New Edition Released of Batman: The Definitive History

Originally published in 2019, Batman: The Definitive History of the Dark Knight in Comics, Film, and Beyond (Insight Editions) is considered by many, including this site, to be the best Batman reference book ever published. Now it’s been updated to include forty pages of new material, including a look at Matt Reeves’ The Batman.

With so much information available on the internet, it’s important that a reference book is not only thorough, but also offers exclusive content, and the physical item needs to be a desirable object. Batman: The Definitive History of the Dark Knight in Comics, Film, and Beyond achieved all three.

Co-writer Andrew Farago is curator of the Cartoon Art Museum in San Fransico, comics journalist and author of several comic-related reference books including the award-winning Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Visual History. Along with Gina McIntyre, author of movie companion books for the likes of Stranger Things and The Shape of Water, the two writers have put together an exhaustive, year-by-year approach to the history of Batman, including interviews with significant people that contributed to any area of Batman lore whether it be comics, movies, TV, merchandise or games.

The depth of research and access big names is impressive, from Neal Adams to Julie Newmar and from Scott Snyder to Zack Snyder, and Michael Keaton. Dennis O’Neil and Kevin Conroy provide introductions and prefaces to the book. On top of that, as a 440-page artifact, the tome features fold-out inserts, cards, posters and mini-books that make it feel like an exploration of Batman’s history rather than just a reading experience.

It’s been three years since the previous edition, which is a long time for one of the most popular superheroes around, so the two chapters of new material encompasses exclusive content on the recent movie The Batman. Given that there has already been a behind the scenes book on that film, it’ll be exciting to see what Farago and McIntyre have managed to uncover.

The fact that this book is the best Batman reference resource ever published means that it’s also the most essential. If you don’t have it, you really should. If you have the previous edition, you’ll already know how great the book is and the only question you need to ask yourself is when you should get the new edition.

Product information:

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

The Batman: The Definitive History of the Dark Knight in Comics, Film, and Beyond (Updated Edition) features:

  • COMPREHENSIVE HISTORY: Over 400 pages detailing every incarnation of The Caped Crusader across comics, TV, animation, movies, videogames and beyond.
  • ALL-STAR CONTRIBUTORS: Read interviews and insights from those who have shaped The Dark Knight’s legend, including Christopher Nolan, Mark Hamill, Tim Burton, Michael Keaton, Grant Morrison, Julie Newmar, Joel Schumacher, Scott Snyder, Frank Miller, Kevin Conroy and more.
  • EXCLUSIVE BONUS INSERTS: Filled with pull-out cards, posters, mini-books, and other interactive ephemera that bring the history of the caped crusader to life.
  • NEVER BEFORE SEEN IMAGES: Taken directly from the archives of DC and Warner Bros., enjoy exclusive, unseen treasures from the 80-year history of Batman.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS & DIMENSIONS

Materials

Product Size

Height: 12.75″ (32.4 cm)

Width: 9.25″ (23.5 cm) *

Box Size

Height: 1.75″ (4.4 cm)

Width: 9.75″ (24.8 cm)

Depth: 13.25″ (33.7 cm) *

Shipping Weight

7.50 lbs (3.4 kg) *

Images and Press Release Courtesy of Sideshow Collectibles


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