What do you think?
Rate this book
Batman
Batman: Gotham County Line
BATMAN: GOTHAM COUNTY LINE TP Written by Steve Niles Art and cover by Scott Hampton Horror master Steve Niles (30 Days of Night) joins painter Scott Hampton (BATMAN: NIGHT CRIES) for a Batman tale that uncovers the secrets of grisly murders outside Batman's usual territory...in the Gotham suburbs!
This volume collects the acclaimed 3-issue miniseries BATMAN: GOTHAM COUNTY LINE #1-3.
This volume collects the acclaimed 3-issue miniseries BATMAN: GOTHAM COUNTY LINE #1-3.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
1 person is currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Steve Niles
826 books461 followersSTEVE NILES is one of the writers responsible for bringing horror comics back to prominence, and was recently named by Fangoria magazine as one of it's "13 rising talents who promise to keep us terrified for the next 25 years."
Niles is currently working for the four top American comic publishers - Marvel, DC, Image and Dark Horse. He got his start in the industry when he formed his own publishing company called Arcane Comix, where he published, edited and adapted several comics and anthologies for Eclipse Comics. His adaptations include works by Clive Barker, Richard Matheson and Harlan Ellison.
Steve resides in Los Angeles in his bachelor pad with one cat. While there's no crawlspace, there is a questionable closet in one corner and no one is quite sure what is hidden in there...but we have an idea.
--from the author's website
Niles is currently working for the four top American comic publishers - Marvel, DC, Image and Dark Horse. He got his start in the industry when he formed his own publishing company called Arcane Comix, where he published, edited and adapted several comics and anthologies for Eclipse Comics. His adaptations include works by Clive Barker, Richard Matheson and Harlan Ellison.
Steve resides in Los Angeles in his bachelor pad with one cat. While there's no crawlspace, there is a questionable closet in one corner and no one is quite sure what is hidden in there...but we have an idea.
--from the author's website
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 7, 2017
Horror writer Steve Niles confirms that Batman books with supernatural/horror themes are the major suck with Gotham County Line!
In this book Gordon is retired and asks Batman to look into a series of killings where entire families are found murdered in a ritualistic fashion. Batman accepts even though he doesn’t “do suburbs” without explaining why (is he protector of Gotham’s metro area only?) and then puts on his jetpack to investigate.
Yes, he has a Rocketeer jetpack in this one because in the suburbs there are no skyscrapers with gothic sculptures to grapple on to so he has to fly everywhere. What?! It looks so stupid and unnecessary too. How about using the Batmobile to get around instead?
It’s another bad Batman story where the villain is an occultist wanting to raise the dead to take over the world. Niles can’t summon up anything vaguely interesting from this corny plot and his characterisation of Batman in general is insultingly stupid. Niles puts a jacuzzi in the Batcave where Bruce apparently likes to get his soak on and asks Alfred to search “afterlife” on his computer because it’s just now occurred to him to figure out whether he thinks the afterlife is real or not. Fuck you, Steve Niles, you hack.
Scott Hampton’s art is no great shakes and Deadman/Boston Brand cameos because of the cliched ending that will have you roll-roll-rolling dem eyes and swearing off of any Steve Niles comics forever. Don’t do it guys, there are easier and quicker ways to feel pain than reading this drek like slamming your hand in a door. Die and never come back, Gotham County Line!
In this book Gordon is retired and asks Batman to look into a series of killings where entire families are found murdered in a ritualistic fashion. Batman accepts even though he doesn’t “do suburbs” without explaining why (is he protector of Gotham’s metro area only?) and then puts on his jetpack to investigate.
Yes, he has a Rocketeer jetpack in this one because in the suburbs there are no skyscrapers with gothic sculptures to grapple on to so he has to fly everywhere. What?! It looks so stupid and unnecessary too. How about using the Batmobile to get around instead?
