Batman: Night Cries is a Terrifying Masterpiece | An Analysis

[@IntotheDepths511]

Okay so a few people have said that they can hear more of the video coming from the left earphone rather than the right. Or they don't hear any audio coming from the right earphone at all. And to be honest I don't know what could be causing this issue. But when I listen to the video. Both on headphones and on earphones through my laptop and my phone, I hear the audio from both sides perfectly.

[@MiriDoingThings]

The background music is perfectly fine, but the voice sounds a bit to the left. There may be a problem with the panning in the microphone or in the program you are using for voice recording. Great video nonetheless

[@edwardhannah8507]

That doesn't matter. Hopefully people of a sensible age will want to read this comic because of this video instead of "The Boys/Invincible is a comic for adults because it's really violent and has s*x in it".

[@memeticvs6017]

I would suggest making your voice a bit louder in the videos, it can be a bit difficult to hear at times, but otherwise, some of the best content I've found on the platform. Keep it up!

[@HEAVYHEARTSMUSIC]

On an iPhone at least, portrait sounds fine, but landscape instantly pans your voice to the far left

[@Sj11507]

If you have an iPhone you can go to your settings, audio and visual, accessibility, then turn on mono sound. That definitely helps.

[@umjammerlammy9993]

I live for Batman stories like these because they highlight something about Batman’s mission that gets glossed over. Batman isn’t seeking to stop all crime. He’s seeking to stop all suffering. Every night he goes out as Batman because he knows someone is suffering without a hand reached out to help them, and a story like this really highlights how much Bruce needs it. Children, alone, suffering and reaching out. Like a boy standing in an alley all alone.

[@notthefbi7015]

I feel like so many people forget that is at his core who Batman is. Someone trying to stop those from suffering.

[@gorillaguerillaDK]

No he isn’t! He’s seeking emotional satisfaction from being a vigilante! If he was trying to stop suffering, he wouldn’t run around beating up criminals - he wouldn’t be fighting criminals, but the root causes of crime! But it would make the comics quite boring!

[@Gadget-Walkmen]

@@gorillaguerillaDK This is a joke comment right? Right?!

[@Gadget-Walkmen]

@@notthefbi7015 lol tell that to snyder who thinks all batman needs to do is blow people up with a mini gun on his car.

[@TheSolidSnake1985]

@@gorillaguerillaDK Perhaps we can accept that Batman is a fictional character who has many set qualities, abilities and behaviors that can be attributed to him and his alter ego, Bruce Wayne, or perhaps Bruce is the real identity and Batman is the alter ego. There's lots of ways the character can be written, therefore its very fucking complicated. Batman can be Sherlock Holmes with a dash of Bruce Lee, campy as hell. Or a super serious mental case who puts on rubber spandex to chase a clown-faced domestic terrorist and serial murderer, or much like Superman can be a symbol of hope and justice, i.e. someone who does seek to end innocent suffering. Adam West, to Keaton, to Kilmer/Clooney, to Bale, to Pattinson. Seems like HERE Bats is closer to the cerebral, empathetic Batman. Someone who knows what evil lurks and over the course of the story tries to understand it's roots. At the end of the day it's a fake dude in a Bat costume that uses high tech ninja gadgets because he got made into a statistic. I'm sure if you wrote your own Batman stories they'd probably be different than other Batman stories out there.

[@memesarekeem]

The image of Batman screaming at the fact he can't hear the screams of the children is heart-breaking. Trying, failing, and knowing he won't be able to save everyone is such a defeating image.

[@DominusNox106]

As a child that had the "rocking"(autism) beat out of me by my parents and I can assure you it is a chain that must be broken. I worked my whole life to keep it from my kids. I failed at times but I kept trying and because of that I still have a daughter who loves me. I only succeeded after leaving my own abusers behind. My Family are the people who love me. I also state that abuse from your family does make you an angry, violent person. I employed that part of me as a soldier for 14 years and I made a conscious decision to keep THAT out of my life.

[@allengordon6929]

​@@DominusNox106breaking chains is a violent, dangerous affair. And yet one must do so to be safe

[@maladacav8819]

This is the first ever Batman story that made me cry. The fact this is something acknowledged by one of our most beloved heroes. This truly resonated. After this now i love Batman even more. Just going to leave this here and say thank you for making this video.

[@Comicbroe405]

Possibly the most underrated Batman so glad to see a proper analysis on it.

[@Comicbroe405]

*Batman story

[@IsaacV2001]

I love the quote that if your Batman depiction wouldn’t comfort a scared child, that your Batman is just the Punisher with a funny hat.

