SKU: 95977504023

The Narrative of Philitas

$134.97 $149.97
Save 10%
No.2 Bestseller on lamcf.fr >

Pay in installments of $37.49 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Aug 21 - Aug 26

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

The Narrative of PhilitasThe Narrative of Philitas: An Exploration of Rodolfo Amoedo's Masterpiece Understanding the Historical Context of The Narrative of Philitas The Influence of Brazilian Art Movements in the Late 19th Century The late 19th century marked a transformative period in Brazilian art, characterized by the emergence of various movements that sought to define national identity. Artists began to explore themes that resonated with Brazilian culture, moving away

The Narrative of Philitas: An Exploration of Rodolfo Amoedo's Masterpiece

Understanding the Historical Context of The Narrative of Philitas

The Influence of Brazilian Art Movements in the Late 19th Century

The late 19th century marked a transformative period in Brazilian art, characterized by the emergence of various movements that sought to define national identity. Artists began to explore themes that resonated with Brazilian culture, moving away from European influences. This era saw the rise of Symbolism, which emphasized emotion and imagination, paving the way for Rodolfo Amoedo's innovative approach in "The Narrative of Philitas."

Rodolfo Amoedo: A Pioneer of Brazilian Symbolism

Rodolfo Amoedo (1851-1931) was a key figure in Brazilian Symbolism, blending traditional techniques with modern themes. His works often reflect a deep connection to Brazilian landscapes and mythology. Amoedo's education in Europe exposed him to various artistic styles, yet he remained committed to portraying the essence of Brazilian culture. "The Narrative of Philitas" stands as a testament to his ability to weave personal and national narratives into his art.

Visual Analysis of The Narrative of Philitas

Color Palette: The Emotional Impact of Earthy Tones

The color palette of "The Narrative of Philitas" is rich with earthy tones, including deep greens, warm browns, and soft ochres. These colors evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection to nature. The use of muted hues enhances the emotional depth of the painting, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the scene's tranquil yet poignant atmosphere.

Composition Techniques: Balancing Figures and Background

Amoedo expertly balances the figures with the background in this artwork. The placement of Philitas and the surrounding elements creates a harmonious flow that guides the viewer's eye. The composition draws attention to the central figure while allowing the lush Brazilian landscape to play a vital role in the narrative.

Symbolism in the Artwork: Decoding the Elements

Every element in "The Narrative of Philitas" carries symbolic weight. The figure of Philitas represents longing and unfulfilled desire, while the surrounding flora symbolizes growth and the passage of time. The interplay between these elements invites viewers to explore deeper meanings, reflecting on their own experiences of love and loss.

Thematic Elements in The Narrative of Philitas

Exploring Themes of Love and Longing in the Painting

The central theme of love and longing permeates "The Narrative of Philitas." The painting captures a moment of introspection, where Philitas appears lost in thought, yearning for a connection that seems just out of reach. This theme resonates universally, making the artwork relatable to many.

The Role of Nature: A Reflection of Inner Emotions

Nature plays a crucial role in the painting, serving as a mirror to Philitas's inner emotions. The lush greenery and vibrant flora reflect the beauty and complexity of human feelings. Amoedo's portrayal of nature enhances the emotional landscape, inviting viewers to contemplate their own relationships with the natural world.

Philitas: The Mythological Connection and Its Significance

Philitas, a figure from Greek mythology, symbolizes the poet's struggle with love and creativity. In the context of the painting, his presence adds layers of meaning, connecting personal longing with universal themes of artistic inspiration. This mythological reference enriches the narrative, inviting viewers to explore the intersection of art and emotion.

Artistic Techniques Employed by Rodolfo Amoedo

Brushwork and Texture: Creating Depth and Movement

Amoedo's brushwork in "The Narrative of Philitas" is both delicate and dynamic. He employs varied techniques to create texture, giving life to the foliage and the figure. This attention to detail adds depth, making the painting feel almost three-dimensional.

Lighting and Shadow: Enhancing the Narrative

The use of lighting and shadow in the painting is masterful. Amoedo skillfully manipulates light to highlight Philitas, drawing the viewer's focus to his contemplative expression. The shadows cast by the surrounding trees create a sense of mystery, enhancing the overall narrative.

Influence of Impressionism on Amoedo's Style

While rooted in Symbolism, Amoedo's style also reflects the influence of Impressionism. His loose brushwork and emphasis on light capture fleeting moments, allowing the viewer to experience the painting's emotional resonance. This blend of styles showcases Amoedo's versatility and innovation as an artist.