It’s another bad Batman story where the villain is an occultist wanting to raise the dead to take over the world. Niles can’t summon up anything vaguely interesting from this corny plot and his characterisation of Batman in general is insultingly stupid. Niles puts a jacuzzi in the Batcave where Bruce apparently likes to get his soak on and asks Alfred to search “afterlife” on his computer because it’s just now occurred to him to figure out whether he thinks the afterlife is real or not. Fuck you, Steve Niles, you hack.
Scott Hampton’s art is no great shakes and Deadman/Boston Brand cameos because of the cliched ending that will have you roll-roll-rolling dem eyes and swearing off of any Steve Niles comics forever. Don’t do it guys, there are easier and quicker ways to feel pain than reading this drek like slamming your hand in a door. Die and never come back, Gotham County Line!
April 11, 2018
I was thinking Batman would be teaming up with Eisenhower-era hot-rodding teens to take on a corrupt lawman. Oh wait, I'm getting things confused with the 70's drive-in flick Macon County Line.
In this unconventional Dark Knight tale, he is asked by Commissioner Gordon to assist the Gotham County Sheriff's Office with a string of robbery-homicides. He reluctantly takes flight to the suburbs with his jet-pack (!) and is soon involved in a supernatural-tinged living dead horror show.
Like other reviewers I agree that Batman hardly seems like 'the world's greatest detective' here, which is an annoyance. But things move along swiftly enough to make it an adequate afternoon read.
In this unconventional Dark Knight tale, he is asked by Commissioner Gordon to assist the Gotham County Sheriff's Office with a string of robbery-homicides. He reluctantly takes flight to the suburbs with his jet-pack (!) and is soon involved in a supernatural-tinged living dead horror show.
Like other reviewers I agree that Batman hardly seems like 'the world's greatest detective' here, which is an annoyance. But things move along swiftly enough to make it an adequate afternoon read.
July 27, 2014
This tale focuses on Batman denying the existence of an afterlife and then being strung along by a necromancer into a horrific world in which the living dead are everywhere. All the while he has an undead superhero trying to help him but the main battle is in the mind of Batman.
There were some interesting focuses but on the whole I thought it was only somewhat good.
ARTWORK: B; ACTION: B minus to B; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B minus; STORY/PLOTTING: B; WHEN READ: early to mid April 2012 (revised review end of June 2013); OVERALL GRADE: B minus to B (a bit higher for Batman fanbois).
February 11, 2018
The joker : you’d like to be dead, Bats. It suits you. Then you’d finally be able to see the dead people who made you into this mess.
May 25, 2022
Supernatural tales don't mix well with Batman - and this is no exception.
August 24, 2020
Gotham County Line is a three-issue American comic book limited series published by DC Comics. It follows Batman as a series of ritual murders outside Gotham City leads him into a macabre supernatural realm. Batman: Gotham County Line collects all three issues of the 2005 limited series.
Jim Gordon summons Batman with a case in the suburbs of Gotham County, where entire families have been killed in the same grisly and ritualistic way, shortly after being robbed by a junkie. Batman investigates one of the crime scenes before being called to another murder in progress where he pursues the killer but is ambushed and knocked out.
During his investigations, he is cursed by the dying perpetrator and is haunted by dreams and vision of reanimated corpses and his parents blaming him for their deaths. Eventually, he learns from Deadman that he is trapped in a world between that of the living and the dead. Deadman tells Batman that he must open his mind if he is to escape the realm and with the help of a zombie Jason Todd and the Phantom Stranger he is able to escape.
Steve Niles penned the entire trade paperback. For the most part, it was written moderately well. Niles writes a paranormal story where Bruce Wayne as Batman encounters a group of occultists living in the rural area around Gotham City and finding him trapped in the realm between life and death. While the idea is interesting the execution is much to be desired.
Scott Hampton penciled the entire trade paperback. Since he was the only penciler, the artistic flow of the trade paperback flowed exceptionally well. His penciling style is a tad messy and dark in some places, but it is apropos to a horror/supernatural narrative extremely well.
All in all, Batman: Gotham County Line is a moderately written and constructed limited series that has Bruce Wayne as Batman being trapped in the void between life and death.
