Series
Description
In The Black Mirror, a series of brutal murders pushes Batman's detective skills to the limit and forces him to confront one of Gotham City's oldest evils. Helpless and trapped in the deadly Mirror House, Batman must fight for his life against one of Gotham City's most powerful evils! Then, in a second story called "Hungry City," the corpse of a killer whale shows up on the floor of one of Gotham City's foremost banks. The event begins a strange and deadly mystery that will bring Batman face-to-face with the new, terrifying faces of organized crime in Gotham.
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2010-2011
Physical description
304 p.; 10.24 inches
Publication
DC Comics (2013), Edition: Reprint, 304 pages
Pages
304
ISBN
9781401232078
Local notes
Collects Detective Comics #871-881, the final arc before the launch of the reset continuity of the New 52 (which also resets the numbering for 52 issues before continuing the old numbering system again). This is also Scott Snyder's first Batman arc, and set during "Batman Inc." and Dick Grayson's career as the Gotham Batman.
In this arc, the troubled James Gordon Jr. returns to Gotham, claiming to his father that he is on new medication and attempting to better his life.
In this arc, the troubled James Gordon Jr. returns to Gotham, claiming to his father that he is on new medication and attempting to better his life.
Similar in this library
Awards
OYAN Graphic Rave (2012)
User reviews
LibraryThing member andy475uk
Scott Snyder really produces great hard-hitting, thoughtful writing with his take on Dick Grayson's Batman (featuring an arc from Detective Comics) and Jock's artwork on the main story is amazing. Superb stuff.
LibraryThing member MichelleL_15
This book is special because it was my first ever Batman comic. I'm glad I wasn't disappointed by it and it has actually made me read more graphic novels, mostly Batman ones.
I didn't think I would like it and I didn't like it that much in the beginning. It was confusing and the plot was
I didn't think I would like it and I didn't like it that much in the beginning. It was confusing and the plot was
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complicated. I wish there was a recap at the beginning because that would have been super helpful.I read on and soon I understood what was happening and it was really interesting. Plus the artwork is awesome. Who knew capes could look so cool? Show Less
LibraryThing member akmargie
The only reason I didn't do four stars is because Snyder has this weird tendency to add these cheesy one liners at the oddest moments. I know, they're a superhero thing. But with the overtone of the story it just didn't fit at time. Not that I'm opposed, I just thought it could have been done
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better. Show Less
LibraryThing member rivkat
Batman is Dick, and Gotham is still an evil seeping into everything it touches. A secret auction of atrocities, the latest escape of the Joker, a mysterious banker who’s the daughter of an old enemy, and the return of Jim Gordon’s estranged and possibly psychopathic son all play roles in this
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volume. I liked the themes of nightmares and reflections/refractions; Dick is a reflection of Bruce, but the man beneath the mask is different. Show Less
LibraryThing member wethewatched
A very smart, very mature Batman tale. Scott Snyder knows how to write the character, even when the hero is played by Dick Grayson. I was gripped from start to finish. It should appeal to those who have not kept up with the Batman comics. The only bit of continuity you need to know is that the
If you haven't kept up on Batman, skip the run of Grant Morrison books and start here.
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original Robin (Dick Grayson) is temping as Batman.If you haven't kept up on Batman, skip the run of Grant Morrison books and start here.
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LibraryThing member LaneLiterati
A "Dick Grayson as Batman" story, which has been rare for me. When I started the book, I wasn't enjoying the art style at all, but over time, it grew on me. I think it fit well with the themes of darkness and psychosis that was apparent throughout the book.
The idea that Gotham has a "darkness"
Overall, I'd recommend this book as more of an introspective Batman title and not something incredibly action packed, though there were a few scenes that had good fights in them.
The idea that Gotham has a "darkness"
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about it isn't a new idea, but Snyder does a great job (as always) communicating that point in both word and art style.Overall, I'd recommend this book as more of an introspective Batman title and not something incredibly action packed, though there were a few scenes that had good fights in them.
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LibraryThing member branimal
This was probably the easiest 5 stars I’ve ever awarded a book.
