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Batman Post-Crisis #88
Spider-Man and Batman: Disordered Minds
Near mint/mint bagged and boarded - Perfect Condition | Never Been Read
50 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
6 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
J.M. DeMatteis
1,911 books236 followersAlso Credited As:
DeMatteis, John Marc
Ellis, Michael
Lombego, Wally
Bio:
J.M. DeMatteis was a professional musician/singer and rock music journalist before entering comics in the late 70's.
Credits include Spider-Man, Moonshadow, Brooklyn Dreams, Justice League, Abadazad, Hero Squared, the Life and Times of Savior 28.
Created I, Vampire , Creature Commandos, Moonshadow, Hero Squared (co-creator), Abadazad, Stardust Kid, Savior 28 and more.
DeMatteis, John Marc
Ellis, Michael
Lombego, Wally
Bio:
J.M. DeMatteis was a professional musician/singer and rock music journalist before entering comics in the late 70's.
Credits include Spider-Man, Moonshadow, Brooklyn Dreams, Justice League, Abadazad, Hero Squared, the Life and Times of Savior 28.
Created I, Vampire , Creature Commandos, Moonshadow, Hero Squared (co-creator), Abadazad, Stardust Kid, Savior 28 and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 3, 2016
3.5 stars
Ok. For what it is, I didn't think it was a bad little comic.
Now, don't take that to mean that this is some sort of a masterpiece of crossover storytelling or anything, but it didn't suck the life out of me to read it.
However, seeing Peter Parker with feathered hairOMG! Is that a mullet?! almost did me in...
So, Gotham and New York exist in the same world in Disordered Minds. Which means, Spider-man and Batman already know about each other. This came as a surprise to me, as I was expecting there to be some sort of wormhole-thingy that would open up & suck one of them into the other one's universe. Imagine my disappointment!
Anyway, the gist of the story is that Carnage & the Joker are both being "treated" by the same doctor. Her revolutionary new plan includes implanting some sort of a chip into their brains that makes them docile.
Spoiler Alert! It doesn't work!
Parker is (naturally) against turning Carnage into a vegetable, because he...???
*scratches head*
Who knows? If it were up to me, I'd lobotomize all of them. Good thing I'm not in charge, right?!
Anyway, after Carnage's operation, Peter follows them to Gotham, to make sure thathe runs into Batman & furthers the plot everything is ok.
Spoiler Alert! It's not!
What it boils down to, is a coolish story with Spidey fighting the Joker, and Batman fighting Carnage. Nothing earth-shattering, but good anyway.
Definitely fun, if for no other reason than its got the two powerhouse heroes from each comic company...in ONE issue! If you get the chance to read this one, don't pass it up.
Ok. For what it is, I didn't think it was a bad little comic.
Now, don't take that to mean that this is some sort of a masterpiece of crossover storytelling or anything, but it didn't suck the life out of me to read it.
However, seeing Peter Parker with feathered hair
So, Gotham and New York exist in the same world in Disordered Minds. Which means, Spider-man and Batman already know about each other. This came as a surprise to me, as I was expecting there to be some sort of wormhole-thingy that would open up & suck one of them into the other one's universe. Imagine my disappointment!
Anyway, the gist of the story is that Carnage & the Joker are both being "treated" by the same doctor. Her revolutionary new plan includes implanting some sort of a chip into their brains that makes them docile.
Spoiler Alert! It doesn't work!
Parker is (naturally) against turning Carnage into a vegetable, because he...???
*scratches head*
Who knows? If it were up to me, I'd lobotomize all of them. Good thing I'm not in charge, right?!
Anyway, after Carnage's operation, Peter follows them to Gotham, to make sure that
Spoiler Alert! It's not!
What it boils down to, is a coolish story with Spidey fighting the Joker, and Batman fighting Carnage. Nothing earth-shattering, but good anyway.
Definitely fun, if for no other reason than its got the two powerhouse heroes from each comic company...in ONE issue! If you get the chance to read this one, don't pass it up.
August 29, 2019
Spidey and the Caped Crusader join forces to stop Carnage and Joker. They do it. The end.
An average money-grabber inter- companies crossover probably set in Earth-7642 Crossoververse: characters share this world and when this one was released Batman's back had been just broken by Bane in DC's Knightsfall event.