Jim Gordon summons Batman with a case in the suburbs of Gotham County, where entire families have been killed in the same grisly and ritualistic way, shortly after being robbed by a junkie. Batman investigates one of the crime scenes before being called to another murder in progress where he pursues the killer but is ambushed and knocked out.
During his investigations, he is cursed by the dying perpetrator and is haunted by dreams and vision of reanimated corpses and his parents blaming him for their deaths. Eventually, he learns from Deadman that he is trapped in a world between that of the living and the dead. Deadman tells Batman that he must open his mind if he is to escape the realm and with the help of a zombie Jason Todd and the Phantom Stranger he is able to escape.
Steve Niles penned the entire trade paperback. For the most part, it was written moderately well. Niles writes a paranormal story where Bruce Wayne as Batman encounters a group of occultists living in the rural area around Gotham City and finding him trapped in the realm between life and death. While the idea is interesting the execution is much to be desired.
Scott Hampton penciled the entire trade paperback. Since he was the only penciler, the artistic flow of the trade paperback flowed exceptionally well. His penciling style is a tad messy and dark in some places, but it is apropos to a horror/supernatural narrative extremely well.
All in all, Batman: Gotham County Line is a moderately written and constructed limited series that has Bruce Wayne as Batman being trapped in the void between life and death.
November 17, 2021
Batman visits the suburbs.
A retired Commissioner Gordon needs help. Murders in the ‘burbs.
“The children suffocated. The mother slashed. And he took the father’s eyes.”
Bats says” I don’t do suburbs, Jim.” But Bats makes the exception.
Jetpack Batman is on the case. That’s one of the high points artistically. Meet Gotham’s Rocketeer.
The killer is revealed, ends up dead by suicide, then a few pages later, dead no longer.
Great cameos by Deadman (who explains the hocus pocus), zombie Jason Todd, and a few significant other recognizable characters.
You get Batman and Deadman fighting zombies. Win. But only for a few pages.
This plays like Batman’s nightmare. I'd like to see a B/W version. I think that would better benefit the art.
The worst part of the graphic novel is when Batman says “heck.” Not my Batman. Never.
A retired Commissioner Gordon needs help. Murders in the ‘burbs.
“The children suffocated. The mother slashed. And he took the father’s eyes.”
Bats says” I don’t do suburbs, Jim.” But Bats makes the exception.
Jetpack Batman is on the case. That’s one of the high points artistically. Meet Gotham’s Rocketeer.
The killer is revealed, ends up dead by suicide, then a few pages later, dead no longer.
Great cameos by Deadman (who explains the hocus pocus), zombie Jason Todd, and a few significant other recognizable characters.
You get Batman and Deadman fighting zombies. Win. But only for a few pages.
This plays like Batman’s nightmare. I'd like to see a B/W version. I think that would better benefit the art.
The worst part of the graphic novel is when Batman says “heck.” Not my Batman. Never.
May 25, 2016
It was an okay story. What really stood out was having Thomas and Martha give Batman a sort of redemption and let them know how they felt about him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2024
Tras atrapar al Joker por N-ésima vez, Batman recibe una petición de su amigo, el ex-comisionado Gordon, de asistir a los colegas de éste que están a cargo del condado de Gótica. Si bien nuestro héroe no está familiarizado con el aparente normal ambiente de los suburbios, donde poco se puede esconder, se une a la misión después de conocer que unos asesinatos macabros han sucedido y que tienen un mismo patrón. Es ahí donde a la cacería del asesino, Batman encontrará una trama oscura y sobrenatural, y a pesar de sus dudas iniciales, lograrán sacudir su cimientos y alterar el arma más grande del que dispone el murciélago: su mente.
La historia es bastante trepidante y es otra de las veces en la que nuestro enmascarado se verá sobrepasado por fuerzas que no puede controlar. Aún así, su voluntad y la ayuda de sus aliados le servirán para poder recomponerse y atrapar al responsable de los sucesos.
