Dark Night: A True Batman Story - Paul Dini
Dini, a writer for Batman and Animaniacs, is brutally beaten and mugged, and uses his imagination to get through a difficult psychological healing process. The determination and heroism of Batman in particular convinces him not to sink permanently into despair. This is an honest, courageous tale, brought to life brilliantly by Eduardo Risso's art. It's moving and troubling but at times funny and ultimately optimistic. A real masterpiece. [4.5]
Boy Wonder - Juni Ba
Writer and artist Ba tells the story of Damian Wayne, the outsider whose brutal outlook seems to prevent him from fully joining the royal Bat-family: the king and his three adopted sons, brave and rageful and clever in turns. Infusing the story of the Robins with Asian legend vibes, focusing on the confusion and need for acceptance of the skilled but antisocial Damian, and having one oddly unafraid hostage tell it like a fable to a confused robber, Ba has created an intriguing, quirky, and visually dynamic tale that stands out from the glut of Bat-books. [4]