DC COMICS: BATMAN No Man's Land (1 of 2)

[Editor's note: The following is a combined review of BATMAN: NO MAN'S LAND, parts 1 and 2.]--Rucka’s novelization of the Batman “No Man’s Land” comic books spans the year following a major earthquake that destroyed Gotham City, leaving residents to flee or fend for themselves and rebuild. In this dark and compelling full-cast production, Richard Rohan provides third-person narration with appealing multilayered tones. Karen Novack offers a skillful first-person narration as the techno-savvy paraplegic Oracle, who chronicles the daily struggle for the control of Gotham between the crusaders and the criminals. More than 30 supporting actors provide authentic-sounding dialogue for characters such as Two-Face, Penguin, Joker, Batman, Robin, and Commissioner Gordon. Exceptional sound design and original music scores add to the emotion and suspense. Listeners will enjoy this unique way to experience another Batman saga. K.C.R. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2012]