Name: The Court of Owls
ISBN: 9781401235413

Scott Snyder

When a series of brutal murders rocks Gotham City, the prime suspect is one of Batman's closest allies--Dick Grayson.

The Court of Owls

maitha mana

'Beware the Court of Owls, that watches all the time, ruling Gotham from a shadowed perch, behind granite and lime. They watch you at your hearth, they watch you in your bed, speak not a whispered word about them, or they'll send The Talon for your head.'

Since this was only my third Batman related comic read, I've discovered Batman's endless sides that emerge within every battle along with a hint of his very own worst fears coming to life with a blast from his past. What started as a myth and nothing more than a childish lullaby, soon evolved into a secret society that has been feeding on its nest as it evolved for ages, that dates way back to Bruce's great great grandfather. No wonder owls seem to be well known for their rigid eyesight and swiveled heads, because this court sure does have their eyes set on Gotham City.

Decent modern Batman book. Rewrites history a bit, so if you’re down for that it’s good. Not timeless, but fun and has the elements you want in a Batman book. Art is good enough; anime-esque Bruce Wayne isn’t my favorite, though.

Savindi Jinasena

Cover Gushing Worthiness: In all honesty I may not have picked up The Court of Owls based on the cover alone. I think the title would have played a part in it. However this one is not a favourite cover of mine. Sure it does do the job of relating to the observer what the story is going to be like, but it doesn't do it for me for some reason. Don’t be fooled by the cover though, the story more than makes up for it!

Review:

  
    Beware the Court of Owls, that watches all the time, ruling Gotham from a shadowed perch, behind granite and lime. They watch you at your hearth, they watch you in your bed, speak not a whispered word of them, or they’ll send the Talon for your head.

Court of Owls Nursery Rhyme
  


Just a heads up-I read this graphic novel last year, so my memory on it might be a little fuzzy. I do apologize for it in advance!

Ever since the DC Revamp happened I had been out of touch with the characters I follow from the DC Universe. Last summer I went with my brother to our local comic bookstore (which is owned by an old Alumni from our High School :) ) and he recommended it to us. Needless to say I was blown away by this graphic novel and it’s pretty obvious that Scott Snyder can easily rival both Grant Morrison and Jeph Loeb when it comes to writing the stories of the world’s greatest detective.

If I could use one word to describe The Court of Owls it is haunting. Even when you read the nursery rhyme you feel chilly; as if you're waiting for one of the owls to come and attack you. Scott Snyder’s writing is brilliant in that way because he plants an idea in your read about the court that doesn't leave you, even after you're finished with the book. Instead the eeriness of the court stays with you well into reading both City of Owls and Night of Owls.

What I liked about this story in comparison to some of the other Batman comics I've read is the exploration of not only the Wayne Family’s past which is sad and mysterious, but also Gotham City’s past which is dark and rich in its tales of those running the city behind the curtains of power. This may sound like a rather unoriginal idea to some, but it’s not so much the idea that you give Scott Snyder credit for, rather its the way he weaves the storyline to grip the reader’s attention where you can’t wait to turn the page and wondering what’s going to happen. The plot twists were so well done in this story. The elements Snyder took from not only Bruce Wayne’s family but also Dick Grayson’s were excellently threaded which left you with a feeling of disbelief. The ending of course was a cliffhanger in the best possible way because you couldn't wait to get your hands on City of Owls.

Character wise Bruce Wayne is amazing as always. I thought this saga pushed him to lengths where we've never seen Bruce go before. His relentless pursuing of the court was exciting and thrilling and left you wondering how much more the great detective could handle. The relationship tension between Bruce and Dick was also great and as readers we know that they've had fallouts in the past, but what makes this storyline touching in a way is that Dick will always be a son to Bruce. Bruce will always protect his own no matter what. Alfred is present as always and what’s not to like about the British Butler with an incredibly sarcastic and dry sense of humour? However the best thing about the story line is the organization of the Court of Owls. The Court is a very dark entity and I think that’s what makes them so interesting. I don't think we've ever come across such an organization that could exist in Gotham that has no connection with the other villains that roam the city streets. Plus their connections to a certain DC Universe member blew me away.

Overall The Court of Owls is one of the best Batman Graphic Novels I've read. It has all the right ingredients to keep the reader interested and invested in the plot and characters. Scott Snyder has created a gem when it comes to stories of the Dark Knight and I can't wait to read his future work.

My Rating: 5/5

Would I recommend it? Absolutely

Having survived his initial battle with the Court of Owls, Batman and his allies must face these relentless enemies again in order to stop their conquest of Gotham City, even as they send out their deadly Talons to destroy him.

Vol. 2 (New 52)

Batman: The City of Owls

Cover Gushing Worthiness: I like the cover of City of Owls much more than its predecessor’s cover. I think this one conveys the message that as long as he’s alive Bruce Wayne/Batman will always watch over Gotham in some shape or form. Plus I love the wings behind Batman on the cover. It gives off that dark vibe that was so familiar in The Court of Owls.

Review:

  
    I’ve always believed the best way to know the city is to stay close to the ground. To feel the cracks in the sidewalk under your shoes. The strange bright silence of the park under snow. The hissing rain of sparks that come down when the elevated train passes overhead on Third Avenue. The late night ticking of traffic lights. It’s only been in the last few weeks that I’ve come to understand how wrong I’ve been. Because I know now that you can spend your entire life learning Gotham from deep inside…and still know nothing about it at all.