The Legacy of The Narrative of Philitas in Contemporary Art

How The Narrative of Philitas Influences Modern Brazilian Artists

"The Narrative of Philitas" continues to inspire contemporary Brazilian artists. Its exploration of emotion and identity resonates with modern themes, encouraging artists to delve into personal and cultural narratives. The painting serves as a bridge between past and present, influencing new generations of creators.

Exhibitions and Collections: Where to Experience the Painting Today

Art enthusiasts can view "The Narrative of Philitas" in various prestigious collections and exhibitions across Brazil and beyond. Museums dedicated to Brazilian art often showcase Amoedo's work, allowing visitors to appreciate the painting's beauty and significance firsthand.

Connecting with The Narrative of Philitas: A Personal Reflection

First-Hand Experience: Viewing the Painting in Person

Experiencing "The Narrative of Philitas" in person is a profound journey. The scale of the painting and the intricate details draw viewers into its world. Observing the brushwork up close reveals the artist's skill and passion, making the experience unforgettable.

Emotional Resonance: What the Painting Evokes in Viewers

The emotional resonance of "The Narrative of Philitas" is palpable. Viewers often find themselves reflecting on their own experiences of love and longing. The painting evokes a sense of nostalgia, prompting personal connections that linger long after viewing.

FAQs About The Narrative of Philitas

What is the story behind The Narrative of Philitas?

"The Narrative of Philitas" tells a story of love, longing, and introspection. It captures a moment of emotional depth, inviting viewers to explore their own feelings through the lens of Philitas's experience.

Who was Philitas and why is he significant in the painting?

Philitas was a Greek poet known for his themes of love and longing. His significance in the painting lies in his representation of the artist's struggle with creativity and emotion, making him a relatable figure for many.

What artistic techniques did Rodolfo Amoedo use in this work?

Amoedo employed various techniques, including dynamic brushwork, strategic use of light and shadow, and a rich color palette. These techniques enhance the emotional impact and depth of the painting.

How does The Narrative of Philitas reflect Brazilian culture?

The painting reflects Brazilian culture through its connection to nature and emotional expression. Amoedo's work captures the essence of Brazilian identity, blending personal and national narratives.

What are the main themes explored in The Narrative of Philitas?

The main themes include love, longing, nature, and the intersection of myth and personal experience. These themes resonate universally, making the painting relatable to a wide audience.

FAQs About The Painting Reproduction

How can I ensure the quality of a reproduction of The Narrative of Philitas?

To ensure quality, look for reproductions created by skilled artists using high-quality materials. A well-executed painting reproduction will capture the original's colors, textures, and emotional depth, providing a superior experience compared to standard prints.

What should I consider when displaying a reproduction of this painting?

When displaying a reproduction of "The Narrative of Philitas," consider the lighting and surrounding decor. Proper lighting can enhance the colors and details, while a complementary setting will allow the artwork to shine as a focal point in your space.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 95977504023

