DC Graphic Novel Review: Arkham Asylum a Serious house on Serious Earth

Where the hell do I even start with this? Re-reading this for this review is probably my 10th time or so reading this book and it still blows me away, and by the way; this was written in the 1989. Like most things written by Morrison and most of his British counterparts when they do the superhero genre, they are very interested in finding out what these characters are all about.

Morrison this time is delving into the more psychological aspects of Batman. Not so much his motivations, those have been explored to death by the 1950s. But what Drives Batman? Is he really insane? Or does he have control over any and all situations. The other story being explored is that of Amadeus Arkham, and how his Mother's mental illness and eventual death galvanised him into founding Arkham Asylum. Among other things, Grant's fascination with Magic, and symbolism in all its forms takes a huge overtone in this. Unfortunately that side I won't be able to delve much into due to my own ignorance of that subject matter. However that alone is a good reason why this book is so great and so re-readable, always something new to find.

Plot
Starting in the past with the Death of Amadeus Arkham's mother to set the ground for Arkham's motivations for starting the Asylum. We then jump to the present where Commissioner Gordon has called Batman to warn him of trouble at Arkham Asylum. Joker Demands that Batman come to the Asylum alone or else he and the other somehow freed inmates. Batman in and the trouble ensues. Meanwhile Arkham's storyline is similar to that of Batman, though diverging at a certain point, and connecting in the end. That's Basically it, I really don't want to spoil anything here. Like most comic book plots it's based on a very simple idea, however with characters that are about 60 years old at this point, keeping them fresh is the challenge that makes these books still worth reading.

Artwork
This is where everything shines. Dave McKean gives us everything from haunting shadiness, Beautiful backgrounds, obscured darkness, Hebrew Symbology, Steampunk Machines, and haunting blots. I would argue that the artwork is where the story really lies. As the story is mostly about Madness, the art reflects the mad and schizophrenic tones of the story. This is where I really want to detail things so keep with me please.

The first notable thing is the use of basic shapes. This story is very much about Place. Obviously the main setting being Arkham Asylum, there are frequent references to the Asylum being home, both for Batman and for Amadeus himself. However the Madness of each character is very different. This is displayed through shapes, The sane and more rational characters, like Batman, and Amadeus early in the story are very boxy, house-like, representing that they are the ones able to contain the madness. However as the events in Arkham's life get worse he begins to embrace a less structurally sound round physique. This is of course to say nothing of the Joker who is displayed with almost nothing being symmetrical, a comically large head, and even more ridiculous erratic hair.

Other important notes of artwork are things that are obscured vs things that are deliberately shown. Throughout most of the story, most of the Bat suit is pretty obscured by either shadow, or other blurry effects, meanwhile Batman's very prominent human feature (His Jaw) is almost always what you can see clearly. (I'll leave it to you to figure out why it is, there are at least two opposite reasons, both of them are right). The final thing I'll mention about the artwork is that people will find it very hard to make out at most points. I say that is the point. Batman blurs the line between the rational and the irrational and has to hope that the greater good always prevails. But what is real and what is crazy is a burden for Bruce Wayne alone.

Final Thoughts

Obviously I recommend you get this story. I wouldn't say it's a great introduction to Batman, but once you're a slightly seasoned reader I demand that you get this. Obviously if you're older than me you probably have it. This comic is about 21 years old now so most people have it or don't. But hell, I've got to start my reviewing life somewhere so here we go. In terms of the music that should be playing when you read this go with The Mantle by Agalloch it is some very haunting folk metal that compliments this entire story perfectly. To sum everything up, if you like a deep story that will have you question what goes on in your own mind then pick this up. If you're more a fan of just traditional superhero beat em' ups where the good guys win then skip out on this one. Then throw yourself off of a bridge for being so afraid of good things.