What do you think?
Rate this book
Batman: Gotham Knights (Collected Editions)
Batman: Gotham Knights: Contested
Batman: Gotham Knights made history as the very first ongoing Batman series to be launched by a woman, and now this popular series is collected together for fans of all ages to enjoy!
Batman, Nightwing, and a colorful cast of Gotham's greatest rogues tussle for dominance in this collection of fast-paced stories from the turn of the millennium. Written by DEVIN GRAYSON (Catwoman, Nightwing, The Batman Chronicles) and masterfully illustrated by ROGER ROBINSON (Azrael: Agent of the Bat, Batgirl), this is a collection not to be missed!
Contains Batman: Gotham Knights #14-24 and #29.
Batman, Nightwing, and a colorful cast of Gotham's greatest rogues tussle for dominance in this collection of fast-paced stories from the turn of the millennium. Written by DEVIN GRAYSON (Catwoman, Nightwing, The Batman Chronicles) and masterfully illustrated by ROGER ROBINSON (Azrael: Agent of the Bat, Batgirl), this is a collection not to be missed!
Contains Batman: Gotham Knights #14-24 and #29.
296 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2021
1 person is currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Devin Grayson
506 books115 followersDevin Grayson is an avid gamer, former acting student, and enthusiastic reader fortunate enough to have turned a lifelong obsession with fictional characters into a dynamic writing career. She has a B.A. from Bard College, where she studied creative writing with novelist Mona Simpson. Best known for her work on the Batman titles for DC Comics, Devin has been a regular writer on Catwoman, Nightwing, and The Titans, and contributed to the award-winning No Man’s Land story arc. With the publication of Batman: Gotham Knights in March of 2000, she became the first (and, sadly, only as of 2020) female to create, launch and write an ongoing Batman title.
Additional career highlights include the launch of the critically acclaimed series Omni for Humanoids, Doctor Strange: The Fate of Dreams, an original novel featuring Marvel’s Sorcerer Supreme, and USER—a highly personal three-part, creator-owned miniseries about gender identity and online role-playing, originally published by Vertigo and newly available as a collected edition hardcover through Image. Devin is also the creator of Yelena Belova, a Marvel character staring in the upcoming MCU Black Widow movie (played by Florence Pugh), Damien Darhk, a DC character now appearing regularly in CW’s Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow (played by Neal McDonough), and Catalina Flores, a DC character recently featured as the super-villain Tarantula in The Lego Batman Movie.
Frequently cited for compelling character development and nuanced exploration of complex themes, Devin’s work has been showcased in mainstream media such as USA Today and Working Woman as well as in alternative press such as The Village Voice, The Advocate, and Curve magazine. Over the years, she has written in several different media and genres, from comic books and novels to video game scripts and short essays. She is currently working on an original graphic novel for Berger Books.
Devin lives in Northern California with her husband, step-son, devoted Early Alert Canines Diabetic Alert Dog, and somewhat less devoted cat. Openly bisexual, she is a passionate advocate for the GLBTQ community, as well as being a committed environmentalist, and a public speaker for T1 Diabetes awareness and Diabetic Alert Dogs. She is always happy to take on a new challenge, especially if it involves making some new fictional friends.
Additional career highlights include the launch of the critically acclaimed series Omni for Humanoids, Doctor Strange: The Fate of Dreams, an original novel featuring Marvel’s Sorcerer Supreme, and USER—a highly personal three-part, creator-owned miniseries about gender identity and online role-playing, originally published by Vertigo and newly available as a collected edition hardcover through Image. Devin is also the creator of Yelena Belova, a Marvel character staring in the upcoming MCU Black Widow movie (played by Florence Pugh), Damien Darhk, a DC character now appearing regularly in CW’s Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow (played by Neal McDonough), and Catalina Flores, a DC character recently featured as the super-villain Tarantula in The Lego Batman Movie.
Frequently cited for compelling character development and nuanced exploration of complex themes, Devin’s work has been showcased in mainstream media such as USA Today and Working Woman as well as in alternative press such as The Village Voice, The Advocate, and Curve magazine. Over the years, she has written in several different media and genres, from comic books and novels to video game scripts and short essays. She is currently working on an original graphic novel for Berger Books.