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.5 ★★★★★
Based on 25 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
T
Verified Purchase
The Blue Thunder Bomb
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
The Best BATMAN Tale since YEAR ONE.
When I first started reading Scott Snyder's run on DETECTIVE COMICS, I was unfamiliar with his work. It seemed like they had just grabbed a new name after arcs done by distinguished writers such as Grant Morrison (which I actually thought was terrible during his RIP arc), Greg Rucka (who did a brilliant job with bringing the character of Batwoman into the fold), and Paul Dini (whose work ranged from not great to just about perfect). Snyder just seemed like a Johnny-Come-Lately, and the previous arc on DETECTIVE had been particularly disappointing, but alas I had faith that another solid arc was due for the Darkknight Detective, so I kept collecting. Nothing could have made me happier, since Snyder and his partners in crime, artists Jock and Francesco Francavilla had crafted the most solid, unified and smartest Batman tale since Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's eponymous BATMAN: YEAR ONE. Not to get too bogged down in plot detail, but essentially, the "Black Mirror" arc begins with Dick Grayson as The Batman (since Bruce Wayne was too busy fighting his way through time... argh...) and he's closing in on a secret auction where 'collectibles' of Gotham's most notorious villains are being sold to an elite crowd of wealthy degenerates, such as Scarecrow's fear gas and the crowbar actually used to beat Jason Todd almost to death. The main villain of the piece is hardly Batman's most powerful enemy, but it does leave some psychic scars on Dick. Next Dick is forced to deal with a dead woman found in an office building. Hardly worth Batman's specific attention, but what is is that the woman's body was found inside a dead killer whale's mouth in an office building. Making matters more complicated is that the woman this murder is sending a message to is actually the daughter of Tony Zucco, the gangster responsible for the death of Dick's parents. While these stories are exciting, well-crafted and beautifully rendered by Jock, we enter a much more personal tale of Commissioner Gordon: the return of his son James Jr., who we haven't seen much of at all in his life. Apparently, James Jr. is a psychotic who is taking a new anti-psychotic medication and hopes to return back to society in some way. This becomes a very personal tale for the Gordon family, including Gordon's ex-wife Barbara and of course his daughter Barbara, formerly Batgirl and now the wheelchair-confined information gatherer Oracle. These interludes are illustrated by the brilliant Francavilla, whose every page looks like it's suitable for framing. Unfortunately for everyone involved, Jr. is not exactly what he seems to be and this leads to a small-scale but highly emotionally charged finale. Scott Snyder did several things in this book that very few before him were able to do successfully. First and foremost, he captured the essence of Dick Grayson bearing the responsibility of being Batman. It's not something he shirks from, but he does feel out of place living in Bruce's penthouse and basically taking the mantle of Batman is no small matter. He is more emotional than Bruce and has more issues with his own fears. Second is that he's one of the few writers to really get the essence of Batman being a detective. While Dick is not as brilliant as Bruce, he was trained by the best, and Batman is not just a machine of brute force dispensing justice with his fists and cool gadgets; he's also considered the world's greatest detective and it's always exciting to see an author with a good handle on that aspect of Batman. Third is Snyder's awareness of Gotham not just being a city, but as being an integral character in the adventures of Batman. There's a darkness to the city that the good people strive to rise above, which is why the partnership of Batman and Jim Gordon has been the lifeline of Gotham's survival. Also on wonderful display here is Snyder's understanding of the supporting cast. He gives all of them equal and necessary life in the story, and has a superb handle on their individual characters. In the few years since Snyder started in this business, first gaining prominence on AMERICAN VAMPIRE (which is another breath of fresh air to a dying genre) and then his work on DETECTIVE gaining him even greater accolades, he has become possibly the best writer currently at DC. Several people, including myself have heralded him as the next Alan Moore. He has an understanding of character, dialogue and structure that is unusual and continually striking. He's been the standout star of DC's "New 52", continuing his work on Batman with as well as bringing back one of DC's greatest horror titles, . He has also continued to establish himself as one of comic's premier horror writers by doing the best horror comic in years over at Image Comics called (you can find my review of that book via that link), as well as doing a mini-event that explores the beginnings of Gotham City in . THE BLACK MIRROR is a Batman classic that people will still be discussing in years to come, as well as his other work in the field. I couldn't suggest more highly picking up any of his books. It doesn't get much better.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2012
J
Verified Purchase
JR. Forasteros
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Dark, Brooding and 100% Batman
