Batman: The Jiro Kuwata Batmanga Vol. 2: The Classic Manga Available in English in Its Entirety for the First Time!

You could scarcely come up with a better title for this book than Batmanga which is probably why both releases of these comics have had the same title. This literally is Batman in manga form but this is different from more recent comics that combined manga and popular superheroes. In 1966, with the broadcast of the Batman television show, Batman’s popularity was skyrocketing and a Japanese magazine Sho'nen King decided to capitalize by securing rights from DC Comics. I assume DC pretty much gave them carte blanche since the stories were never intended to be read by western audiences. These comics were created to appeal exclusively to a Japanese audience. In fact creator Jiro Kuwata had intended to emulate the American style of art but found it doubled the length of time it would have taken him to produce the comics and would have thrown off his schedule for other projects.There is no intent at Kitsch or irony and that’s what makes these comics the real deal. The Batman of Batmanga exists in a manga world produced by a real manga artists. Batmanga doesn’t have the manga stereotypes that people think of like over-expressive faces with giant eyes and gaping mouths or tears pouring out of tear ducts like water fountains. The stories are very subdued and simple but Kuwata was able to add a twist or two occasionally. Even though Batman and Robin are clearly westerners and Gordon is still commissioner there is a real Japanese feel to the stories. Signs are in Japanese which is no surprise since the audience read Japanese but even the architecture and other characters seems more eastern than western. One of the villains, for instance, is a masked professional wrestler. Based on reviews of book one Batmanga doesn’t appeal to everyone but most people seem to like it and I found Kuwata’s sincerity and earnestness infectious.The book is nice looking but almost entirely void of extras. The images are reduced in size but still very crisp and clear. Kuwata had a simple, clean design so reducing the size didn’t really make the images less visible. The ONLY extra was a small one page essay by Kuwata explain his thoughts on the comics he created 50 years prior and why he chose to stick with his own art style rather than emulate a western style. What sets this book apart from the previous volume is that none of the material here appeared in the 2008 Bat-Manga!: The Secret History of Batman in Japan. I was delighted to see there is a third volume coming out February of next year as I thought this book completed the available material.

The Batmanga was compiled and re-published in Japan a few years ago. Thanks DC Comics for introducing it to the English speaking world. I read some of these Japanese Batman stories when I was a kid. It is great to read the complete volumes here. The stories are awesome. This is what Batman should be - a scientist and detective fighting crimes with all his Bat gadgets. Remind me of Sherlock Holmes and Watson more than anything else.The 'Fiend of the Masquerade Festival' is the best. Robin in 'The Monster of Gore Bay' is hilarious. English translation is first rated. The only suggestion I would make is to call 'Dead Lord Man' simply 'Lord of Death' (shinigami in Japanese). All in all, a piece of Batman history every Batman fan should own.Jiro Kuwata is one of my favorite’s mangaka. Love his 8 man, Yellow Glove, and Ultraseven also. You won't be disappointed by his drawing and storytelling styles.

Beautifully drawn book. Very cool to see a different take on Batman and Robin. You don't need volume 1 to start this by the way. If you're familiar with Manga, then you obviously know would to read this. If you're not familiar with Manga, don't be discouraged. It's easy to get the hang of reading right to left. If you love good campy fun, old school anime and Batman, then this is for you.

It was just as good as the first book, but the story the hangman of terror was not a story I liked very much.

I loved the concept

It was in great condition

Got the set for my Batmanga fan as a gift, great quality.

I love this Batmanga stuff. It's hilarious, ridiculous, and sometimes even a little dark.

Very good

First of all, i think the translation, if not wow, is quite up to the mark. The plots are pretty basic and old school. It will be a fresh read for someone who has read alot of modern and dark batman runs (morisson and snyder). I enjoyed this manga and it was good to see batman and robin in sketches.

Great.

Super !

Fantastic