Batman: 8th Grader's Journal

Argument: Batman: Private Casebook is a good take on the Bat Detective, but essentially there is a lack, an empty space in what should be a classic. What could have been a defining moment in the Bat ouevre isn't as pulpy, noir, or definitive as the cover art suggests.

There is a lot of Bat-dross to navigate, and luckily Private Casebook doesn't fit the DC mold of outrageous plotlines. Dini understands the Batman, even if the ordinary and stage-managed plots won't release as much seratonin as the attractive title and excellent cover suggest.

Problem one with Private Casebook: Really, Paul Dini? Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum? In Red Hoodies that say "Dee" and "Dum"?

Problem two with Private Casebook: When I stumble across good bat product, I get all woozy and forget lesser moments in his written history, i.e. several JLA arcs. The Bat is at his best when he's humbled, on the edge of descending into an abyss of hatred and anger, and when he's not flirting with hot magicians. I understand the appeal of bringing together Batman's existentialism-to-the-extreme with Zatanna; opposites attract, etc., etc. One small problem here: Zatanna and Bruce have a history of frontal lobotomies, and if there's one thing that's pretty clear about Bruce Wayne, it's that he doesn't let things go.

Reason to buy 1: Ra's al Ghul makes an appearance.

Reason to buy 2: The Scarface plotline is pretty good. At least I think it's good. Then again, I've always had an unhealthy fear of ventriloquist dummies.

Add to library: yes.