This review is super-spoilery. If you haven't read The Black Mirror yet, do yourself a favor and go grab a copy ASAP. You won't regret it. No matter who we are, we can't escape our past. Where we've come from and who we've been leave indelible marks on us. Nowhere is this more true than Gotham City, and in Batman: The Black Mirror, Scott Snyder gives us a glimpse into the Darkness that lies at the core of the city. If you're not a regular Batman reader, you may not know that everyone in the DC Comics universe thought Bruce Wayne was dead for a while. While he was gone, Dick Grayson - the original Robin - took up the mantle of the Batman. After Bruce Wayne's return, he kept Dick as the new Gotham City Batman.* Black Mirror is actually a story featuring Dick Grayson - not Bruce Wayne - as the Batman. Snyder's story is one of the best Batman stories I've ever read. It's a dark, brooding and good, old-fashioned detective story. And it actually works better with Dick instead of Bruce under the cowl. That's a writing feat nothing short of miraculous. Snyder's Gotham is a monstrous city that seeks to poison everyone in it. It turned both Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson into masked vigilantes. Dick was the child of circus acrobats who were murdered in Gotham. He was taken in by Bruce Wayne, who lost his own parents to Gotham criminals and trained Dick to become Robin. Eventually Dick outgrew the Robin persona and became Nightwing, working in a city near Gotham. Joining Dick in the spotlight of Black Mirror is Commissioner James "Jim" Gordon, who's no less a victim of Gotham's darkness than Dick. He and his first wife Barbara have a son named James, Jr., who left with Barbara when she and Jim divorced. Jim also has a niece named Barbara who came to live with him after her parents died. Barbara dated Dick in high school, and she became the first Batgirl. In Alan Moore's epic The Killing Joke, the Joker shoots Barbara in the stomach, paralyzing her. In a wheelchair, she's now the Oracle. She serves as the information hub for Batman, Robin and their allies. The Black Mirror introduces us for the first time to the adult James, Jr., who has returned to Gotham searching for a second chance. We learn from his suspicious father that James, Jr. is a clinical psychopath: he doesn't feel typical human emotion (yes, just like Dexter). But he comes claiming to be on a new medication that stimulates the brain to produce the chemicals psychopaths lack. He reveals that he's volunteering at Dr. Leslie Thompkins' free clinic. Jim Gordon is suspicious, distrustful. But he can't stop himself from being hopeful, too. Is it possible that his son has found peace and even redemption? Snyder keeps us guessing about James, Jr.'s true nature through the whole book. We feel the tension Jim Gordon feels, torn as he is between Oracle's pessimism and Dick's optimism. Barbara is convinced that James, Jr. is a monster who can and will never change, while Dick is hopeful. And so with this tension established, Snyder asks us a most basic question: can we be anything other than what we have been? We meet Sonja Branch, the estranged daughter of the mobster who killed Dick's parents. A wealthy, successful executive, Dick wonders to Jim Gordon if she's as upstanding as she seems. Dick muses that "it's nice to know that maybe, once in a blue moon, the apple does fall far from the tree in Gotham." The expression on Jim Gordon's face as he echoes, "Once in a blue moon," reveals that he's still wondering about James, Jr. An old case has led Jim to reflect on his son to wonder yet again what made him the way he is. To wonder what he could've done differently. He concludes that Gotham is fundamentally sick. He wonders to Dick: Do you ever feel like... like the more good you do or try to do for people out there, for strangers, the more the ones close to you, the ones you love, get hurt? ...I don't mean in general. I mean here. In Gotham... I'm talking about the damn bedrock. There are times I feel a dark heart down there, Dick. A dark, malformed heart. Since Alan Moore's The Killing Joke, the Batman mythology has suggested that Gotham's villains arise as a response to the Batman's presence. The Joker of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns is comatose, awaking only when news breaks that the Batman has returned to Gotham. And Heath Ledger's Joker in The Dark Knight laughs that Batman thinks Joker wants him dead - the Batman completes Ledger's Joker. But Snyder dares to step beyond this to suggest that it's Gotham, the city itself that creates both the heroes and the monsters. Gotham created the Batman just as it created the Joker. Gotham created Robin by murdering Dick's parents. And now that Dick is the Batman, we learn that Gotham has been creating a new nightmare just for him. Dick's opposite, his dark mirror, isn't the Joker. That surprise comes when we finally meet the newly-escaped Clown Prince of Crime after Batman tracks him down. The Joker knows instantly, chastising Batman: Do you even know what Gotham means, little bird? ...It means a safe place for goats! And do you know what preys on goats? Bats. The bat makes the goat sick. But every bat does this in its own way. And you, you're not my bat! So what sickness has arisen as a response to Dick's new Batman? By the time we reach Snyder's gut-wrenching, perfectly, agonizingly timed reveal, we realize it could have been no one else but James, Jr. James, Jr. is a pure, true psychopath. He's reversed his medications - instead of stimulating the brain to produce more of the drugs that give us emotions, James, Jr.'s drug suppresses them. His master plan - an eerie successor to the Joker's inaugural caper - is to drug a factory in Gotham that manufactures infant formula. James, Jr.'s goal is to create a generation of psychopaths, to remake Gotham's children in his own image. He calmly explains as much to Dick as he tortures his cousin, Barbara: Gotham is a city of nightmares... in the truest sense because what's a nightmare if it isn't a warning? A vision of yourself at your weakest... Batman - the real one - he shapes Gotham out of an obsession... but you new crop, you