Book Review: Batman: Animated

[KurtisFindlay]

BATMAN: ANIMATED
By Paul Dini and Chip Kidd
HarperEntertainment (1998)
164 pages
ISBN: 0-06-757531-5
ISBN: 0-06-109327-X (paperback)

The early 90s were a turning point in television animation. The limited animation, shallow plots and consumer driven concepts that fueled animated television of the 70s and 80s were in the past, and leading the pack into this new age was Batman: the Animated Series.

This art book, based on the award-winning series, is a fantastic look at the art that made up one half of the show’s success (the other half is the writing). Each page is loaded with story boards, concept art, painted background, and merchandise, all laid out beautifully by Chip Kidd. If you have ever seen any of Chip Kidd’s books, you’ll know that he loves to cram his pages full of visual content, especially with Geoff Spear’s well-lit, close-up photographs of toys and memorabilia.

Like most art books, the text is limited, giving precedent to the art. The text is written by series creator Paul Dini with an introduction by the other series creator, Bruce Timm and explains his team’s journey through creating the series. There are also character descriptions for the main cast and villains, and a section on the late-90s revamp, The New Adventures of Batman, as well as a sneak peek of the then-upcoming Batman Beyond. Tucked in the back is an episode guide, complete with descriptions and airdates.

This book is a must have for fans of the show, fans of Batman, and fans of animation art books! Highly recommended!

Availability:
Amazon (US | CA | UK | DE | FR | IT | JP) Book Depository (US | UK)

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

[spacemango]

Wow! I didn't know this existed! Thanks for reviewing. This will be on my to buy list