School Library Journal» comic books

Watch and Read Spotlight on Media Tie-ins: Batman Returns

Joy Fleishhacker — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 20:05:59 +0000

Bane from Dark Knight Rises

Fans of the Caped Crusader are breathlessly awaiting the premiere of The Dark Knight Rises (PG-13), scheduled for release by Warner Bros. Pictures on July 20, in traditional and IMAX formats. A sequel to the critically acclaimed and commercially successful Batman Begins (2005) and The Dark Knight(2008), the movie is the final installment in director Christopher Nolan’s masterfully envisioned film trilogy based on the iconic DC Comics character.

In this new adventure, Batman, now considered a public enemy, returns to Gotham City to take on a frightening foe who threatens its inhabitants. Appropriately named Bane (Tom Hardy), this ominous breath-mask-wearing villain possesses a deadly combination of fine-tuned fighting skills and intelligence. Batman also finds himself tangling with the mysterious Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway), otherwise known as Catwoman. Christian Bale once again stars as Bruce Wayne/Batman, with other members of the ensemble also reprising their roles: Michael Caine as the loyal and resourceful butler/mentor, Alfred Pennyworth; Gary Oldman as Gotham City Police Department Commissioner Gordon; and Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, the technology-designing genius who runs Wayne Enterprises.

Kids can visit the official website to view video trailers characterized by a beguiling blend of dramatic tension and explosive action. Poster-style images of the characters—resplendent in metallic grays, blacks, and silvers—can be browsed or downloaded, and a gallery of full-color film photos provides a close-up look at the players and their high-tech gear. Younger fans looking for some Batman action will find games, activities, online comics, videos, and more at the DC Nation website, a tie-in to the block of animated TV programming starring heroes from the DC Universe that airs on Cartoon Network.

Book Tie-ins

HarperCollins presents a lineup of movie-inspired books geared toward youngsters of varying ages and reading levels. Decked out in dynamic comic-book-style covers, two staple-bound picture books (PreS-Gr 2) introduce the film’s new characters. In I Am Bane, the villain invades the Gotham City Stock Exchange and absconds with important financial records that will give him control of the city, but Batman is already on the way, armed with a secret weapon and steely resolve. It’s a Batman versus Catwoman duel when cat burglar Selina Kyle steals a necklace from Wayne Manor, and Bruce tracks down the culprit, only to discover that she is not as easy to catch as he had anticipated. Both tales unfold through clearly written narratives with an appealing combination of suspense and action. Mostly covering full spreads, the brightly colored illustrations depict events with detail and boundless energy. Effective touches add excitement to important scenes; for example, the speed of a motorcycle chase is emphasized by the angle of falling snow, or sparks blast from beneath the tires of a sports car as Selina peels out in the vehicle that she has just stolen from Bruce. Engaging read-aloud choices for movie fans.

Simple sentence structure, straightforward vocabulary, enticing illustrations, and page-turning suspense propel new readers forward in two “I Can Read!” (Level 2) offerings (K-Gr 2). In first-person narrative, Batman introduces his Tools of the Trade, highlighting gadgets and vehicles-a computer used to analyze chemicals and scan fingerprints, the all-terrain Batmobile, an aircraft that can hover or fly, and more—while also touching upon movie characters and plot elements.

In Batman versus Bane, the hero returns to Gotham to take on a dangerous new villain whom police have found “…too strong to stop and too smart to catch.” Both tales are illustrated with action-packed comic-book-style artwork that supports the texts with visual clues and highlights the bigger-than-life quality of the muscle-bound, square-jawed characters. Fist-to-fist encounters are depicted with flair, but are not overly graphic. With their high-interest subject matter, these offerings will grab beginning readers and also appeal to the read-aloud crowd.

Filled with images from all three entries in the Batman film trilogy, The Secret Files Scrapbook (K-Gr 5) provides a vividly illustrated overview of the Dark Knight’s world. In clearly written first-person text, Batman introduces the wonders of the Batcave, his suit and weaponry (Batarang, pneumatic mangler, etc.), and vehicles (the Bat-Pod motorcycle, Bat aircraft, etc.) with a combo of full-color photos, sketched schematics, and Wayne Enterprises blueprints. Other sections offer background on villains (newcomers to the trilogy as well as veterans such as the Joker and the Scarecrow) and tried-and-true allies. With pages resembling tabbed file folders, snapshots “attached” with paperclips, and “Top Secret” stamps throughout, the layout reflects the scrapbook approach. In addition to getting the scoop on the major characters, readers will appreciate the opportunity to take a closer look at Batman’s gadget-carrying Utility Belt, various views of his high-tech armor, cockpit details for the Batmobile, and more.

Based on the first two films, The Dark Knight Legend (Gr 4-7) recounts the events leading up to the newest movie. A prologue sets the scene by describing important occurrences in Bruce’s childhood: his discovery of a bat-filled cavern on the grounds of his family’s estate, the murder of his parents during a robbery, and his close relationship with Alfred. Crisply written chapters describe Bruce’s training and transformation into Batman, and his efforts to bring Gotham’s bad guys to justice and restore hope to its citizens. When the Joker comes to town, the stakes become higher and closer to home for the Dark Knight, as the villain threatens the woman he loves and his new ally, District Attorney Harvey Dent. As the book comes to a climax, readers learn why Batman takes the blame for evil deeds of which he is innocent and is branded as a wanted man, creating the perfect entrée into the plot of new film. Streamlined and quickly paced, the storytelling is sprinkled with tension-filled dialogue and brief glimpses at the motivations and emotions of the characters. The slick image of a battle-ready Batman on the cover will draw in movie fans, and eight pages of captioned full-color photos are included.

Looking for Batman adventures that will appeal to young adults? Check out next week’s SLJTeen e-newsletter for a selection of graphic novels and more.

Publication Information

ROSEN, Lucy, adapt. The Dark Knight Rises: I Am Bane. illus. by Scott Cohn. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-213222-2; ebook $4.99. ISBN 978-0-06-221938-1.

_____. The Dark Knight Rises: Batman versus Catwoman. illus. by Andy Smith. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-213221-5; ebook $4.99. ISBN 978-0-06-221937-4.

HUELIN, Jodi, adapt. The Dark Knight Rises: Tools of the Trade. illus. by Steven E. Gordon. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-213223-9; ebook $4.99. ISBN 978-0-06-221940-4.

_____. The Dark Knight Rises: Batman versus Bane. illus. by Andie Tong. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-213224-6; ebook $4.99. ISBN 978-0-06-221936-7.

SNIDER, Brandon T. The Dark Knight Rises: The Secret Files Scrapbook. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-06-213228-4.

DEUTSCH, Stacia, adapt. The Dark Knight Legend. pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-06-213227-7; ebook $5.99. ISBN 978-0-06-221935-0.

ea vol: HarperFestival/HarperCollins. 2012.

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Graphic Novels, May 2012

SLJ — Tue, 01 May 2012 20:17:54 +0000

MCKISSACK, Patricia C. & Frederick L. McKissack. Best Shot in the West: The Adventures of Nat Love. illus. by Randy DuBurke. 136p. CIP. Chronicle. 2012. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-5749-9. LC 2007021419.
Gr 3 Up–Born into slavery in Tennessee, Love left home to seek work and eventually became an expert roper and marksman in the Old West, an acquaintance of legends such as Bat Masterson and Billy the Kid. This fictionalized biography is based on his memoir, published in 1907. Exciting episodes include bucking broncos, runaway horses, and Apache raids, as well as Love’s capture by hostile Native Americans, the drunken theft of a cannon from a U.S. Army fort, and the cowboy competition that gives the authors the right to call Love “The Best Shot in the West.” DuBurke’s muscular art features flying bullets, billowing dust, and driving rain. Panels tend to be large, the better to depict the wide open spaces of the Great Plains and the cattle, horses, and buffalo that Love lived and worked among. Exciting and picturesque, Nat Love’s life makes for a great graphic novel.–Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

AGUIRRE, Jorge. Giants Beware! illus. by Rafael Rosado. 202p. First Second. 2012. pap $14.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-582-7.
Gr 3-6–A blacksmith’s daughter is unsatisfied with her peaceful life within the fortress of Mont Petit Pierre. Rambunctious and loudmouthed, Claudette yearns for action, like killing the giant that lives on the mountain outside of town. With her timid brother, Gaston, and her ladylike friend, Marie, she blusters her way through the fortress gate and into the Forest of Death, beyond which lies the Mad River, and then Giant’s Peak. Can these three kids, armed with a wooden sword, Marie’s intelligence, Gaston’s fortitude, Claudette’s stinky feet, and a pug named Valiant, survive in the wilderness and defeat the giant? Of course they can, but not in the ways they might have expected. The adults in the story are distinguished by exaggerated characteristics, but their actions are driven by realistic, largely generous motives. The story strikes a fine balance between being action-and friendship-driven. The art is similarly well-balanced: Rosado’s ink drawings are strong and lively, with expressive characters and well-drawn landscapes. Digitally applied color is natural, bright, and nonintrusive. Fans of Jimmy Gownley’s “Amelia Rules” (S &S) and Jeff Smith’s “Bone” series (Scholastic) will snap this title up.–Paula Willey , Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

For all the latest reviews in this section and more, see SLJ‘s new Reviews Center (Beta)!

