Legends of the Dark Knight Norm Breyfogle 2 Hardcover – November 27, 2018

This volume is even better than the first, as if the Breyfogle/Grant relationship evolved into a solid Batman period that needs no comparison with previous decades. While in the first volume, writer and illustrator introduce some interesting new villains, such a as Scarface, Kadaver, or the Rat Catcher, in this volume the pair produces some superb stories with the canonical villains. Their take on the Penguin, the Scarecrow, the Catman, and the Joker is darker, more maniacal, more sadistic. I do remember Englehart’s darker portrayal of the Joker in the mid-seventies, but there were other villains I never got to see on this level. Snow and Ice is the kind of story that makes the Penguin a rival worthy of the Batman. He’s a criminal mastermind that not only plans heists, but who also is willing to commit mass murder against rival gangsters to get what he wants. Readers also get to see a similar take on the Catman and the Joker. The story with the Scarecrow is called Identity Crisis, whereas it should have been called The Scarecrow who Stole Christmas” given that the old villain spreads a killer disease making more than fifty innocent people commit murders during the Christmas season. Of course, the title is owed to the fact that a third Robin is born. Catwoman also has an interesting cameo appearance. Although the comics of this period suggest a greater amount of violence as I have mentioned above, the panels shy away from excessive graphic violence. The strength of these stories are not in their use of violence; rather it is the ability to tell a crime story with some degree of realism and without sacrificing the heroic qualities that characterize the superhero, in this case, the Batman.Besides these villain oriented stories, there are the socially relevant issues: Trash and Street Demonz. These stories highlight the urban decadence and the problems of juvenile delinquency that were relevant back then. In addition to this, Rite of Passage and Identity Crisis are solid stories that introduce us Batman’s new sidekick, Tim Drakes as Robin.When Grant writes about the Batman, readers can tell that the author has a solid idea of what he was meant to be: The Batman doesn’t need other people... the Batman doesn’t need company, or laughter, or words. The Batman needs no kiss on the cheek! For him, the night is enough, the wind in the neon city... the sting of chill, the purity of one’s mission.” His plots are well thought out. He can bring in Vicki Vale and Tim Drake without sacrificing the thread of the narrative, and he can write stories that take 2 or 3 issues without waning my interest. Grant is among the top Batman writers.However, Breyfogle is the focus of this volume. While Grant delivers strong plots and great characterization through language, Breyfogle produces great impressionistic artwork. I loved the panels showing Batman making gestures of pain when arriving late to a crime scene. The two-page panel showing the Batman getting the Joker while he is escaping in A Clash of Symbols is simply outstanding work. Whether he’s up in the air, fighting thugs, or showing pain, Breyfogle’s art can handle characterization while living up to Grant’s writing.Great comic book reader!

I grew up collecting Batman comics when Alan Grant and Norm Breyfogle were doing Batman and Detective Comics together. They were such a dynamic duo back in the day. I don't have my comics collection anymore that's why this anthology of Breyfogle's work is a treasure find for me. I fell in love with Batman because of Breyfogle's art. As an artist myself, I like copying Breyfogle's style because that's the kind of art I grew up reading and studying. Other artists' work can really be a great influence on other budding artists like me, so I think of this collection as my original source of inspiration, and this volume brings back a lot of fond memories too. I highly recommend this book.

For anyone that read Batman & Detective Comics in the 90s, Norm Breyfogle most likely ranks in their top 5 Batman artists of that decade and possibly all-time. He's my favorite all-time and thus for me this was a no-brainer purchase. Alan Grant's writing improves by leaps & bounds as does Norm's already stellar work. The paper quality is great and overall the collection is worth the price. The only negative and it's quite minor such that it doesn't affect the overall rating, is that the issue that crossed over with the Batman title at the time involving the Penguin is put at the end of the book rather than where it belongs numerically. I eagerly await volume 3.

Been going back and filling in my BATMAN collection....I love this time period. Artwork is great as are the stories. This era leads up the BAIN storyline line with on a few yrs and you get a feel of how the CAPED CRUSADER was giving it his all but getting worn out in the process....

This is an excellent volume. I love Norm Breyfogle's Batman artwork. This vol. 2 is a classic! Beautiful volume, very nice quality. I still love the cheaper comic book page, I love the smell and no gloss. These high quality pages are the typical glossy pages which makes reading a tad difficult if you get a glare. All in all, I highly recommend!

Great collection at a great price point. Much improved design over volume 1.

Norm Breyfogle ranks among the best of the Batman artists. It's great to have this book!

Norm Breyfogle was a great Batman artist!The stories are good too!

Excelente presentación, calidad del producto. Si eres fan del magistral Norm Breyfogle, no te arrepentirás.

This book features the 2nd part of Alan Grant & Norm Breyfogle's run on both Detective Comics and Batman. Breyfogle is arguably the best Batman artist ever, even more so during the late 80's and early 90's. A must have for any Batman fan!

Any Batman Comic Book fan should know, that the Batman stories written mostly by Alan Grant and especially drawn by Norm Breyfogle are the best ones and the most realistic and thrilling!! So since I had the first volume I was hoping that there will be more. Was not easy, because this books appearance has been delayed, but finally it's in now! I have pre-ordered it, so the lowest price I payed for was £26, which we must admit is super cheap, considering that is hardcover, for example the Marvel Masterworks you can rarely get for under £40!! So it was a super deal and I am already hoping and waiting for a third volume!! :) (The only negative thing is, that maybe they could have chosen a better front cover picture).

A tragedy that Norm has left us. A properly classic run with dynamic Bat art from Norm.

Good