Honestly, kinda disappointed by this one. Instead of bringing something new to the table, it just feels like a generic Batman story. It was like the board of directors was saying "Hey, look what we just did with Green Lantern Earth One! Hooray! Oh, what? There's Batman? You go do something with him, I don't care.". It is ANOTHER reboot that retells the same old Bruce Wayne tale I kind of grown sick of.
The parents' death parts weren't anything extraordinary, and it doesn't really emphasize on why Bruce Wayne chose to become a bat costumed vigilante. Most of the story is about how the angry, badass Batman wants to avenge his parents' death. Sounds cool right? Well, the execution can't say the same. A lot of the scenes feel like taken from those dumb action movies of the 2000s. For example, take Bruce's fight with the completely different Alfred. Why did it happen? Not really sure. Did it have to? Completely not. But it is there, so it can make the book more kewl.
A lot of the important parts are misexecuted. For example, Gordon thinks Batman stole his daughter for some reason. He tells Gordon he didn't, and bang! the epic relationship has started.
The plot is nothing out of the ordinary. Batman finds out Penguin is responsible for his parents' death and starts his quest for vengeance. I thought the Birthday Boy part was supposed to shine, but I quickly found out it wasn't too much of a big deal, just stuff to fill the book.Batman eventually gets his parents avenged, with the help of Alfred. And they also have an emotional discussion after. Yayy, happy ending!
To that, add some failed catchphrases and some weird artwork here and there.

In conclusion, Batman Earth One is a Batman reboot that doesn't really tell how Batman became Batman, and doesn't tell a great Batman story either. It is a decent, just decent, comic book that's worth your few dollars if it is on sale, but otherwise I'd recommend you stay away from it unless you're a huge Batman fan. more

(spoiler alert)
Recognized for creating the era of adult themed comics, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is undoubtedly one of the best graphic novels of the 80s. This is the most realistic version of the caped crusader, and realism is something I often look for in comics.
As most of you know, this action takes place in a future crime-filled Gotham, where the Dark Knight has long retired. Seeing the things get out of control, he does get back into action, and this is where the epic story begins.
All the villains, heroes and characters are totally changed and given dark personalities. For example, Harvey Dent gets his face back, but he doesn't forget who he really is. So he gets back to comitting crimes, and Batman gets in, understanding his problems, but leaving us to wonder about what they actually did after, just like The Killing Joke did. And the book is filled with such epic conclusions, one of which I must mention is Joker's death.
So, The Dark Knight Returns is all about how Batman's relationships with his villains will end, and how he will be after a life of fighting crime. But these endings are so good, they make most of his other adventures look like child's play.
Also, the drawings are perfect, and the dark palette completely matches the sombre atmosphere of the story.
In conclusion, this is a 10/10 example of what a graphic novel should be.
P.S.: Don't take the user score in consideration, because there is this idiot who gave everything The Dark Knight Returns a 1.0. more

Excellent book. This work of art is one of my favorite, if not my favorite, Batman stories ever told. The first two volumes showed me that Scott Snyder can handle Batman extremely well, but I was curious about how he'd give Joker a go. Turns out he made my favorite version of him. Death of the Family crosses the boundaries and explores deeply into the psychologies of The Dark Knight and The Clown Prince of Crime, and makes me wonder once again at the big question that The Killing Joke raised: how will Batman's and Joker's endless fight conclude? The artwork is extremely atmospheric, making all the events feel alive, and the flashbacks' artist shift actually made me love the book even more. Scott Snyder just seems to be the best Batman writer in recent memory. Bravo. Once again. more

Had a fun time reading it. The beginning is a good conclusion to the legendary Court of Owls, and it involves a major plot twist, but the rest doesn't involve anything major. Also, it features multiple artists, and while their drawings are undoubtedly good, some of the transitions feel uneasy. I give it a 8.3, but it wouldn't have gotten this high if it wasn't for the first part.

Very interesting first issue. The story so far is very good, and all I can say about the art is that it's completely amazing. Real eye candy, this one.
I would give it an 8.7, but hey, why not round it over.

One of my favourite comic books of all time, and probably one of the greatest adventures of the caped crusader, Batman: The Court of Owls is an essential piece of the Batman storyline that reveals the tale of the organization which ruled Gotham all along. It made me question so many other comics in the series, and made them look better. The characters are very well written, the story is well paced, and the artstyle is completely amazing, especially because of the dark/orange-ish trade of the color palette and the witty and detailed drawings. I won't leave any spoiler, but I can safely affirm that this book is a must-have for any self respecting Batman fan. more