I advise people to read the script in the back. It gave me an incredible appreciation for the story. There are so many layers to it, that aren't necessarily captured by the art, as Dave McKean sort of ignored the script at parts. In the end, maybe that was for the best, but the script still increases my appreciation.
It’s not pretentious, it’s good. Worth noting that Grant Morrison said it was lucky that Dave McKean ended up on the book because he really made it stand out and turned into something special.
It's been a long time since I've read this story but I think it says a lot that I don't remember the story but I remember specific panels of the art. McKean kills it every time.
You're right, this is a reprint of the 25th Anniversary deluxe edition, except that the 25th a/e has a $29.99 cover price and a matte jacket. If I remember correctly, they rescanned the art for the Absolute Edition but I have no idea if they used it for this edition.
They did use the rescanned art here. You can tell because Joker's speech had a white outline in the original which is replaced by a dark shadow in the new editions to make it more readable. I really liked the matte jacket tho
I really hope we get some more deluxe editions from Batman soon. I know they’re busy giving us all the Loeb/sale stuff again but things like officer down, false faces, and battle for the cowl would be perfect for the format
I couldn’t agree more. I really want all of Omar’s reading order for Batman eventually collected in oversize, either deluxe or omnibus. Would be amazing to fill in the gaps, but dc didn’t seem to know their audience with respect to collected editions…
I ordered this, along with the Long Halloween. Which I still have my OG hardcover. But with Arkham Asylum, I loaned my copy to a dude I used to work with in 2008 when the Dark Knight came out. I’ve needed to replace that for a long time.
I think if you look at is as a dream he's having makes it better for me personally. I even pretend sometimes its a dream hes having because of scarecrow fear gas
This story looks absolutely beautiful, despite the friction behind the scenes. I wonder what it would have been like to get this the way Morrison intended? And man: I really wanted the Absolute Edition, but it’s expensive now in the aftermarket.
I sold my first edition of this book long ago but I still have the 30th anniversary deluxe edition. This story is also significant as this is Morrison's first Batman story and one of the rare (and maybe the 1st if this predates his Black Orchid miniseries with Gaiman) times Dave McKean does interiors of a mainstream character/comic. I guess Dave was still a new unproven artist at the time which is why they wanted Bolland to do it but I think he was an excellent choice to capture the creepy surreal sanity challenging atmosphere of the story.
I believe I have the original Deluxe and this was my first Morrison read before diving into his Batman run. I would be down for an Absolute edition if it gets reprinted.
Everyone is entitled to their own perspective. However, to those who claim it's "pretentious"; I am currious, how is it pretentious? What is it pretending to be? If you ask me comics, especially this kind of comic or graphic novel can be legitimate art. As, or more legitimate even, than many other mediums. Arkham Asylum is truely a work of genuine art. Created by genuine artists who will be recognized well beyond our time. The fact alone, that there is any controversy around Akham Asylum, is evidence of its impact on and importance to, comic readers.
One of the greatest Batman stories of all time, but that cover! Blaaaaargh! Guess I will hold on to my original hardcover edition. Who is doing graphic design over at DC, the accountants?! It’s just a train wreck, starting with the IGN pull quote, the font choice, weird white boxes etc - yuck. There was a time when Vertigo was the cutting edge of design, the 4AD of comics (for all you record nerds out there). This cover must have McKean barfing up his haggis.
Anyone saying that this book is "pretentious" is just unintelligent. This isnt a "big brain" book by any means and Im not saying that it needs to be analyzed as fine art or anything of the sort. But if someone is calling it pretentious it means that they dont want to bother even trying to read something that is slightly out of the ordinary.
Always found this overrated. Seems because of its timing woth the 89 film is what helped propel it to the heights it’s in. Definitely read it after having a bit of Batman, Gotham and Rogues Gallery knowledge.
Had this for years, never read the whole thing because of the offputting art. Don't get me wrong certain panels are beautiful but I dont like you cannot always make things out. Thats just me though.
Getting very bored of all these same runs coming out by DC. Anything Arkham/Loeb and Sale has been beaten to death. Give us books we actually want 🤦🏻♂️ lol
I advise people to read the script in the back. It gave me an incredible appreciation for the story. There are so many layers to it, that aren't necessarily captured by the art, as Dave McKean sort of ignored the script at parts.
In the end, maybe that was for the best, but the script still increases my appreciation.
Yes
This man doesn't rest. We love you Omar!
