Beatty, Scott; Dixon, Chuck; and Hahn, David. The Batman Handbook: The Ultimate Training Manual. Philadelphia : Quirk Books, 2005.
Plot: Unlike most superheroes, Batman does not enjoy inexplicable powers or invincible techniques. He is an everyman, but an everyman with the will, intelligence, and money to become a super-vigilante. Through careful study of his abilities, the handbook offers instruction to aspiring bringers of justice. Chapters address preparation issues, such as creating a batsuit and building a batmobile, as well as more specialized techniques, like throwing a baterang, defeating a roomful of goons, and sliding down a batpole. More personal issues, including the pros and cons of taking a sidekick, also find note in this extensive but amusing guide to superheroism.
Genre: Batman, Humor, Parody, Realistic
Reading Level: Some of the physics-based chapters may discourage younger readers.
Similar Titles: The Superman Handbook, Becoming Batman: The Possibility of Becoming a Superhero, The Essential Batman Encyclopedia
Personal Thoughts: As I mentioned previously, I really enjoy fictional works that make the impossible seem entirely likely. Since Batman really is one, if not the only, non-super superhero, it makes the plot of the handbook appear possible. Some of the chapters, particularly those describing physics-based actions (i.e. swinging on a flagpole) drag a bit. Still, the book is highly recommended to fans of the dark knight or superheroes in general.
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