Batman: No Man's Land, Vol. 3

This third volume in the "No Man's Land" series will be remembered as the first appearance of the new Batgirl, whom Batman passes the mantle to after unmasking the old one (you can probably guess who it was, but I won't spoil it). Superman also visits Gotham, Billy Pettit finally splits from the Gotham Blue Boys, and Batman and Robin have to free Poison Ivy from Clayface.

By now, the weaknesses of writing a major comic-book crossover are starting to show, though No Man's Land is still more coherent than it has any right to be. Since Billy Pettit wasn't featured at all in volume 2, his departure here comes across as more of a plot point than something dramatic and meaningful. The new Batgirl's origins also feel rushed, and it seems odd that Batman would be so quick to accept her - maybe desperate times call for desperate measures? There's also a filler story involving Mr. Freeze that is horrible to read, both from a writing and artistic standpoint (and why would Batman blow up a power plant when Gotham desperately needs power?)

That aside though, there's some good stuff here to balance out the bad. It's always fun seeing Batman upstage Superman, even if it's been overplayed. The new Batgirl looks to be an interesting character, and I look forward to the role she'll play in restoring Gotham. The Poison Ivy/Clayface arc is great in terms of story and artwork, and also furthers the subplot concerning Gordon, Montoya, and Two-Face.

This volume, like the previous two, is still worth picking up. It's the slightly awkward period of any major crossover, but things only get better from here.


Gotham's darkest hour   March 16, 2004
adead_poet@hotmail.com (Austin, tx USA)
This continues the storyline of the battle for the ruined Gotham. It's a well told tale.


Batman's Back   August 14, 2001
Thomas Burkett (Englewood, CO United States)
Again Batman finds himself struggeling to understand his own destiny. He wrestles with the desire to serve Gotham, yet at the same time he is faced with overwhelming odds, and realizes he can't go at it alone. It reminded me of the Batman who we loved, the "Dark Knight." Batman has always clung to his own demons, and in this series these demons are ever present, and Batman again is the renegade who fights to come to terms with his own weaknesses and loss, while at the same time offering hope to the downtrodden and weak. Excellent story. A must for any "Dark Knight" fan!


Batman Gets Interesting (Again)   September 30, 2000
Mark Howell (Houston, TX)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

There's a good chance that if you are reading this review, you already know what Batman: No Man's Land is. If not, here's a brief summary. Batman: No Man's Land was a year long crossover that revitalized Batman as he fought to restore a Gotham city shut off from the outside world after a devastating earthquake. Trade paperback number three kicked this storyline into high gear!!!! With awesome stories by Greg Rucka and Devin Grayson, coupled with the art of Mike Deodato and many of comic's best artistic talents, DC pulled out the big guns to make Batman great again!!!!! This trade introduces the new Batgirl (the daughter of the deadly assassin Cain) and made every member of the Batman team shine!!! If you like Batman, or have ever liked Batman, you are certain to enjoy this great and affordable collection!!!