Summary
These books are great reads for people who may have missed these titles in the regular runs, or for long time fans to pick up quite cheaply so they can re-read these stories without breaking their original prints out of their collection.
The DC Heroes & Villains Collection has launched, with issue #1 presenting a hardbacked version of the classic Neil Gaiman story, “Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader?” and other stories, most of them again by Gaiman.
In the UK you will be familiar with this style of book. Hardbacked and actually very tactile books to have and this 1st issue comes with a fold-out Batman poster that is in itself quite impressive.
The 1st volume comes in at 183 pages and has the title story mentioned above as well as “A Black and White World” from Batman Black and White #2, “Pavane” from Secret Origins #36, a full reprint of Secret Origins Special, and “Mortal Clay” by Alan Moore from Batman Annual #11. There are also some text pieces that flesh out the contents too.
DC Heroes & Villains Collection #1 is quite a collection, and it’s safe to say that all the stories in the book are enjoyable. The two-part opening story, originally from Batman #686 and Detective Comics #853. is an interesting and well-regarded tale, told over two issues of the regular Batman books, and reprinted here to launch this series.
Gaiman takes us through a strange dream-like story, appropriately enough, of the events after Batman’s death. It features all of the Bat cast that you would expect, including his rogue’s gallery, that all want to take the credit for the Dark Knight’s passing.
The story should probably be interpreted as a homage or even a love letter to the Batman mythos, and the last few pages will probably bring a tear to the eye of many fans out there. With an introductory price of £1.99, I can safely say that I would have paid that for the story alone.
It should be noted that the price of these books increases to £6.99 for subsequent releases, the first issue is designed to hook new readers in, so the price point is so low.
The next issue, on sale in two weeks, features Harley Quinn, of course, and looks set to include her 1999 DC Universe debut. Two weeks later features Alan Moore’s incredible 2-part story “Whatever Happened To The Man of Tomorrow?” as well as his much-loved story “For The Man Who Has Everything” from Superman Annual #11, and the 4th release reprints some of Greg Rucka’s arc on Wonder Woman.
The DC Heroes & Villains Collection is great for people who may have missed these titles in the regular runs, or for long time fans to pick up quite cheaply so they can re-read these stories without breaking their original prints out of their collection.
During lockdown, you might be able to find these collections on the supermarket magazine shelves too, so if your LCS is closed, there are still ways to get hold of them.
If there’s no way of getting hold of these copies, you can go online and order, or even subscribe from there.
