Batman and the Monster Men by Matt Wagner is the first part of the two-part Wagner story along with Batman and the Mad Monk (my review). If you’ve read one, then you’ve read both. They are in the same style of writing as well as art. The only difference is the villain. So, who are the monster men?

Hugo Strange is one of Batman’s older villains. He’s been around since 1940, but has never quite captured the public’s attention as Joker, Riddler and other villains have. Strange is a genius who is also physically trained almost as well as Batman (although a bit smaller). In this story, he is working on some genetic manipulation to create perfect slaves. The creations are huge, physically strong and fairly dumb. Strange starts using these monster men to pay back his debts and then to get money for further experiments. In addition, Bruce Wayne is seeing Julie Madison, whose father has gotten himself in debt to the mob.

The story takes place soon after Batman: Year One and the flashback sequences from Batman: The Killing Joke. Gordon is Captain, not Commissioner and Batman is still new to Gotham. If you enjoyed the Mad Monk, then you’ll enjoy Monster Men. Recommended.