Product Description

When what appears to be a simple drinking bowl ends up in Bruce Wayne's hands, a horde of dark villains descend on Wayne Manor, intent on possessing it. Ra's al Ghul, the Penguin and Catwoman, as well as dozens of brutal mercenaries, all will stop at nothing to claim this mysterious chalice. As the battles build to a savage crescendo, many questions demand to be answered: Could this really be the Holy Grail of legend? Can even its apparently miraculous abilities keep Batman alive long enough to find out? And if it is the real Grail, what does one do with it?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1021819 in Books
• Published on: 2000-09-22
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Batman has often been seen as a figure of salvation in a city that is seemingly beyond redemption. In this entertaining and thoroughly atmospheric tale, the Dark Knight comes in to contact with a relic that may just bring that about: The Holy Grail. However, such an artefact has many interested parties, and for the Batman, that means the nefarious likes of Catwoman, Ra's Al Ghul and The Penguin, as well as all manner of mercenaries. The task of telling such a potentially enticing tale has fallen to Chuck Dixon, who ranks among the very best of Batman's current scribes. Dixon allows the religious allegories to settle in to an intriguing background, knowing only too well the needs of a Batman story. While chaos erupts around him, it's interesting to see Batman placed in such a compromising position: what does he do with this potentially astounding antique? Is he, of all people worthy of such power? While The Penguin and Catwoman make suitable obstacles, they are thankfully second-stringers to the immortal Ra's Al Ghul--who has long been a highly satisfying adversary, especially in this instance, where he has a personal stake in controlling the Grail. Dixon's high-calibre mix of history, religion and Bat-heroics is finely complemented by Van Fleet's potent and gritty artwork that mixes photography and paints. Rarely has Batman's world seemed so layered and filled with depth. With a satisfying ending that is somehow remarkably apt, this is a good opportunity to see Batman's measured myth work with a real-life one that is even more vivid and mysterious. --Danny Graydon

Customer Reviews

A nearly great, spoiled by distracting artwork
When I first flicked through 'The Chalice', I knew it was going to be another 'nearly great', alongside titles such as 'Legends of the World's Finest' and 'Thrillkiller'. Nearly great, rather than really great, because the artwork, though very stylish, confuses and distracts from the plot.

On the plus side, the plot is certainly original, although quite unbelievable, (but then so is a man dressing up as a bat I suppose). It revolves around Bruce Wayne receiving a small cup that is said to be the holy grail. Unfortunately, it gives off a sort of signal to criminals, attracting them to the cup. All manner of villains crop up including R'as al Ghul, Catwoman, The Penguin and loads of violent cults who all want it for their own personal gain.

While the over-all content of the book is rather muddled and rushed, it does contain some nice moments, such as the unlikely team-up between Catwoman and Alfred and the opening scene told like a medieval tapestry.

Overall, I was disappointed as Chuck Dixon usually produces better work than this, and much as I would have liked to have given it a four, the artist really let's the side down.

Verdict: 3/5

looks nice, tastes nasty
My real complaint with this book is the forced ending... This is a short story that attempts to tackle a big subject, and fails. However, the book is worth owning for the subtle, moody art, even if it is somewhat impractical.

Captivating, however a predictable plot line.
On the whole, I quote enjoyed this book. After the Joker Ras-al-ghul is perhaps one of the most arch enemy of the Batman. The story starts with Bruce Whayne inhereting the Chalice from an ancester. Very inteligently planned. He than becomes the crusader knight protecting the holy grail from un-rightful hands.