Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #653390 in Books
• Published on: 2007-11-28
• Released on: 2007-11-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

Customer Reviews

A bit on the hyperviolent side...
Yeah, I get that it's fun to cut loose and take liberties with the whole super-hero genre, and that many writers (and readers) enjoy exploring the idea of what these guys would really be like if they were as violent as they are made out to be. I enjoyed the "Authority" books for a while (and then got bored) but I checked out this solo Midnighter/Batman parody out, just to see what they'd done with the character.

I was disappointed to find that this was just an excuse to indulge in a hyperviolent, gratuitously graphic, yucko headbashing bloodfest... Like a DC Vertigo book, but more explicit. The plotline didn't seem particularly mature or interesting; just an excuse to wallow in violence.

Others might disagree, but I didn't think this was worth reading.

Classic Garth Ennis Mayhem
If you enjoyed the Kev books, you'll get a kick out of Ennis' run on MIDNIGHTER. While this run was controversial for its hyperbolic intro ("not a lover, not a father, not a friend"), it quickly gets down to brass tacks with Ennis' usual zany characters, sarcastic dialogue, and situations which quickly spin out of control.

Ennis creates a gem in Bonnie, the genetically engineered, tough-as-nails police sergeant who ends a confrontation with the Midnighter by running him over with her cruiser. Despite the initial friction, the two eventually bond. It's a great moment, and another illustration of Ennis' strengths as a writer.

The only weak part of this collection is a one-shot story by Ennis set in feudal Japan. As many have noted, he seems to have written the story with almost no research. I have a slight background in Japanese culture from several years of intensive study of the Japanese language, and even I can spot enormous mistakes. Many fans have referred to this issue as a "guilty pleasure" for this reason. Personally, I could have done without it altogether.

Fortunately, the "Killing Machine" storyline is almost perfect. I enjoyed the hell out of the action and humor. This volume was well worth the price of admission, and then some.

Graphic SF Reader
The go back and kill Hitler story.

Or, an excuse for Ennis' brand of black humour and much head demolishing. The Mignighter is captured by a man who has found a loophole in the Door teleport process, and wants him to go back in time and get rid of the Fuhrer earlier in his career, or the implanted bomb in his chest will be detonated.

When sent back, he runs into some enhanced Time Police that further complicates things, as does his boredom with the Authority sitting around and not doing much - criticism of DC for screwing this title up perhaps?