El arte es bastante oscuro, algo tétrico y macabro. Los dibujos son un poco más modernos, pero se ve el filón clásico al cual el artista quería homenajear (La Secta, Asilo Arkham, El Largo Halloween, entre otros).
A pesar de tener una buena historia, hay unos puntos que no cierran del todo y son demasiado anti Batman para la época: uno es que a Batman lo supere tanto en inteligencia como en fuerza, un enemigo de lo más común; otro es que providencialmente justo Deadman aparezca y ayude al cruzado a darle forma a la solución. Obviando eso, es una lectura buena que sin ser de lo mejor, da una nueva mirada a los ciertos misterios sobrenaturales que Batman tiene que hacer frente.
La historia es bastante trepidante y es otra de las veces en la que nuestro enmascarado se verá sobrepasado por fuerzas que no puede controlar. Aún así, su voluntad y la ayuda de sus aliados le servirán para poder recomponerse y atrapar al responsable de los sucesos.
El arte es bastante oscuro, algo tétrico y macabro. Los dibujos son un poco más modernos, pero se ve el filón clásico al cual el artista quería homenajear (La Secta, Asilo Arkham, El Largo Halloween, entre otros).
A pesar de tener una buena historia, hay unos puntos que no cierran del todo y son demasiado anti Batman para la época: uno es que a Batman lo supere tanto en inteligencia como en fuerza, un enemigo de lo más común; otro es que providencialmente justo Deadman aparezca y ayude al cruzado a darle forma a la solución. Obviando eso, es una lectura buena que sin ser de lo mejor, da una nueva mirada a los ciertos misterios sobrenaturales que Batman tiene que hacer frente.
December 7, 2025
Batman leaves Gotham City and heads to the suburbs to help the Gotham County Sheriffs Department investigate the robberies and ritualistic murders of multiple families. The serial killer's plan ends with suicide by copBatman, and soon after, the deceased won't stay dead.
It is an interesting concept briefly exploring what Bruce believes or can believe about what happens after death. It is also cool to see Deadman and help fight against the walking, talking dead.
I'm sure I am not the only one confused slightly by the ending. I understand
It is an interesting concept briefly exploring what Bruce believes or can believe about what happens after death. It is also cool to see Deadman and help fight against the walking, talking dead.
I'm sure I am not the only one confused slightly by the ending. I understand
May 27, 2022
Historia de terror sobrenatural con muertos vivientes, obra de Steve Niles. Argumento: "Una sucesión de robos y asesinatos aleja a Batman de su entorno natural, Gotham, y le lleva a las aparentemente idílicas zonas residenciales de las afueras de la ciudad. Pero allí, entre casas adormecidas y vallas de madera, Batman descubre una amenaza más aterradora que cualquier ataque del Joker. Los asesinatos parecen ceremoniales, rituales, pero no son nada que el mejor detective del mundo no pueda manejar. Es solo cuestión de tiempo que el Caballero Oscuro atrape al asesino... y en ese instante es cuando todo se va al infierno. ¿Cómo puede Batman enfrentarse a un enemigo en cuya existencia ni siquiera cree? ¿Cómo puede resolver un misterio contrario a toda lógica? Solo hay algo indudable... Batman deberá vencer al asesino o perder su propia cordura".
October 1, 2023
There were some good ideas, but the initial impression just made me long for a different kind of Batman/undead book. The third chapter is definitely the best, imo, and makes the whole read worthwhile to finish.
The first 2 chapters felt a bit like the story couldn't decide if it wanted to be serious or lean into some of the exaggerations that come with a zombie(ish) story. Batman also seemed a bit incompetent at times? Like he was crumbling quickly, but too much of that was up to me as a reader to empathize and fill in the blanks — even though Batman is probably quite a bit more resilient than I am lol. The art was great. I liked the darker tones and appreciated the moodiness of the scenery.
Overall, if a spooky & supernatural Batman story intrigues you, it's worth your time. If not, maybe choose something different from the shelf.
