Aspect/Warner Books
Andrew Vachss, writer
This isn't your typical Batman story, but it is a very good read. The ultimate evil in the title refers to child abuse and the use of children in human trafficking and the international sex trade, so it's not light fare for younger readers.But if you're a fan of the character, this novel is well worth seeking out.
I've also read "The Further Adventures of the Batman," an anthology of Dark Knight prose stories written by a number of authors not known for tackling superheroes before. The book first came out around the time of the 1989 Tim Burton-Michael Keaton "Batman" film and was popular enough to have a number of sequels spotlighting Batman, the Joker, Superman and Wonder Woman. All of the contributors to these anthologies were well-respected, previously published authors, and most of the tales offered some unique takes on the characters presented. Some handled the superheroics better than others, though.
In this book, Andrew Vachss handles the superhero genre like a pro, keeping a number of the Batman's signature tropes — things like the Batcave, the Batmobile, Batarangs, his stick-to-the-shadows motif, his keen, analytical mind, among others — but also uses the best aspects of prose fiction to craft a Batman that feels unique while familiar at the same time. And Vachss makes the Dark Knight's mission in this novel all the more personal by tying child abuse and child prostitution into the very origins of the Batman in a way that adds depth but doesn't disrespect anything that has been done before with the character.
I don't want to reveal specifics and spoil too much for anyone who hasn't read this book before. But I stress again that this book is well worth seeking out for any fan of the character.
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