Mask

[DannyDC]

I just finished reading the two part "Mask" story by Bryan Talbot from LOTDK 39 & 40. I have to say I really enjoyed this story. At first I thought what was taking place wasn't really happening and it was all going to be a dream in the end. However that wasn't the case at all.

Turns out a psychiatrist, Steven Gallagher, had drugged and kidknapped Batman. He discovered he was Bruce Wayne and used the information of his parents death and the use of sedation and hallucinogens to try and brake him. (sound familier to anyone?)

The reason Gallagher wanted to brake Batman was because Batman had visited the his father, who worked for the mob, when he was younger to "show him the error of his ways". After that his father's life fell apart. He began drinking and in the end it resulted in Gallagher's mother and father both being killed. He blamed Batman for this.

Has anybody else read this story? What were your initial thoughts? And like me, do you see the strong resemblence to Morrison's R.I.P.? You know only less confusing.

I think this is the only story I have read by Talbot who also did the beautiful artwork in this story. I really enjoyed it, what else has he done?

[Matches]

I'm assuming you read the issues rather than the trade. Talbot added an extra page in the trade that completely changes the ending. It's in the "Dark Legends" trade, which is out of print but worth seeking out if you can find it.

[DannyDC]

Yeah, I read the issues. How did the ending change? I probably won't get the trade.

[Matches]

Yeah, I read the issues. How did the ending change? I probably won't get the trade.

DannyDC

SPOILER. Highlight below text to read

The extra page shows Bruce back in the hospital slipping into dementia/ brain death. That was the reality, and Bruce's escape was the hallucination.

Totally turns the story on its head.

[DannyDC]

Hmm, I think I prefer the original ending.

Thanks for the information Matches, you seem to be the go to guy about Batman here. You really know your Batman history.

I recently started readin LOTDK from issue 1 so I am just getting into some really good stories. I have the whole series so I am sure there will be more stories that really pull me in.