Batman and the Monster Men (New Edition) - by Matt Wagner (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Before Gotham knew the Joker, it feared the Monster Men. In this gripping reimagining of Batman's early years, the Dark Knight faces off against Hugo Strange and his grotesque creations--genetically altered giants born from madness. Batman and the Monster Men blends noir suspense with horror, setting the stage for a young vigilante's evolution into legend.

Batman and the Monster Men is a six-issue limited series written and illustrated by Matt Wagner, serving as the first installment of his Dark Moon Rising duology. Set shortly after Batman: Year One, the story introduces Hugo Strange as a twisted scientist conducting unethical experiments on Arkham Asylum patients, funded by mob boss Sal Maroni. As Batman investigates a string of brutal murders, he uncovers a conspiracy that tests his resolve, intellect, and physical limits. The book also reintroduces Julie Madison, Bruce Wayne's early love interest, adding emotional depth to the narrative.

About the Author

Matt Wagner is a celebrated comic book creator known for his work on Grendel, Mage, and various Batman titles. With a career spanning decades, Wagner brings a unique blend of pulp storytelling, noir atmosphere, and psychological depth to his work. In Batman and the Monster Men, he reimagines one of Batman's earliest foes--Hugo Strange--through a modern lens, crafting a tale that is both suspenseful and emotionally resonant. His dual role as writer and artist ensures a seamless fusion of narrative and visual tone.

Dave Stewart is an Eisner Award-winning colorist whose work has defined the look of modern comics. Known for his collaborations with artists like Mike Mignola and Matt Wagner, Stewart's palette in Batman and the Monster Men enhances the gothic mood and gritty realism of the story. His use of shadow and muted tones amplifies the horror elements, making the monstrous creations and dark alleys of Gotham feel palpably eerie.