The first 2 chapters felt a bit like the story couldn't decide if it wanted to be serious or lean into some of the exaggerations that come with a zombie(ish) story. Batman also seemed a bit incompetent at times? Like he was crumbling quickly, but too much of that was up to me as a reader to empathize and fill in the blanks — even though Batman is probably quite a bit more resilient than I am lol. The art was great. I liked the darker tones and appreciated the moodiness of the scenery.
Overall, if a spooky & supernatural Batman story intrigues you, it's worth your time. If not, maybe choose something different from the shelf.
September 9, 2020
This is a Batman horror story written by the horror-comic writer, Steve Niles. In this story, Batman travels to Gotham County to investigate a series of brutal murders. I'm not really a fan of supernatural stories but I really enjoyed reading this book. The story is not perfect (to be honest, I really don't understand how the curse aspect worked and how it was resolved) but I don't really care since this was a fun book. The art really suited the horror aspect of the story. I also enjoyed seeing the DC characters that Niles used to help Batman, as well as seeing Batman ride a jetpack! This story is definitely canon as it took place after .
February 20, 2022
A really creepy book that also looked at Batman’s psyche. Not a bad read, but the overall story was a little confusing and some things (such as decomposing Alfred) felt like they we were in there more for shock value rather than actual story. (I mean, Bruce never even saw Alfred like that, so if he was controlling the world… what was the point?) Still, it was an interesting book that forced the Dark Knight to look, not only at the darker recesses of his mind, but also find a bit of hope. I enjoyed the Jason Todd tie-in and the Deadman cameo. Honestly, this book is more of a 3.5, but I couldn’t quite give it that 4. I read it in one sitting, so if you’re looking for a creepy Batman read, it’s definitely worth the time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2017
Not bad. Quick read. Decent enough, but nothing one has to run out and read. The surprises are pretty good and Niles definitely attempts to give the book a thematic unity: the conversation with the Joker in the beginning relates to the upcoming plot, etc. I kept waiting for it to go over the top, but it didn't, at least for me.
October 3, 2023
Great art with great ideas as I love that the villain's plan focuses on the fact that Bruce cannot get over the deaths of his parents, Jason, or those he failed to save. And while he does to really get over but it is a nice story, but it does have a few odd moments like with Alfred and the fact he reacts in a weird way to magical characters like Deadman and Phantom Stranger.
April 11, 2020
Solid Batman tale about a supernatural killer, good ol’ batguilt, and survival after trauma.
I always love a little Deadman and Phantom Stranger in a cape book, because strong man go punch can only be so entertaining.
I always love a little Deadman and Phantom Stranger in a cape book, because strong man go punch can only be so entertaining.
May 14, 2017
Batman / Deadman Team-Up
June 11, 2017
Awesome, dark, Batman.
April 13, 2019
2.7
Decent art and Cool idea. Curse that sends batman to a realm of the dead. Deadman and Phantom stranger have cool cameos. But story falls apart by third act and dialogue is weak.
Decent art and Cool idea. Curse that sends batman to a realm of the dead. Deadman and Phantom stranger have cool cameos. But story falls apart by third act and dialogue is weak.
April 23, 2019
Good ,adding more knowledge about batman belief and personal traits.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2019
Una historia metafórica sobre las pesadillas internas del personaje que no termina de funcionar.
June 20, 2020
Flojita, en dibujos e historia. Olvidable
September 16, 2020
Batman vs. zombies. The dead and perfect justice.
June 11, 2023
Well, the story was nonsensical, but at least the art was hideous.
October 27, 2024
I like when he’s a little insane
September 15, 2025
trash
only good thing in it is Deadman
only good thing in it is Deadman
February 8, 2026
This was a lot of fun. This was Batman questioning the existence of the afterlife. I will say I loved the Deadman and Phantom Stranger cameos! And the Martha and Thomas cameo!!! It was perfect!
