Batman by Paul Dini (Review)

Citizen's Grade: O.K.

I love Batman comics, and generally enjoy whomever is writing and doing artwork for Batman comics. Paul Dini (Emmy & Eisner Award winning writer, and TV producer-writer for Batman: The Animated Series & Lost) has been "hit or miss" with me. He is currently writing the Batman comic "Batman: Streets of Gotham", and I've been on the fence about whether to continue collecting volumes he writes. When he is involved in deeper plots like "Heart of Hush", or "The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul" I really enjoy him....when he does "stand-alone" stories, he frustrates me.


The following Paul Dini volumes are in chronological order:

Batman: Detective. The Dark Knight faces the Joker, the Riddler, the Penguin, Poison Ivy, and some new villains....while pushing himself to solve crimes. This volume collects fast-paced, stand-alone stories. Artwork by Don Kramer, J.H. Williams III, Jone Benitez, & Marcos Marz.

Batman: Death and the City. The Batman encounters the Ventriloquist, the Terrible Trio, and the Joker as they wreak havoc on Gotham City. The Dark Knight is pushed to the limit when Robin is kidnapped by the mad bomber called Vox, and must ask two former enemies for help. With twists, turns, and doublecrosses, the World's Greatest Detective must use all his skill and cunning to stay ahead of his enemies and rescue Robin. Artwork by Don Kramer, Stuart Moore, Royal McGraw, & Andy Clarke.

Batman: Private Casebook. The Dark Knight is haunted by his past as Ra's Al Ghul (the only enemy who knows his true identity) returns to Gotham City after being "resurrected". How far will the Caped Crusader go to save Gotham and the people he loves? Also in this volume, the psychotic puppet Scarface is reborn with a new Ventriloquist, seeking revenge on those who've wronged them! Artwork by Dustin Nguyen.

Batman: The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul. Co-written by Grant Morrison, the League of Assassins employs an intricate scheme to resurrect their fallen leader that includes Batman's son Damian, and the miraculous "Lazarus Pits". see: Grant Morrison's Batman Volumes (Scavenger Review) for all the details!

Batman: Heart of Hush. Batman's newest and most dangerous foe has returned! Hush returns with a vengeance, and seeks to end the reign of the Dark Knight! See Batman: Hush Trilogy (Scavenger Review) for all the details!

In summary, I'd have to say that Paul Dini is a very good writer, so if you like stand alone stories he is definitely for you, but if Batman: Streets of Gotham doesn't impress me, I may not be collecting his works anymore.