SON, Jones and Ha put their considerable storytelling gifts to work, exploring a theme rarely considered in stories of Batman and Robin: how the "generation gap" between them leads them to view the world in strikingly different ways. As the heroes struggle to overcome their differences and uncover the truth about rocker Izaak Crowe's alleged crimes, incredible secrets are revealed about pop culture, American life and the role music played in the development of two of DC's greatest heroes. BATMAN: FORTUNATE SON is a 96-page softcover book.]

Full Circle (w Mike W. Barr; a Alan Davis & Mark Farmer). [From DC Comics: The villainous Reaper returns seemingly from the grave in this reoffered Prestige Format one-shot written by Mike W. Barr (BATMAN: DARK KNIGHT DYNASTY), with art by the JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA: THE NAIL team of Alan Davis and Mark Farmer (Fantastic Four). As the fiendish zealot spreads menace and madness throughout Gotham, the Dark Knight must confront the secret of his parents' murders... at the risk of his own sanity.]

The Golden Streets of Gotham (Elseworlds; w Jen Van Meter; a Cliff Chiang & Tommy Lee Edwards). [From DC Comics: How would Batman have waged war against injustice without the vast fortune of the Wayne family to aid in his fight? The answer can be found in BATMAN: THE GOLDEN STREETS OF GOTHAM—a startling new Elseworlds one-shot written by Jen Van Meter (FLINCH, Hopeless Savages, The Blair Witch Chronicles) and illustrated by Cliff Chiang (JOSIE MAC, BEWARE THE CREEPER) and Tommy Lee Edwards (DISAVOWED, Zombie World: Winter’s Dregs), revealing a Dark Knight born in the twentieth century’s first decade. With the birth of the labor movements, women's rights and the downfall of capitalist "robber barons" as its backdrop, THE GOLDEN STREETS OF GOTHAM is a tale that finds true-life events shaping a very different kind of hero. When a disastrous 1906 fire kills dozens of women and children who worked in a garment factory, as well as immigrant Bruce Vanekow's parents, the young man assumes the identity of the Bat, pledging to fight the criminal negligence that killed them. Enlisting the help of union agitators, social reformers and bohemian theater-types—including a young female journalist and the leader of the Underground Workers Movement, known as the Cat—he extracts the only kind of justice the powerful elite of Gotham City will notice: their wealth! But when a serial murderer begins preying on Gotham's poor and the crimes are blamed on the Bat, Bruno must clear his alter ego’s name.]

Harvest Breed (w & a George Pratt). [From DC Comics: From the brilliant writer/painter behind the compelling ENEMY ACE: WAR IDYLL graphic novel comes a horrific tale of vengeance and consequence. Written and painted by George Pratt, BATMAN: HARVEST BREED is a spine-tingling 96-page original hardcover graphic novel that will leave you on the edge of your seat. A series of grisly murders in Gotham City leads Commissioner James Gordon to reopen the case file on similar homicides from years past - ones that have gone unresolved all these years. The murders' decidedly demonic overtones bring Batman into the case, determined to uncover the truth behind the killings. The trail of dead bodies leads to a very unlikely suspect, who may be the source of unspeakable evil. But what is her connection to the murders? Renowned as both writer and painter, Pratt's ENEMY ACE: WAR IDYLL set a standard for painted graphic novels and he outdoes himself with HARVEST BREED, mixing elements of contemporary comics, demonic villains, and the battlefields of a long-ended war.]

Hong Kong (w Doug Moench; a Tony Wong). [From DC Comics: Following up on the success of Kia Asamiya's manga take on the Dark Knight in BATMAN: CHILD OF DREAMS comes a hardcover with art by superstar artist Tony Wong (Weapons of the Gods)! When Batman uncovers Internet broadcasts of vicious snuff film murders, he follows the trail of clues to Hong Kong. But can his methods and techniques work in a foreign country with different laws and customs?]

I, Joker (Elseworlds; w & a Bob Hall). [From DC Comics: This stylish one-shot explores a future world where the battles between the Dark Knight and his foes, especially the Clown Prince of Crime, are re-enacted as part of a bizarre religion.]

The Joker: Devil's Advocate (OGN; w Chuck Dixon; a Graham Nolan & Scott Hanna).

The Killing Joke (w Alan Moore; a Brian Bolland). [From DC Comics: For the first time the Joker's origin is revealed in this tale of insanity and human perseverance. Looking to prove that any man can be pushed past his breaking point and go mad, the Joker attempts to drive Commissioner Gordon insane. After shooting and permanently paralyzing his daughter Barbara (a.k.a. Batgirl), the Joker kidnaps the commissioner and attacks his mind in hopes of breaking the man. But refusing to give up, Gordon maintains his sanity with the help of Batman in an effort to best the madman.]

Masque (Elseworlds; w & a Mike Grell). [From DC Comics: Distinctive stylist Mike Grell brings a new twist to Batman in the grand tradition of Phantom Of The Opera! In turn of the century Gotham City, rising young ballet star Laura Avian has acquired an "admirer," a stalker whose infatuation leads him careening down a path toward obsession and violence. Is the secret admirer rich playboy Bruce Wayne, the the mysterious vigilante Batman, someone else? ]

Master of the Future (Elseworlds; w Brian Augustyn; a Eduardo Barreto). [From DC Comics: Experience another Victorian version of the Dark Knight in this Prestige one-shot, the haunting sequel to BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT. ]

Night Cries (w Archie Goodwin; a Scott Hampton). [From DC Comics: This gripping graphic novel is written by MANHUNTER's Archie Goodwin, with artwork by Scott Hampton (BATMAN: DARK KNIGHT DYNASTY). In NIGHT CRIES, a series of crimes involving child abuse force Batman and Commissioner Gordon to confront the spectres of their own pasts.]

Nine Lives (Elseworlds; w Dean Motter; a Michael Lark). [From DC Comics: Who killed nightclub owner and chanteuse Selina Kyle? That mystery is at the core of BATMAN: NINE LIVES, a 128-page original Elseworlds graphic novel that evokes the mood of a 1940s noir film. Written by Dean Motter (TERMINAL CITY, Mr. X) with art by Michael Lark (GOTHAM CENTRAL, SCENE OF THE CRIME) and a painted cover by Lark and Christopher Moeller (JLA: A LEAGUE OF ONE), this gripping tale is told in a sideways “landscape” format to better showcase the graphic, cinematic style of the art. When the vigilante known as the "Bat-Man" investigates the reports of a giant alligator in the labyrinthine Gotham reservoir, he discovers a dead body — that of Selina Kyle, ex-girlfriend of the Bat-Man's alter ego, Bruce Wayne. The Bat-Man is on the case to uncover what led to her death, but so is Detective Richard Grayson, who must solve the mystery before someone else dies. But with so many suspects, where does Grayson begin?]

Nosferatu (Elseworlds; w Randy & Marc L'Officier; a Ted McKeever). [From DC Comics: A return to the world of SUPERMAN'S METROPOLIS introduces a mysterious Bat-Man in this haunting, fully-painted one-shot! In the "Cabinet of Dr. Arkham", the frightening oracle known as "The Laughing Man" predicts the future in shows staged for the amusement of the idle rich. But when he makes shockingly accurate predictions about his wealthy admirers' deaths, the grotesque seer is the only one left laughing. The only one who can halt the series of murders is the dark figure called "the Nosferatu," but he soon runs afoul of another mysterious figure: the Super-Man. ]

Roomful of Strangers (w & a Scott Morse). [From DC Comics: James Gordon — a man who served for years as Gotham City’s hard-nosed police commissioner and one of the Dark Knight’s most trusted allies — is in the spotlight in BATMAN: ROOMFUL OF STRANGERS! ROOMFUL OF STRANGERS is a 64-page Special written and fully painted by indie favorite Scott Morse (Elektra: Glimpse, Echo: Barefoot), who brings his unique, quirky vision to the DC universe! Batman’s presence permeates this tale of a convalescing Gordon as the recently retired Police Commissioner takes a trip to the shore for some much-deserved rest and relaxation. But soon after he registers at an old seaside resort, a body shows up — and a murder-mystery is suddenly his to unravel. Things are further complicated by a local youngster who’s obsessed with Batman. Can Gordon solve the mystery despite the youth’s constant inquiries about Gotham and its caped crusader?] 2/18/04

Scar of the Bat (Elseworlds; w Max Allan Collins; a Eduardo Barreto). [From DC Comics: This stunning one-shot imagines an "untouchable" Dark Knight in the Prohibition era, written by WILD TIMES: GRIFTER writer Max Allan Collins.]

Son of the Demon (w Mike W. Barr; a Jerry Bingham). [From DC Comics: The trail of a brutal terrorist organization leads Batman to his immortal foe Ra's al Ghul, making unlikely allies of the duo.]

Terror (w Doug Moench; a Paul Gulacy & Jimmy Palmiotti). [From DC Comics: In the early days of Batman’s crimefighting career, the brilliant, twisted Hugo Strange pushed the Dark Knight to the very edge of insanity. Now, Strange is back in BATMAN: TERROR—a 128-page trade paperback written by Doug Moench and pencilled by Paul Gulacy. Joined by inker Jimmy Palmiotti, Moench and Gulacy conjure up a story of retaliation, betrayal and murder! Reprinting BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #137-141, TERROR features a new cover by Gulacy. Strange has enlisted the help of Jonathan Crane—the fear-inducing rogue known as the Scarecrow! But the Scarecrow has his own plans to defeat Gotham City’s vigilante, and they involve Catwoman—who still holds a place in Batman’s heart.]

Team-Ups

Batman/Aliens (2-issue mini + Dark Horse Presents 101-102; w Ron Marz; a Bernie Wrightson). [From Dark Horse Comics: Amongst the Mayan ruins of the Amazon forest, the Dark Knight of Gotham City is out of his element as he faces an intergalactic infestation of . . . Aliens.]

Batman/Aliens 2 (3-issue mini; w Ian Edginton; a Staz Johnson & James Hodgkins). [From DC Comics: They’re the most dangerous creatures in the universe. But in the human hero known as Batman, these aliens may have met their match. BATMAN/ALIENS II is a 160-page trade paperback collecting the 3-issue Prestige Format miniseries written by Ian Edginton (Aliens vs. Predator: Eternal), with pencils and a sketchbook section by Staz Johnson (ROBIN, CATWOMAN) and inks by James Hodgkins (JENNY SPARKS: THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE AUTHORITY). Eighty years ago, an expedition to the South Pole uncovered a crashed spaceship containing the savage Aliens. Now, after years of hibernation, a nearly desiccated Alien escapes into Gotham City. It’s very, very hungry, and only one man has a chance of stopping this murderous beast: the Dark Knight Detective known as Batman!]

Batman/Deadman: Death and Glory (OGN; w James Robinson; a John Estes). [From DC Comics: An evil spirit possesses Batman, sending him on a murderous rampage—and only the unliving hero called Deadman can help him.]

Batman/Deathblow: After the Fire (3-issue mini; w Brian Azzarello; a Lee Bermejo, Tim Bradstreet). [From DC Comics: Batman. Deathblow. One of these men is the world's greatest detective with unlimited resources to back his vigilante quest for justice. The other is a soldier, a black-ops killer who will do whatever it takes for the greater good. One holds the sanctity of life above all else, while the other wouldn't hesitate to put a bullet in your brain if his mission called for it. So what happens when the two meet? We'll never know...because Michael Cray, codenamed Deathblow, is dead. The Dark Knight faces the daunting task of finishing a job that someone else started but for reasons that remain a mystery refused to finish. That someone is Michael Cray. And as Batman picks up the pieces of this unfinished job, he's forced to dig up the past of a man who was involved in political actions where diplomacy was not an option. The Dark Knight also learns that the two of them had more in common than he would like to admit. AFTER THE FIRE is a mystery that spans a decade; a tale of secret agents, double agents and a charismatic madman with a fiery, lethal touch. It's also the story of two very different kinds of heroes, and the explosive results of the two crossing paths...even if one of them is dead! WildStorm Productions proudly presents the most unusual crossover of the decade with BATMAN/DEATHBLOW: AFTER THE FIRE, a 3-issue Prestige Format miniseries written by Brian Azzarello (100 BULLETS, HELLBLAZER), with stunning, evocative art by Lee Bermejo (SUPERMAN/GEN13) and Tim Bradstreet (HELLBLAZER covers) with color by Grant Goleash (100 BULLETS).]

Batman/Demon: A Tragedy (OGN; w Alan Grant; a Jim Murray). [From DC Comics: What is the connection between the mysterious "bat-demon" that's been brutally killing Gotham City's outlaws and billionaire Bruce Wayne? The answer will surprise you and Wayne in this Prestige one-shot.]

Vampire Trilogy

Batman & Dracula: Red Rain (Elseworlds OGN; w Doug Moench; a Kelley Jones & Malcolm Jones III). [From DC Comics: In this first chapter of the "Vampire Trilogy," the Dark Knight battles one of literature's greatest villains: Count Dracula.]

Bloodstorm (Elseworlds OGN; w Doug Moench; a Kelley Jones & John Beatty). [From DC Comics: After defeating Dracula, Batman finds that he himself has become a vampire in this second chapter in the trilogy, concluded in BATMAN: CRIMSON MIST.]

Crimson Mist (Elseworlds OGN; w Doug Moench; a Kelley Jones & John Beatty). [From DC Comics: The vampires have been defeated, and the undead no longer stalk the streets of Gotham. The creature that was once Batman -- now with a stake through is heart -- had earned his rest. Or so it seemed. When the undead return to Gotham, James Gordon and Alfred Pennyworth must remove the stake from Bruce Wayne's heart... but will reviving Batman unleash an even greater threat? The answer to this and other questions is revealed in the long-awaited softcover edition of BATMAN: CRIMSON MIST, an exquisitely rendered tale that concludes the Elseworlds trilogy of a dark Batman's battle with demons both within and without that began in the pages of BATMAN AND DRACULA: RED RAIN and in the pages of BATMAN: BLOODSTORM. Produced by the award-winning team of writer Dough Moench and artists Kelley Jones and John Beatty, CRIMSON MIST finds a revived Batman pursuing the monsters that plague Gotham with a bloodlust that threatens to consume him. As he drinks the blood of the marauding creatures, Batman finds that purging Gotham of evil may require an even greater sacrifice than the one he made before.]

Batman/Green Arrow: The Poison Tomorrow (OGN; w Dennis O'Neil; a Michael Metzer & Joe Rubenstein). [From DC Comics: The world is in danger of dying at the hands of a madman with an ecological weapon! The Dark Knight of Gotham City must team up with the Emerald Archer of Seattle to stop the catastrophe... but first they've got to deal with each other!]

Batman/Houdini: The Devil's Workshop (Elseworlds OGN; w Howard Chaykin, John Francis Moore; a Mark Chiarello). [From DC Comics: A classic, stunningly rendered one-shot pairs the Dark Knight with the legendary stage magician in 1900's Gotham.]

Batman/Huntress: A Cry for Blood (6-issue mini; w Greg Rucka; a Rick Burchett, Terry Beatty). [From DC Comics: After banging heads with the Dark Knight for years over the proper behavior for a vigilante, Huntress finally earned his grudging respect through her heroic efforts at the end of Gotham's "No Man's Land." But what drove her to a life of vengeance and violence in the first place? How did the Huntress come to be? That story is finally told in BATMAN/HUNTRESS: CRY FOR BLOOD—a 144-page trade paperback collecting the 6-issue miniseries by Eisner Award-winners writer Greg Rucka (DETECTIVE COMICS, Whiteout) and artists Rick Burchett (BATMAN: THE 10-CENT ADVENTURE) & Terry Beatty (BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES), with a new cover by Burchett. In the aftermath of "No Man's Land," the Huntress becomes the prime suspect for the murder of a mafia capo, who is killed with a crossbow—Huntress's signature weapon. When a journalist is killed in the same manner, Huntress finds herself on the run—not only from the police, but also from all the members of Batman's vigilante force. Determined to find out who's framing her, Huntress is saved from capture by a mysterious stranger, a man called…the Question. In hiding, Huntress recounts the sad tale of a little girl named Helena Bertinelli, the daughter of one of Gotham City's most powerful mafia figures; a girl whose entire family was killed in front of her eyes; a girl whose long and lonely journey towards adulthood is fueled by an unquenchable rage and an unbreakable will. But where will the journey ultimately take her, and what will she do when she finds the answers she is looking for? How will the Huntress answer the cry for vengeance—the cry for blood?]

Batman/Judge Dredd: Judgment on Gotham (OGN; w Alan Grant & John Wagner; a Simon Bisley). [From DC Comics: This one-shot finds the Dark Knight in Mega-City One and the malevolent Judge Death in Gotham.]

Batman/Judge Dredd: Vendetta in Gotham (OGN; w Alan Grant & John Wagner; a Cam Kennedy). [From DC Comics: This thrilling one-shot finds Judge Dredd arriving in Gotham to settle his score with the Dark Knight.]

Batman/Judge Dredd: The Ultimate Riddle (OGN; w Alan Grant & John Wagner; a Carl Critchlow, Dermot Power). [From DC Comics: The third meeting between the Dark Knight of Gotham City and the top lawman of Mega-City One, in a story featuring the Riddler!]

Batman/Manbat (OGN; w Jamie Delano; a John Bolton). [From DC Comics: This is the horrifying story of Kirk Langstrom, the Man-Bat, a mutated genetic engineer with demented dreams of genocide and a world populated by a new race of man-bats! Only Batman can hope to stop Langstrom-or what he's become-from following his deadly agenda! ]

Batman/Phantom Stranger (OGN; w Alan Grant; a Arthur Ranson). [From DC Comics: The Dark Knight teams with the Phantom Stranger in this distinctive Prestige Format one-shot.]

Batman vs. Predator (3-issue mini; w Dave Gibbons; a Andy Kubert & Adam Kubert). [From DC Comics: The World's Greatest Detective stalks the fiercest killers Gotham City has ever known.]

Batman vs. Predator 2: Bloodmatch (4-issue mini; w Doug Moench; a Paul Gulacy & Terry Austin). [From DC Comics: A contract has been taken out on the life of Batman. But who will kill him first: a mob of hitmen, or deadly hunters from another world?]

Batman vs. Predator 3: Blood Ties (4-issue mini; w Chuck Dixon; a Rodolfo Damaggio & Robert Campanella). [From DC Comics: It's a familiar rite of passage: a father takes his son on a hunting trip, hoping to impart some wisdom to his offspring. There's just one thing wrong: the father and son are deadly Predators, fearsome hunters from another galaxy, and the son's prey is Batman's teenaged partner, Robin.]

Batman/Tarzan: Claws of the Catwoman (4-issue mini; w Ron Marz; a Igor Kordey). [From Dark Horse Comics: Batman. Tarzan. Two orphaned noblemen who have honed their minds and bodies to the peak of human performance. Two fearless warriors who have sworn to protect their respective homelands. Now, a new evil has surfaced, one that will bring these two legendary heroes together for the first time. In a rousing adventure that reaches from the shadowy spires of Gotham City to the dark forests of deepest Africa, all the skills and instincts of the Dark Knight and the Lord of the Jungle will be needed to save an opulent lost civilization from destruction.]

Superman/Batman: Generations (12-issue mini; w & a John Byrne). [From DC Comics: In this century spanning tale, we witness the villains and circumstances that bring the world's two greatest heroes, Batman and Superman together throughout the years. And in these battles, these polar opposite heroes are not only defined but also portrayed as they were actually depicted by writers and artists throughout the different decades. From their first meeting to the their confrontations with the Joker, Lex Luthor, and Mxyzptlk, their personal relationship continually evolves from best friends to bitter partners and finally respected peers.]

Superman/Batman: Generations 2 (12-issue mini; w & a John Byrne). [From DC Comics: Imagine if Superman and Batman aged normally from their debuts in 1938 and 1939! How would their legacies be passed on to future generations of heroes? The World’s Finest duo is joined by the DC Universe’s greatest heroes in acclaimed writer/artist John Byrne’s SUPERMAN & BATMAN: GENERATIONS II, a 200-page trade paperback collecting the 4-issue Prestige Format miniseries! GENERATIONS II explores the darkest days of World War II, the tumultuous ’60s, the grim and gritty ’80s, a shocking near future, and much more! With appearances by Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, the JSA, the Spectre, Batgirl, Blackhawk, Deadman, Cyborg, and others, this momentous volume has twists galore!]

Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (Superman/Batman 1-6; w Jeph Loeb; a Ed McGuinness, Dexter Vines and Tim Sale). [From DC Comics: What do you get when you pair up DC's heaviest hitters — and comics' most iconic characters — with two of the most popular creators in the industry, writer Jeph Loeb (BATMAN: HUSH) and artist Ed McGuinness (SUPERMAN)? You get one of the hottest comic books on the stands — one that sold out several printings of its debut issue: SUPERMAN/BATMAN! Now, the first six issues of this hit series are collected in the 160-page hardcover SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES, with Loeb & McGuinness joined by inker Dexter Vines to tell a story so jam-packed with action, guest-stars and surprises that it will leave your head spinning! President Lex Luthor accuses Superman of a horrible act against mankind, and assembles a top-secret team of powerhouse super-heroes to bring in the Man of Steel — dead or alive! But with the help of the Dark Knight Detective, Superman plans to turn the tables on his arch-nemesis, and the "World's Finest" duo is prepared to topple Luthor's reign once and for all. Also included is a 2-page tale from SUPERMAN/BATMAN SECRET FILES 2003, written by Loeb and illustrated by his BATMAN: LONG HALLOWEEN and SUPERMAN FOR ALL SEASONS collaborator, Tim Sale. Plus, a new cover and sketchbook section by McGuinness!] 4/21/04

Misc.

Will Brooker, Batman Unmasked: Analysing a Cultural Icon (New York: Continuum, 2000). [Academic analysis of the character.]

Ryan Miller (Ambsace) provided a lengthy list of Batman collections.

Birds of Prey

DC Comics.

1 Birds of Prey (Black Canary/Oracle: Birds of Prey; Birds of Prey: Manhunt 1-4; Birds of Prey: Revolution; Showcase '96 3 [BoP story only]; w Chuck Dixon, Jordan B. Gorfinkel; a Gary Frank, Matt Haley, Stefano Raffaele, Jennifer Graves, John Dell, Bob Mcleod, Wade von Grawbadger, Cam Smith, Stan Woch, John Lowe). [From DC Comics: BIRDS OF PREY — NEW EDITION is a 208-page trade paperback featuring a new cover by Matt Haley & Wade Von Grawbadger (which will soon be offered as a DC Direct poster!). In these action-packed stories, Black Canary puts the past behind her—with more than a little help from Oracle—adopting a new costume and a new attitude as she faces threats in an array of international locales. As a rocky partnership develops between the Canary and the wheelchair-bound Oracle—who offers (sometimes unwanted) counsel via satellite uplink—the Canary is assisted by unlikely allies such as Catwoman, the Huntress and Lois Lane! Along the way, the duo face drug smugglers, human slave traders and a man who has wronged not only the Canary, but the Catwoman and Huntress as well! Written by Chuck Dixon (with Jordan B. Gorfinkel), and illustrated by Gary Frank & John Dell, Haley & Von Grawbadger, Stefano Raffaele & Bob McLeod, and Jennifer Graves & Stan Woch, this collection reprints the duo's first pairing in the BLACK CANARY/ORACLE: BIRDS OF PREY one-shot, the 4-issue BIRDS OF PREY: MANHUNT miniseries, and the BIRDS OF PREY: REVOLUTION one-shot. Plus, the BIRDS story from SHOWCASE '96 #3 is also included. Featuring one of the most original and dynamic pairings of crime-fighting heroines, BIRDS OF PREY reveals the intense relationship that still has comics fans talking—and that inspired the TV show!]

2 Old Friends, New Enemies (Birds of Prey: Wolves; Birds of Prey: Batgirl; Birds of Prey 1-6; w Chuck Dixon; a Greg Land, Dick Giordano). [From DC Comics: NEW ENEMIES reintroduces readers to Vicious, Termina and Pistolera, who—combined with their leader, international terrorist/assassin Cheshire—form the villainous Ravens! Also: Watch as Black Canary fends off dinosaurs in one adventure and Kobra's minions in another while Oracle avoids detection by the U.S. Army! Wrapped in a new cover by Brian Stelfreeze, this thrill-packed volume combines all the high-octane action, espionage and characterization that exemplify why Birds of Prey is a hit in any medium.]

Nightwing The Hunt for Oracle (Birds of Prey 20-21; Nightwing 41-46; w Chuck Dixon; a Greg Land et al.). [From DC Comics: Blockbuster, Blüdhaven’s deadliest crime boss, is on a rampage. A mysterious hacker has made Blockbuster’s life difficult for far too long. It’s time for Nightwing—with the help of the Birds of Prey—to hunt this person down and terminate this hacker’s actions once and for all, at whatever cost. And that hacker is Oracle! The chase is on in NIGHTWING: THE HUNT FOR ORACLE—a 192-page trade paperback collecting NIGHTWING #41-46 and BIRDS OF PREY #20-21, written by Chuck Dixon (BATGIRL: YEAR ONE), with art by Greg Land (Sojourn, NIGHTWING), Patrick Zircher (NIGHTWING, Thunderbolts), Butch Guice (BIRDS OF PREY, Ruse), and Drew Geraci (NIGHTWING). While Nightwing desperately tries to rein in the unstable vigilante Nite-Wing, his daytime counterpart Dick Grayson graduates to a street cop. Meanwhile, Blockbuster’s thirst for vengeance against Oracle has him sending some of the deadliest assassins after the hacker. When the crime boss captures Nightwing, will our hero be tortured into revealing Oracle’s location?]

Of Like Minds (Birds of Prey 56-61; w Gail Simone; a Ed Benes, Alex Lei).[From DC Comics: OF LIKE MINDS, guest-starring Nightwing and Batgirl, shakes things up for Oracle, Black Canary and Huntress. In a tricky legal and ethical dilemma, the Birds show mercy to a would-be white-collar criminal, but their act of compassion brings them to the attention of master extortionist (and one-time super-hero) Savant, a man who claims he can outthink Oracle and outfight the Canary...and can prove it!]

Misc.

Batman/Huntress: A Cry for Blood (6-issue mini; w Greg Rucka; a Rick Burchett, Terry Beatty). [From DC Comics: After the Huntress, a vigilante with extreme methods, finally earns the approval of Batman, a mafia capo is suddenly discovered murdered by a crossbow, her weapon of choice. Now as Helena Bertinelli, aided by the mysterious Question, attempts to evade Batman and his allies, she must also prove her innocence and determine who is trying to frame her. Through this adventure we discover how watching her father, a powerful mafia leader, and the rest of her family be murdered, transformed this innocent Catholic girl into a nocturnal figure of vengeance.]

Birds of Prey: Catwoman/Batgirl & Catwoman/Oracle (2 short OGNs; w John Francis Moore; a Darick Robinson, Dave Ross, Jimmy Palmiotti). [From DC Comics: One woman fought crime valiantly as Batgirl before finding a new role as the all-seeing Oracle. The other stalked the dark streets of Gotham as Catwoman, earning a living by stealing from the rich. Now they must forge an uneasy alliance in a 2-part Prestige Format miniseries titled BIRDS OF PREY: CATWOMAN/BATGIRL and BIRDS OF PREY: CATWOMAN/ORACLE. Written by John Francis Moore (CATWOMAN, BATMAN FAMILY), these two special issues explore the relationship between the diametrically opposed vigilantes in the past and present. The first part, BIRDS OF PREY: CATWOMAN/BATGIRL, featuring art and cover by Darick Robertson (TRANSMETROPOLITAN) and Jimmy Palmiotti (21 DOWN) with a cover by Robertson, takes place in the past, when Barbara Gordon filled the role of Batgirl. Part 2—BIRDS OF PREY: CATWOMAN/ORACLE—features art by Dave Ross (BIRDS OF PREY, Daredevil) and Palmiotti and covers an encounter in the present, with Gordon now acting as Oracle. When a string of prostitute murders baffles the Gotham police, the two women come together in an effort to stop the heinous crimes. But their investigation brings them face to face with a greater evil than either of them could ever imagine or hope to defeat alone. Can these women successfully overcome their opposing natures to defeat a common enemy, or will their differences lead them to destruction?]

Catwoman

DC Comics.

Volume 1

The Catfile (15-19; w Chuck Dixon, a Jim Balent). [From DC Comics: Forced to act as an agent of the U.S. government, Catwoman takes on a series of suicide missions and burglaries, before she is targeted for liquidation by her government masters!]

Contagion (31-32; w Chuck Dixon, a Jim Balent). [From DC Comics: Plague in the streets! A city in the throes of chaos! Gotham’s wealthiest citizens locked in a luxury ghetto, willing to pay any price for a cure. A band of heroes desperate for a solution... This is the world the Dark Knight must face in BATMAN: CONTAGION, a new printing of the 264-page trade paperback collecting the shocking storyline that led the way to BATMAN: CATACLYSM and ultimately BATMAN: NO MAN'S LAND. CONTAGION features the talents of writers Chuck Dixon, Alan Grant, Dennis O’Neil, Doug Moench, and Christopher Priest, with artists Barry Kitson, Mike Wieringo, Matt Haley, Jim Balent, Tommy Lee Edwards, Kelley Jones, Graham Nolan, Vince Giarrano, Dick Giordano, Frank Fosco, and others, and features a new cover by Rodolfo Damaggio and Bill Sienkiewicz. This volume reprints AZRAEL #15-16, BATMAN #529, BATMAN: SHADOW OF THE BAT #48-49, BATMAN CHRONICLES #4, CATWOMAN #31-32, DETECTIVE COMICS #695-696, and ROBIN #27-28. A mysterious and lethal virus is unleashed on the unknowing inhabitants of Gotham City, causing excruciating pain—and ultimately, death—within 48 hours of contact. Batman, Robin and Nightwing must race to contain the chaos while finding a cure—with the help of unlikely allies Azrael, Huntress, Catwoman and Poison Ivy. But can the Dark Knight and his crew stop an invisible enemy? And what happens when one of them is infected?]

Legacy (36; w Chuck Dixon, a Jim Balent). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies on the Batman page.]

Cataclysm (56; w Devin Greyson, a Jim Balent). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies on the Batman page.]

Officer Down (90; w Bronwyn Carlton; a Mike Lily & Wayne Faucher). [For complete contents, see Crossovers and Anthologies on the Batman page.]

Volume 2

Selina's Big Score (OGN; w & a Darwyn Cooke). [From DC Comics: When the relaunch of the current hit CATWOMAN series began, Selina Kyle was already preparing to embark on her new life of fighting crime. But what made a bad woman want to be good in the first place? And how did Selina score enough cash to launch her new career? These questions and more are answered in CATWOMAN: SELINA’S BIG SCORE—a 96-page hardcover written and illustrated by Darwyn Cooke (CATWOMAN, Spider-Man: Tangled Web). Taking place concurrently with the “Slam Bradley” backups in DETECTIVE COMICS #759-762 (with a framing sequence set in the present), SELINA’S BIG SCORE finds the feline fatale presumed dead, cut off from her fortune and desperate to make a lot of money...fast. When she hears about a mob train full of unmarked cash, Selina assembles a crew of professional thieves to help her take it down. She needs the money badly...but is she ready for the consequences? What follows is a hard-boiled slice-of-crime story in the tradition of The Usual Suspects—a story that doesn't pull punches, with twists and turns that leave readers constantly guessing. This handsome hardcover also delivers an eye-popping pinup section showcasing Selina/Catwoman rendered by some of the industry's finest artists, including Mike Allred, Shane Glines, Jaime Hernandez, Adam Hughes, Mike Mignola, Kevin Nowlan, Steranko, and Daniel Torres.]

1 Dark End of the Street (back-ups from Detective 759-762; Catwoman 1-4; w Ed Brubaker; a Darwyn Cooke & Mike Allred, Cameron Stewart). [From DC Comics:This kitten definitely has nine lives. Last seen at death’s door, Selina Kyle—Catwoman—has disappeared and is presumed dead. But the mysterious circumstances of her death draw the attention of a certain roughneck private eye: Slam Bradley! Slam finds himself on a trail filled with mystery and suspense that ultimately leads him to an unexpected surprise…Selina Kyle, alive! CATWOMAN: THE DARK END OF THE STREET is a 136-page trade paperback reprinting the backup stories from DETECTIVE COMICS #759-762 that found Slam on the trail of Selina, as well as the first four issues of the hit new CATWOMAN. Written by Ed Brubaker (BATMAN, SCENE OF THE CRIME), with art by Darwyn Cooke (CATWOMAN: SELINA’S BIG SCORE, Spider-Man’s Tangled Web) & Mike Allred (X-Force, Madman), this volume finds Slam’s discovery of Selina forcing her to make some hard choices. Will she stay in the shadows or move into the light to seek her destiny? At the crossroads, Selina Kyle resolves to land on her feet and reclaim the mantle of Catwoman! With a bold new look and a new lease on life, Catwoman returns to the streets that spawned her—only to find that the streetwalkers she calls friends are being preyed upon by a serial killer. But with Catwoman back in town, the tables are about to be turned!]

2 Crooked Little Town (5-10 and stories from Catwoman Secret Files 1; w Ed Brubaker; a Brad Rader, Cameron Stewart, Rick Burchett). [From DC Comics: Catwoman is back — with a new look and a new lease on life, reunited with her friend Holly! But when a new mystery unfolds in Gotham City, involving crooked cops and swiftly moving drugs, it could spell disaster for the pair… CATWOMAN: CROOKED LITTLE TOWN is the second volume collecting the critically acclaimed series written by Ed Brubaker (GOTHAM CENTRAL, SLEEPER) with art Brad Rader, Cameron Stewart and Rick Burchett. Reprinting CATWOMAN #5-10 and CATWOMAN SECRET FILES #1, CROOKED LITTLE TOWN finds Holly using her street-savvy skills to help Catwoman get to the bottom of a new spread of drugs — only to find herself in danger and ultimately wanted by the police! With Holly suspected of killing a cop and in hiding, it's up to Catwoman to uncover the truth and bring the real criminal to justice. And in a story pencilled by Powers artist Michael Avon Oeming and inked by Mike Manley, discover "The Many Lives of Selina Kyle" as a case follows Catwoman through the years. Featuring a new cover by Oeming!]

Misc.

Defiant (OGN; w Peter Milligan; a Tom Grindberg & Dick Giordano).

Catwoman/Vampirella: The Furies (one-shot; w Chuck Dixon; a Jim Balent).

Her Sister's Keeper (4-issue mini; w Mindy Newell; a J.J. Birch & Michael Bair).

Suzan Colón, Catwoman: The Life and Times of a Feline Fatale (San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2003). [From Amazon.com: Learn how to crack a whip with feline ferocity! Uncover the secrets of the all-leather wardrobe! Study the sizzling one-liners that keep Batman aching for more! Chock-full of insightful feline fatale tips, this illustrated tell-all delivers the searing details of Catwoman’s kitschy career. Sleek and sexy, the greatest cat burglar of all time sank her claws into the Caped Crusader back in 1940 and hasn’t let go since. Part homage, part how-to, this handsome treatise divulges Catwoman’s stellar techniques at everything from scaling walls to tickling a gentleman’s fancy without mercy. With a brief history of her many incarnations over the years, loads of terrific vintage illustrations, sections on fashion and romance, and personal tips on getting ahead, this spunky vinyl-covered volume (oooh! purple PVC!) will attract both new fans of the slinky girl kitty and time-tested aficionados. It’s the purr-fect ode to The Feline Felon, The Mistress of Malevolence, The Princess of Plunder . . . a.k.a. Catwoman. ]

Crisis on Infinite Earths

DC Comics.

Crisis on Infinite Earths (12-issue mini; w Marv Wolfman; a George Pérez). [A sprawling, ambitious story designed to reorganize, streamline, and simplify the DC Universe, which, in trying to accomodate over 40 years of continuity, had become complicated to the point of mind-numbing. After the Crisis reboot, there would be only one DC Universe, and one timeline.]

History of the DC Universe (2-issue mini; w Marv Wolfman; a George Pérez). [From DC Comics: In the wake of the universe-shattering events of CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS, the main creators of that company-changing event—writer Marv Wolfman and penciller George Pérez—were called upon to restructure and reorder the history of the DC Universe. Joined by inker Karl Kesel, they had the unbelievable task of unifying the decades-long accumulation of historical facts from multiple Earths into a cohesive whole for a new history of the single-universe DCU. Now that project, THE HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE, returns in a new 104-page trade paperback edition—featuring an all-new painted wraparound cover by Alex Ross (KINGDOM COME)! Narrated by Harbinger (a central figure from CRISIS), THE HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE brings readers back through time and space to the dawn of creation, and continues to the end of recorded history—as Harbinger reveals "the history of heroism." Featuring an appearance by virtually every character in the DC Universe at that time (circa 1986), this unusual project (featuring a combination of beautiful art with prose) laid the foundation for all to come from the new DCU. The CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS trade paperback—already in its second printing—has been an unanticipated sales phenomenon. And now THE HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE—with its first new printing in 13 years—is sure to capitalize on that success, at it makes the perfect sequel and bookshelf companion piece to CRISIS.]

Zero Hour: Crisis in Time (5-issue mini + Showcase '94 8-9; w Dan Jurgens; a Dan Jurgens & Jerry Ordway). [From DC Comics: In 1985, DC Comics dramatically altered comics' original universe with CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS. Years later, the heroes of the DCU found the temporal fabric of their new reality unraveling! ZERO HOUR: CRISIS IN TIME collects this landmark event — that introduced Impulse and Jack Knight into the DC Universe — including stories from SHOWCASE ’94 #8-9 and ZERO HOUR: CRISIS IN TIME #4, 3, 2, 1 and 0! Written and pencilled by Dan Jurgens (SUPERMAN: DAY OF DOOM) and inked by Jerry Ordway (TOM STRONG, WONDER WOMAN), with additional art by Frank Fosco & Ken Branch, ZERO HOUR chronicles the DC's greatest heroes’ discovery of a tidal wave of temporal disruption. A thousand years in the future, other heroes face even greater havoc. Villainy is afoot, as criminal masterminds 10 centuries apart take advantage of time's shattered visage for their own purposes.] 2/11/04

Kingdom Come

Kingdom Come (4-issue mini; w Mark Waid; a Alex Ross). [From DC Comics: Set just after the dawn of the 21st Century in a world spinning inexorably out of control comes this grim tale of youth versus experience, tradition versus change and what defines a hero. KINGDOM COME is a riveting story pitting the old guard—Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and their peers—against a new uncompromising generation and ultimately in the final war against each other to determine nothing less than the future of the planet.]

The Kingdom (Gog, The Kingdom 1-2, The Kingdom: Kid Flash, The Kingdom: Nightstar, The Kingdom: Offspring, The Kingdom: Planet Krypton, and The Kingdom: Son of the Bat; w Mark Waid; a Jerry Ordway, Ariel Olivetti, Brian Apthorp, Matt Haley, Mark Pajarillo, Frank Quitely, Barry Kitson, Mike Zeck). [From DC Comics: Continuing to look at a possible future of the DC Universe and it heroes, the young boy who survived the holocaust that consumed the farmlands of Kansas has grown up and judged Superman at fault for the destruction that he lived through. Using newly granted powers, Gog has set out on a mission to remove Superman from existence throughout all of time. Now it is up to the children of Batman, Robin, Flash, and Plastic Man to work together to save the Man of Steel and the world from the madman's quest.]

Crossover Classics

DC Comics; Marvel Comics.

Crossover Classics (Various one-shots; w Gerry Conway, Jim Shooter, Len Wein, Chris Claremont; a Ross Andru, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Walter Simonson and John Buscema). [From DC Comics: The original collection that collects Marvel's and Dc's greatest team-ups! Spider-Man fights Superman! Batman battles the Hulk! And who could miss the X-Men vs, the Teen Titans?! This book collects the first four DC/Marvel crossover stories and comprises 2 Superman/Spider-Man stories, Batman/Hulk, and X-Men/New Teen Titans.]

Crossover Classics 2. [From DC Comics: Read along as the two titans of comic book publishing throw their characters into the ring! Collected in this volume are: the now out-of-print Batman/Punisher: Lake of Fire featuring Jean-Paul Valley - Azrael - as the Batman (by Dennis O'Neil, Barry Kitson, and James Pascoe); Punisher/Batman, which teams Bruce Wayne with Frank Castle for the first time (by Chuck Dixon, John Romita, Jr., and Klaus Janson); the space-spanning Silver Surfer/Superman (by George Perez, by Ron Lim, and Terry Austin); and the award-winning Batman/Captain America, set in the Golden Age by John Byrne.]

Crossover Classics 3 (Various one-shots; w Roger Stern, James Robinson, Kevin McGuire, Larry Hama, J. M. Dematteis, Dan Chichester; a Steve Rude, Salvadore Larroca, Kevin McGuire, Steve Epting, Mark Bagley, Scott McDaniel). [From DC Comics: They look different. They come from different universes. They operate under different laws. So what happens when they cross paths? These six scintillating stories show every confrontation, as tempers flare, fists fly, and fashions are compared. The threats are deadlier than ever, the stakes higher, and the outcomes unbelievable! Written and drawn by some of the comics' biggest names, these tales explore what happens when very different people must work together for the common good.]

Crossover Classics 4. [From DC Comics: Volume 4, created by an all-star roster of legendary talent, packs in four classic team-ups and confrontations featuring the best and brightest characters from two universes! Included are: BATMAN & SPIDER-MAN, written by J.M. DeMatteis with art by Graham Nolan and Karl Kesel, originally published in 1997; SUPERMAN/FANTASTIC FOUR, written by Dan Jurgens with art by Jurgens and Art Thibert, originally published in 1999, with a painted cover by Jurgens and Alex Ross. This powerful story, originally published in tabloid format, is collected for the first time at standard comic-book size; DARKSEID VS. GALACTUS: THE HUNGER, written and illustrated by John Byrne, originally published in 1997; GREEN LANTERN/SILVER SURFER: UNHOLY ALLIANCES, written by Ron Marz with art by Darryl Banks and Terry Austin, originally published in 1995. This powerful new collection is topped off with a new cover by SUPERMAN/BATMAN’s Ed McGuinness!]

Doom Patrol

DC Comics.

Archives

Doom Patrol Archives 1 (My Greatest Adventure 80-85 and Doom Patrol Vol. 1, 86-89; w Arnold Drake, Bob Haney; a Bruno Premiani). [From DC Comics: Made up of misfit super heroes with unusual powers and abilities, the Doom Patrol embarked on and endured some of the most bizarre adventures ever imaginable. Assembled in this hardcover volume are the earliest escapades of Robotman, Negative Man, Elasti-Girl, and the Chief. Reprinted as they originally appeared in the 1960s, this archive edition includes the Doom Patrol's first appearance and origin, as well as their first battles with their greatest adversary, General Immortus, the prehistoric monster menace Dr. Janus, the subterranean Atomic Furies, and the mutant Animal-Vegetable-Mineral Man.]

Doom Patrol Archives 2 (90-97; w Arnold Drake; a Bruno Premiani, Bob Brown). [From DC Comics: Robotman, Elasti-Girl, Negative Man and "The Chief" take on classic villains including The Brotherhood of Evil, the Animal-Vegetable-Mineral Man, Dr. Tyme, Mento, General Immortus, and more! Plus: an introduction by comics legend Roy Thomas.] 3/31/04

Volume 2

Crawling From the Wreckage (19-25; w Grant Morrison; a Richard Case et al.). [From DC Comics: They used to be called the "World's Strangest Heroes"...and then things got really strange! Rebis, Crazy Jane, and the rest of the Doom Patrol end up fighting a book that has become real and a god who tortures butterflies.]

Flex Mentallo

A four-issue mini, written by Grant Morrison and drawn by Frank Quitely, that will never be collected because Ken Kneisel is evil.

Fourth World

DC Comics.

Forever People

Jack Kirby's Forever People (1-11; w & a Jack Kirby). [From DC Comics: A black-and-white volume collecting FOREVER PEOPLE #1-11 joins JACK KIRBY'S NEW GODS and JACK KIRBY'S MISTER MIRACLE in reprinting Kirby's legendary "Fourth World" saga! With gray tonal values added to enhance the original artwork, these never-before- reprinted adventures introduce Vykin, Serafin, Big Bear, Mark Moonrider, and Beautiful Dreamer—five heroes whose powers become even greater when they use the ever-helpful Mother Box to fuse into the "Infinity Man"—as they flee the evil of Darkseid, battle his henchmen Desaad and Glorious Godfrey, team up with Superman and Deadman, and much, much, more.]

Jimmy Olson

Jimmy Olson Stories by Jack Kirby (Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olson 133-139, 144; w & a Jack Kirby). [From DC Comics: Jack Kirby took comics fandom by surprise with his move to DC Comics in 1970…and then used the monthly comic SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN to introduce his Fourth World concepts to the DC Universe! The full-color JIMMY OLSEN: ADVENTURES BY JACK KIRBY, written and pencilled by Kirby with inks by Vince Colletta and others, collects SUPERMAN’S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN #133-139 and #141 in a handsome, 192-page trade paperback. This full-color volume the first DC archive offered at a new, smaller size with a new, smaller price—features an introduction by comics historian and former Kirby assistant Mark Evanier as well as a new cover based on an unused Kirby cover sketch from 1971 newly inked by Steve Rude! JIMMY OLSEN: ADVENTURES BY JACK KIRBY includes the explosive debut of a number of major characters who would become players in Kirby’s Fourth World, including the unforgettable Darkseid as well as the cloned Guardian, Morgan Edge, Dubbilex, and the Cadmus Project. This is a volume no DC Universe reader or Kirby collector should be without!]

Mister Miracle

Jack Kirby's Mister Miracle (1-10; w & a Jack Kirby). [From DC Comics: The black-and-white sequel to the Harvey Award-winning, Eisner Award-nominated JACK KIRBY'S NEW GODS TP collects the never-before-reprinted MISTER MIRACLE (1st series) #1-10, with an introduction by illusionist David Copperfield and gray tonal values added to highlight the original art. These issues feature the first, ground-breaking appearances of escape artist Scott Free (a.k.a. Mister Miracle) and the JLA's Big Barda, as well as the debuts of such characters as Granny Goodness and the Female Furies, Oberon, Funky Flashman, and many more. Also included are the "Young Scott Free" stories that tell of Scott Free's youth on Apokolips, where he was raised by Darkseid as part of the exchange that brought Orion to the New Gods.]

Jack Kirby's Fourth World (11-18; w & a Jack Kirby). [From DC Comics: The last of Jack Kirby's legendary run on the Fourth World Saga (until his epic HUNGER DOGS graphic novel) is presented in JACK KIRBY'S FOURTH WORLD a 192-page trade paperback in black-and-white (with grey overtones) reprinting MISTER MIRACLE #11-18, written by Kirby with art and cover by Kirby & Mike Royer. JACK KIRBY'S FOURTH WORLD finds New Gods Scott Free and Big Barda (with Oberon!) facing a mind-bending menagerie of villains and schemes, including Doctor Bedlam and his insidious Ceri-Skiff death trap; Mystivac, the alien assassin; King Komodo, the devious dictator of a secret kingdom atop Mt. Everest; Satan's servant, Madame Evil Eyes; Mr. Fez and his brain-jamming blaster; Professor Egg and his menacing Imploder-Field; the Tricky-Trio of killers residing at Murder Lodge; plus, Granny Goodness, Virman Vundabar and Kanto, the master assassin! JACK KIRBY'S FOURTH WORLD also includes special guest appearances by Shilo Norman—occasional fill-in for Mister Miracle—and two deadly Female Furies, Lashina and Stompa, making this a must-have item for any Kirby fan!]

New Gods

Jack Kirby's New Gods (1-11; w & a Jack Kirby). [From DC Comics: Rediscover the majesty of some of Jack Kirby's most wildly imaginative creations in this handsome black-and-white collection, winner of an Eisner Award for Best Archival Collection/Project.]

Orion

The Gates of Apokolips (Orion 1-5; Secret Origins of Super-Villains 80-Page Giant 1 [Granny Goodness story only]; Legends of the DC Universe 80-Page Giant 2 [Mr. Miracle story only]; w Walt Simonson; a Walt Simonson, Dave Gibbons, Frank Miller, Jon Bogdanove, Klaus Janson). [From DC Comics: In one of the greatest comic-book battles since Superman vs. Doomsday, the ultimate warrior of New Genesis confronts his "father," the master of Apokolips in ORION: THE GATES OF APOKOLIPS, a 144-page trade paperback reflecting the stylish vision of ORION writer/artist Walter Simonson (MANHUNTER: THE SPECIAL EDITION, Thor). THE GATES OF APOKOLIPS begins in a small, unassuming town in Nebraska, where things have gone very, very wrong. The townsfolk have had their minds wiped clean of everything—except for a single, terrible symbol. Together, they are being made to reveal the universe's most unholy prize - the Anti-Life Equation! But the ex-Justice Leaguer known as Orion, now questioning whether Darkseid is truly his father, has followed the leader of Apokolips to this small town to stop him from acquiring the Equation. Orion's ultimate goal: to honor his mother's demand for revenge…with the death of Darkseid! With the Newsboy Legion in tow, Orion soon is headed back to the realm of the Fourth World, where the entire host of New Genesis and Apokolips have gathered in the Firepits to witness the long-awaited battle between the two powerful New Gods. But only one will walk away alive! Collecting issues #1-5 of the hit ORION series, THE GATES OF APOKOLIPS also includes the two "Tales of the New Gods" backup stories from issues #3 (illustrated by Frank Miller) and #4 (illustrated by Dave Gibbons), which shed more light on the story of Tigra, Orion's mother, and Orion's ultimate origin. Plus, two bonus stories: "Goodness and Mercy" from SECRET ORIGINS OF SUPER-VILLAINS 80-PAGE GIANT #1 (written by Simonson, with art by Jon Bogdanove & Bill Reinhold), which tells the origin of Apokolips's feared Granny Goodness, and "Carnival in Armagetto" from LEGENDS OF THE DC UNIVERSE 80-PAGE GIANT #2 (written by Simonson, with art by Klaus Janson), a tale of a small act of hope and beauty in the desolation of Apokolips.]

Fourth World

DC Comics.

Forever People

Jimmy Olson

Mister Miracle

New Gods

Orion

Golden Age

DC Comics.

The Golden Age (4-issue mini; w James Robinson; a Paul Smith). [From DC Comics: The Golden Age, under the deceptively safe aegis of the Elseworlds logo, is a very witty dissection of post-World War II paranoia, using those self-same teenaged creations, the mystery men of the golden age, as the crux of the story. What James, Paul, and Richard have done for us is to take a peek under those masks and get behind those disarming grins - to use the charming innocence of those beloved mystery men as a wonderful metaphor for a country still trying to convince itself it was a land of innocent dreams.] Old Book of the Week 1/2/04