Batman: Gotham City's Guardian (Backstories)

Much like the Superman’s Backstory, DC Comics BACKSTORIES – BATMAN: Gotham City’s Guardian is a superb look inside one of the most conflicted heroes we know. Matthew Manning works with illustrator, Steve Gordon, to bring to life what made Bruce Wayne into the super detective, Batman. Time lines, lists of allies and enemies, and illustrations—some done by Bruce himself as a child and adult—lend weight to the inner turmoil of this man. One from a young Bruce captures the thing of his nightmares after falling into the batcaves beneath his family estate. A detailed diagram of the Batmobile is, quite frankly, totally cool.

Easily readable text adds to the excitement as we uncover the man behind the mask. My young son loved hearing the bit and pieces he didn’t know about one of his favorite heroes. He was especially intrigued by the evolution of Robin, Batman’s sidekick, which is also included.

The roughly sketched illustrations are oddly fascinating mixed with detailed schematics of things like the Wayne Foundation, and will make even the newest Batman fan squee with delight. Since Batman is completely human, an oddity in the superhero world, knowing the hows and whys of his evolution makes for a complete superhero collection.