For whatever odd reason, Before the Batman's author goes uncredited. though a chap named David Lewman appears to be the raconteur, thanks to a revelation shared by reviewer, Renaldo Matadeen. (The novel is otherwise attributed to publisher, Random House.) The ambiguity is fine, since many mainstream novels these days aren't penned by the names plastered on them. At least with Before the Batman, readers get a cracklin' good tale, no matter the assigned benefactor. (That the publication includes a pull-out movie poster and eight pages of related images only sweetens the collectible pot.)
To satisfy fans of Matt Reeves' blockbuster, Before the Batman grants a generous glimpse into Bruce Wayne's adolescent span (and a slight stretch beyond that), as well as enacting Edward Nashton's resentful, orphan-based rise. Alfred Pennyworth, Carmine Falcone and Oswald Cobblepot also visit (no surprise there), though they're more cameo-relegated than layered personas for this coming-of-age adventure, with the paternal Pennyworth a tad more in the forefront than the others.
Additionally, readers are treated to a warm-up Selina Kyle, a reckless, young lady named Dex, aka Dorothy Alexander Starling, who becomes Wayne's kinda-girlfriend and could go either way within Gotham's good-vs-evil bracketing.
To further the DC/WB origin rebuilding, Before the Batman touches upon Wayne's penchant for fast cars. This gives a particular interlude a swell, Rebel Without a Cause vibe. (Incidentally, traces of Batman: Year One follow the revving segment: a welcome touch for those well versed in modern DC.)
Pre-Riddler angst dominates at least half the story, featuring the jealousy and spite that reaches fruition in Reeves' movie. The ingredients don't lend a heavy hand to the Riddler's mythology, but the execution gives readers a respectable, founding vantage at what makes Nashton tick in the ways of the haves and have-nots. As well, the text references his itch for explosives (ah, yes, the vindictive shape of things to come).
Some claim that Before the Batman is more a "junior" read than a novel for adults. If so, so what? It entertains. For those who take offense that an "adolescent novel" might act as a tie-in for such an unyielding movie (and there are more than a few jugheads now spouting such), well, they can crawl under the nearest, boycotting rock. Before the Batman supplies essential girth for canny, Caped Crusader connoisseurs of all ages. In other words, it ain't gonna hurt nobody.
And for those who prefer an audio reading, Will Damron's dramatic elocution is worth the pursuit. It breezes by with a film's fast flow (not unlike a quality radio show), stoking images that will charge one's mind with villainous scorn but more so, valiant elevation.
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