Storyline had a few good moments, Bagley is at his best and the Carnage-Joker is the ultimate one of mad villains,. sadly DeMatteis seems on auto-pilot and you really need a huge suspension of disbelief to fully appreciate that scene with Bat-Man disguising is long-ear mask and cloak under a cop disguise... oh Good Grief.
Decent.
July 8, 2024
Arguably the most popular crossover between two of the most popular characters of their respective companies: Spider-Man, and Batman, from Marvel and DC Comics, finally together, for the first time in comic book history. From the hands of writer J.M. DeMatteis, and artist Mark Bagley, this epic event was published back in 1995, arguably during one of these heroes most heavily popular periods, considering two strongly successful and iconic events were released some years prior: Batman’s “Knightfall”, and of course, Spidey’s “Maximum Carnage”, and looking at it, this could be seen mostly as an indirect sequel of the latter.
Inside DeMatteis’ plot, these two share the same universe, and New York, as well as Gotham City, are settled on the same reality, similar to the crossovers Batman had with Daredevil just five years after this one. Both heroes are struggling with a haunting thought relating to their respective pasts, and back in New York City, at the Ravencroft Institute, Dr. Ahsley Kafka, the main psychologist, and custodian of the dreadful Cletus Kasady, better known as “Carnage”, asks Spidey for his help, since a representative of a government committee is trying to use a brand new neuro-technological procedure to attempt to cure insanity, and Kasady is her main test subject. After believing the procedure worked, Cassandra Briar, the developer of this method, tries to do the same thing for the Joker, at Gotham City, but things go full disaster mode, and now, Batman, aware of Briar’s terrible mistake, has to find out how to stop this Carnage guy, but with Joker by the new villain’s side, it might take more than only him to stop them, enter the legendary alliance between the Web Slinger, and the Cape Crusader.
This is exactly what it should be, and what it promises; a crossover with tons of cool, stylized action, great chemistry between its two leads, and two antagonists from their respective franchises meant to give our heroes a hard time. As I said, this is almost a spiritual sequel to “Maximum Carnage”, but fair enough, both heroes share a similar amount of screen time, and to have both, Carnage, and the Joker, as the main antagonists was a no-brainer. Although, sure, one might argue that Carnage serves more as the actual main villain, the Joker ultimately remains the last struggle for our heroes. Now, anyone thinking this would be at a higher level of complexity, and top-notch writing, or one of the best comic book titles ever made… I am sorry to disappoint. This is pure, genuine, and unpretentious entertainment. Is Spider-Man meets Batman to fight both, Carnage, and the Joker at Gotham City. That’s it. I went blind with this one, without being sure how this chemistry would develop or work, so I didn’t know who the villains in here would be. Sure, I suspected Joker, I mean, is a more stablished archnemesis for Batman, than, let’s say, Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, or Venom for Spidey. As a matter of fact, my first suspicion was that the Goblin would be the antagonist from Spider-man’s side, but no, it was Carnage alright.
Now, the real show stealer of this special: the art. My god is Mark Bagley an all-star with his pencils. There has been a lot of talk about the exaggerated trend in the 90s of cartoonish, and ridiculous styles of proportions, and specific fashion requirements. I never minded that, in fact, I felt a tremendous nostalgia for it, and from time to time I find myself craving that way of drawing, so I’m trying to consume as many 90s comics extravaganza as possible. Bagley is some kind of “missing link”, regarding his own style, specially at drawing characters such as Spider-Man. He does dominate this cartoon-like proportions, expressions, and overall physical design, but at the same time, his lines are so neat, smooth, and refined, he somehow cracked the code of how to exploit those trends to his own favor, so much so that he ended up drawing Spidey for his “Ultimate” series for an entire decade almost. But seeing his Batman I came to wonder, why wasn’t he in charge of a whole series of the Dark Knight? I don’t know if it was the fact that he wore the whole black suit with the yellow emblem and belt, but his version of Batman is just as good as his Spidey. Two completely different characters in appearance, and design, yet Bagley makes them fit the frames with a unique mastery, it makes me wonder also why this crossover particularly never continued. Maybe other 3 issues with similar size, hell, maybe an entire 6-issue volume with just Batman alongside Spidey, taking down some of their worst foes. There was a gold mine potential with these two, same creative team of DeMatteis, and Bagley, and there you have it. The more I think about it, the potential inside this idea was never exploited, and that is a shame. I keep thinking that Marvel, back in the 90s, was struggling with the threat of bankruptcy, so why weren’t they ensuring the editorial’s recovery with things like this? Again, I like this crossover, even though it isn’t perfect, and like many others, it feels random and casual, as if these worlds were always in the same universe. Not that I cared about it, but other titles have dug a little on that aspect of their plot. Is just, I wanted more; as self-conclusive as this was, I also wanted a more constant presence from Spidey-related characters, such as MJ, Aunt May, JJ. Jameson, and regarding Batman, I wanted him, interacting with Peter, maybe Dick Grayson appearing and helping, Barbara Gordon, Commissioner Gordon, Harvey Bullock, Selina Kyle… the possibilities are endless for a well-constructed story between two of the most popular heroes in pop culture, and the worst part is that I know DeMatteis is perfectly capable of achieving a worthy story for the two of them. Maybe with Bagley doing all the issues, maybe with different artists contributing, it doesn’t matter, but the opportunity is right here, in this special issue that should not have been a unique one. This is a solidly produced event, but I can’t help but to think that it could’ve been way, way more.
