Batman Arkham Knight: The Official Novelization is a superhero fiction novel written by Marv Wolfman, published by Titan Books. Based on the Batman: Arkham Knight video game of the same name, Gotham City is in chaos as the criminal organizations run wild, seeking to fill the void left by the death of the Joker. When the Scarecrow threatens to unleash a toxin that will kill scores of innocents, the result is uncontrollable panic.

Positives:

• Good characters
• Compelling story

Negatives:

• Lackluster antagonists
• Lacks exposition

Plot:  The story is really compelling and the stakes are really high and Batman’s journey not only brings him up against criminals fighting for power as well as his inner demons.  Now, there are somethings about the story that doesn’t feel ironed out enough.  The story follows Batman’s journey and that’s the problem.  It’s only Batman’s journey.  Despite the fact that the Scarecrow and Arkham Knight are attacking the city Batman takes it upon himself to fight this army with little no help from any of his allies.  As thrilling as this makes the story, it does come off as a reminder that this is an adaptation of a video game.  There is a serious lack of exposition when it comes to some of the characters but also the lack of a proper buildup.  Scarecrow and Arkham Knight just show up out of the blue and take over the city.  The story doesn’t address really how these two even met. There is the storyline where Batman contains some of Joker’s blood and after being dosed with Scarecrow’s fear gas and Batman’s hallucinations of the dead Joker threaten to take over his mind.  It is a pretty cool representation of the fears that Batman has and the psychological battle Batman has to deal with.  Also, the ending definitely had a great buildup but it does feel lackluster and confusing as there is no exposition as to what happened with Batman, Scarecrow, Arkham Knight, or any of the numerous characters. (3 out of 5)

Characters:  Batman is the main protagonist and he’s on a mission to stop the Scarecrow and Arkham Knight from destroying both Gotham City.  Though brave and determined, Batman is overwhelmingly stubborn which does make him out to be a dick when it comes to his relationships with the other characters such as Alfred, Robin, or Nightwing. His struggles do take a toll on him physically and psychologically, and he does have times of self-reflection. Scarecrow is the main antagonist who’s threatening Gotham with a deadly toxin.  He’s pretty much a flat, villain troupe who’s only motivation seems to be death and destruction with no really motivation.  The Arkham Knight is the secondary antagonist and has more motivation and is an interesting character but isn’t fleshed out enough. (3 out of 5)

Setting:  Gotham’s setting doesn’t feel as pronounced as it could’ve been though.  While Batman is kicking butt trying to save the city there isn’t a moment where the city rises up to help him.  A whole city of people (not including the police) leave their fate up to one man and do nothing to help him. There isn’t a focus on the beauty of Gotham, no moment where Batman can just admire the scenery.  (2 out of 5)

Writing: The writing can be considered good and bad.  Although the story is dark, violent, thrilling and action packed it does feel like the script of the video game.  Batman taking on the likes of Scarecrow and the Arkham Knight is really cool but the attack on Gotham City should’ve given Batman plenty of aid in the form of Alfred, Robin, or Nightwing and even the government or National Guard.  It makes for a good, epic superhero story but reminds us that the author took little to no liberties when it comes to adding new elements to flesh out and tighten up on the story.  There are important moments that should be more impactful but because of how scripted the story feels it doesn’t hit home the right way. (3 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, Batman Arkham Knight: The Official Novelization is a good read although it does have problems as a book.  For fans of Batman, it is good but the fact that the story is incredibly scripted and that the villains aren’t really memorable.  However, the story is compelling and Batman is a really good protagonist (although incredibly stubborn).  Batman Arkham Knight: The Official Novelization gets 3 out of 5.