The Dark Knight Returns, and The Dark Knight Strikes Again

The Dark Knight Returns AND The Dark Knight Strikes Again (Graphic Novel) by Frank Miller

This is a masterpiece. Straight up ridiculously good. Epic, you might say. The dystopia, the acceptance, the call to action, the return, all are unbelieveable. This collection begins with showing how far Gotham City has gone downhill without Batman. Which is saying something, if you've read any Batman graphic novels. Gotham is not a happy place. But Batman returns. Of course. It's in the title. You will subtly be returned to the old characters, until by the end of the second book, you know where most of the primary characters of the DC universe have gone. Everything about this story is amazing. I'm not a huge fan of the arkwork, I like my art dark and glossy. More modern. But the art doesn't detract from the story at all, in fact, it fits it almost perfectly. And I enjoyed the art far more about halfway through The Dark Knight Strikes Again. Regardless, this is spectacular.

FINAL VERDICT: If you like comics, know anything about Batman, or like Watchmen, this graphic novel is for you. Even if you don't, read it. You might like it. As a previous comic fan and batman fan, and a fan of dystopias, I'd give it 5/5 bookmarks.

Signed, Abyss

Coraline

Coraline (Graphic Novel) by Neil Gaiman
(Illustrated by P. Craig Russell)

Coraline is a graphic novel based on the children's book by Neil Gaiman. You may have heard of it because of the buzz from the recent critically praised movie based on the book. So you may be wondering why I am reviewing a children's book on a teen book review site. Well the answer is that I got an ARC (advanced reading copy) of this graphic novel back in august and I just pulled it out. I LOVED it. For most teens, its going to be a simple read. It IS written for 8 year olds and up, and it IS a graphic novel. On the other hand, I think anyone wanting to read this will enjoy it. Not only is the story impressive and very structured, the art is beautiful and eerie. One of the best things about Coraline is its intense creepyness. This will put chills down your spine, at least a little bit. I'm gonna go read the book and see the movie now. READ THIS!

FINAL VERDICT: AMAZINGLY AMAZING. Hits the mark exactly, the only downside is the mark is aimed at middle schoolers. But very good. 5/5 bookmarks.

Signed, Abyss