Inside DeMatteis’ plot, these two share the same universe, and New York, as well as Gotham City, are settled on the same reality, similar to the crossovers Batman had with Daredevil just five years after this one. Both heroes are struggling with a haunting thought relating to their respective pasts, and back in New York City, at the Ravencroft Institute, Dr. Ahsley Kafka, the main psychologist, and custodian of the dreadful Cletus Kasady, better known as “Carnage”, asks Spidey for his help, since a representative of a government committee is trying to use a brand new neuro-technological procedure to attempt to cure insanity, and Kasady is her main test subject. After believing the procedure worked, Cassandra Briar, the developer of this method, tries to do the same thing for the Joker, at Gotham City, but things go full disaster mode, and now, Batman, aware of Briar’s terrible mistake, has to find out how to stop this Carnage guy, but with Joker by the new villain’s side, it might take more than only him to stop them, enter the legendary alliance between the Web Slinger, and the Cape Crusader.
This is exactly what it should be, and what it promises; a crossover with tons of cool, stylized action, great chemistry between its two leads, and two antagonists from their respective franchises meant to give our heroes a hard time. As I said, this is almost a spiritual sequel to “Maximum Carnage”, but fair enough, both heroes share a similar amount of screen time, and to have both, Carnage, and the Joker, as the main antagonists was a no-brainer. Although, sure, one might argue that Carnage serves more as the actual main villain, the Joker ultimately remains the last struggle for our heroes. Now, anyone thinking this would be at a higher level of complexity, and top-notch writing, or one of the best comic book titles ever made… I am sorry to disappoint. This is pure, genuine, and unpretentious entertainment. Is Spider-Man meets Batman to fight both, Carnage, and the Joker at Gotham City. That’s it. I went blind with this one, without being sure how this chemistry would develop or work, so I didn’t know who the villains in here would be. Sure, I suspected Joker, I mean, is a more stablished archnemesis for Batman, than, let’s say, Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, or Venom for Spidey. As a matter of fact, my first suspicion was that the Goblin would be the antagonist from Spider-man’s side, but no, it was Carnage alright.