[@hairlessgrizzly559]

This story hits hard I'm a victim of abuse. My father beat me and yelled at me over stupid things. Almost like he was looking for excuses to hurt me My father was a victim as well, and his father may have been as well, I've never met him, for all I know, that's fortunate I remember being a violent child. My behavior was horrible, and I felt so alone for years and years, never being able to seek anyone's help Until Junior year, I had no one to depend on, but I've made friends who helped me get through my father's abuse during that time, and they've helped me become a better person, my mother and her side of the family too, and my grandma on my dad's side I've done well being a better man than my father, but I'm only 18 now. I've made a promise to myself to never abuse substances like my father, and hopefully it stays that way, I won't give in to the cycle of abuse like my father did

[@IntotheDepths511]

You have an amazing story brother. I’m happy this story was able to reach you on a personal level.

[@ALittleLateLotusBlossom]

It's gonna get a lot worse before it gets better, but please remember to stay strong after you hit age 20. As a type 1 diabetic male, my endocrinologist and my primary physician both agree that something happens to the brain after we turn 20 or right before 21, but that's when the brain really wants to self destruct the most. During the formative years right as our brain is finishing up development: is oftentimes when the universe seems to hit us at our most unexpected or weakest point. Stay strong until the end brother ❤ finish your fight 💪 rise up again, do not dissent into apathy or pessimistic nihilism. Fight for your human right to become better than we were before.

[@DerobMalagueta]

I am sorry for all that you've been throught. I believe that you have the strenght to break the cycle and be better than what your father tried to made you

[@lukky6648]

Man....I am so proud of you for changing , for improving and always fighting , just know that.

[@hater2764]

​@@ALittleLateLotusBlossom Nothing wrong with nihilism.....

[@breakinglegsandbreakinghea3167]

Words can't describe how beautiful and heartbreaking this story is. The artwork, the writing. It's breathtaking. I can't believe I had never heard this comic before but I'm so glad to have found this channel.

[@edwardhannah8507]

There was a similar story like this that came out a few years later, Batman: Ultimate Evil. I haven't read it in years but it was basically about Batman investigating a child trafficking ring run by wealthy powerful people. There was a time when people would be called a crank for talking about things like that. But everything that has been exposed in the last 10 years turns out they were right.

[@Beeyo176]

It took me a minute or two to realize that this wasn't about Ultimate Evil. It's been years but goddamn did that book leave an impression.

[@californiacombativesclub202]

Yeah, it was a crazy story

[@panthergod]

..Andrew Vacss ENTIRE LIFE was exposing the p3docult running the West.

[@clwhip6745]

You guys remember the name of it?

[@Beeyo176]

@@clwhip6745 Batman: The Ultimate Evil

[@tannerbruning868]

You’d be surprised how often hulk comics talk about child abuse

[@henrygambles3652]

Yeah in a way you could read the Hulk’s childish intellect as representing the child Bruce never got to be!

[@tannerbruning868]

@@henrygambles3652 that’s actually literally what the savage hulk is, an expression of Bruce as a scared and abused child

[@henrygambles3652]

@@tannerbruning868 that’s always how I interpreted him! I’ve never heard any writer admit that but if they did I wouldn’t be surprised and it does make sense!

[@hater2764]

"Hulk" movie from 2003 was mostly about this.....

[@henrygambles3652]

@@hater2764 yeah but even then David wasn’t nearly as abusive as Brian!

[@rdzu834]

15:26 “Sadistic” tendencies is more accurate. “Psychotic” refers to the state of being in Psychosis. I’ve been through it and it’s an extremely degrading, confusing, humiliating and terrifying thing to experience. People with Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar, Parkinson’s, Dementia, Encephalitis, Brain injury and sometimes PTSD can have it as a symptom of their condition. When they experience that, they aren’t sadistically murdering someone and being cognisant of what they’re doing. Most of the time they’re standing on the roof of a building in a rainy November evening, ready to jump off because they can feel the sun, smell the water and see the waterfall. Or they’re slicing their arm open trying to remove the maggots inside them. Or they’re on the floor bawling their eyes out because the people made of coats and gloves won’t stop banging on the door and windows and screaming at them. Aside from that I enjoyed the video. Night Cries is a deeply relatable story and one that deserves to be recognised for how beautiful and haunting and powerful it is.

[@RememberTomorrow-IM1975]

Read it for the first time a few months ago, instantly became one of my favourite Batman comics. Scott Hampton’s art is incredible, to bad it hasn’t been reprinted in decades

[@IntotheDepths511]

I know. I want a copy so bad but to grab one it usually goes for over a 100 bucks. It's crazy. It's a shame that this comic for some reason seems to fall through the cracks sometimes.

[@RememberTomorrow-IM1975]

@@IntotheDepths511 Last year I managed to find one for about £12, I consider myself very lucky. It took years of looking though

[@danielasarmiento3101]

​@IntotheDepths511 dang it's the same reason I can't get access to batman the cult 😢

[@Hoogsniv420]

If often find myself accidentally stealing parts of this book in my own work, it’s a book that has an incredible influence over me. Thank you for this video.

