I have always enjoyed reading the Batman comic, so the thought of reading it as a book, rather than a comic seemed like the next step.

The only thing I knew about Bain was the brief part he played in Batman & Robin the film - of which after reading this book I was disgusted at their minimal usage of one of the Dark Knight's greatest foes (next to the Joker of course!).

Bain is the kind of villian that makes a great story. And pitting Batman against him pushes Batman to his extremes and beyond! Bain is the only villian to actually break the Bat!

A great book (and graphic novel) for all Batman fans and anyone else! Buy it, read it, re-read it!!

In this novel there are echos of the graphic novel 'The Dark Knight Return' especially with the character Bane. Yet it is as if that particular story never existed, for this novel almost submits to age as easily as the Batman in the Roger McGough poem.

What is striking about this book then is the depth which the author takes us as readers, into the psyche of Bruce Wayne as he reaches middle age. It is as if we are watching the decline of a once great sportsman who refuses to admit that he has lost a yard in pace, even if his spirit is still willing. Moreover, the main reason why I would recommend this book to anyone who is fortunate enough to stumble across it, is the fact that it is a good story; with a beginning, middle and an end. Whether you like where this story takes you is another matter, but if you want happy endings, go read a Superman comic.