Review Detail

Ever wonder how Bruce Wayne became Batman, protector of Gotham City? In Batman Begins (the Junior Novel) young readers can discover the origin of the mysterious Batman.

It all started when Bruce fell into a well as a child and was attacked by bats. Then his parents were murdered right in front of his eyes. Fear engulfed him and years passed.

Years later, Bruce must overcome his fears as he trains with ninjas in the League of Shadows. He was accepted into the league after taking a blue poppy to the top of the mountain, as instructed by Ducard. The league is run by the mysterious Ra’s al Ghul. Bruce gets progressively stronger, more skilled, and finally, he has overcome his fears of bats. Learning lessons along the way, Bruce has become a wraith of the shadows. He has learned new techniques that will help him in his future. But at the end of his training, Bruce feels questions and doubts run through his mind as he is instructed to complete the rites. Surprising everyone, he does not complete the rites and destroys the building, leaving the powerful Ra’s al Ghul and the ninjas to die in the blazing building. Dragging Ducard’s unconscious body from the wreckage, Bruce saves the man’s life, but leaves him behind at a hut.

Moving on, Bruce goes back to the Wayne mansion and finds Alfred, Bruce’s father’s former manservant. Together, they will create Batman. Finding new technology and useful gear from Wayne’s industries, Bruce forms his image as Batman and is soon out to strike terror into criminals’ hearts. Can he stop crime in Gotham City, or will his past come back to haunt him—and possibly destroy him? Can he figure out who to trust? Will Bruce do the right thing, or will he lash out in revenge? With twists, surprises, and old friends (and enemies!) back for a visit, Batman and friends have a long journey in a quest for justice—and purpose—ahead of them.

It’s nice to read movie novelizations, because you can find the character’s thoughts, which aren’t always expressed in the movies. Young fans of Batman can discover the mysterious hero’s origin in Batman Begins: The Junior Novel. Included in the book are several pages of full color scene snapshots. An easy, enjoyable, readable version of the movie!