Now, the real show stealer of this special: the art. My god is Mark Bagley an all-star with his pencils. There has been a lot of talk about the exaggerated trend in the 90s of cartoonish, and ridiculous styles of proportions, and specific fashion requirements. I never minded that, in fact, I felt a tremendous nostalgia for it, and from time to time I find myself craving that way of drawing, so I’m trying to consume as many 90s comics extravaganza as possible. Bagley is some kind of “missing link”, regarding his own style, specially at drawing characters such as Spider-Man. He does dominate this cartoon-like proportions, expressions, and overall physical design, but at the same time, his lines are so neat, smooth, and refined, he somehow cracked the code of how to exploit those trends to his own favor, so much so that he ended up drawing Spidey for his “Ultimate” series for an entire decade almost. But seeing his Batman I came to wonder, why wasn’t he in charge of a whole series of the Dark Knight? I don’t know if it was the fact that he wore the whole black suit with the yellow emblem and belt, but his version of Batman is just as good as his Spidey. Two completely different characters in appearance, and design, yet Bagley makes them fit the frames with a unique mastery, it makes me wonder also why this crossover particularly never continued. Maybe other 3 issues with similar size, hell, maybe an entire 6-issue volume with just Batman alongside Spidey, taking down some of their worst foes. There was a gold mine potential with these two, same creative team of DeMatteis, and Bagley, and there you have it. The more I think about it, the potential inside this idea was never exploited, and that is a shame. I keep thinking that Marvel, back in the 90s, was struggling with the threat of bankruptcy, so why weren’t they ensuring the editorial’s recovery with things like this? Again, I like this crossover, even though it isn’t perfect, and like many others, it feels random and casual, as if these worlds were always in the same universe. Not that I cared about it, but other titles have dug a little on that aspect of their plot. Is just, I wanted more; as self-conclusive as this was, I also wanted a more constant presence from Spidey-related characters, such as MJ, Aunt May, JJ. Jameson, and regarding Batman, I wanted him, interacting with Peter, maybe Dick Grayson appearing and helping, Barbara Gordon, Commissioner Gordon, Harvey Bullock, Selina Kyle… the possibilities are endless for a well-constructed story between two of the most popular heroes in pop culture, and the worst part is that I know DeMatteis is perfectly capable of achieving a worthy story for the two of them. Maybe with Bagley doing all the issues, maybe with different artists contributing, it doesn’t matter, but the opportunity is right here, in this special issue that should not have been a unique one. This is a solidly produced event, but I can’t help but to think that it could’ve been way, way more.
June 20, 2017
تنها کمیکی که خوندم! ترکیبی از مارول و دی سی! جالب و هیجان انگیز بود! البته قاعدتا باید تو نوجوونی اون رو میخوندم تا بهم بچسبه! ولی خوب! :))
July 6, 2021
I liked it because it had both batman and Spider-man! They are some of my favorite superheros! i probably would've liked it more if Robin was in it but it was still cool!
January 13, 2022
I guess I bought this comic when I was 14, now it was nostalgic to read it again :) (17 years later) I really enjoyed it again!
November 21, 2025
Your friendly neighborhood meets the Dark Knight!
I haven’t bought this particular comic book per se, but I did buy the “DC vrs Marvel” Omnibus Vol 1, and this story is featured there. I’ll do a review of the omnibus later, but I want to make individual reviews of each crossover stories contained there.
Creative Team
Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Illustrator: Mark Bagley
DISORDERED MINDS
This is a truly great crossover with vibrant awesome artwork (Mark Bagley, whom part of his credits is the original run of Ultimate Spider-man).
In this story, New York and Gotham City are in the same dimension.
The tale begins with nightmares of Bruce Wayne watching his parents murdered by Carnage, while Peter Parker watches dying his Uncle Ben at the hands of the Joker (while shocking, if there a reason for that curious crossover nightmares isn’t addressed anymore in the story).
Spider-man is invited to oversee treatments to Cletus Kasady (aka Carnage) at the Ravencroft Institute by Dr. Ashley Kafka, during that Carnage is able to reléase himself from his restraints but he’s soon enough captured again. After that a goverment psychologist, Dr. Cassandra Briar, arrives with orders to implant a bio-technic computer chip to Kasady and in that way to keep his mind docile and in that way to “erase” Carnage.
Kafka and Spider-man aren’t too convinced of this invasive method but it’s Federal orders and they can’t negate Briar’s authority in the matter.
Meanwhile, Batman captured The Joker after an attempt of releasing a pack of Joker-venom infected bats.
Later, at Arkham Asylum, we find Dr. Briar, along with Dr. Kafka, offering the same method of the microchip to be inserted in The Joker’s mind, where it seems that Dr. Jeremiah Arkham has a little more of decision power in the matter but finally agrees when Dr. Briair shows a totally docile Kasady.
Dr. Briar proudly present both patients, Kasady and Joker, in a press conference, totally docile. In the ride back, Carnage shows that he never was affected by the chip and he was only waiting his moment, Batman and Spider-man appear, but still Carnage is able to escape with Joker who was indeed affected by the chip (I didn’t like that, I’d prefer that the insane mind of Joker was just too much for the chip and he was playing along too, but sadly wasn’t the case and it’s Carnage who liberated Joker from chip’s influence).
