Batman Unauthorized

Vigilantes, Jokers, and Heroes in Gotham City

By: Dennis O'Neil - editor, Leah Wilson - editor

Narrated by: Colby Elliott

Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Compiled by a veteran writer of the comic series, this collection of essays explores Batman’s motivations and actions, as well as those of his foes. Batman is a creature of the night, more about vengeance than justice, more plagued by doubts than full of self-assurance, and more darkness than light. He has no superpowers, just skill, drive, and a really well-made suit.

One of the most recognized superheroes ever created, Batman has survived through campy TV shows and films, through actors like Adam West, Michael Keaton, and Christian Bale. It covers both the silly and the solemn, asking questions like Why is the Joker so good at pushing Batman’s buttons? What does Batman’s technology say about the times? Why are Batman’s villains crazier than average? and Why is Batman the perfect, iconic American hero?

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2008 Benbella Books, Inc. (P)2014 Last Word Audio, LLC

Critic reviews

"Colby Elliott's deep, raspy voice fits perfectly and proves somewhat reminiscent of Batman himself. He narrates the essays with all the seriousness that the authors themselves have for their subject but is also capable of lightening his tone for the occasional joke or pun. His emphasis and pacing will keep listeners engaged throughout the production." (AudioFile)

Eccentric Essays Batman!

Would you listen to Batman Unauthorized again? Why?

Yea I probably will again in the future. It's broken up into sections, so I may listen to specific parts from time to time.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Batman uhh. . . because he's Batman!

What about Colby Elliott’s performance did you like?

He did a great job, very clear and easy to listen too. I wish they had a woman read the female essays. Colby doesn't jive well with effeminate readings.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The AUTHORIZED film adaptation, BAM!

Any additional comments?

It was really, good. Not like the rants my nerdy friends go off on at all. These are educated and informed rants.

batman uninformed opinions

the lesson of this book is, if you don't appreciate or understand something; don't contribute to a book about it. Each chapter is more and more excruciating to a batman fan as the authors misinterpret, twist and criticize the comic out of context. they praise the very worst versions of the character while grossly misrepresenting the good stories. if you somehow hate batman but want an audio book to accompany you while you revel in ignorant nitpicking, this book is for you.

the brake downs

I love how the narrator broke down Batman(family) and the majority of the villains throughout the decades

Made me think

Book gave a different look at Batman and why he is so much similar to everyday people at least in an American point of view.

Wow

Wish I could get the printed version too covered so many avenues of the characters if you're a fan like me buy it its worth it.

I really loved this!

Where does Batman Unauthorized rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I've listened to a lot of audiobooks so I won't say its one of the very best but I definitely really liked it. The narration was good and the variety of pieces included was really interesting.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

This is a series of essays so it wouldn't work as a film.

great listen for Batman fans

Interesting perspectives in to the Batman history and mythos. Covers a wide range of aspects of the character.

Great insight into the world of Batman

Really insightful look at Batman's journey over the last almost a century.

Wonderfully narrated by Colby Elliot who sounds genuinely interested when listening.

A must listen for any Batman fan! Wish it was twice as long

should call it Batman unlistenable

I know this is made up from essays from different sources and references, but a lot of the material was critical of the batman subject matter in particular the foes that batman's faces , the narrative is quite good and easy to listen to. but what I couldn't get past was the fact that the editors obviously wanted the batman to be a man and not a step towards a superhero, the most iconic foes of batman are fantasy as is Batman. so lets have equal measures of "ludicrous storylines" (their words not mine) as well as down to earth stories. I enjoy both types, so don't listen to this if you're like me. if you're a purist and just like "Batman begins" type books and films then this is for you.

some interesting parts others pretty dull,

good history, some of the book was great, others irrelevant and boring, did learn some interesting facts