A weekend leisure reading review…because sometimes Pastors also need a break from heavy theological reading! For more on blog on comments check out our “Collection of Posts: Superheroes, Comics and Worldview Series.”
Mike Barr. Batman: Year Two 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition. Burbank, CA: DC Comics, November 28th 2017. 176 pp.
5 out of 5
Purchase: Amazon
Want to read some fun old school (late 80s/early 90s) Batman adventures? This title volume might be for you! Having read some of the recent volumes of Batman from the new Rebirth series I felt I needed a break from things “new” and maybe explore some just good old fashion Batman fight against crime and villain. I’m happy to say this work delivered!
This is the 30th anniversary edition that collects the stories under the story arc of “Batman: Year Two.” That means this was originally from 1987 (since it is published in 2017). Its suppose to follow the famous “Batman: Year One” by Frank Miller. Yet at the same time one didn’t have to know or read “Batman: Year One” to follow this story which is great whether you haven’t read that classic work or you have forgotten the contents in that work. Also both story arc are written and illustrated by a different creative team and also each project has a different emphasis and area they want to explore with Batman’s character.
This book can be divided into two parts with the first being about Batman taking on a notorious character called the Reaper. The Reaper is a death-dealing vigilante who kills people who he considers unjust. Interestingly there are ways the Reaper parallel the Batman with their backstory, background, secret identity and quest for “justice” though there’s also important contrasts: Batman does not have murderous intent and the Reaper also have a perverted sense of justice, killing police officers as well. Another fascinating aspect of this story is the character Joe Chill who was the criminal who killed Batman’s parents when Bruce Wayne was young and so we see in this story a psychological dimension with Batman pushed to the limit of how far he will go to delay justice and also the danger of himself acting beyond the line of what is permitted in his conscience. Excellent story telling. I also saw a parallel and foil of Bruce Wayne with his love interest also as well, who wanted to be a nun. In part two we see the introduction of Robin and the alleged return of the Reaper. Supposedly the Reaper was killed in part one which lead the question what is going on: Is it Reaper being resurrected, or he didn’t die or someone faking being the Reaper? Another fascinating and fun adventure ensue that was captivating. Like part one there is a parallel of heroes and villains going on which each being a foil of each other. I thought it was interesting seeing the criminal having a young child just as Batman has Robin. Fascinating exploration of Batman and his world while also giving us good old fun fight against crime. I recommend it!
The Domain for Truth 
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Today is 71 years of Batman
Happy Batman Day!
Thanks for the review! Sounds like a fun escapade. I don’t recall the Reaper from my DC Silver Age days. I googled him and see he made his first appearance in 1971.
Wow 1971; I thought he was a 1987 creation in this book but you checked online for the answer, so I appreciate that background info! I’m curious does Silver ago go from 1950s-1960s? Do you know what the era is called from 70s-80s? Have you read any of those comics of the 70s-80s? Those era comics are beginning to interests me as of late!
RE: Silver Age?
I’ve googled this before but had to google it again to refresh my memory.
Silver Age = 1956-1970
Bronze Age = 1970-1984
Modern Age = 1985 to present
I think I pretty much missed the entire Bronze Age, but began to periodically stop by the sprouting comic book shops in ROC in the late 1980s to see what the LSH was up to.
Admittedly, Jim, I have not read Batman: Year Two but based on some elements of the story that you mentioned, it is near identical with a Batman movie; not a live action though. I’m referring to the “Mask of the Phantasm” movie I’ve seen on widescreen in my early days in college. The story must be good that Warner Bros adapted it in a film; the first comics animated adaptation in the DCAU. And as you have said, you recommend reading it.
Wow I never heard of nor seen this movie, now I want to watch it! As much as I think I’m a fan of Batman (in moderation) I think there’s a lot I don’t know still! On FB groups I’m always amaze at how knowledgeable some people are. Did you know yesterday was Batman day? I found out from a blogger (Paul Smith) and someone commenting on here
Really? What a coincidence with your post, Jim! That is an animated film and there are character changes from the comics. The antagonist is a female while the main antagonist is Batman’s number 1 enemy, joker replaces chill. The backstory of Andrea is a little bit similar to that of the Huntress. Are you familiar with the Batman Animated series of the 90s, that is the art/design/drawing of the movie. Mandy and I were discussing the Batman and joker today.
[…] Review: Batman: Year Two 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition — The Domain for Truth. […]
[…] Plain fun. Sometimes newer Batman gets too psychological. I just want a clean fun story. My review here. […]
[…] Can you imagine Batman being a crime fighting superhero during the Victorian era of the late 1800s? This was such a cool setting! My review here. […]