Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
66th out of 230 books
—
289 voters
Batman: Battle for the Cowl (Batman)
"Batman: R.I.P." and FINAL CRISIS saw the end of Batman. Now, months following the disappearance of her protector, Gotham City sits at a precipice and it may be too far gone for Nightwing, Robin, Commissioner Gordon and the rest of the city's heroes to save the day. Amid the fires, rioting, looting and gang warfare, one question rings out from the souls of Gotham's despera...more
Hardcover, 160 pages
Published
November 24th 2009
by DC Comics
(first published January 1st 2009)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
3,000)
Batman is “dead” which should be little surprise to those following the build up to to this result or who read the blurb of this graphic novel (so I don't consider it a spoiler). In this installment Gotham City is going downhill now that all the bad people know the Dark Knight is slain so even though the deceased Batman's lieutenants try to control the situation it obviously gets out of control.
A lot of characters in the Batman world make their appearances but this time around I won't say who as...more
A lot of characters in the Batman world make their appearances but this time around I won't say who as...more
Following the events of Batman RIP, Gotham is thrown into chaos as the Black Mask returns to wreak havoc upon the city and free the cavalcade of villains from Blackgate and Arkham that Batman put away. Meanwhile, Dick Grayson refuses to put on the cowl while a new Batman in the form of Jason Todd appears in Gotham, guns blazing. As the Robins, Grayson, Tim Drake, Jason Todd and Damian converge, along with other assorted superheroes, the battle for the cowl begins...
Tony Daniel's artwork througho...more
Tony Daniel's artwork througho...more
BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL (2/5)
Has any of you ever wondered who would become Batman in case Bruce Wayne ever died? It's not an irrational possibility; the man does a dangerous job and despite his vast abilities, his life is constantly on the line. Naturally, a comic book hero is never supposed to die, especially when he is of that magnitude. But just in case Wayne ever...went away, who would protect his beloved city from the homicidal lunatics that swarm it?
Some years ago, Chuck Dixon and Doug...more
Has any of you ever wondered who would become Batman in case Bruce Wayne ever died? It's not an irrational possibility; the man does a dangerous job and despite his vast abilities, his life is constantly on the line. Naturally, a comic book hero is never supposed to die, especially when he is of that magnitude. But just in case Wayne ever...went away, who would protect his beloved city from the homicidal lunatics that swarm it?
Some years ago, Chuck Dixon and Doug...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
With DC Comic's most recent shakeup, heroes and villains alike are settling into a whole new world. One of the biggest changes was the death of Batman, a.k.a. Bruce Wayne. This has left a vacuum in Gotham City as many of Batmans enemies clamor to take over the city. Nightwing (the original Robin) along with most of the bat-family (Batwoman, Huntress, Oracle, Batgirl, Robin, and Catwoman) is doing what can be done to try and hold the line. Even the help of allies such as Black Canary is just not...more
Battle for the Cowl plus the two Gotham Gazette issues included in this volume make for a nice bridge between the events of Final Crisis and the post-Bruce Wayne Batman world.
