Batman Arkham Asylum: DC Compact Comics

I read more Marvel than DC and I am not a fan of horror movies/ stories. On top of that, I avoided this book for a while as I am not a fan of the art style. So, in theory, this graphic novel wasn't for me. I bought him because I collect graphic novels and I kept seeing this as one of the recommended Batman stories. I am very happy that I bought and read it because it's everything it's meant to be - haunting, troubling, mysterious, atmospheric - it is indeed one of the top Batman tales I've read. It's a mature book for a mature audience, as it combines graphic violence with psychological violence, it's a magnificent ride from start to finish. Without any spoilers, there are two stories running in parallel: in the present, Batman is asked to go to Arkham Asylum as the inmates are running free with the Joker at the helm, and they've taken hostages. In the past, we witness the troubled story of Amadeus Arkham, the founder of the Arkham Asylum. I won't mention anything else, in order to avoid spoilers, but there is violence, there is terror, there are twists, and we get to see a very vulnerable side of Batman. You don't go into Arkham Asylum and get to keep your sanity. A great read, not to be missed!

It is April 1st and Gordon summons Batman to tell him that Arkham Asylum has been taken over by the inmates who threaten to kill all the staff, one by one, unless Batman joins them inside. Batman's entry becomes a nightmarish descent into the depraved depths of the insane machinations of the Joker. This is an absolute masterpiece of plotting, design and execution. The story is tense and horrifying and the stunning artwork is mysterious and ethereal. Faces come and go and shadows stretch across the page, obscuring and revealing their secrets inch by painstaking inch. This is not just a book for 'Batman' fans, this is a must read for any graphic novel aficionado.

Just a disclaimer, I bought the kindle version of this story and intent to buy a physical copy. Ok, this story is unlike anything I’ve ever read, from the artwork to the writing to the tone to the subject matters it brings up, this is arguably Batmans darkest tale and every Batman fan should give this story a go. Highly recommend 👍

You can't blame Grant Morrison, sometimes he just overreaches while trying to rewrite the conventions of comic books...it's just what he does. This is a mighty swing at a gothic horror tale and it's fair to say he just misses. Thankfully, the shadowy, photo montage artwork (and it truly is art) of Dave McKean is the darkly hypnotic glue that holds the thing together and makes it all kind of make sense in the end. This is a good edition which included character sketches and a complete script.

I mainly bought this just for the art; and trust me, it does not dissapoint. The art so chilling, but absolutely wonderful, and pairs to make for a great read — Id say its a must have for anyone whos a fan of Batman! I see a few reviews complaining about the story, but in my opinion I enjoyed it! I'd say buy it, especially for such a good price =)

This book is insane. It takes place in Arkham Asylum and sees Batman haunted at what he could become. This book is great and the art is amazing!

Heard about this graphic novel on YouTube, got a few Batman novels, this one is by far the darkest. Imagery is pretty graphic and creepy, so def not one for younger Batman fans!

The story and artwork of Arkham Asylum is top notch, on that alone I’d give it 5 stars. However, this “DC compact comic” version really harms the experience. Not only is the artwork and text that much smaller, so it’s harder to appreciate, the way that The Joker’s text is done (red on black) makes it really hard to read! (See picture). So, I really recommend the story, but get yourself a full sized version!!

Although the panels are sometimes difficult to understand and the story could seem rushed in some parts, this story is wonderful, creepy, and very well done, I love how it analyzes everybody's psyche, even The Arkham Asylum Himself. Also this edition is very complete and full of stuff, for this price it is a very good purchase

The book is surprisingly small, and you can hardly read the story and the red writing

Zeer leuke collectie. In deze uitgave zijn de lettertjes soms wel echt klein geworden. Ze zijn ook niet altijd echt zwart/wit waardoor het lezen soms wat moeilijk is. Toch leuke kleine collectie in dit formaat naast de originele!

Batman: Arkham Asylum (DC Compact Comics Edition) is a must-have for any Batman fan. The dark, gothic atmosphere perfectly captures the madness of Arkham Asylum and the grim reality of Gotham City. From the moment the story begins, you’re pulled into the chaos, with the Joker’s twisted, playful cruelty setting the tone throughout. Spanning 144 pages, this graphic novel is packed with intense moments, eerie visuals, and sharp dialogue. The art style is haunting and unique, and the creative fonts and panel layouts add to the psychological tension of the story. The interactions between Batman, the Joker, and the hostages inside Arkham are especially compelling and keep you hooked from start to finish. Even if you’re familiar with the Arkham video games, this comic offers a deeper, darker experience that stands strongly on its own. While I do wish the story were longer, the quality more than makes up for it. For $10, this edition is absolutely worth the price and makes a great addition to any DC or Batman collection. Highly recommended for fans of darker Batman stories and collectors looking to explore the world of Arkham Asylum in comic form.

This graphic novel arrived just in time, And the condition of the book was great. The story is great and was written by one of my favorite writer's "Grant Morrison", And the art was spectacularly done by artist "Dave McKean". 8.75/10