Batman: Knightfall Vol. 1

KNIGHTFALL - Vol 1.Volume one represents the first part of the Knightfall trilogy and is followed by Knightquest and Knightsend, all averaging over 600 pages making for an 1,800 page epic storyline. Volume one was originally published as two separate volumes, 'Broken Bat' and who 'Rules the Night', what these editions didn't have was the 61 page 'Vengeance of Bane' origin story which is included here and really kick-starts the saga by explaining Bane's motive and ambition. Thereafter, the content is identical to the previous editions, charting Batman's infamous first battle with Bane, Batman's subsequent reinvention and the resulting rematch. Bane's scheme of using the full arsenal of Batman's enemies against him brings all the big names into the frame. The sub-stories are still great and all contribute to the overall story arc. The primary story arc is terrific and a genuine touchstone in comic history. Considering this is part one of a trilogy, however, the ending doesn't leave many loose ends other than how the new Batman will cope with the responsibility of the mantle of the bat.The paper and print quality are both excellent. All three volumes are well bound. The only issue here being that all the real drama of the Knightfall saga is effectively captured within this one volume. Purists will probably be unable to resist collecting all three volumes but in truth there Vols 2 and 3 are a little padded out, particularly Vol. 2, and Bane isn't seen again.

Nearly 700 pages long...I read it on a day! I opened it up for the first time, wanting to give it a quick initial read. 4 hours later I was still reading! Amazing! 😍😍😍

Simply this book is one of the greatest reads out there, it's the beginning of an amazing arc for batman, one that challenges him to his core and alters pre-52 bruce permanently. Bane is at his all time best (at least depending on how city of bane pans out) and offers the ectreme of a bone breaking challenge, without getting too deep you need to read it yourself. Not just this one though, the whole set of volumes.

Batman Knightfall collects, in three parts, the whole early 1990's event that saw Bruce Waynes departure as Batman, replacement with a new ultra violent model and eventual return.I read bits of this at the time but have never read all of it so took the opportunity to get this collection, especially in the run up the new Batman movie in which Bane has a key role (and is thankfully well used unlike last time).Having read it I feel it's very hit and miss. The art in particular is really variable in quality and the writing, though a little more consistent tells an enjoyable story but not one that can compare with the very best of the Batman, such as  Batman: Hush , Batman: Year One - Deluxe Edition , Batman: The Killing Joke (Deluxe Edition) , Batman: Dark Knight Returns It has to be said the package is very good value, it's over 600 pages of comic and makes excellent value. I think it's well worth a read and it's worthwhile if you wish to learn more about Bane and his role in Bruce Waynes past and his impact on the Batman at the time.Overall though I wouldn't consider this the defining story of the Batman that perhaps it was meant to be. Worth a read but there are much more essential books out there.

I really enjoyed reading knight fall because it shows batman at his weakest and most vunarable. Batman is sick and not on top form and to make things worse a mysterious villain named bane has released all of Batman's enemies from arkham asylum. Not only has batman got to stop all the maniacs from causing havoc on the streets he must keep himself together both physically and mentally whilst the mysterious villain bane sits back and watches for the right moment to strike.

Batman and Bane. A psychological action packed thriller where we see the gradual mental and physical breakdown of Batman. Every man has his limits, even Batman. A great, gripping epic tale that I first read way back in 1995! This edition includes the origin of Bane which I hadn't read before and gives greater insight into his character. A must read for Batman and comic fans in general. The inspiration for the last part of the Dark Knight movie trilogy, though I think the book is better. The book also has a fascinating character who is not in the movie - Azrael!

This is one of the finest Batman stories ever written in my humble opinion, and Part 1 is arguably the pinnacle of it. The scenario is that a then new Villain is out to take Gotham City away and dominate the city’s criminal underworld. This brings me to arguably the main quibble in that the preliminaries to ‘Knightfall’, if added would add that crucial context. Nevertheless, the opening sequence really sets the tone, a mysterious new assailant, Bane springs out all Batman’s deadliest foes imprisoned in Arkham Asylum and he must battle physical and mental exhaustion, running the gauntlet until such time as he faces his ultimate test against Bane. The characters are superbly realised. Although the Tim Drake character is not to everyone’s taste as Robin in this story he works well. Bane is a brilliantly depicted adversary, arguably never better or more threatening than as portrayed here. The illustration is also excellent by both lead artists. I couldn’t put it down when I first read the story more than 20 years ago and it holds up very well even now. Thoroughly recommended.

I've read lots of Batman books but this is obviously a collection of comics, from different series's telling a single narrative as well as their own shorter plotlines. There's so much of it and it's all great!