| Batman: The Cult | |
|---|---|
 Cover of Batman: The Cult #1. Art by Bernie Wrightson. |
|
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| Format | Mini-series |
| Genre | Superhero |
| Publication date | August - November 1988 |
| Number of issues | 4 |
| Creative team | |
| Writer(s) | Jim Starlin |
| Artist(s) | Bernie Wrightson |
| Letterer(s) | John Costanza |
| Colorist(s) | Bill Wray |
| Editor(s) | Denny O'Neil Dan Raspler |
| Collected editions | |
| Batman: The Cult | ISBN 0-930289-85-4 |
Batman: The Cult is a four-issue comic book mini-series. It was published by DC Comics in their prestige format books and released in 1988. It was written by Jim Starlin, illustrated by Bernie Wrightson, colored by Bill Wray and edited by Denny O'Neil.
Contents |
Plot
The story follows the machinations of Deacon Blackfire and his band of homeless followers who have kidnapped Batman before the events of this story. Following a lengthy period of captivity Batman slowly succumbs to brainwashing. This eventually leads to him committing a murder in what proved to be controversial events among fans of the range.[clarification needed] Under instructions from Blackfire, Batman opens fire with a machine-gun upon a man he believes to be Two-Face but ultimately turns out not to be. Batman is eventually freed from the cult but takes a long time to recover from his treatment at their hands. The story also delves into other territory. Gotham City politicians are assassinated by Blackfire's party of followers. An attempt on Commissioner Gordon's life is tried by Blackfire's group, leaving the commissioner in a hospital. Beyond Gotham authorities to protect the city, the National Guard is called in, then the Military and Martial Law is declared on Gotham. The series also features the second Robin, Jason Todd.
Reception
IGN Comics ranked Batman: The Cult #6 on a list of the 25 greatest Batman graphic novels, saying that "the story is told with callous brutality that makes it all the more powerful."[1] The story was noted as controrversial due to the apparent murder of an innocent civilian by Batman.[2]
Collected editions
It was later collected in 1991 as a trade paperback graphic novel (ISBN 0-930289-85-4). This collected volume has gone to a fourth printing and as of 2007[update] is out of print.
Notes
- ^ The 25 Greatest Batman Graphic Novels, Hilary Goldstein, IGN, June 13, 2005
- ^ "Batman: The Cult". IGN. http://uk.comics.ign.com/articles/624/624188p1.html. Retrieved 2008-03-23.
References
- Batman: The Cult at the Grand Comic-Book Database
- Batman: The Cult at the Comic Book DB
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