The Reviews Center (Beta) is available free through March 1, 2012 to all users with a Library Journal or School Library Journal online account (this includes current recipients of our email newsletters). Don’t know if you have an account with us? It’s easy to check and verify your email, or create a new account.

The following titles are reviewed in the May 1 print issue. Visit our Reviews Center (Beta) for the full reviews.

Elementary and Middle School

BEAUREGARD, Lynda. In Search of the Fog Zombie: A Mystery About Matter. Bk. 1. ISBN 978-0-7613-5689-9; ISBN 978-0-7613-8544-8; ISBN 978-0-7613-8744-2. LC 2011022374.
––––. The Nighttime Cabin Thief: A Mystery About Light. Bk. 2. ISBN 978-0-7613-5692-9; ISBN 978-0-7613-8543-1; ISBN 978-0-7613-8747-3. LC 2011016593.
ea vol: illus. by Der-shing Helmer. 48p. (Summer Camp Science Mysteries). glossary. CIP. Lerner/Graphic Universe. 2012. PLB $29.27; pap. $6.95; ebook $21.95.

DICKENS, Charles. David Copperfield. ISBN 978-0-7641-6304-3; ISBN 978-0-7641-4452-3. LC 2011920871
____. Great Expectations. ISBN 978-0-7641-6305-0; ISBN 978-0-7641-4453-0. LC 2010939397.
ea vol: retold by Jacqueline Morley. illus. by Penko Gelev. 48p. (Graphic Classics Series). map. reprods. index. Barron’s. 2011. PLB $15.99; pap. $8.99.

FARSHTEY, Greg. Mask of the Sensei. Bk. 2. illus. by Paulo Henrique. 64p. (LEGO® Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitsu Series). Papercutz. 2012. Tr $10.99. ISBN 978-1-59707-311-0; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-59707-310-3.

FOLEY, Ryan. Perseus: Destiny’s Call. illus. by Naresh Kumar. 86p. pap. $11.99. ISBN 978-93-80741-08-6.

WHITEHEAD, Dan. Jason and the Argonauts. illus. by Sankha Banerjee. 98p. pap. $12.99. ISBN 978-81-907515-2-0.
ea vol: (Campfire Mythology Series). Campfire. 2012.

FORD, Christopher. The Wrath of Zozimos. Bk. 2.illus. by author. 224p. (Stickman Odyssey Series). Philomel. May 2012. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25427-7.

JOHNSON, R. Kikuo, retel. The Shark King.illus. by author. 40p. CIP. Toon Bks. 2012. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-935179-16-0. LC 2011026592.

LE GALL, Frank. Freedom! Bk. 1. ISBN 978-0-7613-7884-6; ISBN 978-0-7613-8546-2; ISBN 978-1-4677-0161-7. LC 2011021726.
––––. Rooftop Cat. Bk. 2. ISBN 978-0-7613-7885-3; ISBN 978-0-7613-8547-9; ISBN 978-1-4677-0162-4. LC 2011025646.
ea vol: illus. by Flore Balthazar. 48p. (Miss Annie Series). CIP. Lerner/Graphic Universe. 2012. PLB $29.27; pap. $6.95; ebook $21.95.

LAMBERT, Joseph. Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller.illus. by Joseph Lambert. 96p. (The Center for Cartoon Studies Series). Hyperion/Disney. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-1336-2. LC 2011036324.

PETRUCHA, Stefan. The Hunger Pains. Bk. 4. illus. by Rick Parker. 54p. Papercutz. (Papercutz Slices Series). 2012. Tr $10.99. ISBN 978-1-59707-313-4; pap $6.99. ISBN 978-1-59707-312-7.

SPIEGELMAN, Nadja. Zig and Wikki in the Cow.illus. byTrade Loeffler. 40p. CIP. Toon Bks. 2012. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-935179-15-3. LC 2011026676.

High School

GRANT, Pat. Blue. illus. by author. 96p. Top Shelf Productions. 2012. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-60309-153-4.

RYUMON, Ryou. Bloody Monday. Vol. 1. tr. from Japanese by Mari Morimoto. illus. by Kouji Megumi. 208p. glossary. Kodansha. 2011. pap. $10.99. ISBN 978-1-935429-22-7. LC number unavailable.