[@syedhassansaleh2086]

Surprisingly the batman in this comic looks a lot like the Robert Pattinson version

[@Germanboi2832]

I'm a victim of abuse by both parents, then when I was r*ped I just isolated from everyone until I found out I had a daughter from it so I have been raising her and I just try my best I don't hurt her at most I will raise my voice but I feel so terrible just raising my voice at her because I don't want to be my parents and I don't want to my daughter's mother to find me... I'm just scared

[@darth_autismo]

I am so sorry you went through such horrid abuse. I wish the best for you and your daughter. You can make it through this, I believe in you.

[@Germanboi2832]

@@darth_autismo thanks that means a lot

[@johnrockyryan]

You are such a strong person you litteraly broke that cycle of generational trauma for your child to have a happy life your a real superhero

[@Germanboi2832]

@@johnrockyryan ah you think so? I mean all I want is for her to have the life I never had… a good one

[@Thabomazh]

Stay strong, hopefully your daughter will grow to be an amazing woman as you wish....

[@connorthegunlovingeek7465]

I was beaten by my father as a child. I was never beaten badly by him, but never had enough for cps to step in and do something. As a kid, my twin brother and I always promised ourselves that we would break that cycle if we end up being fathers. We were extremely luvky to have an amazing mother, and eventually a great father figure in our stepfather. So when that panel of Gordon grabbing his son crying was shown, I broke down. I've never heard about this comic until today, but I really want to find a physical copy of it now

[@nobody-kp5co]

Sack up

[@cacokid1489]

I don't agree with you so much on Batman failing to break the cycle. We don't have much context about how his career goes after this comic, but I can see him going on to lighten up a bit. He took on this career to scare criminals, not the innocent.

[@CouncilCape897]

Officially, this story takes place in the main comics continuity pre-New 52. Specifically in Batman's early years, since Gordon is mentioned to have just been promoted to Commissioner and still living with his first wife and son, both of whom left Gotham before the first Robin came to the scene. So, I'd say things do indeed improve from here.

[@TheSoulGage]

With how dark and almost real the more modern Batman adaptations are trying to convey, I wouldn't be surprised if we get a story heavily inspired by Night Cries of this vein. Because it also affects Batman as a character at his core.

[@siikedonnelly]

Finally home from a long day to watch this. Really appreciate you discussing Night Cries. This is a personal one for me so its great to see a channel with more views spreading the word and to see other fans of this book in the comments. Thank you again!

[@siikedonnelly]

Also, you are correct about us. Child abuse. Physical and more. We have a condition called OSDD-1A because of it. Seeing that my video helped in a small way inspire this means so much. I just want more people to read this story, to know its message from Archie and Scott. Thank you so much for making this video. 🧡

[@ClockworkSentinel]

Batman genuinely tweaking out after realising he cannot hear the cries of children at night is truly as Batman as it can get. Its beautiful 😢. Just magnificent. Reminds me of why I love Batman so much ❤

[@amnothere2172]

The background music fits the art so perfectly

[@Almost_Awesome]

Anyone know what it is?

[@labibsaud8064]

​@@Almost_Awesomeplums - Poly coffee

[@Almost_Awesome]

@@labibsaud8064 I love you

[@SamuelBlack84]

Both have a very gritty and grungy style

[@CultofValtiel]

I've heard of this comic book, but never read it or seen a video on it. The story is heartbreaking but I love to see Batman stories deal with these topics. Childhood trauma is something sadly too many people deal with, even Bruce Wayne himself does. So, it was nice to see this type of comic exist. The subject is dark, but evil in this world exists and this comic showcased this. Batman is a deeply disturbed person, while he does good but he's also very violent. He's not above his trauma, he's still going through it. This was a refreshing video, I've enjoyed all of your comic analysis videos and hope you continue. This was a fantastic video, thank you for posting it and thank you for shedding light on this intriguing but horrifying piece of art.

[@biglion4631]

Love how Archie called Hampton a painter. That’s exactly what his art reminds me of, paintings rather than comic book art

[@jakobnunez4964]

The art style is so interesting to use for this type of story, and it works beautifully.

[@beezlebubb]

I always thought this Batman was like if Year One and Serious House fused together to make what I felt is one of the most interesting and personally resonant stories to come from the caped crusader. It's perfect because Batman is a child's coping method to his trauma, playing Zorro around the city to never feel the pain again.

[@anas-432]

I think it’s deeper than batman playing zorro, bruce needs batman it’s almost like he is possessed by batman or it’s a symbiotic relationship, batman and bruce both need each other, through trauma he found his purpose but also he can’t let go of it because he doesn’t know what he’ll be without it, that’s why in stories where bruce stops being batman he becomes a recluse.

