Batman R.I.P. is one of those collections that had me flipping backward through the panels, inspecting each panel for something that will lead me to understand its conclusion before I get to it. Much like Watchmen - and at the same time, very much unlike it - Batman R.I.P. allots you a lot of important information in small doses.

The superb writing is greatly complimented by the awesome artwork. The sinister Joker's qualities are intensified within these pages, reminiscent of something diabolical - at times, I swear I could picture Marilyn Manson's face (even though, he's probably the least diabolical singer in the "industry"). The torn identities carried by Bruce Wayne/Batman, the loyalties between family and friends - they all play the part of who we are and who we want to be and what we use in order to stay sane.

Batman R.I.P. won't find it hard to garner a place within the Gotham mythos and the canon of comic book fans everywhere. It should be read by anyone wanting to know how to write a story, be it prose, script or a graphic novel. ( )

I'm sort of conflicted on this one, though part of that is due to the fact that I've read 16 or 17 Batman Graphic Novels in a row and I might just be Batman'd out.

On the one hand, the art style is outstanding - some of the full spread images I had to just pause and admire the lining, the colors and the shadows. Gotham in particular looks great here. Some of the Joker imagery is stellar, as well.

On the other hand, I find the images don't tell the story very well, if that makes sense. I was frequently confused about who was talking, or what the context of the images were showing. I suppose that sort of goes in line with Bruce Wayne's journey in this one, but I don't think it meshed as well as I'd liked.

I also feel like I've sort of read/seen this version of Batman story before...because I probably sort of have? Not really this specific book's fault. Still, Batman is still Batman and it's going to have to really crap the bed in order for it not to be entertaining and this was pretty entertaining. ( )

On the one hand, I have to admit I found myself liking this better than I thought given some of the negative reviews I saw. On the other hand, the ending, or rather the epilogue story that came after the end of the R.I.P. story sequence seemed a bit of a tagged on piece. We probably could have done with out that part, and the larger story would have still worked. It was interesting, but it did not feel necessary. I don't think this is the first time I read Morrison, and I feel that he starts well, then sort of falls apart. As for the R.I.P. story, the core of this volume, it was pretty good, interesting. The idea of attacking Batman mentally is certainly a good one; Bane did it physically, so this was a nice contrast. And yet, after a while, the villains do underestimate the Dark Knight (above as much as I can say without spoiling things). In addition, you do see a few other characters from Batman's life as well in this tale. So, overall, a pretty good tale. It certainly kept my interest. ( )

"Batman: R.I.P." tells the story of the apparent downfall of Batman at the hands of Doctor Hurt, a criminal mastermind who may or may not be someone from Batman's past.

When I first read this storyline as it was published in serial format, I found it confusing. But that's what happens when a month goes by between each chapter and you don't get to the comic shop regularly.

Reading it again in collected form...it's still confusing. I'm putting that down to the art, which isn't very good in a storytelling sense. Tony Daniel turns out a nice drawing now and again, but panel to panel it isn't as successful. I frequently found it hard to tell what was happening, or even in what order things were supposed to be happening.

Despite the visual confusion, Morrison turns in a pretty gripping psychological drama that references a number of crazy 60s elements (such as Bat-Mite and Zur-En-Arrh) and reconciles them with current continuity. You don't need to have read those old comics, but you should read [b:"The Black Glove"|3390159|Batman The Black Glove|Grant Morrison|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1267975306s/3390159.jpg|3430026] and [b:"Batman and Son"|440960|Batman Batman and Son|Grant Morrison|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Ab7IyriAL._SL75_.jpg|2189612] before taking on this volume. ( )

I feel as if I need to read this over again. This is the sort of book, like most [a:Grant Morrison|12732|Grant Morrison|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1311378308p2/12732.jpg] works, that needs to be read slowly and digested. It would significantly help, having someone to talk to about it, but as that is currently lacking I fear that I shall forever remain wrapped up in confusion as to what I just read.

The transitions were a bit jarring, and at times I struggled to figure out what was flashback and what was present action. I realize that context clues reveal these things for the most part, but I still feel that it could have been a bit more fluid or clearly defined. I felt a few pieces of plot were never adequately explored, and thus.. well.. it was terribly confusing.

Anyone care to discuss this with me and help me out a little? I feel as if I missed some things I shouldn't have... ( )