Battle for the Cowl, itself, was a three issue mini-series written and drawn by Tony S. Daniel. It's just long enough to say and show what needs to be shown. I always assumed by the cover and the title that this was going to be a much more "epic" story/battle. But, the title doesn't lie, it IS a battle for the cowl - I had...more
Battle for the Cowl, itself, was a three issue mini-series written and drawn by Tony S. Daniel. It's just long enough to say and show what needs to be shown. I always assumed by the cover and the title that this was going to be a much more "epic" story/battle. But, the title doesn't lie, it IS a battle for the cowl - I had...more
Batman:Battle for the Cowl was the most superfluous Batman event of all time. First of all, in the end, Nightwing took up the cape and cowl, like EVERYONE EXPECTED FROM THE MOMENT BRUCE WAS PRESUMED DEAD! Many people may already know that Dick already did the Batman identity back in the mid-90s. However, this book pretends that event did not take place, and prolonging the inevitable conclusion.The story was highly predictable and had a boring and poorly rendered ending;like a Michael Bay's film....more
The copy for the book sets it up as an epic battle for control of the Batman identity between Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Catwoman, Two-Face, and Batgirl. Catwoman and Two-Face aren't actually battling for the cowl, Dick spends almost the entire book adamant that he doesn't want it and nobody else should have it, Tim didn't seem too attached to it, and I could swear that Batgirl wasn't even in this book. It's really more about the chaos that ensues when Batman isn't around to take care...more
It might be a controversial opinion, but Tony S. Daniel is one of my favorites when it comes to Batman writers. There's a perfect quality he captures with his work on the Batman title, balancing out the dark overtones, the hard-boiled noir setting and feel, and the over-dramatic 80s action move fight scenes. The guy just knows how to write Batman, really. And even though the death of Bruce Wayne and subsequent events were panned by many, you cannot argue that this collection is decent and entert...more
Nov 15, 2011
Theddy Blanc
added it
In Tony S. Daniel’s “Battle for the Cowl”, one of the most legendary icons undergoes a major shift. The novel follows directly after “Final Crisis” where Bruce Wayne dies, leaving the mantle of batman to his possible sucessors. Each of the worthy now fight for the right to don the mask. The true successor is almost obvious, the heart of this book lies in the development of that successor. Dick Grayson becomes batman by the end and has shown remarkable transformation throughout. The novel tracks...more
The first time I read this book, I thought it was fantastic; it became one of my favorite Batman books and Tony S. Daniel went up a little higher on my favorite comic writers and artists.
After reading it this time, though, I found that it lacked whatever it was that made me see it that way. It was way shorter than I remember (only three issues), which is probably what hurts it most. I think a story like this should be about five issues long.
It also felt very unresolved and messy. We didn't find...more
After reading it this time, though, I found that it lacked whatever it was that made me see it that way. It was way shorter than I remember (only three issues), which is probably what hurts it most. I think a story like this should be about five issues long.
It also felt very unresolved and messy. We didn't find...more
Whhhaat? No Bruce Wayne Batman? It's true. This is a short work - three volumes collected in one, and each focuses on a different Robin and a different perspective on the absence of their mentor. From the beginning it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that Grayson is going to pick up the mantle, nevertheless, the book delivers in its portrayal of the conflicted elder son who wants to strike a path of his own, but finds himself more and more the product of his upbringing. The most touching mome...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Re-read Review:
I decided to re-read Battle for the Cowl because now I have actually read mostly all the continuity issues that came before this. I have to see it does fill in some blanks, although this story was pretty easy to follow the first time.
I have given it 5 stars (where my first review was 4) because I think that it is an incredibly solid story especially after seeing what a rich source of material the Robins provide.
Upon the second reading of this, I found it to be even stronger than...more
I decided to re-read Battle for the Cowl because now I have actually read mostly all the continuity issues that came before this. I have to see it does fill in some blanks, although this story was pretty easy to follow the first time.
I have given it 5 stars (where my first review was 4) because I think that it is an incredibly solid story especially after seeing what a rich source of material the Robins provide.
Upon the second reading of this, I found it to be even stronger than...more
Although I've primarily been a Marvel universe follower over the last few years, I've always been a fan of Batman. While my experience with Batman comics has previously been limited, I have enjoyed just about everything I read. This collection was no different.