[@SOBEKCrocodileGod]

There was a video I watched about Night Cries that broke my heart. The narrator of the video was on the verge of tears when talking about the scene of Gordon realizing he did a terrible thing after hitting his son, stopping it, and hugging his son while letting him know that he’s sorry and loves him. The maker of the video said that that’s all he ever wanted his father to do, but he never did. I don’t even cry very often but I have tears in my eyes just remembering the pain in his voice.

[@oskarandersson9856]

Do you remember the name?

[@sulaimaanlatif6471]

Same as previous question, do you remember the name of the video

[@SOBEKCrocodileGod]

@@sulaimaanlatif6471 “Batman: Night Cries - A True Horror Story” by Salazar Knight

[@dhafiansuhartono8668]

​@@oskarandersson9856 salazar knight is the name of the channel

[@ryandonnelley7625]

@@sulaimaanlatif6471 @oskarandersson9856 Siike Donnelly, kzbin.info/www/bejne/omO8nHWnnrBmsLM

[@breakinglegsandbreakinghea3167]

I really appreciate you sharing the raw and gritty stories that portray the vulnerabilities of characters that are often beyond human. The grimey and muddy pallette paired with such violent and yet compassionate storytelling is something I personally haven't seen a lot of. I think we're all so caught up in the fantastical nature of comic books that we fail to see the human beneath the costume. Sometimes even when the characters aren't human themselves. Your video on The Crow first opened the doorway to this sort of storytelling, and I'm vaguely familiar with Berserk and it's themes of abuse which is why I'm hoping you delve further into the manga for those like myself who find the medium intimidating for beginners. If there are any other comic recommendations somilar to this and it's more grounded portrayal of "heroes" please feel free to share.

[@Benm701]

It's one of the five best Batman stories ever. Brilliant video.

[@Westfield813]

Imagine if The Batman sequel followed a story like this

[@N_0_S_t_al_gicben-zo]

That'll be darker than the joker movie

[@thejuicerisgone3215]

It kinda cant a similar message was in the first one

[@tochukwuudu7763]

Too dark, audience won't like that.

[@SamuelBlack84]

I would welcome it more than the usual Rogues Gallery of almost superhuman villains Batman is meant to be set in a realistic universe

[@ineedzemedic5810]

Batman comics hit me in such a deep way I cannot describe it. This story made me cry. I cannot relate to the contents of it but i can emphasize with what it centers around. It just goes to show the dedication brought to this story.

[@topcat59]

I really love the idea that this is the thing that motivates Bruce to try to break the cycle.😺

[@JEF_W]

By being more compassionate and in control, yes. But… how can he truly break the cycle? There are evil and violent people who words won’t reach. Batman will need to fight. To be violent.

[@JEF_W]

Don’t get me wrong. I would really love to read this comic. But… it still makes me think

[@lewisaino]

​@@JEF_W Like Géminis Kanon and Android 16 said were somebody only understand by force and are not worth redemption

[@JEF_W]

@@lewisaino like Frieza and Cell as well as other cruel people in the real and fictional world

[@zionengine]

Stories like this can help us see Batman in ourselves. Even *he* can be rendered helpless. Hampton's watercolor realism softens the images *just* enough for the reader to endure the journey. Another great Batman story addressing child abuse is Andrew Vachss' "The Ultimate Evil".

[@Seeker_Blade]

This story from what I heard from this video, broke me. I suffered from emotional abuse as a child. I was always a fan of the dark knight, and his mortality shaped me into the woman I am today. Seeing my hero, be involved in cases like this. It’s… i don’t know how to put it. I love disturbing stories, but child abuse is the one thing I cannot handle in a story due to my own experiences.

[@Jimboh1637]

I never heard of this comic. Thanks for sharing. Your presentation/commentary impresses me.

[@lunanyx8592]

It's important to acknowledge other factors that cause people to commit abuse other than being abused itself. Things like poverty, drug use, and how we view the people that get abused. These things are deepers society wide issues that are much harder to fix than one person's mental health.

[@david9243]

This is why i love everything Batman (in comics). They are not afraid to step out of the comfort zone and explore horror themes to it.

[@bat123ice]

I literally found this book two days ago and it absolutely blew my mind. The art work is what originally drew my eye but the story is what hooked me in. Thank you for your video !

[@wesleycloud1659]

great job on this one man, I think it's possible to break the cycle of abuse and violence when we could admit that we were abused and we need help. Thanks again for this and I can't wait for you to continue with Berserk.

[@adleo88]

There no chance this channel doesn't explode if you keep posting. Excellent stuff. May I suggest "Dark Knight: A True Batman Story"? It's an autobiographical comic about Paul Dini (writer for Batman: The Animated Series) and his relationship with the Batman characters. I went into it knowing nothing about it and it really punched me in the gut the first time I read it. It's not as dark as other Batman stories you've covered, but it's worth a look for sure.