Devin lives in Northern California with her husband, step-son, devoted Early Alert Canines Diabetic Alert Dog, and somewhat less devoted cat. Openly bisexual, she is a passionate advocate for the GLBTQ community, as well as being a committed environmentalist, and a public speaker for T1 Diabetes awareness and Diabetic Alert Dogs. She is always happy to take on a new challenge, especially if it involves making some new fictional friends.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 6, 2021
For the most part, this is a series of one and done stories. A lot of them feature Nightwing and Devin Grayson does a wonderful job of exploring Dick and Bruce's relationship. I also really enjoyed the Poison Ivy story, especially Tim Drake's part in it.
Roger Robinson and John Floyd are a very solid art team. The Brian Bolland covers belong hanging in a museum. They are marvelous.
Roger Robinson and John Floyd are a very solid art team. The Brian Bolland covers belong hanging in a museum. They are marvelous.
May 17, 2025
Being the second and final volume, Gotham Knights comes to a end, and it marks Devin Grayson's final contribution to the Batman universe, and it's truly enjoyable. She just gets these characters, especially when diving deep into Bruce's mental state and his role in caring for his 'Knights' – you know, his kids, who are just fantastic. I especially loved the material with Dick in this run, as well as the moments with Spoiler and Barbara.
Plus, the final issue is a standout, ranking right up there with the best. Also with that Aquaman issue where he calls them over since Bruce wasn't fighting crime that night, so good! All of that makes this volume absolutely worth reading, earning a solid four out of five from me."
Plus, the final issue is a standout, ranking right up there with the best. Also with that Aquaman issue where he calls them over since Bruce wasn't fighting crime that night, so good! All of that makes this volume absolutely worth reading, earning a solid four out of five from me."
August 7, 2023
Mostly mediocre, many of the stories struggle to present anything past mid, with only a select few managing to elevate the overall experience.
January 31, 2023
This book was chaotic. I don’t see a through line here. There are chunks of information or arcs missing. It was a frustrating read.
I found Bruce to be needlessly antagonistic in this book. Barring the last story, which I liked, he’s annoying to be around. As it is, those unhinged tapes are referred to in this collection, and everyone just forgives him for those when they should have sent him to therapy. The man has issues, how is everyone cool with it? He’s literally talking to his alter ego…
The first story was whatever. The two underwear-clad girls were simply set dressing for Azrael and Nightwing to connect. Why even have them there if not for eye candy?
The Poison Ivy story—she proved the point that we should be rooting for her and not Batsy. I like that it was about Batman and Robin’s relationship, but it did not flow organically.
Matatoa was an uninteresting antagonist. He seemed more like a catalyst for Bruce and Dick to connect. This story had the most jump cuts and erratic action, and was impossible to follow. I only really dug that Bruce and Dick were hanging out more, but their relationship comes across as unsalvagable at times. Bruce is so up himself and lacks emotive skills. If Dick wasn’t so forgiving, they’d have murdered each other.
What was going on with the Aquaman story? It wanted to show Bruce as a person, but just came across as silly. And Bruce needs to get a life.
The story with the bad guy being pursued by Batman needed more atmosphere and suspense. It was a great concept but lacked execution and pacing.
The adoption storyline—kinda cute, not what I expected. But then these baddies are thrown in the mix and it lost the plot. Some nice Dick and Bruce moments, but Bruce appears racist towards Romani people? What? And why does Babs always have to be the motherly negotiator? Bruce is a grown man; Dick is an adult. They should be able to handle their feelings without Babs having to carry and assuage that emotional baggage. Absolutely ridiculous.
I skipped the first part of the Scarecrow story; sorry, not dealing with bugs. No thank you. The second part was over-the-top melodramatic. I liked the conceit in the middle, but it lost its potency. Also, I swear the bodyguard’s name changed. And, why couldn’t she be drawn with muscles? Bruce has more muscles than Sarah/Fiona, so how could she possibly protect him? Daft art. Anyway, I really don’t know why most of the villains were plot devices and not part of the story.