I’m not someone who follows Batman on a regular basis so I really appreciated the short blurb at the beginning bringing me up to speed on what’s been happening in Gotham leading up to this arc. Basically, Bruce Wayne was thought
Dick is still trying to get comfortable under the cape and cowl when Gordon’s son, James, resurfaces. Commissioner Gordon has his doubts of his son’s true intentions but wants to believe he’s cleaned up his act. How can you blame him? James even admits to taking steps towards becoming more mentally stable by entering into voluntary medical trials regarding a new drug tailored specifically toward psychopaths. Barbara believes he’s more the same than ever and refuses to see anything positive in his sudden reappearance still fearing what she had seen in him as a child.
The collection takes you through several stories all connecting through a larger arc dealing with James’ return. This is some amazing work here produced by Snyder and I can easily see it becoming an instant classic. As usual, when a graphic novel is this strong, you can’t give all the credit to the writer. The artwork provided by Jock (a pseudonym for artist, Mark Simpson) is simply stellar. It reminded me a lot of Frank Millar’s work in Year One giving Gotham that gritty feel that stayed away from a more polished representation of the Caped Crusader's city.
Speaking of Gotham, like China Mieville’s presentation of New Crobuzon, Gotham is a central character in this tale. With characters often referencing the dangerous and unforgiving nature of the city, at times almost feeling that there is a living, beating evil heart below the buildings in concrete, tainting everyone and everything existing on top. It’s awesome stuff. It makes sense that with Bruce Wayne’s recent creation of Batman Inc., he would leave the toughest city to someone he trusts the most.
I like Dick as Batman just fine even though I initially had my doubts. It made me realize that someone else can inhabit the legendary crime fighter and still get the job done. I even enjoyed the wise cracking and acrobatic style that he brings to the character, something that surprisingly worked on a traditionally darker, more serious role. Synder lets Grayson’s personality shine through the cracks without going overboard, something Kevin Smith implored a little too much of with his portrayal of a "happier" Bruce Wayne in his second effort, "The Widening Gyre".
I’m shocked that Gordon’s son, James Jr., had gone unused for so long as Snyder’s version of this character is downright chilling. More specifically, the scene involving father and son sharing a conversation in a local Gotham diner was unsettling. I wondered if Miller’s Kevin from Sin City provided any inspiration for the character. Granted Kevin didn’t have a speaking role but I can imagine if he had any lines, he would have a similar tone.
Look, if you read any of my reviews and you share a love of Batman, you need to get this. It might be a little early to say so but I would put it up there with Miller’s epics from the 80s in terms of quality, it’s just that good. What are you waiting for? Go get this now!
I’m not someone who follows Batman on a regular basis so I really appreciated the short blurb at the beginning bringing me up to speed on what’s been happening in Gotham leading up to this arc. Basically, Bruce Wayne was thought
Show More
to have been killed. In his place, the original Robin, Dick Grayson, took up the mantle of The Dark Knight. Alongside Oracle, Commissioner Gordon and Tim Drake as the new Red Robin, Batman once again tries to bring a feeling of safety to the streets of Gotham.Dick is still trying to get comfortable under the cape and cowl when Gordon’s son, James, resurfaces. Commissioner Gordon has his doubts of his son’s true intentions but wants to believe he’s cleaned up his act. How can you blame him? James even admits to taking steps towards becoming more mentally stable by entering into voluntary medical trials regarding a new drug tailored specifically toward psychopaths. Barbara believes he’s more the same than ever and refuses to see anything positive in his sudden reappearance still fearing what she had seen in him as a child.
The collection takes you through several stories all connecting through a larger arc dealing with James’ return. This is some amazing work here produced by Snyder and I can easily see it becoming an instant classic. As usual, when a graphic novel is this strong, you can’t give all the credit to the writer. The artwork provided by Jock (a pseudonym for artist, Mark Simpson) is simply stellar. It reminded me a lot of Frank Millar’s work in Year One giving Gotham that gritty feel that stayed away from a more polished representation of the Caped Crusader's city.