November 19, 2007
I don't remember this one at the comic store at all, so I was coming to it blind. Niles, the man behind 30 Days of Night, opts for the psychological Batman, which is a treat if done right. Batman's got a lot of mental trouble to work out, and a good writer can tease that into something good.
So...what's the verdict on Niles?
This time around, Batman gets asked to help out in the suburbs. Once there, he faces off against a new foe who seems to be expecting him. There's a typical ending...but that's when the real fun begins. Before he knows it, Batman's dealing with the dead, trying to reverse a curse, and facing a foe that can't be beaten by his usual methods.
With Deadman, the Phantom Stranger, and a very special ally, Batman must rethink everything in order to win. If he can't accept that which which he would deny, the entire world may be forfeit. Can he do it in time to stop this new villain? Or will the ultimate man of logic be unable to accept that which someone such as the Joker takes on faith?
This is a very novel approach to Batman that works very well. The story flows well, more or less makes sense (like Arkham Asylum Living Hell, you have to just roll with some of these supernatural Batman stories), and ends just as you'd figure Batman would handle things. Niles does a good job with Batman's interaction with others, and if there weren't a few glitches, I'd say he even manages it better than most of the people writing the main books over the past few years. (Batman pretends that there aren't tons of people who know who he is, for instance, and seems to barely know Boston Brand.).
I've kept this one rather vague and that's because I don't want to give too much away. This is a very good trade that I'd recommend to any Bat-fan, and also those who like horror comics. (Library, 11/07)
Trebby's Take: Highly recommended!
So...what's the verdict on Niles?
This time around, Batman gets asked to help out in the suburbs. Once there, he faces off against a new foe who seems to be expecting him. There's a typical ending...but that's when the real fun begins. Before he knows it, Batman's dealing with the dead, trying to reverse a curse, and facing a foe that can't be beaten by his usual methods.
With Deadman, the Phantom Stranger, and a very special ally, Batman must rethink everything in order to win. If he can't accept that which which he would deny, the entire world may be forfeit. Can he do it in time to stop this new villain? Or will the ultimate man of logic be unable to accept that which someone such as the Joker takes on faith?
This is a very novel approach to Batman that works very well. The story flows well, more or less makes sense (like Arkham Asylum Living Hell, you have to just roll with some of these supernatural Batman stories), and ends just as you'd figure Batman would handle things. Niles does a good job with Batman's interaction with others, and if there weren't a few glitches, I'd say he even manages it better than most of the people writing the main books over the past few years. (Batman pretends that there aren't tons of people who know who he is, for instance, and seems to barely know Boston Brand.).
I've kept this one rather vague and that's because I don't want to give too much away. This is a very good trade that I'd recommend to any Bat-fan, and also those who like horror comics. (Library, 11/07)
Trebby's Take: Highly recommended!
October 18, 2010
If it weren't for Steve Niles uncharacteristic representation of Batman, it would have been a perfect book. However, Niles writes a Batman that seems foreign, so far removed from the one that we know, that it makes it hard to take the book seriously. And it is a shame because Scott Hampton is an absolutely brilliant artist, and his work is practically ruined by the story. When we have a Batman saying things like "step up and fight like a man", I'm thinking we have a juvenile version of Bruce, one of the Robin's has taken over. When in every scene he goes rushing blindly into situations where he gets beaten and bruised, poisoned even, the reader realizes that this is not the World's Greatest Detective, but instead, a naive and enraged child that Niles has written into the story. It is severely disappointing stuff.
The three stars it has here is for the overall story, the actual plot, because it is strong and original for a Batman arc. The appearance of Deadman made me happy, especially because Hampton's highly stylized art makes him come to life (puns puns puns i guess). Scott Hampton, if the universe were fairly governed, you would be getting all the work that Alex Maleev gets.
The three stars it has here is for the overall story, the actual plot, because it is strong and original for a Batman arc. The appearance of Deadman made me happy, especially because Hampton's highly stylized art makes him come to life (puns puns puns i guess). Scott Hampton, if the universe were fairly governed, you would be getting all the work that Alex Maleev gets.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews