Batman Death by Design + Through the Looking Glass

Batman – Death by Design
Written by Chip Kidd
With Art by Dave Taylor

Within Gotham there is a different type of community, from the rich and famous to the underworld. In the newspaper digs, a reporter seeks out stories to tell Gothamites all about what they do not see once the sun goes down. Herein DbD, is the tale of a bat, a joke, and a historical fallout that almost took out Gotham itself.

Behind the tale is a bit of lost culture, architecture was founded on the basis of keeping a generations dream alive for decades. But sometimes, some dreams are actual lies that depend on the people’s faith and trust.  From an artists’ point of view, they are able to create their own vision or utopia to build that dream.

A character by the name of “X” sends messages through various channels to get his word across. From the elite, to Bruce Wayne and other formidable people. A lady by the name of Cyndia Syl *(kinda reminds me of Selina Kyle.. hmm) Cyndia’s presence within this tale is a bit more of a watchful eye towards Bruce (and as Batman as well). The Joker however is a power pusher, but he is not working alone, having the backing of several Gothamites who want to bring the city to its knees.

DbD is an awesome book, with a noir art style rarely depicted in a Batman graphic novel. It explores the dark side of Gotham’s nights, and revolves around Batman’s world like no other book currently out there. It does not take place in the present DCU, but it does lay a foundation in reality where things like this can actually and do happen to us even now

Batman – Through the Looking Glass
Written  by Bruce Jones
Art by Sam Kieth

Batman in Wonderland-
From a long lost childhood friend, Bruce finds a resolution thanks to a dinner the night before. With one exception, it sends him on a quest through an imagined Wonderland. A ton of breadcrumbs, clues, and lost lives, this is no kids tale.

For one, Celia (dressed as Alice) is Bruce’s long lost friend. Staying in her child like form, guiding Bruce through the great journey that is all in his head (or is it?) Travelling to and fro throughout Wayne Manor, Robin and Alfred try to aid Bruce before he hurts himself even worse. Without the consciousness of reality, could Bruce actually lose his sanity?

This book takes Alice in Wonderland within Bruce’s mind. It is a fun adventure, yet also dark and mysterious, like a classic Detective Comics tale. While still paying homage to a classic form of literature, and spins it on its head.