Batman and the Monster Men is a six-issue limited series written and illustrated by Matt Wagner, serving as the first installment of his Dark Moon Rising duology. Set shortly after Batman: Year One, the story introduces Hugo Strange as a twisted scientist conducting unethical experiments on Arkham Asylum patients, funded by mob boss Sal Maroni. As Batman investigates a string of brutal murders, he uncovers a conspiracy that tests his resolve, intellect, and physical limits. The book also reintroduces Julie Madison, Bruce Wayne’s early love interest, adding emotional depth to the narrative.
Author & Illustrator
Matt Wagner
Matt Wagner has enjoyed a career in comics for over twenty years. Born and educated in Pennsylvania, his first published work was a short story that would introduce one of comicdom’s most respected creator-owned characters—the mastermind assassin Grendel. Best known for this epic creation and his other, more personal allegory, Mage, Matt has also worked on a variety of established characters. These include his groundbreaking work on the character Batman villain Two-Face in the graphic novel Faces, as well as a five-year stint developing and generating stories for the fan-favorite Vertigo title, Sandman Mystery Theatre. He also wrote the Doctor Mid-Nite miniseries for DC Comics and served as the regular cover artist on the Kevin Smith-penned relaunch of Green Arrow.
Learn More about Matt Wagner