Watch and Read: Spotlight on Media Tie-ins

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Joy Fleishhacker -- School Library Journal, 6/23/2008 1:46:00 PM

Batman

The superhero population is about to burgeon yet again as Batman makes his return in The Dark Knight (PG-13), a live-action feature film from Warner Bros. that wings its way into theaters on July 18, 2008. The sequel to Batman Begins (2005), which focused on the character’s origins and incorporated a gritty back-to-comic-book-basics approach, Dark Knight is also directed by Christopher Nolan and stars Christian Bale in the lead role. 

Helped by Police Lieutenant Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman continues his quest to rid Gotham City of bad guys, but his efforts are soon derailed by the lawbreaking antics of a crazed criminal mastermind known as the Joker (Heath Ledger). Kids interested in pre-premiere bat-watching can catch a glimpse at the official Web site.

In a one-two media punch, Batman: Gotham Knight (PG-13), a direct-to-DVD anthology, will be released by Warner Bros. Animation on July 8, 2008. Employing a Japanese anime style of illustration, these six stand-alone short films join together like chapters in a book to trace Batman’s progression from crime-fighting novice to paragon of justice. For more information, send readers to the official Web site.

A Bit of Bat-ground

Created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, Batman first appeared in the DC Comics cosmos in 1939 and soon earned a starring role in his own series. Inspired by a devastating childhood event—witnessing the brutal murder of his parents by a mugger—billionaire playboy and philanthropist Bruce Wayne has dedicated his life to improving his intellect, honing his detective skills, and perfecting his physical abilities in order to fight crime. His bat-inspired attire is meant to conceal his identity and to strike fear into his opponents. 

The character evolved through the years, undergoing numerous transformations and withstanding ups and downs in popularity. Waning interest was revitalized in the 1960s by the campy “Batman” TV series starring Adam West and Burt Ward. After the show’s demise, efforts were made to return Batman to his grimmer, darker origins, as reflected in both print and other media, including several motion pictures and an animated TV series.

Movie Tie-in Books

For younger filmgoers, HarperCollins presents four tie-in titles with dynamic covers depicting Batman in full regalia. Done in deep-hued palettes, the books’ punch-packing comic-book-style artwork evokes the mystery and power of this masked crusader. Two “I Can Read! Level 2” titles incorporate simple language and brief sentences. Using a first-person narrative, Bruce Wayne introduces himself to beginning readers in I Am Batman, while Batman’s Friends and Foes provides the scoop on various characters. 

With glossy pages and longer narratives, two staple-bound storybooks (K–Gr 4) focus on specific movie plotlines. When Bruce Wayne’s friends throw him a surprise birthday party, the Joker and his jewelry-snatching goons crash the event, but it’s not long before Batman Saves the Day, and in Batman Versus the Joker, the crime fighter foils a clever bank-robbery attempt.

The Dark Knight’s youngest fans—and quite a few older ones—will adore Ralph Cosentino’s Batman (Viking, 2008), a picture-book introduction to the character, his modus operandi, and his enemies. Blending retro touches with a clean design, the enticing comic-book-style illustrations are filled with bold images, intriguing details, and visual humor. Presented on white rectangular strips, the streamlined first-person narrative (“I am...Batman!”) builds drama but never takes itself too seriously. With an easy-to-read text, this knockout is ideal for comic-book beginners and devotees (PreS–Gr 3).

Mechanically minded kids will enjoy exploring the amazing capabilities of Batman’s “vehicular dreadnaught.” Mike McAvennie’s Batmobile: Owner’s Manual (DK, 2008) points out all of the bells and whistles, such as the high-tech instrument panel, weapons and defenses, onboard forensic laboratory, and turbo supercharged engine. The author’s enthusiastic tone adds panache, and numerous illustrations, schematics, and diagrams supply the visuals. The book includes lift-up flaps, a removable blueprint, and even a detailed four-page fold-out look inside the Batcave (Gr 3–6).

Pub Info

HAPKA, Catherine, adapt. The Dark Knight: Batman’s Friends and Foes. illus. by Adrian Barrios & Kanila Tripp. HarperTrophy. 2008. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-156190-0.

_____. The Dark Knight: I Am Batman. illus. by Adrian Barrios & Kanila Tripp. HarperTrophy. 2008. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-156189-4.

FRANTZ, Jennifer, adapt. The Dark Knight: Batman Saves the Day. illus. by Cameron Stewart & Dave McCaig. HarperEntertainment. 2008. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-156187-0.

RAYMOND, N. T., adapt. The Dark Knight: Batman Versus the Joker. illus. by Cameron Stewart & Dave McCaig. HarperEntertainment. 2008. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-156188-7.

COSENTINO, Ralph. Batman. illus. by author. Viking. 2008. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-670-06255-3.

MCAVENNIE, Mike. Batmobile: Owner’s Manual. illus. by Richard Chasemore & E.J. Su. DK. 2008. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-7566-3839-9.