do it out of compassion. Out of empathy. Out of weakness... And out of all of them, Dick, you're the weakest. [Gotham] is a city of nightmares, and I'm yours. I'm the face you see in the glass. A man with no conscience. No empathy. Gotham made me to challenge you... I am Gotham's son. And the city made me so I could help usher in a new generation of children. Dick proves that his compassion is more a weapon than a weakness, thwarting James, Jr. (probably). But Black Mirror leaves us with an unsettled, uneasy sense that this fight is darker and longer than we thought. We start to wonder if the Batman's quest is actually winnable, in the end. But Dick Grayson never wonders. That's what separates him from the James, Jrs. of the world. That's what separates him even from Bruce. This is a different Batman. Full of optimism. Playful - he makes jokes and teases his teammates. Dick's Batman is at once totally different from Bruce's and at the same time wholly Batman. Most importantly, Dick is hopeful. And it's ultimately that hope that lifts us up over even a surprisingly ambiguous ending. Dick said it perfectly early in the book: I couldn't understand why Bruce... always chose to drive through the streets, moving on the ground... when he could've just soared above it all. But I get it now. Because even back then he understood that Gotham is a place you can never get above, a place you can never see clearly... I can't help it, though. I'm built differently. Because there's something about seeing Gotham from the sky that energizes me, gives me hope, if only for a moment before I come back down to earth. Dick hopes that Gotham can be better. It's a hope that transcends anything even Bruce has. And it's that hope that draws him and those around him - like Jim and Barbara to fight the good fight. Bottom Line: Whether you're a long-time fan of the Batman or only know The Dark Knight, Snyder's book is a must read. The characters are amazing. The plot is fantastic. The art is breathtaking. From start to finish, The Black Mirror is a sterling example of the literary power of comics you'll want to read over and over again. *Since DC Comics has rebooted their entire franchise, none of this is the case anymore. Bruce is back to being the Batman and Dick Grayson has returned to his role as Nightwing.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2011
R
Verified Purchase
Rich Stoehr
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 4
Reflections of the Dark Knight
A new Batman, a new villain, an old city, and lots of familiar faces. 'The Black Mirror' is a potent formula, and for the most part very effective. But, I have to say at the outset, it's difficult to read a Batman story without Bruce Wayne. Scott Snyder brings all his considerable skill to bear in writing this multifaceted tale of a Gotham City finding its way, Dick Grayson trying so hard to fill the cowl of Bruce Wayne with new partners, and a long-forgotten piece of Commissioner Jim Gordon's past come back to haunt him. There's a lot to this story, and Snyder spins it with the same wit, the same grasp of history and literature, and the same subtleties of craft as he has evidenced with the excellent 'American Vampire.' For all its newness, it's clear that Snyder "gets" the Batman, gets the importance of Gotham City as a place and as a character in its own right, gets the history of those who've come before him, and pumps all of this into the overall arc of 'The Black Mirror.' And yet part of me can't let go - where's the Batman I know? Similarly, artists Jock and Francesco Francavilla get the look and feel of Batman. Despite pretty dramatically different styles - Jock's harsh and jagged and nearly monochromatic, Francavilla's more colorful and less edgy - they both show well here, and the material they illustrate is well-suited to their talents. Jock expresses the drama and the darkness of the Batman, Francavilla expresses the more human side of both heroes and villains alike. For a story this complex - a story of drugs and madmen and broken families and long-held grudges - both have their piece to contribute, and they do it well. And something still feels like it's missing. It's a little like reading 'The Hound of the Baskervilles,' in the parts where Holmes is absent from the story. Watson is a fine investigator, and pushes the story forward in his own way, and it's still a good story. But it feels less driven, less exciting, less complete, until Holmes' return, with all his fire and fervor, to wrap the case up with his signature panache. I kept waiting, in 'The Black Mirror,' for that moment. When Bruce Wayne returned and righted that world and brought it all back into sharp perspective. Though there were many satisfying moments to be experienced...that moment never came. 'The Black Mirror' is aptly named. It reflects aspects of Gotham City and its denizens, both those who fight for it and those who would bring it crashing down, in new and original ways. It makes us see things we haven't seen before. Scott Snyder and Jock and Francavilla represent well here, and have created a finely-crafted addition to the ongoing story of Batman. But a reflection of a thing is not the thing itself, and that difference was felt here. A slight warping of the glass, or a flaw in its surface gave it away. Though his reflection was seen in the black mirror, the Batman was not to be found here. And that was hard to get past.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2012
G
Verified Purchase
Gregory Cox
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
The Greatest Batman Story Ever Written by Scott Snyder
Format: Paperback, Format: Paperback