The final story was better because Bruce is seen actually doing good for Gotham other than using his fists. More stories need to lean into that angle of Bruce’s contributions.
I’ll also mention that there’s issue with the art, which was really hard to follow. The angles from panel to panel changed too often. The shading was too dark and the action simply didn’t work.
I really wish when they made these collections they had a plan for them. It’s a haphazard read. And what’s the thread? Bruce is human, flawed but loved his family? No kidding. Pretty sure every story of his is like that. Odd choice to call this series Gotham Knights, when it’s focused on only Bruce and his many issues.
I found Bruce to be needlessly antagonistic in this book. Barring the last story, which I liked, he’s annoying to be around. As it is, those unhinged tapes are referred to in this collection, and everyone just forgives him for those when they should have sent him to therapy. The man has issues, how is everyone cool with it? He’s literally talking to his alter ego…
The first story was whatever. The two underwear-clad girls were simply set dressing for Azrael and Nightwing to connect. Why even have them there if not for eye candy?
The Poison Ivy story—she proved the point that we should be rooting for her and not Batsy. I like that it was about Batman and Robin’s relationship, but it did not flow organically.
Matatoa was an uninteresting antagonist. He seemed more like a catalyst for Bruce and Dick to connect. This story had the most jump cuts and erratic action, and was impossible to follow. I only really dug that Bruce and Dick were hanging out more, but their relationship comes across as unsalvagable at times. Bruce is so up himself and lacks emotive skills. If Dick wasn’t so forgiving, they’d have murdered each other.
What was going on with the Aquaman story? It wanted to show Bruce as a person, but just came across as silly. And Bruce needs to get a life.
The story with the bad guy being pursued by Batman needed more atmosphere and suspense. It was a great concept but lacked execution and pacing.
The adoption storyline—kinda cute, not what I expected. But then these baddies are thrown in the mix and it lost the plot. Some nice Dick and Bruce moments, but Bruce appears racist towards Romani people? What? And why does Babs always have to be the motherly negotiator? Bruce is a grown man; Dick is an adult. They should be able to handle their feelings without Babs having to carry and assuage that emotional baggage. Absolutely ridiculous.
I skipped the first part of the Scarecrow story; sorry, not dealing with bugs. No thank you. The second part was over-the-top melodramatic. I liked the conceit in the middle, but it lost its potency. Also, I swear the bodyguard’s name changed. And, why couldn’t she be drawn with muscles? Bruce has more muscles than Sarah/Fiona, so how could she possibly protect him? Daft art. Anyway, I really don’t know why most of the villains were plot devices and not part of the story.
The final story was better because Bruce is seen actually doing good for Gotham other than using his fists. More stories need to lean into that angle of Bruce’s contributions.
I’ll also mention that there’s issue with the art, which was really hard to follow. The angles from panel to panel changed too often. The shading was too dark and the action simply didn’t work.
I really wish when they made these collections they had a plan for them. It’s a haphazard read. And what’s the thread? Bruce is human, flawed but loved his family? No kidding. Pretty sure every story of his is like that. Odd choice to call this series Gotham Knights, when it’s focused on only Bruce and his many issues.
June 3, 2022
Another solid set of issues. Though the first Gotham Knights volume followed different members of the Bat Family, this volume followed the Dark Knight himself while illustrating the importance of his supporting cast. While working with Spoiler, Batman shares that he doesn't mind her ranting and oversharing on the comms because he doesn't mind the company. In one issue, Batman and Bruce (not a typo) argue with each other about their respective fear and weaknesses, and how the death of the 2nd Robin still haunts them both. Another remarkable issue shows a typical 24 hour period for Bruce, from working at Wayne Enterprises, to some typical nightly activities and check-ins on the squad. They are never far from his thoughts.