I was somewhat familiar with the back story prior to picking it up so I understood the basic history - and in this one, that's kind of important or you'd have no idea why their is a 'Battle for the Cowl' in the first place. This book does...more
I was somewhat familiar with the back story prior to picking it up so I understood the basic history - and in this one, that's kind of important or you'd have no idea why their is a 'Battle for the Cowl' in the first place. This book does...more
"Batman: Battle for the Cowl" is the first Tony S. Daniel work I have read and I thought it was alright. The art is cool, Dick Grayson is cool, Tim Drake is cool, Damian Wayne is cool, and Alfred Pennyworth is cool. This comic is moderately enjoyable. However, I found the story somewhat lacking in excitement. I found it to be predictable and felt it did not bring much of anything new to the Batman mythology. What I did like was the way that Daniel portrayed Gotham's real need for a new Batman an...more
At first i didn't think i would like this story, but it's actually pretty good! It's a good and well crafted take on this Gotham City period when Batman was "dead" and we were left wondering "WTF will happen now?". Battle For The Cowl works as an introduction to Dick Grayson becoming Batman and Damian becoming Robin, the way Tony Daniel progresses with the storytelling is pretty intense and keeps you attached to the book, the action scenes with the "villain raided Gotham" makes you miss the ways...more
I really enjoyed this, I haven't read a Batman comic in a while, and this has really reignited my interest - I wanna read more Batman comics! I love how there are so many characters in this, how we follow them through, working out who is doing what and how to overcome them. There are so many catastrophic events throughout the history of Gotham City, I love how the writers are never afraid to throw anything and everything at poor Gotham City and the residents that struggle to live there (includin...more
This is a pretty fun, action-packed story. The power vacuum left by Batman's apparent death leads to the re-emergence of some interesting characters. The mystery of "who is the new Batman?" isn't played up very much, but for good reason: it's pretty obvious from the start. That works in the story's favor, but I don't want to give anything away. This is primarily a story about the multiple Robins - past and present - and what Batman's legacy is.
There are a couple issues of "Gotham Gazette" at the...more
There are a couple issues of "Gotham Gazette" at the...more
This book was a very interesting book, everyone knew that Dick Grayson would assume the role of Batman. What really matters and what this book excels in is showing Batman isn't just a man to Gotham. For some it's a symbol of hope, others a symbol to fear. It shows Batman makes a huge difference on Gotham. Dick will always be reluctant to be filling Bruce's shoes, because he has to be someone he isn't and he has to accept Bruce is gone. It really shows the transition Dick and the network go throu...more
After Tim broke Jason out of jail, I really expected Jason to not go insane and stab Tim in the chest with a batarang. I suppose one gets what one deserves when she expects Jason Todd to not be a crazy jerk.
This is yet more R.I.P. fallout, and I love it. I love Dick's reluctance to accept the cowl, and Tim's insistence that one of them needs to take it. Most of all, I like the glimpses of Gotham rebuilding. The asides focusing on Leslie and Bullock say more about the city than Spoiler and Tim c...more
This is yet more R.I.P. fallout, and I love it. I love Dick's reluctance to accept the cowl, and Tim's insistence that one of them needs to take it. Most of all, I like the glimpses of Gotham rebuilding. The asides focusing on Leslie and Bullock say more about the city than Spoiler and Tim c...more
I liked this story, and Daniel's drawings of the various men in the Batman costume were really entertaining. Tim Drake looked awkward even though his suit fit, and Jason Todd looked as usual overconfident and imposing - well done. I think this storyline was taken from a few different volumes, and I found it a bit disjointed, but pretty much in character for all in the Bat-family. Though I do find it hard to believe that Bruce's last message to Jason would have been a self-important flat speech....more
The art is gorgeous, sexist panty shots and general objectification of women aside. Tim and Dick come off good. But Jason Todd's characterization is appalling and much of the story seems flimsy. Why is Batwoman on the cover if she isn't going to be a player? I knew from reviews not to expect too much, but I still find myself disappointed.
