This isn't the book that started it all publishing wise but it is the story that started it all chronologically. The first of many Dirk Pitt adventures by Clive Cussler. Dirk Pitt is a cross between Indiana Jones and James Bond in tone. If you like adventure, history and action thrillers then this is the book series for you. This book is a short quick read but introduces us to a slew of characters that you grow to love the more you read this series.
The story starts off with the mysterious disappearance of vessel at sea this is how most of the Dirk Pitt adventures start off. One of the great things about this book is that you don't actually meet the villain until you are more than halfway through the book. The golden eyed villain is so close to a Bond Villain that it is laughable at some points but he is still terrifying as there is a mixture of Captain Nemo from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The characters are well put together in this series and very relatable. You have the damsels in distress and the femme fatales who both fall for our hero. The book not only introduces us to Dirk Pitt and the women in his life but to part of his ever faithful cast of supporting characters. Al Giordino and Admiral Sandecker are two of the series mainstays who support Pitt in everything he does.
The book also sheds light on the N.U.M.A. organization which is a real organization founded by Clive Cussler himself. Knowing little tidbits like that add an air of credibility to the adventures of Pitt and Giordino. The Pacific Vortex is similar to the Bermuda Triangle but it lead to a much more sinister end. Another trait of this series is that Dirk and company are always taking on the corrupt wealthy untouchable villains around the world. The more untouchable they feel the harder they fall. If any of this sounds like fun to you then pick up this book and immerse yourself into an adventure.
This Batman story takes us back to the early days of the Dark Knights career in Gotham. There are really two stories collected together in this collection. The first of which is The Man Who Laughs this is one of the quintessential Joker stories. The second is titled Made of Wood this is a story that teams-up Batman with the Green Lantern.
The Joker story is by far the main attraction of this book if you were disgusted by Scott Snyder's take on the Joker I would say you may want to shy away from this then. As this title starts out as a serial killer who done it story that Captain Gordon is investigating. This is considered to be Batman's first encounter with the Joker after the Red Hood at Ace Chemical. Joker targets people in this story in his usual fashion with chemicals poisoning them and leaving them grinning and bug eyed. Joker's introduction in this book is truly chilling I would love to see DC Animation take a stab at this story. Joker leaves a cryptic message at the newly opened Arkham Asylum even though he hasn't been incarcerated there yet. The Joker has set his sights on the rich men of Gotham City and to distract the police why he goes about his mission he arms prisoners who are set to be sent to Arkham Asylum. This story shows Batman's skills as a detective as he starts trying to figure out who the Joker is and it takes him back to Ace Chemical and that fateful night against the Red Hood. Batman confronts the Joker at the water reservoir. This tale is directly referenced in Scott Snyder's work and the way the Joker acts in this story is very similar to that of Heath Ledger's portrayal of the character in The Dark Knight.
The second story is a delight as it shows the history of Gotham City but the really selling point for the story is art by Tim Sale. Made of Wood is a straight up serial killer murder mystery. It is told primarily in present time with Jim Gordon taking a staring role as the retired police commissioner returning to the job to solve one last case. This story while not as gripping as the first is a great detective story none the less. The killer is nothing special in the story in fact you kind of feel sorry for them in the end. The team-up between between the original Green Lantern, Alan Scott and Batman heroes from to different eras. Working together to solve a case lost in between the cracks and forgotten for decades. Overall if you are a fan of Joker or Tim Sale art this book is a must read.