Speaking of Gotham, like China Mieville’s presentation of New Crobuzon, Gotham is a central character in this tale. With characters often referencing the dangerous and unforgiving nature of the city, at times almost feeling that there is a living, beating evil heart below the buildings in concrete, tainting everyone and everything existing on top. It’s awesome stuff. It makes sense that with Bruce Wayne’s recent creation of Batman Inc., he would leave the toughest city to someone he trusts the most.
I like Dick as Batman just fine even though I initially had my doubts. It made me realize that someone else can inhabit the legendary crime fighter and still get the job done. I even enjoyed the wise cracking and acrobatic style that he brings to the character, something that surprisingly worked on a traditionally darker, more serious role. Synder lets Grayson’s personality shine through the cracks without going overboard, something Kevin Smith implored a little too much of with his portrayal of a "happier" Bruce Wayne in his second effort, "The Widening Gyre".
I’m shocked that Gordon’s son, James Jr., had gone unused for so long as Snyder’s version of this character is downright chilling. More specifically, the scene involving father and son sharing a conversation in a local Gotham diner was unsettling. I wondered if Miller’s Kevin from Sin City provided any inspiration for the character. Granted Kevin didn’t have a speaking role but I can imagine if he had any lines, he would have a similar tone.
Look, if you read any of my reviews and you share a love of Batman, you need to get this. It might be a little early to say so but I would put it up there with Miller’s epics from the 80s in terms of quality, it’s just that good. What are you waiting for? Go get this now!
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LibraryThing member JonathanCrites
Amazing take on Gotham and the Dick Grayson Batman by the star of the new 52, Scott Snyder. Great art, I almost wish Francavilla had done the entire thing...
LibraryThing member sublunarie
It’s been a long time since I’ve read Hush or The Long Halloween, so the following statement might be incredibly present-biased:
Scott Snyder writes Batman better than anyone else.
I know people have issues with how dark Snyder likes to go, but that’s exactly what I love about it. Last I
There are a decent handful of villains that Batman (Dick Grayson) has to chase after over the course of The Black Mirror - even the Joker shows up with a short cameo. It’s James Gordon, Jr., however, that steals the show. A psychopathic serial killer to beat all psychopathic serial killers, James Jr. is creepy to the bone. (No pun intended.)
I refuse to better-or-worse The Black Mirror with The Court of Owls, but they are both on my top 5 graphic novel shortlist.
Scott Snyder, my marriage proposal is still waiting an answer.
Scott Snyder writes Batman better than anyone else.
I know people have issues with how dark Snyder likes to go, but that’s exactly what I love about it. Last I
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checked, Batman was dark. Gotham is dark. It’s supposed to be. If it’s light-hearted Batman you’re looking for, then I suggest looking up Adam West and Burt Ward. Otherwise, Snyder is definitely the way to go.There are a decent handful of villains that Batman (Dick Grayson) has to chase after over the course of The Black Mirror - even the Joker shows up with a short cameo. It’s James Gordon, Jr., however, that steals the show. A psychopathic serial killer to beat all psychopathic serial killers, James Jr. is creepy to the bone. (No pun intended.)
I refuse to better-or-worse The Black Mirror with The Court of Owls, but they are both on my top 5 graphic novel shortlist.
Scott Snyder, my marriage proposal is still waiting an answer.
