This book is not for every Batman fan, it does not follow a traditional Batman vs villain story, but more of a darker insanity driven story that dwells into the the exploration of the inmates and origin of Arkham. The story is told by duel stories, one story by the founder of Arkham Asylum, Amadeus Arkham who's story takes place back in the early 1900's and guides you through his child hood devoted to looking after his mentally ill mother, who's death brings about the founding of the asylum and then through the loss of his wife and child by one of his own patients we see his slow spiral into madness. The other story takes place present day with Batman going into the madhouse on the request of the inmates who have taken control of the asylum, who then must face his on fears and possible unstable mind. Unlike most Batman stories, Batman is not always portrayed as the fearless daunting figure he normally appears to be, but he is fearful of his surroundings and the inmates that walk the corridors and it shows the insanity soaked walls of Arkham affect the most fearless men. The exceptional story is amazingly intertwined by superb artwork which works so well with the dark mood of the story a great surreal abstract look. Each panel is a piece of art. Although some of the artistic portrayals of the villains are very different and sometimes a bit difficult to see who its meant to be such as clayface who normally is a mass of morphing clay, but in this book he is a very thin malnourished looking man who's flesh has disease corroding qualities. But all is explained at the back of the book in the script which tells you why there are such bizarre choices for the character designs, clayface being the symbolism of AIDS.
Over all its an outstanding graphic novel with an intense story and amazing artwork, this is a must buy for Batman fans to ad to their collection who like a darker more compelling story with twists and turns.