Batman is a great, complex character. But its his supporting cast the makes him multifaceted, changing him from a typical hero seeking vengeance and fighting for justice, to one struggling with hope and legacy and any semblance of happiness. He's sad and scarred and broken. But his family brings out the best in him, making him an inexperienced father, a distant and disciplined mentor, and a loyal friend. And its these different roles that allow him to grow and change while his mission and purpose remains the same.
Batman is a great, complex character. But its his supporting cast the makes him multifaceted, changing him from a typical hero seeking vengeance and fighting for justice, to one struggling with hope and legacy and any semblance of happiness. He's sad and scarred and broken. But his family brings out the best in him, making him an inexperienced father, a distant and disciplined mentor, and a loyal friend. And its these different roles that allow him to grow and change while his mission and purpose remains the same.
January 30, 2022
Was not expecting to like this book this much. It wasn’t perfect but the good outweighed the bad by a lot. I’ll start by saying I was confused at points because I hadn’t read any of the Gotham Knights stories before this and this jumped around a lot. I was expecting a more continuous story, but honestly I enjoyed the stories in this. I was especially intrigued by Matatoa. There were so many pure and funny moments; to list a few: Bruce adopting Dick, Dick saying “I love you too” :(, Bruce calling out Dick about getting attached to anyone in trouble (Barbara, Kory, Huntress), Spoiler babbling on and on :,) and so many more.
But my favorite part had to be seeing Batman’s struggles. I loved seeing Bruce’s nightmare with Dick’s and Bruce’s parents where Jason showed up. Seeing Batman struggle throughout with how lonely he was… I had never seen him so obviously feel lonely so I appreciated him showing that emotion, like when he said he didn’t mind Spoiler’s company. I also loved Batman verbalizing and accepting his fears because it again showed him vulnerable and how he cares about the people in his life. And the best moment of course, seeing Batman and Bruce talk about their phobias and how Batman pushes everyone close to him away. I didn’t realize he was that self-aware to be honest. It was quite sad, but so interesting too. And the moment when Bruce cried in front of the portrait of his parents as Batman’s shadow loomed over. Wow…
This book ended up single-handedly changing my opinion on Batman.
But my favorite part had to be seeing Batman’s struggles. I loved seeing Bruce’s nightmare with Dick’s and Bruce’s parents where Jason showed up. Seeing Batman struggle throughout with how lonely he was… I had never seen him so obviously feel lonely so I appreciated him showing that emotion, like when he said he didn’t mind Spoiler’s company. I also loved Batman verbalizing and accepting his fears because it again showed him vulnerable and how he cares about the people in his life. And the best moment of course, seeing Batman and Bruce talk about their phobias and how Batman pushes everyone close to him away. I didn’t realize he was that self-aware to be honest. It was quite sad, but so interesting too. And the moment when Bruce cried in front of the portrait of his parents as Batman’s shadow loomed over. Wow…
This book ended up single-handedly changing my opinion on Batman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2022
This volume is why I wanted to read Gotham Knights in the first place. I wanted to read about Dick Grayson's adoption. Also Dick wrote Bruce a letter that was so emotionally good and it may make you cry.
We also see Bruce have talk with himself. I would like to argue that the fears of Bruce and the fears of Batman are technically related. Bruce's fear is what physically took his parents away from him, which then led him to become Batman. While Bruce thinks of Batman as a separate entity of himself, there is bleed over. Batman has lines he does not cross, including using guns. Batman's goal is to stop crime so no one ends up suffering what he suffers: the lost of his parents. This makes Batman want to push everybody a way in a weird way to protect them (based on what was implicitly said), because he fears that his loving or caring about someone means they die. Batman's fear of loving/caring about someone means their death circles back to Bruce seeing his parents die. Batman and Bruce are linked, obviously, but Bruce does not think that way and neither does part of himself, due to what Bruce has experienced creating Batman.