I won’t detail any further to avoid spoiling the fun of reading this cool crossover, where I can tell you that Carnage and Joker won’t be best buddies since their tactics are just too different, and while Batman isn’t thrillled to have an uninvited friendly neighborhood in his city, he will eventually comply to accept the assistance to face the double threat of Carnage and Joker.
´Nuff Said!
I haven’t bought this particular comic book per se, but I did buy the “DC vrs Marvel” Omnibus Vol 1, and this story is featured there. I’ll do a review of the omnibus later, but I want to make individual reviews of each crossover stories contained there.
Creative Team
Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Illustrator: Mark Bagley
DISORDERED MINDS
This is a truly great crossover with vibrant awesome artwork (Mark Bagley, whom part of his credits is the original run of Ultimate Spider-man).
In this story, New York and Gotham City are in the same dimension.
The tale begins with nightmares of Bruce Wayne watching his parents murdered by Carnage, while Peter Parker watches dying his Uncle Ben at the hands of the Joker (while shocking, if there a reason for that curious crossover nightmares isn’t addressed anymore in the story).
Spider-man is invited to oversee treatments to Cletus Kasady (aka Carnage) at the Ravencroft Institute by Dr. Ashley Kafka, during that Carnage is able to reléase himself from his restraints but he’s soon enough captured again. After that a goverment psychologist, Dr. Cassandra Briar, arrives with orders to implant a bio-technic computer chip to Kasady and in that way to keep his mind docile and in that way to “erase” Carnage.
Kafka and Spider-man aren’t too convinced of this invasive method but it’s Federal orders and they can’t negate Briar’s authority in the matter.
Meanwhile, Batman captured The Joker after an attempt of releasing a pack of Joker-venom infected bats.
Later, at Arkham Asylum, we find Dr. Briar, along with Dr. Kafka, offering the same method of the microchip to be inserted in The Joker’s mind, where it seems that Dr. Jeremiah Arkham has a little more of decision power in the matter but finally agrees when Dr. Briair shows a totally docile Kasady.
Dr. Briar proudly present both patients, Kasady and Joker, in a press conference, totally docile. In the ride back, Carnage shows that he never was affected by the chip and he was only waiting his moment, Batman and Spider-man appear, but still Carnage is able to escape with Joker who was indeed affected by the chip (I didn’t like that, I’d prefer that the insane mind of Joker was just too much for the chip and he was playing along too, but sadly wasn’t the case and it’s Carnage who liberated Joker from chip’s influence).
I won’t detail any further to avoid spoiling the fun of reading this cool crossover, where I can tell you that Carnage and Joker won’t be best buddies since their tactics are just too different, and while Batman isn’t thrillled to have an uninvited friendly neighborhood in his city, he will eventually comply to accept the assistance to face the double threat of Carnage and Joker.
´Nuff Said!
February 15, 2022
Para empezar, tendríamos que borrar la idea de ver a Batman y Spiderman juntos de nuestra mente. Luego, regresamos en el tiempo, nos volvemos como de 8 años (seamos niña o niño), tomamos un plato de cereal, unas papitas o unas galletas. Nos olvidamos de la tarea (la mayor tragedia por ahora en nuestras vidas) y durante días o meses, nos dedicamos a ver capítulos salteados de la seria animada de Spiderman: pum! Doc Oct! Misterio! Carnage! qué horrror! qué geniales aventuras! Saltar por la casa, imaginando que tenemos telarañas lanzadas de nuestras manos!
Después, un poquito más maduros... vemos una serie de Batman! Wow! Gatúbela, Joker! escenarios y colores oscuros, muros gigantes, Robin ayudando a Batman y varios enemigos siendo derrotados.
De pronto... un cómic y carajos, cómo rayos vamos a ver esas dos grandes historias juntas?
Pues ese hype es y debería ser el punto de este cómic. De esta pequeña historia.
No lo sé, estoy casi seguro de que esta historia salió antes que dichas series animadas. Pero el punto es, tú como niño promedio no tenías al alcance ir comprando y leyendo cada maldito tomo de cada maldita historia de super héroes. Sino solo uno que otro vistazo a Batman y a Spiderman.
Y tenerlos juntos habrías sido un gran evento.
La historia no es necesariamente buena, ni larga ni trascendental. Pero nos recuerda que Gotham y New York deberían poder coexistir. Que en el mundo existen los superhéroes.
Y ya en un elemento más madurito, no se me había ocurrido ese paralelismo entre los inicios y eventos que moldearon tanto a Peter como a Bruce. Cómo la tragedia les arrebató lo más importante, y cómo el ser amados por alguien les devolvió esa importancia en la vida: ayudar a otros y no abandonarse al pesimismo. Por caminos diferentes, pero en una misma búsqueda.
E incluso los villanos escogidos para la historia también comparten elementos que aquí quedan resaltados. Y se me hizo genial.
En cuanto a la historia en sí, bueno, no es una saga de novelas de miles de páginas o producciones de millones de pesos con lo que se pueda explorar a grandes rasgos una historia completa; ni es el estado del arte de super héroes con trajes modernos, historias oscuras y 99% CGI. Solo es un evento de un solo número, entre esos What if... y Elseworlds.
Ya he leído a Batman enfrentar a los Alien, a los UFO, a los dioses egipcios y al mismísimo Depredador. Y por una parte es una gran labor el tejer una historia con un mínimo de coherencia donde se puedan juntar Batman y criaturas o personajes de mundos completamente distintos. Y sin embargo se logra, que es lo que más mérito tiene.
Por su parte, me gustó que tanto Peter como Bruce (y tanto Spiderman como Batman) mantienen sus personalidades y formas de actuar en la historia.
Después, un poquito más maduros... vemos una serie de Batman! Wow! Gatúbela, Joker! escenarios y colores oscuros, muros gigantes, Robin ayudando a Batman y varios enemigos siendo derrotados.
De pronto... un cómic y carajos, cómo rayos vamos a ver esas dos grandes historias juntas?
Pues ese hype es y debería ser el punto de este cómic. De esta pequeña historia.
No lo sé, estoy casi seguro de que esta historia salió antes que dichas series animadas. Pero el punto es, tú como niño promedio no tenías al alcance ir comprando y leyendo cada maldito tomo de cada maldita historia de super héroes. Sino solo uno que otro vistazo a Batman y a Spiderman.
Y tenerlos juntos habrías sido un gran evento.
La historia no es necesariamente buena, ni larga ni trascendental. Pero nos recuerda que Gotham y New York deberían poder coexistir. Que en el mundo existen los superhéroes.
Y ya en un elemento más madurito, no se me había ocurrido ese paralelismo entre los inicios y eventos que moldearon tanto a Peter como a Bruce. Cómo la tragedia les arrebató lo más importante, y cómo el ser amados por alguien les devolvió esa importancia en la vida: ayudar a otros y no abandonarse al pesimismo. Por caminos diferentes, pero en una misma búsqueda.
E incluso los villanos escogidos para la historia también comparten elementos que aquí quedan resaltados. Y se me hizo genial.
En cuanto a la historia en sí, bueno, no es una saga de novelas de miles de páginas o producciones de millones de pesos con lo que se pueda explorar a grandes rasgos una historia completa; ni es el estado del arte de super héroes con trajes modernos, historias oscuras y 99% CGI. Solo es un evento de un solo número, entre esos What if... y Elseworlds.
Ya he leído a Batman enfrentar a los Alien, a los UFO, a los dioses egipcios y al mismísimo Depredador. Y por una parte es una gran labor el tejer una historia con un mínimo de coherencia donde se puedan juntar Batman y criaturas o personajes de mundos completamente distintos. Y sin embargo se logra, que es lo que más mérito tiene.
Por su parte, me gustó que tanto Peter como Bruce (y tanto Spiderman como Batman) mantienen sus personalidades y formas de actuar en la historia.
May 31, 2023
This comic is definitely a comic that has Spider-Man and Batman in it. Whether it’s a good comic with them in it is another thing haha. The year is 1995 and somehow Marvel and DC team up on a book to give us a crossover with possibly the two most popular comic book heroes of all time. The team set up to tackle such an awesome sounding project is writer J.M. DeMatties and artist Mark Bagley. Two of the industries biggest and most respected names at the time. The story they set up shows the two heroes dealing with their most psychotic foes from their own respected rogues gallery (Carnage & Joker). There’s a psychiatrist who has found a way to tame the crazy mind of Carnage and after finding success, wants to go to Gotham and do the same with Joker. Of course it being comics, things don’t turn out the way they're supposed to and we get a Carnage and Joker team up (kinda). With that of course it leads to Batman and Spider-Man to team up, and thus the title delivers on its promise.
