Rating:  -
Warning: there are no arch-villains or spectacular fights in this book; there is not much of a plot either.
But if you belong to one of these types of people, this book MUST reside in your library:
* Batman followers
* Classic Graphic Novel enthusiasts
* Alex Ross' art collectors
The story line is simple - Batman sees a reflection of himself in a young boy whose parents are killed by an act of futile violence, which Batman was too late to prevent. Unlike young Bruce Wayne who had the family wealth and a loyal butler to fall back on, the boy has nobody to look out for him, and he is just on the brink of submitting himself to a life of violence. Batman reaches out through both his identities to make better of the boys life as well as the part of town he lives in.
But don't buy this book for the story.
Batman has never been more human then in this book. Both in text (which, thank God, is elegantly placed amongst the pictures, without the typical "balloons") and in the artwork.
What can I write about the artwork that has not been already written?
If you are not familiar with the work of Alex Ross, this is a very good starting point. If you are, you may appreciate it even more.
I find his work in this book downright touching. Unlike works like "Kingdom come" where the fine lines of the muscular superhero forms and the details of their costumes and weapon sometimes compete with the amazing depiction of human faces and bodies, in "War on Crime" there is more then enough canvas space to let a true master show off his skill. Here Alex Ross shows you Batman for what he is, a man in and out of a costume, his face showing a spectrum of human expressions, and his body showing the scars of many years of harsh crime fighting. The sheer power and strength embodied in this human form are ever so evident, without the anatomically-exaggerated, pumped-up, vein-throbbing muscles so frequently found in other comic artists works.
In addition, some of the full-pane pictures are utterly breathtaking, like the classical two-page view of Batman looking down on Gotham, understanding that he may never have a complete victory over crime.
Well, this is one of the cornerstones of *my* graphic novel library, anyway...
Rating: -
"War on Crime" is less of a comic and more of an art collection. Each page exudes such intriguing detail and captivating motion that your eyes are drawn to each page. The characters come to life; it is as though you can see the grief that contorts Batman's face as he battles the evils that killed his parents.
Paul Dini is the primary figure behind "Batman: The Animated Series." To me, that legacy of excellence has successfully been carried over to "Batman: War on Crime." The book is not as long as a graphic novel, and twice as large. The artwork, done by Alex Ross, is the show-stealing feature of this work, however.
I believe it was Alex Ross who wrote some of the Marvel comics titled "Marvels." The art in these books was so gripping that I have often just gone through the book again to look at the pictures.
Like any great literary work, Ross and Dini personify the elements of humanity that the Batman embodies: fear, guilt, loneliness, and grief. "Batman: War on Crime" is a wise investment for any fan of Batman.
Rating: -
This is one of the four large formatted books written by Paul Dini (Batman The Animated Series, Mad Love) and illustrated by Alex Ross (Kingdom Come, Marvels, Uncle Sam). The premise of the story is simple...it is basically a day/night in the life of Bruce Wayne/Batman. However, just because it is a simple premise does not mean that it is not enjoyable. The story basically revolves around a boy whose parents are killed in a robbery. This case interests the Dark Knight because it has intimate parallels with his life. But the similarities end there because unlike Bruce Wayne, the boy has no financial endowment left by his parents and soon turn to crime. This leads the Batman to question his own life and motivation as to whether he would not do the same thing if he had the financial backings stripped away as well. A pretty standard premise but with Paul Dini's writing style, it is quite enjoyable.
Now for the art....stunning. There is no other way to describe it. This is how Batman would look in real life. The costume stays true to the comics and is a far departure from the rubber and leather outfits shown in the movies. Also, forget the overly muscled, vein popping, juiced up characters usually portrayed in comics. This is how Batman should and would look. Alex Ross is truly a master of his craft and this book is mainly a showcase for his talent.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone. It is recommended for adults and children (there are no graphic violence as prevalent in some comics). You do not have to be familiar with any of Batman's history or complicated continuity in order to enjoy this book. Highly recommended.
Rating: -
Continuing the collaboration started with Superman: Peace on Earth, Dini/Ross continue their look at DC's Big Three (+ Captain Marvel) :-) with Batman: War on Crime.
No one--and I mean *no one* (I'm looking at you, Frank Miller!)--knows Batman better than Dini. How he continues to have fresh ideas after writing x number of Batman: The Animated Series episodes I'll never know, but god bless him for it.
His Batman is an amalgamation of the Batman shown to us by all the major creators who have come before: at once campy, grim, obsessive, frightening, determined, even possibly crazy.
And yet Dini puts his own mark on the Dark Knight Detective.
Ross's artwork, of course, is unspeakably gorgeous.
Highest possible recommendation.
Rating: -
It's always nice to see the comics industry providing books which vary from the usual formula: quipping spandex-clad hero pummeling outrageously garbed and gimmicky villains into submission. The story and art are both a cut above the norm, and I hope Dini and Ross continue this series of collaborations for a good, long time.
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