Format : Paperback Pages : 401 Genre : Superhero thriller / short story collection Published : 1989

Summary: “Death of the Dreammaster” by Robert Sheckley – Batman watched the Joker get killed by a grindstone but if that’s the case why does Bruce Wayne start seeing the Joker everywhere he goes ?

Quote: “And so the Joker was dead.But was he ? If so , who was that madcap and horrifying creature that Bruce kept glimpsing at the corners of his vision ?”

Summary:”Bats” by Henry Slesar- Alfred’s diary discussing the time Batman had to be commited .

Quote: “The sedated man I saw in that hospital bed with those pitiful guardrails not only wore a hospital gown , he also wore his mask.”

Summary: “Subway Jack” by Joe R. Lansdale- James Gordon and Batman pursue a serial killer named Subway Jack .

Quote: “It was natural that the whole bad business would blow into Gotham City like an October wind with ice on it’s tail ,and I guess, you could say it was only natural a dark-minded guy with dark-minded plans would take to the subway the way he did , take to it and do what he did . “

Summary :” The Sound of One Hand Clapping” by Max Allan Collins- The Joker sets about to alleviate his depression .

Quote:”No , it was not his castle that depressed him; it was his kingdom itself that had dimmed the demented devil’s droll disposition-a kingdom of the mind which a jester ruled . “

Summary:”Neutral Ground” by Mike Resnick- Kittlemeier designs gear for costumed folk .

Quote: ” But those who needed Kittlemeier’s particular services always seemed to know where to find him.”

Summary:”Batman in Nighttown” by Karen Haber and Robert Silverberg- Bruce hosts a party and someone shows up impersonating Batman.

Quote:” Do you know what’s happened ? Someone’s stolen Ellen’s pearls.”

Summary:” The Batman Memos” by Stuart M. Kaminsky- David Selznick tries to make a Batman movie and someone ends up kidnapped .

Quote:”Ed thinks Errol Flynn would be willing to play Batman , but it would take a trade with Warners and they might want too much. “

Summary:”Wise Men of Gotham” by Edward Wellen- Bruce Wayne shows up to a costume ball dressed as Batman for a homeless benefit on a yacht . Also the Riddler is here .

Quote:” It seemed a risk worth taking, for this was a costume ball- and he had already spotted three other Batmen . And-truth to tell-his outfit , somewhat the worse for wear after his latest adventure ,looked the least authentic of all.”

Summary:”Northwestward” by Isaac Asimov – A 73 year old Bruce Wayne talks his past at a meeting of the Black Widowers .

Quote:”He’s laughing because he bet me five dollars that if I just answered any questions asked me, and did so naturally and truthfully , the Black Widowers would have this out of me within twenty minutes , and he’s won . “

Summary:”Daddy’s Girl” by William F. Nolan- Batman is out of town so Robin has to pursue a thief on his own .

Quote:”I want you to stay here with me . You’re the first flesh person I’ve ever known , except for Father .”

Summary: “Command Performance ” by Howard Goldsmith – Mind control and shoplifting go hand in hand like peanut butter and jam .

Quote : ” Come on , who are you kidding ? Your eyes are glassy . You show all the signs.”

Summary:”The Pirate of Millionaires’ Cove” by Edward D. Hoch – A pirate ship attacks yachts in Gotham .

Quote : ” Then they were boarded by men dressed as pirates . They slaughtered his two man crew and he ran below decks to protect a young lady who was there .”

Summary: “The Origin of the Polarizer” by George Alec Effinger – We follow a disgruntled warehouse employee as he might’ve guessed Batman’s secret identity .

Quote:”There was only one private citizen in all of Gotham City who would use such a great quantity of sophisticated electronic gear , and at the same time be so cautious about hiding the fact – the Batman !”

Summary:”Idol” by Ed Gorman – A psycho thinks he is Batman .

Quote:”But if he had all these costumes you’d think he would have respected the guy , not wanted to kill him . “

Review : It’s a fun short story collection that revolves around the Dark Knight of Gotham . You know you want it already so go get it .

Recommendations : Books: 1. Tulku by Stephen K. Hayes 2. The Wonderous Adventures of the Domino Lady ! by Lars Anderson 3. The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker 4. Goldfinger by Ian Fleming 5. Ratman’s Notebooks by Stephen Gilbert

Songs : 1. Can’t Be Touched – Roy Jones Jr. 2. Smooth Criminal – Michael Jackson 3. Lean on – Major Lazor ft. Mo 4. Blow Me Away – Breaking Benjamin 5. Crying For Rain – Minami

Movies : 1. Batman Begins (2005) 2. Batman (1989) 3. Batman Returns (1992) 4. Batman Gotham Knight (2008) 5. The Batman vs. Dracula (2005)