Although I’m sure it could be done, it is extremely difficult to imagine a Batman filmography more exhaustive than, well, The Batman Filmography. Now in its second edition (a lot has happened in Bat-cinema since the original publication in 2004, you know), Mark S. Reinhart’s book is the complete history of the caped crusader on screens big and small. It does everything but weigh in on the controversial casting of Ben Affleck as Batman for the upcoming Man of Steel sequel. (Third edition, perhaps?)
As the title should clue you in, the book is a tour through every iteration of Batman, whether live-action or animated, whether in serials, specials, series or the big ol’ blockbusters.
In between, Reinhart supplements these chapters by relating what changes the character underwent with the times, on the pages of DC Comics, which helps put the various adaptations into a cultural perspective. This makes up for the extensive, start-to-finish plot synopses the author works into his essays/reviews; such beat-for-beat summaries are neither needed nor helpful when just spilling a few details of the setup is enough to either remind readers of what they’ve already seen or give enough context to those who haven’t yet.
McFarland & Company’s trade paperback contains a healthy inclusion of images, although it could stand to include more to break up long paragraphs of black. Hardcore Bat-fans should enjoy it regardless. —Rod Lott