By: Dennis O'Neil, Neal Adams Publisher: DC Comics Average Rating: Binding: Hardcover Label: DC Comics Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 236 Publication Date: September 01, 2004 Release Date: September 01, 2004
Later Printings Better I got my copy and have none of the descibed problems of oversaturation of colors, etc... Yes, these are not the original colors, but modern computer coloring and rendered backgrounds, however, they look as good as any current comic. Although I grew up with the originals, I think it is kind of neat seeing them this way. NOTE: Mine is NOT a first edition. Perhaps they corrected the problem with later printings.
the real Batman flavor This stories hooked me up to Batman the rest of my life. This is the Batman we all love. The stories and art are the core of the film we enjoy today.
Terrible, terrible, terrible Neal Adams is a genius and his Batman work from the late 60s is unmatched. But why did nobody stop the man 'update' his original artwork with cheesy new computer coloring? It's so bad, I can't read this, as much as I want to. The pencils & inks are dynamic, stylish and great as ever, but the new coloring makes everything look like a kiddie manga. This is so sad!
Will the REAL Batman please stand up.... Okay, here's the scoop. I have been collecting comics for over 35 years. I have all of the individual books that are in this volume (as well as volumes 1 and 3). All of the stories are now collected together.
1) This compilation of Batman stories and covers is outstanding.
2) The new coloring is gorgeous.
3) To younger comic fans exposed to the current field of writers and artists: if you want to see THE definitive Batman, that is, how a comic book story should be told and drawn, buy this volume. Period.
Neal Adams Redux As a fan of the work of Neal Adams, it pains me to say that this book is almost ruined by Mr. Adams own modern re-coloring efforts. I respect his idea to re-color using modern technology, however his coloring style and technique seems amateur compared to most professional comics colored today. He disrespects his own line work and rendering abilities by over-shading every last detail with blurry, ultra blended, and overly dark color. No panel is left untouched. Areas where a flat color would be ideal, Mr. Adams chooses the opposite route-even going so far as to adding photographs (of clouds and moons, etc.) and using a number of bad Photoshop filters. Luckily, the numberous cover illustrations scattered throughout the book seem to be somewhat spared from this insanity.
As for the comments by "alex" about the over-saturation of the colors-I think this is actually a result of the paper stock (ONE OF THE GOOD POINTS OF THIS BOOK IS THE PAPER USED-a wonderfully textured uncoated stock). Had this book been properly colored, the effect would have been gorgeous. What a shame.
I really hate to criticize one of my heros this way, however I think it's important for this criticism to be voiced. If enough people complain, perhaps Neal will leave the coloring to the pros in subsequent volumes.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