[@michaeldavidnvitales]

It’s 11 pm here and I was just about to go to sleep when I stumbled on to this video. I have to say, this video was such a gift. I used to write Batman short stories dealing with religious trauma. It’s a subject matter that I haven’t seen explored in depth in the Batman mythos. I wondered what Batman would say about God letting all these crimes happen, how it would be almost impossible for his logical mind to accept the idea of a good Creator existing while analyzing a heinous crime scene. Then I would challenge Batman’s logic - and morality - with a character who is the victim of such a heinous crime who did not lose their faith in God, or in humanity. Batman couldn’t piece it all together, then the victim - who did not see themselves as a victim - would point to the lives of the saints of old who suffered worse fate than she has, and yet triumphed over their adversaries, even conquering death despite being put to death. Batman would dismiss such nonsensical, illogical thinking, but he can’t help but notice how sane the young lady is before him, who goes out of her way to help other survivors from the church bombings, the MO of the main villain. Batman can’t accept the principles behind the woman’s actions, but he respects the woman’s actions, whispering under his breath the words of Jesus: “You will know a tree by its fruit.” The two of them have engaging conversations throughout the story. Batman would visit to clarify some details in the investigation, then they’d end up talking about Christ, what it means to truly die and to truly live, and how Batman doesn’t see any hope for criminals outside of science and medicine. The young lady would suggest there are things - good things - that go beyond science and medicine. She also suggested there were bad things that go beyond the explanations of science and medicine, which Batman agrees to. They have these discussions throughout the story dealing with the existence of God, the nature of good and evil, and the purpose of one’s life. Batman appreciates her sentiment, but he’s distracted by the investigation. Nevertheless, her words and actions echo in the back of his mind. Eventually Batman catches the perpetrator, a man who targets and bombs local faith congregations who also takes advantage of its survivors through his position as a pastor, a true wolf in sheep’s clothing. The bomber is put in prison, and in the rubble of the fallen church building beside the burnt altar Batman sees the remains of a young woman kneeling in prayer. It was his friend. “Where is your God now?” Batman asks in his mind, almost pleading, wishing his friend was saved by her Savior. The story ends with Bruce Wayne anonymously funding the construction of the bombed local congregations. He walks into a Divine Liturgy of an Eastern Orthodox parish one Sunday morning and hears the words of Christ: “Love your enemies. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who persecute you… Love one another as I have loved you.” And he remembered her.

[@ScrewBallTheAlien]

Dude that’s an awesome story.

[@SOBEKCrocodileGod]

That was beautiful.

[@jamesonhouran8227]

You should check some of the Azrael stories, his stories often deal with religious trauma

[@AsgersWeb]

This book is essentially where Batman learns that violence should not be used as more than a tool, that he should only incapacitate his enemies not punish them when they're already down. Not that he won't sometimes do it but he'll actually hold off on that tendency and try to fight against that urge. 30:24 Wouldn't say this is fair since he is still a vigilante yes, but he'll be making an effort to change his ways, obviously you can't save people without occasionally hurting the victimiser but he'll make an attempt to not hurt them beyond incapacitation.

[@albertomartinez9955]

When the "Author" looks like "Commissioner Gordon"

[@grainny4397]

Alright so while I was deciding how to say how awesome you are and all your content has been amazing you literally said my name so I felt compelled to do a little more. I feel Siike's addition in my soul. I really appreciate him agreeing to be apart of your video. The way people react to abuse and trauma makes it obvious if they have been abused or witnessed it instead of just reading it or seeing it in a fictional setting. Mr. Goodwin suffered in some way. Trauma follows us, therapy does help our ability to deal with it. I'm in the process of speaking to my new therapist about it, it started today in fact it and it has never gotten easier to dredge up. I hid it from myself for so long or said it wasn't really abuse and made all sorts of excuses for my abuser. Until I brought up to my first therapist and she asked the age difference and the power dynamics it never really clicked for me. If you think you have been abused, I strongly recommend you speak to a professional where they will not judge you and will hopefully be able to give you some advice on the situation. If you want something light hearted about breaking the chain I recommend the pixar short Far from the Tree.

[@shehathnoname]

As a survivor of childhood abuse... this comic handles the subject beautifully.

[@HabibiFriendlyArab]

I just discovered your channel, and I'm glad I did. I love horror, I love comics, and I certainly love your narration. Thank you!! 💜

[@alisz77]

Ive seen you grown as acontent creator and im so glad i stuck around because if i didn't i wouldn't have been able to see this masterpiece

[@youtubeletmeintoyoutube4580]

Ah, to be a heralded editor… such a thing is hard to imagine, but it would be a dream job

[@panskii3632]

I've always felt comics deserved the same level of analysis and thought that films got on this platform. You have shown me a story I never heard of today but I must now read you give comics the respect and attention they deserve.

