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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An audio masterpiece that compliments the original comic event, 25 Oct 2008
Batman: Knightfall was one of those major comic events that was truly unforgettable. A huge turning-point in the Caped Crusader's life, it showcased Bruce Wayne being expertly and feasibly broken, both physically and mentally, by a fascinating new villain called Bane. Story-wise, it's a timeless classic and a masterpiece. Plus, it's one of the biggest crossover events in the history of DC Comics, as well as all of superhero fiction itself.
Of course, this was all in 1993. The fact that people still revere the epic to this day is testament to its greatness. But what I didn't know was that it was SO great, that it actually spawned a daily radio-drama that combined all parts of the saga (Knighfall, Knightquest and KnightsEnd) into one mammoth series.
The Knightfall audioplay debuted on BBC Radio 1 in 1994 on `The Mark Goodier Show', and was masterminded by Dirk Maggs (who produced radio plays like Superman: Doomsday and Beyond, and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy). Even when it was released shortly after on audio cassette in 1994, its existence still eluded me, and it was only recently that I saw this 3-disc CD. Naturally intrigued, I purchased it.
The whole Knightfall saga lasted a year. It's the biggest Batman story ever created. So the first thing that came to my mind was, "How did Dirk Maggs manage to condense the whole crossover into approximately three hours of radio drama?" Maggs clearly had his work cut-out for him yet he was somehow able to put together an absolutely intense, action-packed production that will have all listeners absolutely hooked from start to finish.
Knightfall goes at breakneck pace, which makes sense given that Maggs had to make sure the listener would be left wanting for more at the end of every episode, the timeslots he had to work with and the sheer content of the original story to cover. There is NEVER a dull moment here, and Maggs was sensible with what had to be in the drama and what he could afford to leave out. All the essential story-moments, sub-plots, character-depth and development remain, and this accompanied by a commendable and lively voice-cast, expert-sound effects and fantastic music score, make the whole production so richly layered and energetic.
All those who have read the original Knightfall comic stories and/or own the graphic novels will know how the whole thing goes from start to finish, as I do. But really, all the production and presentation values make that fact so utterly irrelevant. It's a real treat to listen to and will please all fans of the crossover. It's so faithful and creatively utilises the subject matter to produce a staggeringly good audio drama, one that even new fans can enjoy. This set is also accompanied by some very good outtakes, the original opening sequence (prior to digital restoration), and the booklet inside features an enlightening foreword by Dirk Maggs.
It's a case of like comic, like audiobook here, in the sense that it's a true masterpiece. Batman: Knightfall is a production that honours the original story. All fans will love it. Nice one, BBC and Dirk Maggs.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best audiobook ever, 8 April 2009
I first heard this on Radio 1 a long time ago and remember being transfixed to the 15 minute episodes each day. I then bought it on tape which I wore out playing it so much. My now 37 and still love it so I bought the CD last year. Its now on my iPod and I often listen to it on long journeys.
Firstly, it is a superb Batman story. One of the best in my opinion. Then it is expertly performed by many voice actors. It is very immersive and dark. My eldest daughter (12) has listened to it and also liked it.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Batman: Knightfall (BBC Audio), 13 Mar 2009
A cleverly done audio play, Batman: Knightfall is quite thrilling to listen to, perfectly capturing the mood and overall feel of the comic book it's based on. It only fails (if it fails at all) in the character of Batman himself, as it reflects the more lighter-hearted almost Adam West style caped crusader, which is odd given the dark and gothic atmosphere of the rest of the play.
The voice of Batman, performed by Bob Sessions, comes off as a slightly 1950's Saturday Matinee all action hero as opposed to the darker, gravelly tones of say; Kevin Conroy's take on the character in Batman the Animated Series (broadcast on TV around about the same time as this Audio Play) or Christian Bale's current and rather brilliant portral of the Dark Knight. This, though and the fact that it doesn't dig as deep into the soul of the characters as it could have done, never detracts from the fun of the thing. It can not fail to please the ardent Bat-fan or those who just love a good old fashioned hero yarn that has that special 'bite' of cool.
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