Olivia Sutton's Fanfic Journal

OMG - this is one of the BEST graphic novels I have ever read, and the best modern graphic novel I've read. One of the things I didn't like about Grant Morrison's Final Crisis was it's lack of emotional resonance. I mean, Batman dies and no one cares? No one even notices? Not even his best friend, Clark Kent (Superman)? Ah, no.

But Long Shadows makes up for that. It investigates the lost of Bruce Wayne on those who knew and cared for him best. This book had me in tears more than once. And I've also read it at least three times since buying it, and I rarely read graphic novels more than once.

The book begins with Superman and Wonder Woman bringing Batman's empty and torn cape and cowl to Wayne Manor. They tell Alfred, Dick (Richard Grayson) and Tim (Drake) that Bruce has died. The rest of the story is a realistic portrayal of loss. From Alfred stating, "my son is dead, I am not all right,"; to Dick saying, "I knew he wouldn't live forever, but I wasn't ready for him to die this soon."; This is a grim, sad story, realistically told.

I loved the interactions of Bruce's family as they dealt with his loss.

Truly, a ground-breaking work. Perfect. And highly, highly recommended.