Review Detail

BATMAN: NIGHTWALKER (THE GRAPHIC NOVEL) converts the YA novel by Marie Lu into graphic novel format. The plot remains the same, and the graphic novel focuses on the dialogue. Bruce Wayne has newly turned 18 with interest in criminology because of the events with his parents. When he leaves his birthday party, he sees a Nightwalker, criminals who are killing the wealthy and emptying their bank accounts, escaping from the police. Knowing that his car can take them, he pursues, flipping their car and getting the police the guy.

In an effort to teach Bruce a lesson, Draccon, the detective on his case, forces him to do community service at Arkham Asylum. Although he is just supposed to be cleaning up, a Nightwalker who is imprisoned there begins to speak with him. Since she has not spoken to anyone else, and the police need answers about the rest of the group, they reluctantly agree to let him try to speak with her for information. Even though they pull the plug pretty soon, Bruce is becoming attached and keeps trying to speak with Madeleine. As things escalate, Bruce finds himself in a web of the Nightwalkers' making.

What I loved: The illustrations and pace are perfect in this graphic novel adaptation. This is a pretty fast read, and having read the novel it is based on, I appreciate the inclusion of all the important scenes from the novel. The images really bring the story to life in black-and-white with some yellow accents. The text is easy to attribute to the character speaking and spaced well with the images. This is definitely a story which is seen and not just told.

What left me wanting more: While the graphic novel does add a lot to the visuals of the story and brings it out of the words, we also lose some of the internal discussions/feelings of Bruce in particular. Some of these are included, but it was harder to connect with him and feel for his connections to Madeleine in the graphic novel format. This was a relatively small point, but I would recommend also checking out the novel if you enjoy the storyline.

Final verdict: With great illustrations, clear text, and a fast pace, this graphic novel adaptation does a great job of converting Lu's story into something that is also seen in addition to read. Highly recommend for anyone who loves graphic novels, YA fiction, and backstories.