Bruce Wayne
  


My brother went trigger happy last Sunday and bought a number of Graphic novels. I was most excited to read City of Owls and Night of Owls and like Court of Owls it’s sequel did not disappointment in the slightest. If anything it surprised me to the point where I had to go rushing into my brother’s room exclaiming “Oh my god did that actually happen? *Refers to a certain character* that man seriously is messed up.”

City of Owls takes place right after the events of Court of Owls when Bruce Wayne sustained injuries during his battle with the Court’s assassin known as “Talon.” The night in Gotham city is going to be a long one now that Court has unleashed its former Talons on the city targeting prominent members. Now it is Batman’s responsibility along with his allies to stop the Court from destroying the City. Can it be done before the night is over?

I really enjoyed the plot of City of Owls. It was fast paced, exciting and intriguing which eventually leads the reader to understand why Batman is the greatest detective in the world. Without a doubt the man is prepared for everything. When I mean everything, I do mean everything. Whether it be physical or mental attacks to him and his family Bruce Wayne/Batman is prepared. Scott Snyder left me in awe this time because I didn't suspect or have any insight into some of the plot twists. One plot twist that blew me away was the history if Mr. Freeze; not as Mr. Freeze, but his childhood and his love for his so-called wife Nora. I didn't see that coming at all, but I don't remember if Freeze was involved in Court of Owls directly. Another aspect that I liked was how we saw Bruce Wayne’s deduction skills. The way he analyzed details, conversations, images, history- it was all so interesting. Furthermore what I liked was how Gotham was constructed in this one- especially the run down and deserted placed of the city. I think those images in the story were my favourite. This is where the illustrators did a marvelous job. They captured Gotham in its element; the darkness, the less wealthy areas, the secrets that lurk in the shadows, all of those were captured to complement the writing in this story line. The ending had me in shock. Like I said I never saw it coming. The use of the Wayne family history and the Court’s dealings with them was a nice touch. What surprised me the most was flashbacks of Alfred’s father Jarvis Pennyworth. The storyline of Alfred’s arrival to serve the Wayne’s has been altered in this saga, but it works well. I thought the ending of the story was well done and it made me realize how powerful Batman is; not just as a figure in Gotham, but as a symbol for its citizens as well.

Well there’s not much you can say for Bruce Wayne/Batman that hasn't already been said. I think in City of Owls we see a much softer side of Bruce. Not in a bad way by any means, but in a more human and vulnerable way. We see his staunch belief in his parents. He doesn't idealize them, but he knew them so well even in his younger years. The conversation he has with Dick about his parents really touched me and a part of me did think I was going to cry but I didn’t. It made you wonder if Bruce would have turned out the way he did had they been alive. If they were alive what would his relationship be like with them? Those were questions that I was left with at the end.I really liked the inclusion of Jarvis Pennyworth in this story. I felt for him so much, especially when you see his letter to Alfred that he writes since Alfred has such a contrasting view of his father. It was as if I wanted to scream at Alfred and say “No no you've got it wrong. Just read the letters! Read them and you'll know the truth.” I wonder if that aspect of the story will be explored in any other Batman volumes.

The court itself in this one felt a lot darker and violent. It is in this part of the story that we truly learn how large of an organization the court is. But at the same time the court is a bit of a conundrum for me. On one hand they go after those who are corrupt on, on the other hand they go after people who are descendents of those who have made Gotham what it at the moment; a corrupt hell hole. I thought my brother said it best “They're kind of like the Illuminati” and I have to agree with them. So it made you think a bit if they are really antagonists. It’s definitely something to ponder on and I enjoy it when books or graphic novels challenge your own principles in a way.

Overall City of Owls is an engrossing read. It is much darker than its predecessor in the best possible way. Once again Scott Snyder writes a dark and thrilling read that will most likely implant an element of the court in you as a reader. I know it happened to me because I was reading this and fell asleep. My graphic novel dropped from my bed and I was in a state of semi-sleep that I thought the court was after me and I hit underneath my covers. But then when I opened my eyes there was nothing. That’s how good Snyder’s writing is.

My Rating: 5/5

Would I recommend it? Absolutely!!

Magda Silva

I completly forgot I was reading this... Well, the reading slump didn't help either. But it's really good. I can't wait for more of the Court of Owls

Katie Egan

Zoe Smolen

Heather Killeen

Ooohh wow, I loved this! The art is fantastic and I really enjoyed this new mystery. I definitely immediately downloaded the next one!

Lorien O'Brien

Indeed, this is a favorite. This whole arc is brilliantly done. Full of twists and turns, I never knew what the next page was going to reveal, and I was never disappointed. A great comic, one for the ages.

Once again I have found an amazing Batman comic. While this may not be at the top of anyone's favorite batman graphic novels, this is one of mine. This arc is full of twists and turns, filled with guesses and hints and still surprising me over and over again.

I recommend all Batman fans pick this up. I would read this one first, followed by Nightwing numbers 1 and 2, then Night of Owls. Night of Owls is the best so far, but reading them out of order is not ideal. I will be doing a video about this series as a whole, and I can't wait to get started on The City of Owls.

I have very few guesses about it, as this arc is just so jammed packed with surprises. Truly a great comic for the ages.