Yeah thanks omar for your hard work. Love this channel
Grant Morrison is on the record saying this book is a nightmare Batman is having, which can explain the look, and odd dialogue and behavior.
Do you happen to know where he said that??
@@brianschmitzer6722 There’s notes from Morrison in the deluxe edition, and that’s where he said it
Yes😊
It’s not pretentious, it’s good.
Worth noting that Grant Morrison said it was lucky that Dave McKean ended up on the book because he really made it stand out and turned into something special.
Easily my favorite Batman story, with Long Halloween a close second. Grant Morrison really made Batman their own here.
Absolutely love the McKean art, have the Absolute, would love to get this in a XXL version so that I could poster a couple pages.
It's been a long time since I've read this story but I think it says a lot that I don't remember the story but I remember specific panels of the art. McKean kills it every time.
@@zachokkema3976he sure does
Always loved the art in this book. Great overview, my man. Appreciate all your hard work!
I appreciate you!
You're right, this is a reprint of the 25th Anniversary deluxe edition, except that the 25th a/e has a $29.99 cover price and a matte jacket. If I remember correctly, they rescanned the art for the Absolute Edition but I have no idea if they used it for this edition.
They did use the rescanned art here. You can tell because Joker's speech had a white outline in the original which is replaced by a dark shadow in the new editions to make it more readable.
I really liked the matte jacket tho
Can't wait to get this in the mail. The way everyone talks about this story makes me excited to read it.
I really hope we get some more deluxe editions from Batman soon. I know they’re busy giving us all the Loeb/sale stuff again but things like officer down, false faces, and battle for the cowl would be perfect for the format
I couldn’t agree more. I really want all of Omar’s reading order for Batman eventually collected in oversize, either deluxe or omnibus. Would be amazing to fill in the gaps, but dc didn’t seem to know their audience with respect to collected editions…
@@comicscoda yes!!! This comment exactly lol
I ordered this, along with the Long Halloween. Which I still have my OG hardcover. But with Arkham Asylum, I loaned my copy to a dude I used to work with in 2008 when the Dark Knight came out. I’ve needed to replace that for a long time.
My favorite Batman comic, missed out on the absolute, might wait on a reprint
I think if you look at is as a dream he's having makes it better for me personally. I even pretend sometimes its a dream hes having because of scarecrow fear gas
This story looks absolutely beautiful, despite the friction behind the scenes. I wonder what it would have been like to get this the way Morrison intended? And man: I really wanted the Absolute Edition, but it’s expensive now in the aftermarket.
Same
Great overview! I hoping we get deluxe editions of more stories such as Under the red hood. I’m surprised we haven’t gotten a hard cover edition yet.
Yes😊
I bought this and read it for the first time. It is fun, weird, and creepy.
Yes😊
I see your videos, more that I take my daily vitamins! Thanks Omar! Great review of a classic tale!
I remember buying it when it came out! I was 19 and it was amongst the first of many great Batman stories. Thanks for this review brother Omar...
This may be the first time I’ve seen an Omar overview of a book the same day I received it in the mail 😄
It's one of only two Absolutes that I own. I typically don't dig Morrison but this book is amazing.
I want it😊
I sold my first edition of this book long ago but I still have the 30th anniversary deluxe edition. This story is also significant as this is Morrison's first Batman story and one of the rare (and maybe the 1st if this predates his Black Orchid miniseries with Gaiman) times Dave McKean does interiors of a mainstream character/comic. I guess Dave was still a new unproven artist at the time which is why they wanted Bolland to do it but I think he was an excellent choice to capture the creepy surreal sanity challenging atmosphere of the story.
Sometimes I am sure I hear hysterical laughter from a cell I know to be empty.
Yes!
The one idea I really loved is the new spin (roll?) on Two Face.
The cards! Yes!
Excellent review Omar! Thank you!
Yes, this is a reprint, I have the original print. Weird that this book wasnt rebranded as black label, it should.
I ordered this a few days ago! Waiting for mine to arrive 😄
Always been a fan of Morrison..
I think I got this as a Pre-order bonus for one of the Arkham games. Never read it but maybe I’ll give it a chance.
I had a nightmare that I once owned this and sold it but then i had a dream that it got a Deluxe and I bought it again
I believe I have the original Deluxe and this was my first Morrison read before diving into his Batman run. I would be down for an Absolute edition if it gets reprinted.
Yes😊
Wish the book had the fifteenth anniversary cover because I liked it better. Overall, it's a good book that I have yet to add to my collection.