DeMatties falls a little short with the plot and story telling on this one. As exciting as this one-shot could've been it felt like more of a rushed fanfiction. The pacing of the book felt kinda sloppy and overall after the read was done I did not feel satisfied. I guess the best way I could explain it is that this book felt very unorganized and almost limited with what it could actually do. Whether that was all on DeMatties or editorial I don’t know but overall I was let down.
The bright spot of this read is the legendary artist tied to the project, Mark Bagley. Is it a surprise that they chose Bagley to do a Spider-Man project in the 90s? It shouldn’t be because he is arguably the greatest Spidey artist of all time. The best part of this though was being able to see him draw Batman. I’m not sure if this was his one and/or only time doing so but man was it a treat. His design was so his style but also felt traditional for the character. The inks by Scott Hanna and Mark Farmer were also a huge delight and turned this reading sore of a story to some real eye candy.
Overall; This one-shot is worth checking out for the stunning art, but as for the story, maybe do yourself a favor and just skim through the pages and salivate at Mark and company's awesome work
DeMatties falls a little short with the plot and story telling on this one. As exciting as this one-shot could've been it felt like more of a rushed fanfiction. The pacing of the book felt kinda sloppy and overall after the read was done I did not feel satisfied. I guess the best way I could explain it is that this book felt very unorganized and almost limited with what it could actually do. Whether that was all on DeMatties or editorial I don’t know but overall I was let down.
The bright spot of this read is the legendary artist tied to the project, Mark Bagley. Is it a surprise that they chose Bagley to do a Spider-Man project in the 90s? It shouldn’t be because he is arguably the greatest Spidey artist of all time. The best part of this though was being able to see him draw Batman. I’m not sure if this was his one and/or only time doing so but man was it a treat. His design was so his style but also felt traditional for the character. The inks by Scott Hanna and Mark Farmer were also a huge delight and turned this reading sore of a story to some real eye candy.
Overall; This one-shot is worth checking out for the stunning art, but as for the story, maybe do yourself a favor and just skim through the pages and salivate at Mark and company's awesome work
March 11, 2026
(11 March, 2026)
Spider-Man and Batman go against Carnage and Joker. A simple story full of action, and yet, there's plenty to mull over.
Altering brain chemistry to curb criminal behaviour seems reasonable but, at the very heart of it, it's akin to altering the body, might as well cut off the metaphorical hand that holds the figurative knife. All this invites the question of what makes a person that person? To emphasise the point, DeMatteis has Peter and Bruce ponder what their respective lives could have been without their loved ones being taken from them. Interestingly, Peter thinking of what he could have become without Aunt May and Uncle Ben taking him in:
There is also Kasady's Absurdism aligning quite well with Joker's Nihilism, it's terrifying. I disagree with Carnage's response to it though, in a meaningless world 'madness' and 'sane' lack sense. Why not be 'good'?
In the end, all is as it should be. Although not quite as good as 'Batman And Spider-Man', this is a satisfying tale of two very different heroes (even if both are guided by a strong sense of duty). Having Spider-Man annoy the crap out of Batman is awesome and hilarious.
Uniting these two, and still keeping their essence intact, is a feat in itself.
Spider-Man and Batman go against Carnage and Joker. A simple story full of action, and yet, there's plenty to mull over.
Altering brain chemistry to curb criminal behaviour seems reasonable but, at the very heart of it, it's akin to altering the body, might as well cut off the metaphorical hand that holds the figurative knife. All this invites the question of what makes a person that person? To emphasise the point, DeMatteis has Peter and Bruce ponder what their respective lives could have been without their loved ones being taken from them. Interestingly, Peter thinking of what he could have become without Aunt May and Uncle Ben taking him in:
"I might have grown to be bitter, angry, hard."Sounds an awful lot like someone we know, right? Bruce did have Alfred but it's not the same thing... or is it? Maybe the difference between happy-go-lucky Peter and hard-as-nails Bruce has something to do with their genetic makeup too. The eternal 'Nature versus Nurture' debate.