If you're a Nightwing fan it's worth a read, but Jason's fans should probably skip. There is nothing of the Jason we get in "Under the Red Hood" or "Red Hood an...more
If you're a Nightwing fan it's worth a read, but Jason's fans should probably skip. There is nothing of the Jason we get in "Under the Red Hood" or "Red Hood an...more
Gotham's in utter chaos and now that Batman's gone, there's a scramble to replace him. The baddies are blowing things up left and right, and it seems like Batman's team can't keep up. Who's going to take his place in the suit? I thought this was a pretty interesting series. Pretty artwork, fast paced, and while the ending was a bit anticlimactic (and not surprising, really), I liked it. I did wonder why the Joker wasn't in it at all, though, considering he's Batman's main nemesis. Did I miss som...more
I'm reading this in floppy form as it's released. Currently I have read issues 1 and 2 out of three. I have also been following the tie-ins (Gotham Gazette, issues in Batman, Detective Comics, etc.). The action is moving right along, which is nice. I guess that's what happens when the main series is only three issues long.
Update: I finished the third (last) issue. I found it confusing that there was apparently some action that happened between issues 2 and 3 that was missing. That stuff probabl...more
Update: I finished the third (last) issue. I found it confusing that there was apparently some action that happened between issues 2 and 3 that was missing. That stuff probabl...more
It looks like I neglected to add this when I read it and trying to base a review on my memory of almost two months ago isn't particularly fair.
I don't recall caring for the art in particular, it wasn't bad, it just didn't grab me in a good way. However, I was invested in the characters and story of who would be Batman even though I already knew. I guess I'll just have to get it from the library and read it again.
I don't recall caring for the art in particular, it wasn't bad, it just didn't grab me in a good way. However, I was invested in the characters and story of who would be Batman even though I already knew. I guess I'll just have to get it from the library and read it again.
So much has changed in the DC universe since I stopped actively collecting comics - but I still enjoy reading and catching up with what's been going on. This is an excellent compilation of one of the more significant storylines in recent years, but it leaves me wanting to read much more backstory than I have readily available. In and of itself, a good read, but would be better if I knew the precursor storyline.
I know this isn't a perfect book. There is too much going on, too many characters dealing with their own little fights, Jason being the crazy maniac again, wich is a stupid way to write a possibly interesting character, and and and... In short this poses a lot more questions than it provides answers.
And in a way we've seen all of this before when Dick took the mantle before.
But I did love it anyway. It's a action loaded story wth fast pacing and still gives nice glimpses into the Batfamilies mot...more
And in a way we've seen all of this before when Dick took the mantle before.
But I did love it anyway. It's a action loaded story wth fast pacing and still gives nice glimpses into the Batfamilies mot...more
This volume contains the three issue arc "Battle for the Cowl" as well as the two issues of "Gotham Gazette". I enjoyed "Battle for the Cowl" tremendously, I've always liked Jason Todd as a villain. However, the issues of "Gotham Gazette" were tedious. They follow the lives of some important citizens of Gotham City with some really clunky narrating. These last two issues really detract for the graphic novel as a whole.
So this book is about a bunch of different dark-haired guys trying on each other's costumes and the artist only draws one kind of face. That kind of says everything you need to know.
I read this whole thing because I like the idea of it, I like Gotham City and the whole cast of characters and I like the way the book captures the scale of that. But the storytelling just isn't very good.
I read this whole thing because I like the idea of it, I like Gotham City and the whole cast of characters and I like the way the book captures the scale of that. But the storytelling just isn't very good.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Tony Salvador Daniel is a comic book author and illustrator.
For the science fiction writer, see Tony Daniel.
More about Tony S. Daniel...
For the science fiction writer, see Tony Daniel.
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“If only Jason could have reached out to us. Any one of us. He could have saved himself. But you know what? Some people don't want to be saved. Because saving means changing. And changing is aways harder then staying the same. It takes courage to face yourself in the mirror and look beyond the reflection. To find the you that you should have ben. The you who got derailed by crul childhood events. Events that took your life's natural trajectory and twisted it. Changing it into something unmaginable... or even incredible...... giving you thecourage to embrace your birthright, you destiny, and finaly realize... that you ARE BATMAN.”
—
2 people liked it
More quotes…
Aug 30, 2012 12:18am
Aug 30, 2012 06:04am
(Nick): Not really. There are some earlier ones in between but this covers who wears the Batman ma...more
Aug 30, 2012 01:56pm