Same. I wanted the absolute
Will you make a video on the new Hawkeye by Fraction & Aja paperback releasing in early November? The one subtitled, ‘The Saga of Barton and Bishop’.
As soon as I get it. I put those on the marvel collected editions videos.
@@NearMintCondition Good to know! I must've missed that video. I'm really excited for the Disney+ series.
Everyone is entitled to their own perspective. However, to those who claim it's "pretentious"; I am currious, how is it pretentious? What is it pretending to be? If you ask me comics, especially this kind of comic or graphic novel can be legitimate art. As, or more legitimate even, than many other mediums. Arkham Asylum is truely a work of genuine art. Created by genuine artists who will be recognized well beyond our time. The fact alone, that there is any controversy around Akham Asylum, is evidence of its impact on and importance to, comic readers.
Pretentious comment.
Thanks for taking part in the discussion. :D
@@mr.elixer2455 Found the dumb dumb here. Anything that he doesn't understand is pretentious....
Embarrassing.
There is nothing pretentious about this book.
Nothing.
I despise pretentiousness but thankfully it's devoid here.
I’ve been waiting for this!
Hi Omar! Thanks for this overview. Do you have a Shadowman Classic omnibus overview in the pipeline?
I hope they reprint the Absolute Edition. This is a great edition, but I love the new art on the slipcover of the Absolute.
I grabbed the Absolute when it came out for like under 40 bucks and now its OOP to the point where its going for 300+ on ebay. So crazy.
Yeeeees😊
@@mdb9920sheeeeeesh
Got this on Comixology a long time ago but didn't like the lettering much. I ought try to read it again.
Not really a fan of this story but I can understand why it's a hyped Batman story
I finally pulled the trigger on this
What's the maturity rating? Anything beyond teens and up? Looks awesome!
I’d say teen plus for a few scenes.
Wish they would release the absolute edition
Riiiiiiight,!
Yes😊
😅yes
is there any other dc comics coming out that should know about
One of the greatest Batman stories of all time, but that cover! Blaaaaargh! Guess I will hold on to my original hardcover edition. Who is doing graphic design over at DC, the accountants?! It’s just a train wreck, starting with the IGN pull quote, the font choice, weird white boxes etc - yuck.
There was a time when Vertigo was the cutting edge of design, the 4AD of comics (for all you record nerds out there). This cover must have McKean barfing up his haggis.
Agreed 😊
Absolute is so pretty why no re-print
Exactly. Isn't that new cover art for the slipcase great?
@@johnnydi2203yes. Now I cant buy this ugly cover
@johnnindeeydi2203 indeed!
@jyesohnnydi2203 yes
Should i get the regular paperback or the extra bucks on the deluxe worth it?
Deluxe😅
If it is in continuity, where does it fit?
Somewhere before night of the beast.
@@NearMintCondition thanks Omar!
Anyone saying that this book is "pretentious" is just unintelligent. This isnt a "big brain" book by any means and Im not saying that it needs to be analyzed as fine art or anything of the sort. But if someone is calling it pretentious it means that they dont want to bother even trying to read something that is slightly out of the ordinary.
Or maybe it's just not their cup of tea, or maybe YOUR pretentious.
@@davidgraham8299 if you're going to put EMPHASIS on a word make sure it's spelled correctly lol
I love the book but Batman is a candy a$$ in this story.
3 jokers or this?
This.
This.
By far
I have always found it difficult to get into this one because I really don't like Dave McKean's work.
Always found this overrated. Seems because of its timing woth the 89 film is what helped propel it to the heights it’s in. Definitely read it after having a bit of Batman, Gotham and Rogues Gallery knowledge.
Nice Chanel👍
Thank you so much.
@@NearMintCondition super comicsy👍
Had this for years, never read the whole thing because of the offputting art. Don't get me wrong certain panels are beautiful but I dont like you cannot always make things out. Thats just me though.
You can if you think about it
@@turtleanton6539 maybe it's just bad art
@@davidgraham8299 Dave McKean 'BAD art' gtfo
@Doctor octavius no doubt but I can safely say in over three decades of reading comics I've never seen anyone refer to McKeans art as 'bad'.
It is a bit harr but possible 😊
Getting very bored of all these same runs coming out by DC. Anything Arkham/Loeb and Sale has been beaten to death. Give us books we actually want 🤦🏻♂️ lol
Like what
That comic book looks so boring 😕
Too many words? The art? Morrison? Too much Batman?
Y