[@danielasarmiento3101]

While i never personally experienced abuse , I do know of someone who is trying to break the cycle of having a toxic family , so the Jim Gordon part hit pretty close to home to me.

[@noooriii]

woah! I've never seen anyone else talk about this comic book before! hella awesome that youre diving into underrated overlooked stuff

[@sloppnbiscuiitz]

*Writers: don’t know wtf to do with Black Panther..* *Also writers: on their 705th batman comic(all different @ that)*

[@Bacon6447]

YESSIR! I’ve been looking forward to this one. Another underrated Batman comic that not many know is Arkham Asylum Madness. Not going to spoil anything but basically it’s about what goes on in the asylum. How the workers deal with the criminals. How terrifying & brutal joker can be & harsh & dark the reality is working in the asylum.

[@danielasarmiento3101]

Is that the one with great white sharks origin story

[@Bacon6447]

@@danielasarmiento3101No that’s Arkham Asylum Living Hell. The one I’m referring to is Arkham Asylum Madness. Living Hell is a good read tho

[@jakobnunez4964]

The background music is called plums - poly coffee.

[@haroldsmith7044]

You know, I bought this years ago and never got around to reading it (it just sits on my shelf, and its thin enough to not be easily seen). I even got Scott Hampton to sign it for me. Definitely going to read it now. Thanks for posting this!

[@YankeePendragon]

The story has stayed with me since I picked it up upon publication. It hits in very, very personal ways, and I revisit it in my mind often.

[@JohnnyBravo-h2q]

7:23 to skip intro

[@michaelbullen3104]

This is my favorite piece of Batman media of all time. The artwork especially… Nothing comes quite close to that lighting. A saw this in the library as a kid, and you could imagine my utter shock at this U L T R A gritty take of Batman. You can tell that the team behind Night Cries have a profound understanding of pain. The most eerily hauntingly beautiful artwork I’ve seen in any comic in my life. Not the #1 most beautiful but the most HAUNTINGLY beautiful.

[@mattmetawolf8634]

25:52 considering Gotham city is somewhat manipulated by Darkseid and knowing how the DC universe works I do find it even more horrifying that every evil deed that does happen in any Batman story can be traced back to the god of evil

[@davedavidson8208]

part of me likes that idea.. and another part of me thinks it's lame as hell. I think it's lame as hell because it removes power from the fact that humans can be shitty, terrible and cruel all on their own, there doesn't need to be an evil God. but, I also like it because it's a greater world building tool. personally though.. I like batman existing in a vacuum by himself in his own universe. I think that is where we get the best actual stories. it feels like batman can't be the gritty tragic noir detective he was meant to be when he's literally put next to superman. though.. I really like injustice, but maybe that's just because I think superman functions better as a tragic villain. rather than the near perfect hero.

[@mattmetawolf8634]

@@davedavidson8208 well given the context of this I would say the land of Gotham has always been strange with its history so it works for Darkseid or whatever deities of evil to be drawn to Gotham weather it’s of their own doing or not one thing is certain. Gotham is a place where Goodman turned bad weather due to self interest or due to being influenced by others who also turned out like that at one point or another I do think it is fair to add the God of evil or any sort of other entities to the roster due to the world building now even if their self removed their influence can be felt I dare I say their influence is somewhat necessary and because they’re so far removed from these places but also still somewhat effecting it. It leads much to desire to have on earth a corrupted city like this can even still state funded with so much crime going around even though there’s a guy dressed up as a bat beating on criminals do you think crime would be far lower to zero but it is it Due to a lot of desperation and considering night cries you could consider to be a more psychological than supernatural I like to think that some of the stuff happening in the night cries was a large mix of both the screeching at the end keeping Batman awake the same as the serial killer with a need to go out and kill makes it a lot more tragic especially if you consider Barbato‘s as one of the cause and reasons for this man suffering and given that he is a more demonic corrupted version of I guess you can say Batman it works and just because you know there is a dark deity you know hovering above or around the area with their influence on One of the most crime riddled cities in DC comics. Doesn’t necessarily take away the choice of the human beings given that people can choose to be evil most of the time and someone like Jim Gordon’s son it’s probably no exception given how his life turns out he could either be a good person or choose to be a psychopath killer to remove Batman from the larger picture would be a disservice to the rest of DC’s world it would be as much of a bad idea as removing a fish from the fishbowl while it will thrive on its own most people know Batman to work stand alone but people still like his expertise on situations there are obviously far more high above any street tear if you can even call him that depending on which incarnation you prefer . Level of expertise in case of this being like a somewhat spiritual successor to your one I choose to believe that the story is like a revolving door you can except it is canon or not doesn’t really matter the same thing with the killing joke or Any thought provoking Batman stories like that

[@hasthehighground8560]

@@davedavidson8208Batman existing better in his own universe without the rest of DC and Superman working better as a villain are two takes that go hand in hand with people who don’t respect DC or its characters.

[@davedavidson8208]

@@hasthehighground8560 no? otherwise dc wouldn't have made those exact storylines multiple times lol if you like the campy shit just say that, that's fine too. but it's not for me, and objectively the most enjoyed and highest fan rated batman stories are him the bat fam and Gotham in a vacuum.

[@hasthehighground8560]

@@davedavidson8208 assuming that the rest of DC is campy nonsense and that Batman is the only stuff that can be dark and interesting is exactly what people who have no exposure to the rest of the DC and only like Batman think.

[@TooTurntTokyo]

Dawg seriously i can't even put into words how much i love your channel. Everytime a video pops up i click immediately!

[@drflexenstein3537]

You’re killing it with these Batman videos bro.

[@CptAhab-cg6ku]

I always find myself coming back to this specific video. What a masterpiece of a story and what great presentation on your part

[@Josh-ez5hf]

Not sure if this was intentional but the art has a children's book quallity to it which adds to the themes of corrupted childhood

[@prohunter49]

Congrats on hitting 30k subscribers, man.

[@IntotheDepths511]

Thanks!

[@aeoifjapefijl]

I absolutely love the art style in this comic, it didn't have to go that hard but it did

[@jelly434]

The message that proactively deleting people who molest and torture their children is... somehow morally wrong? is sick and twisted, and I tire of seeing it in media. 'Apologist' might be the term. Further, falsely equating violence against the innocent and violence that protects or avenges the innocent is wilfully stupid.

[@thomasalvarenga2839]

That’s not the point. Batman isn’t forgiving that dad when he doesn’t beat him black and blue. He realizes all he is doing is hurting someone and not contributing to the solution of healing those who have been hurt. The point of the story is that for Batman to hurt the guilty he must heal the hurt people as well. If he only hurts the guilty it just stops the problem, it doesn’t fix the trauma.

[@laurelsilberman5705]

I think you’ve misunderstood the point being made by the author. I’d try reading the comic if that’s what you got out of it because a recap cannot include every aspect of a comic or it’ll get a copyright strike, and listening to someone’s interpretation of the original material isn’t the same thing as engaging with the material. Besides Batman knows what that guy is in for when he gets to prison. He doesn’t have to get his hands any dirtier because those with far less scruples than him will likely do what needs to be done to the father while he’s in prison. Even amongst rapists, thieves, and murderers, those who hurt children are considered the lowest of the low. And besides Batman can’t only be a symbol of violent retribution; he has to maintain some semblance of not just being about punishing perpetrators, but for caring for or comforting those victimized.

[@ascension230]

Party FOUL

[@hewholearns.]

Some people don’t under what it means to become greater than the standard

[@mr.otakubaka4169]

This makes me think back to Nolans trilogy. Was he hinting that Gordon's son would might have had head damage like in the comics but this time due two-face and batmans squabble?

[@SuperSwimTeam7]

This is one of the best Batman video essays I've ever seen, thank you for sharing this with the world, I didn't even know this book exists, and I've been reading Batman books since 2011,

[@michaeldavidnvitales]

I’ve never heard of this book until this evening. It’s expensive, but I’m deff gonna buy it one day. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. 🎄 🦇

[@tylerbertram7065]

You should tackle Batman Noel it's not a horror comic but it is a Christmas comic and Christmas is around the corner.

[@pablochavez8190]

Love this channel, keep up the amazing work man

[@Chubby_Runs]

I love the art in this book, while I love the dreamlike style of a Serious House on Serious Earth it does go a little overboard to point where you can’t even tell what’s being depicted, whereas this book does the same thing but tightens in up more so you can actually tell what’s happening

[@CptAhab-cg6ku]

Another fantastic covering of a fantastic story. Keep up the great work man!

[@ulteriorliner9599]

I have never heard of this story . I thought it was batman noel until I read the title of the video. Looking forward to seeing what else your going to cover.

[@wesleycloud1659]

I just wanted to tell you that I love this channel, I love that you take time to analyze things that sticks out and how you explain it in ways that no one else would in KZbin. If you want, please do Batman: vampire, I would love that if you go over that one, after when you get a break from Berserk of course, thank you.

[@Mashida_Killzzz]

Everything about Batman is a gothic story telling!!✨✨✨Good job on the vid!!

[@Bentons-Crib]

i would adore it if matt reeves took inspiration from this comic for the batman 2 like how he took inspiration from batman ego for the first film

[@Ackira]

I never cried to a KZbin video, or a comic book Until this

[@bat-seal6293]

This book is so good that moment between Jim and his son legitimately brought me to tears

[@IntotheDepths511]

It's my favorite moment throughout from this entire book.

[@level3xfactor]

Another fantastic video! I can't believe I have never heard of this book before, so thank you very much for bringing attention to it. Comics have a unique ability to tell stories like this that other mediums don't. I feel that it is important that people know about these stories. Thanks for all your hard work!

[@bobbywalker224]

As someone who has been physically abused this story will resonate with me

[@luciddreams8481]

hell yea an into the depths video

[@halogalaxy5612]

I knew he worked on the Morningstar option, the art style looked exactly the same

[@jeffreyflowers5203]

Love when you dive into Batman comics,this is a special one.Would you cover court of owls,mask or Noel?

[@alonort0070]

Thanks for the video! Love the topics that u always bring up on ur videos! A little feedback, i think ur mic is one of those that pick only if u talk straight to it cause for some reason i can hear u more on my left headphone than on the right one! The reason that im telling u this is because i think ur essays are very cool and love to hear everything the best way possible! Appreciate ur work

[@ProudhonKropotkin]

The Cult actually gave me nightmares when it came out. Love that series.

[@chaseboggs4866]

Very well done for another amazing video! If you’re looking for another horror-related comic, I highly recommend reading Sub-Mariner: The Depths.

[@baconshreds1772]

This is the most perfect art style for Batman ive ever seen, im in love.

[@spadesnoir8385]

Genuinely a tough story, felt myself get uncomfortable here and there. The music you choose for this video and the Ruins video honestly fits and helps the atmosphere, what song is it? Anyways amazing video despite the depressing nature.

[@capsulesandmuchmore3732]

I’ve always been curious about this book for a while after reading Arkham Asylum and Ego. With its really taboo subject matter and the dream like art, it’s very much something that I’ll get around to checking out. But while I’m at it, I’d suggest Loeb & Sale’s Spider-Man: Blue. It’s a great storyline that really focuses on the Loss of a loved one and is one of the few books that made me emotional.

[@Live4everDB]

This channel is fantastic, love your analysis

[@leigh5937]

Pausing this half way through because I don't want any spoilers. Definitely getting this graphic novel!

[@AnomalyINC]

Striking visuals and a rather profound story. It is hampered somewhat by Batman being in it, I think. Not because he's a bad character, not because it doesn't concern him, but because it is such a serious topic, and the inclusion of a superhero dressed as a bat is something that is inherently silly, regardless of how seriously you treat it. But, I believe that they gave the story the treatment that it needed to convey the message that it had. The artwork certainly helps. The painted style reminds me of Marvel: Ruins. Was this the same artist? (I know I could technically look it up myself, and I might just do that. I just wanted to give the video some interaction, give the algorithm a firm little push!)

[@theanimartist2299]

Great video as always. What’s the name of the music used at around 1:00 btw?

[@christianbaumbach1326]

Please please keep doing content this and everything you have done is so good

[@ajax3748]

Just got this recently on google play books (couldn't find it in physical format) it's definitely one of the darkest and most thought provoking comics out there.

[@itsasquid]

I wasn't exactly abused by my parents (I've witnessed my parent's tendencies growing up, but they always immediately apologized afterwards), but I know my parents had abusive tendencies in the past and I have reason to believe they abused two of my older siblings. Both of my parents had abusive fathers and I see the effects. They've mellowed out a lot by the time I was growing up, but even now, whenever I hear that talk about their fathers, I see the effect their abuse had on them. I remember interviewing my mom about her dad years ago and one of the most heartbreaking things she told me is that when she was in the thick of it, she wished someone noticed. She wished CPS came in. This is a topic that I can tangently relate to. I'm not sure if I'll ever get a copy of this graphic novel, but it really sounds like the topic was handled beautifully.

[@bleakautomaton4808]

I can say for certain that the cycle of abuse gets used against abuse victims, aka it gets brought up as a cudgel if a victim so much as expresses anger toward how they were treated, as much as it gets brought up in cases of familial trauma passed down through generations. This is to tell anyone who has gotten out of an abusive place that you are not somehow fated to fall into a cycle of abuse/violence because of what you've been through and I hope you are able to find a support system and counseling you need. Nothing just magically goes away over a night or a month and negative feelings about the trauma you've been through is understandable, can be talked through with a specialist (hopefully if you are able to access the care you need).

[@chipchap2]

It's books like these that make me wish. I wasn't so danm dyslexic so I could read them and not have to sound everything out

[@CrashDurden]

My first video viewing your channel and it’s profound. Your flow of telling the story through this video and the music behind added layers to the somber ambience and atmosphere to this gloom melancholy story to where a point put me saddened slumber. I know it sounds odd but listening to this and having my own experience with some abuse adolescence, separation anxiety due to early age divorce it resonated and reflected those experiences in small moments put me ease, not that listening to the horrendous things happening in the book relaxed me quite the opposite and far from it.

[@MutantsInDisguise]

Such a great yet forgotten Batman graphic novel.