We also see Bruce have talk with himself. I would like to argue that the fears of Bruce and the fears of Batman are technically related. Bruce's fear is what physically took his parents away from him, which then led him to become Batman. While Bruce thinks of Batman as a separate entity of himself, there is bleed over. Batman has lines he does not cross, including using guns. Batman's goal is to stop crime so no one ends up suffering what he suffers: the lost of his parents. This makes Batman want to push everybody a way in a weird way to protect them (based on what was implicitly said), because he fears that his loving or caring about someone means they die. Batman's fear of loving/caring about someone means their death circles back to Bruce seeing his parents die. Batman and Bruce are linked, obviously, but Bruce does not think that way and neither does part of himself, due to what Bruce has experienced creating Batman.
May 6, 2023
Devin Grayson tells quintessential Batman stories in this collection. The relationship between Bruce and Dick is the clearest example of prime Bat-family drama. Here are two men who have trouble expressing their emotions, but deep down Bruce loves his son, and Dick loves his father. They get there, to that moment of expression, and what’s said is earned. What’s happened is earned, even if you haven’t read No Man’s Land (and at the time of writing this, I haven’t read it). All you need to know is that Bruce adopted Dick, and the rest follows.
This collection is bookended by 24/7 a short that tells the day in the life of Bruce Wayne, and a little bit as Batman. What happens is truly everything you hope a billionaire would be like in real life. He is kind, generous, and never forgets that people need Bruce Wayne’s help as much as they need Batman’s help. Bruce can change lives an enact Justice as easily as Batman, and Bruce does beautiful work.
I look forward to reading more work by Grayson.
This collection is bookended by 24/7 a short that tells the day in the life of Bruce Wayne, and a little bit as Batman. What happens is truly everything you hope a billionaire would be like in real life. He is kind, generous, and never forgets that people need Bruce Wayne’s help as much as they need Batman’s help. Bruce can change lives an enact Justice as easily as Batman, and Bruce does beautiful work.
I look forward to reading more work by Grayson.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
September 16, 2023One of the most underrated and consistently good Batman books of the time
One of the most underrated and consistently good Batman books. Most stories didn't even use the "main" villains. It's mainly about how Batman & other characters deal with themselves and each other over anything else. Devin Grayson, Roger Robinson, John Floyd, & others were on the top of their game. I just wish these collections came with the backup stories too. Those were excellent as well. You do get the amazing Brian Bolland covers though.
One of the most underrated and consistently good Batman books. Most stories didn't even use the "main" villains. It's mainly about how Batman & other characters deal with themselves and each other over anything else. Devin Grayson, Roger Robinson, John Floyd, & others were on the top of their game. I just wish these collections came with the backup stories too. Those were excellent as well. You do get the amazing Brian Bolland covers though.
March 16, 2021
Good, solid Batman stories. Nothing overly memorable but enjoyable.
March 28, 2021
This book delves deeper into the relationship between Nightwing and Oracle.
It also explores the family of Nightwing.
And an Ivy breakout. I enjoy it!
It also explores the family of Nightwing.
And an Ivy breakout. I enjoy it!
September 29, 2022
Good variety of stories and entertaining reading.
February 25, 2024
"Batman and his friends."
March 31, 2024
-Series of lighthearted stories that demonstrate the connections Batman shares with members of the Bat-Family
Read
April 21, 2025truly truly wonderful examination of these characters + their relationships although i miss the more direct character focus issues from the first volume
Read
January 17, 2025I think I liked this volume more than the first. There are a couple one off villains that drag this down, but the highlights outweigh those.
My favorite parts
- The Dick telling Bruce he’s dating Babs scene
- Bruce goes through the complex legal proceedings of adopting Dick all because he doesn’t know any other way to verbalize his feelings
- Bruce in full costume walking around his house bored. When he opened and closed his fridge without eating anything I laughed out loud
- “Sometimes it’s a wonder anyone’s still talking to you Bruce” -Clark Kent
- That final issue
My favorite parts
- The Dick telling Bruce he’s dating Babs scene
- Bruce goes through the complex legal proceedings of adopting Dick all because he doesn’t know any other way to verbalize his feelings
- Bruce in full costume walking around his house bored. When he opened and closed his fridge without eating anything I laughed out loud
- “Sometimes it’s a wonder anyone’s still talking to you Bruce” -Clark Kent
- That final issue
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews