Rating: 
Summary: Darned Close to Definitive, and Great Looking!
Review: There's probably more history to the Batman than one mass market book could ever handle, but Les Daniels comes as close as anyone is ever likely to get to telling the whole story. While Les does race through huge chunks of Batman's career - barely mentioning such important writers as Doug Moench and Marv Wolfman, and not mentioning Don Newton and many other artists - he presents the big picture very well. The wide array of interviews are impressive - how often does Michael Keaton talk about Batman? - and the honest assessment of Batman's mucked-up life during the 1950s and 60s makes Daniels' appreciation of what came later all the more convincing.Credit is also due to designer Chip Kidd, and to the myriad who helped make the book possible. Want to see Batman collectibles? They're all here, from the early days to the present. How about a story? Three classic Batman tales, including one by Bruce Timm, are here, too. This book is a treat for Batman fans, and will fill in the blanks for those who just tuned in, and who wonder why us "old-timers" keep talking about Kathy Kane and Ace the Bathound. No-fans will get a kick out of the art and should enjoy the glimpse into what makes a legend most.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: This was a wonderful work by Les Daniels. Plenty of in-depth interviews with Denny O'Neil and the other writers/editors/pencilers, et al, in charge of keeping Batman afloat. The history on the character is priceless, and Daniels well placed photos throughout the book are quite a pleasant distraction. If you are a comic book fan, or a Bat-fan, you MUST get this book.
Rating:
Summary: Holy Reading Skills Batman!
Review: This was a wonderful work by Les Daniels. Plenty of in-depth interviews with Denny O'Neil and the other writers/editors/pencilers, et al, in charge of keeping Batman afloat. The history on the character is priceless, and Daniels well placed photos throughout the book are quite a pleasant distraction. If you are a comic book fan, or a Bat-fan, you MUST get this book.
Rating:
Summary: Utterly amazing!
Review: Wow! Les Daniels and Chip Kidd did an amazing job with this book. Chronicling Batman's lengthy career, this book explores the many changes Batman has gone through over the past 65 years, and does so with meticulous detail. This is truly the closest thing to a definitive guide to Batman, who in my opinion is the greatest comic book character ever created, period. Illustrations accompany the text nicely, and the writing gives you a deep appreciation for the evolution the Dark Knight has gone through. This book even has three excellent Batman stories. A MUST-SEE FOR ANY BATMAN FAN!
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