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LibraryThing member Rosa.Mill
One of my favorite tumblr's DC Women Kicking Ass noted this as one of their top books of the year so I decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did. It gives you a great look at Dick and Gordon and how they handle Dick's time as Batman after Bruce's return. The story line was a great creepy mystery
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totally solidifying the idea of Batman as Detective. The art style was phenominal for the creepy vibe the storyline was putting out. All in all I was very happy. Show Less
LibraryThing member Rosa.Mill
One of my favorite tumblr's DC Women Kicking Ass noted this as one of their top books of the year so I decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did. It gives you a great look at Dick and Gordon and how they handle Dick's time as Batman after Bruce's return. The story line was a great creepy mystery
Show More
totally solidifying the idea of Batman as Detective. The art style was phenominal for the creepy vibe the storyline was putting out. All in all I was very happy. Show Less
LibraryThing member Rosa.Mill
One of my favorite tumblr's DC Women Kicking Ass noted this as one of their top books of the year so I decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did. It gives you a great look at Dick and Gordon and how they handle Dick's time as Batman after Bruce's return. The story line was a great creepy mystery
Show More
totally solidifying the idea of Batman as Detective. The art style was phenominal for the creepy vibe the storyline was putting out. All in all I was very happy. Show Less
LibraryThing member Rosa.Mill
One of my favorite tumblr's DC Women Kicking Ass noted this as one of their top books of the year so I decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did. It gives you a great look at Dick and Gordon and how they handle Dick's time as Batman after Bruce's return. The story line was a great creepy mystery
Show More
totally solidifying the idea of Batman as Detective. The art style was phenominal for the creepy vibe the storyline was putting out. All in all I was very happy. Show Less
LibraryThing member kinwolf
Really loved this TPB. Seeing Dick as Batman was actually fun, as he is his written as much more fallible than Batman, and that made some scenes much more interesting. I also couldn't wait to see the resolution of the son of Gordon arc. The penciler really managed to convey to us that he was a
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psycho trying to appear innocent. Loved it 'til the end. Ending sucks as usual, with an unresolved story like most comic "ends., so there is room for more afterward. American comics sucks hard because of that. Still a great read though. Show Less
LibraryThing member DanieXJ
This TPB is chock full of story. First there's a guy selling very dangerous Gotham City supervillain stuff (poisons, memorabilia, etc.) that had been previously confiscated by the GCPD. A lot of this TPB has to do with the GCPD as well as with the Gordons. James Gordon's son James Jr. Comes back
I really loved how much all of the Gordon's were in this book. They're an interesting family that doesn't get used enough.
It was definitely a wicked dark TPB, not for the faint of heart. I was also a bit confused by how much Commissioner Jim Gordon knows or doesn't know about what his daughter/and or Dick Grayson do during their 'downtime'.
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into town with a ton and a half of baggage. The biggest of which is is he a psycho or just misunderstood (There's also a story with a killer whale (dead) in a bank's lobby).I really loved how much all of the Gordon's were in this book. They're an interesting family that doesn't get used enough.
It was definitely a wicked dark TPB, not for the faint of heart. I was also a bit confused by how much Commissioner Jim Gordon knows or doesn't know about what his daughter/and or Dick Grayson do during their 'downtime'.
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LibraryThing member TysonAdams
Snyder, Jock and Frankavilla have done a fantastic job of creating this series, and a truly disturbing character and ending. Someone else used the term 'creepy' in their review, I have to echo that sentiment. This has to rank up there with Miller's work on Batman.
LibraryThing member SESchend
Wow. Never thought there'd be a bad guy in Gotham more unsettling than the Joker. And then I met James Gordon Jr.
Great work I wasn't expecting to like as much as I did.
Great work I wasn't expecting to like as much as I did.
LibraryThing member hskey
Genuinely compelling, I haven't read a Batman story without Bruce Wayne and I thought Dick Grayson was Batman was a really nice touch - even visually you can tell under the cape and cowl it's not Bruce Wayne.
The story seemed all over the place at first, but all lines up really nicely in the end.
I will say reading it in Hoopla on Action Mode makes the whole experience ten times better, I wish I had figured that our earlier. I'm on a bit of a Batman binge here and I'm not stopping anytime soon!
The story seemed all over the place at first, but all lines up really nicely in the end.
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James Gordon felt a bit cliche, but interesting enough to keep me reading, and quickly. Art style and dialogue all seem like classic Batman and I couldn't put it down. I will say reading it in Hoopla on Action Mode makes the whole experience ten times better, I wish I had figured that our earlier. I'm on a bit of a Batman binge here and I'm not stopping anytime soon!
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LibraryThing member bobbybslax
Good stories, though the Mirror ending one felt a little abrupt. For a book called “The Black Mirror,” the mirror part was pretty short. Still, the rest of it is good.