Batman: Their Dark Designs

This volume continues the ongoing continuity from Batman vol.13 but has been given a volume 1 designation in recognition of this being a good jumping on point for new and returning readers. Included are Batman #85-94 and Batman Secret Files #3 as well as a variant cover gallery. There are a few artists at work here with the lead being taken by Guillem March but there is a consistent look and feel which means that the reader does not get distracted by jarring style changes. Overall, decent to very good art across the whole book. The storyline by James Tynion concerns Bats ongoing struggle against a villainous plot involving the Penguin, Joker and the Riddler and introduces the new character Punchline. It sets the scene for the next chapter in the Batman life story as well as being an interesting read in its own right. The focus is on Batman and to a lesser extent, Catwoman so not much sign of the other Bat hangers on who have plagued the Bat books in recent years. The Batman Secret Files section is really a bonus but doesn't connect that much to the main storyline. Overall, a nice book for Bat fans old and new.

This is a lovely hardback with decent paper quality.You get a lot for your money in the terms of content.So, I won’t be spoiling the story but I will be talking about the past few stories, so be warned..So, Tynion has taken over the mantle of Batman and I’m really impressed.Alfred is dead and Bruce is doing what he always does, he hides how he’s feeling but, BUT he has some jovial antics to keep him busy.Sadly I knew what the outcome of this story was from the get go (collecting comics and sadly seeing so many websites leaving spoilers.)The art sets a tone which in itself is very dark and it plays well.We also get introduced to the new female sidekick of The Joker, Punchline. She’s the usual stereotype of a female in comics, big lumps and a tiny waist. It’s hard to tell if she’s interesting yet, but it’s all down to Harley Quinn being a commercial sell out and being popular for kids.Anyway, the story is gripping. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through.There’s enough dialogue to keep you going but not too much that we’re heading into Snyder territory.I always talk about bridges to main events and such, which are usually gap-filler stories that are just throw away rubbish there to keep you reading til the MAIN event happens but this feels like it’s apart of the main event. That’s good writing for you when it’s all good writing with no filler.I’m tired of throw away stories that just want you to but seven issues of a crossover and this is genuinely one of the better stories I have read through 2020.Tynion in my opinion has hit the ground running and I’m optimistic that his run of Batman maybe the refreshing update he needs.City of Bane was a jumbled mess, decent but all over the place.This feels like classic and dark Batman, the type I’ve always loved.I hope this continues and we get more great stories.I hope this helps (Sorry for rambling)And thanks for reading.

I started reading Batman comics with Scott Snyder's amazing run with "The Court of Owls". Unfortunately, Dc lost me completely with Tom King his run. It was an absolute disaster and everyone hated the rebirth era for batman. Luckily, James Tynion, who co wrote with Scott Snyder during his run, penned the critically acclaimed "Detective Comics" during the rebirth era.That run was a more traditional sequel to the universe Snyder set up and that continued trom both Batman Eternal & Robin Eternal.This new run, by James Tynion is the book we all have been hoping for. He is a genious and this first volume was incredible. Can't wait for Joker War in 2021!

When Catwoman, the Riddler, Penguin and the Joker were starting out on their criminal paths, they were brought to the Designer's lair and he told them ways to improve themselves and achieve their greatest goals. Following the City of Bane event, Bruce Wayne is rebuilding Gotham City while, as Batman, he is tackling mercenaries who have been paid by the Designer to cause havoc. The Designer is now ready to take control of the broken city but he has not taken into account what his initial training had on the Joker. While Catwoman attempts to protect her lover's wealth, the manipulations of the Joker sees Bruce Wayne's wealth, home and business fall into his lap. The Joker has had the last laugh and this all neatly leads into the next epic, The Joker War.This nine part series is brilliantly written by James Tynion IV and incredibly illustrated throughout with some awesome artwork. Both the Riddler and the Joker are portrayed in the artwork as pure evil and so different from their earlier appearances with a younger Batman. The graphic novel finishes with Batman Secret Files issue 3 and a gallery of variant covers. This volume is a great addition to the Batman library.

Wow I thought things were going to calm down, was I ever wrong!It is a new Gotham. After the events of City of Bane, Gotham, Batman/Bruce and the whole Bat family have been rocked to their foundations like never before. Now round two is an earthquake.A plan made years in advance, by a criminal mastermind with the help of some of Gotham's top villains at the time have been put into motion. Even the villains involved are running scarred. The devil is in the details.I like the fact that Batman/Bruce is taking a different direction after what he has been through and lost. What he will realise is he still has more to lose. The dynamic has also needed to change as part of the loss.An epic start to this story arc. I can't wait for the next part. Great story and artwork. Every chapter starts with a issue cover then there is a varient cover gallery at the end.