Known about this volume for a long time, but I kept putting it off and just managed to finally read it a few days ago. And the first thing that came to my mind after I finished the last page and closed the comic was "Wow, that was a really good story". And I really think that sums it up perfectly, but i'll expand to give a more thorough review. Scott Snyder is the current writer of the main Batman comic book series (Though his run is nearly at an end now), which is where the brunt of my experience with him comes from. I've read another comic by him set around the same time period that this one takes place in (Batman Gates of Gotham) and I honestly wasn't impressed with it. Definitely one of his weaker showings. This one makes up for that and then some however. The Batman featured in this, and the previous, story is Dick Grayson (Robin #1, Nightwing, and currently Agent 13 over in Grayson). Naturally, you'd expect Dick Grayson to be a different character than Bruce Wayne, and Snyder gets this. The entire story really deals with the idea that it is Dick wearing the cape and cowl and crafts an adventure that is made for him and how he would personally deal with it. He makes some mistakes here and there, but also has a lot of success specifically because of who he is. I think the stories told in this work are exciting and full of a good amount of action and character development. Snyder has a tendency in my opinion to only focus on one overarching story, which I don't personally prefer. He avoids that here. There is one massive story being told, with one main villain at its core who is responsible for pulling our heroe's strings, but between that and the start of the story are numerous other adventures as well, with different characters and villains, who have their own motivations. I appreciate this because it's just nice to see our hero fighting against so many different people throughout the story. This also isnt' solely Dick's story. I'd say that it's as much Jim Gordon's as it is Batman's this time around, with the major villain striking really close to home. This adds a sense of emotion and tragedy to the story which you don't often see. Further more, this story is creepy. That's actually something that I don't think can be said about the majority of Batman stories out there. It's dark, depressing, and genuinely creepy at points, capable of chilling you to the bone. It's a solid change of pace and I loved it. Despite the fact that we don't get our traditional Batman in this I would honestly rate this as one of the greatst Batman stories of all time and highly recommend it.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2016
A
Verified Purchase
Alfredo Espinoza
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
Great story telling, but not for everyone
WARNING: THERE WILL BE SPOILERS THROUGHOUT THIS REVIEW. I found this book to be a really great read. I have been away from comics for a little while now and decided to pick this up after hearing Scott Snyder's interview with Kevin Smith on Fat Man on Batman. I am a fan of the dark style for Batman and this is one of my favorite books now. Granted I've been away for a while so I don't know much of the other stories (I plan on reading a lot more), but this book was an instant favorite. I will admit there are a few things I disliked at first, like Dick Grayson taking the mantle of the Bat but I soon warmed up to him. I'll mention a bit of the storyline now: Dick Grayson is now the Batman after the events of Infinite Crisis. He tries to fit into this new lifestyle as being the Bat and living in Bruce's penthouse. He feels uneasy and restless. So once trouble arises, he goes out as Batman to investigate (same old thing). He gets into this kind of social gathering (disguised as someone else) for the wealthy who purchase items once owned by Gotham's most notorious villains. Now the guy running the show knows he is Batman and tricks him, having some sort of toxin enter his body to make him fear everything around him. While all this is going on, Commissioner Gordon is out on patrol and learns that his son is back in town. Ever since James Jr. was a baby, he couldn't feel empathy. So whenever someone would mess with him, he would go after then ans torture them (this is where things get twisted). Long story short, the reader finds out that it was Gordon's behind all of the crimes recently commit to get back at Batman (Dick). There are also apparences by the Joker, Tim Drake, Barbara Gordon and Sonia Zucco (daughter of Tony Zucco, the man who killed Dick's parents). Now I will say this book is pretty amazing, but like I mentioned in the title, this one isn't for everyone. This book is kinda graphic and has gore elements in it. Not to mention the use of psychotic themes and characters. I can see how some people can get disinterested in that. And the story does jump around a little so it can get a bit difficult to follow. But all in all, it is great storytelling. If dark story-telling is your thing, I recommend checking this one out. The dialog of the characters seem so natural and so is their development. The inclusion of Gordon's son was such a wonderful experience, and not only that but to have him a little twisted in the head was incredible in my opinion. Like they have said before, having this character be twisted, he is a perfect counter-part to both Gordon and Dick; Dick is smiling and care for other people while James Jr. cannot do this, and to Gordon, his son is the one case he cannot solve. Anyways, I loved everything about it and has even inspired me to get back into the comic book genre. I hope my review helped you decide to check this book out.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2013

recommand products

BCAA + EAA Strawberry Candy 300g w/Natural Flavor
39.99
Kappa 222 Banda Niji T Shirt (Navy) 34198EW
55.00
Kappa Authentic Adam 2 Slides (Red) 303GAD0
35.00
Hyundai Genuine (Mobis) Part No.: 254732J200 Part Name HOSE ASSY-OIL WARMER B
518.00
Hyundai Genuine (Mobis) Part No.: 86360GI000 Part Name STRIP ASSY-FR BUMPER UPR
514.50