There is also Kasady's Absurdism aligning quite well with Joker's Nihilism, it's terrifying. I disagree with Carnage's response to it though, in a meaningless world 'madness' and 'sane' lack sense. Why not be 'good'?
In the end, all is as it should be. Although not quite as good as 'Batman And Spider-Man', this is a satisfying tale of two very different heroes (even if both are guided by a strong sense of duty). Having Spider-Man annoy the crap out of Batman is awesome and hilarious.
Uniting these two, and still keeping their essence intact, is a feat in itself.
December 4, 2020
Spider-Man and Batman: Disordered Minds is a comic book one-shot and is written by J. M. DeMatteis and illustrated by Mark Bagley. It is an intercompany crossover graphic novel that stars story that teams up Bruce Wayne as Batman and Peter Parker as Spider-Man as they go against their respective archenemies – The Joker and Cletus Kasady as Carnage.
Cassandra Briar, a behavioral psychiatrist, attempts to use The Joker and Carnage as tests for a chip that will essentially lobotomize their homicidal instincts. However, the Carnage symbiote neutralizes the chip after it is implanted, with Kasady, the host, pretending that the chip had worked so that he could meet the Joker. After Carnage removes the Joker's chip, the two's mutual psychoses lead them into a brief alliance before their differing methods of murder cause a clash and it is up to Batman and Spider-Man to stop them.
Spider-Man and Batman: Disordered Minds is written and constructed moderately well. J. M. DeMatteis captures the villains rather well and their different philosophies about the crime they commit and how their partnership was doomed from the beginning because of their diverging philosophies to crime and carnage. Mark Bagley's penciling was done rather well – a tad dated, but it is a critique that is not account against his wonderful penciling.
All in all, Spider-Man and Batman: Disordered Minds is a mediocre comic book 0ne-shot that teams up Batman and Spiderman going against each other's archenemies in the Joker and Carnage.
Cassandra Briar, a behavioral psychiatrist, attempts to use The Joker and Carnage as tests for a chip that will essentially lobotomize their homicidal instincts. However, the Carnage symbiote neutralizes the chip after it is implanted, with Kasady, the host, pretending that the chip had worked so that he could meet the Joker. After Carnage removes the Joker's chip, the two's mutual psychoses lead them into a brief alliance before their differing methods of murder cause a clash and it is up to Batman and Spider-Man to stop them.
Spider-Man and Batman: Disordered Minds is written and constructed moderately well. J. M. DeMatteis captures the villains rather well and their different philosophies about the crime they commit and how their partnership was doomed from the beginning because of their diverging philosophies to crime and carnage. Mark Bagley's penciling was done rather well – a tad dated, but it is a critique that is not account against his wonderful penciling.
All in all, Spider-Man and Batman: Disordered Minds is a mediocre comic book 0ne-shot that teams up Batman and Spiderman going against each other's archenemies in the Joker and Carnage.
February 19, 2025
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
I'm finally going through my physical tv, film etc. tie in library owned book list, to add more older basic reviews. If I liked a book enough to keep then they are at the least a 3 star.
I'm only adding one book per author and I'm not going to re-read every book to be more accurate, not when I have 1000s of new to me authors to try (I can't say no to free books....)
Two of my favourite comic book characters teaming up, of course its a 4 star book.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
I'm finally going through my physical tv, film etc. tie in library owned book list, to add more older basic reviews. If I liked a book enough to keep then they are at the least a 3 star.
I'm only adding one book per author and I'm not going to re-read every book to be more accurate, not when I have 1000s of new to me authors to try (I can't say no to free books....)
Two of my favourite comic book characters teaming up, of course its a 4 star book.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
February 23, 2025
Batman and Spider-Man have two crossover stories released in prestige format. Spider-Man and Batman: Disordered Minds is the story that Marvel released, which is why Spider-Man's name comes first. This story was written by J.M. DeMatteis, a writer who has written stories for both Batman and Spider-Man. He wrote Going Sane, which is one of my favorite Batman stories.
Although I don't read Spider-Man comics, he was one of my favorite Marvel characters when I was young, which is why I was ecstatic when I was able to obtain a copy of this book. This takes place before Spectacular Spider-Man 229, so this is canon in my book. Batman even references the Maximum Carnage event—he really does prepare for his adversaries.
This book is illustrated by iconic Spider-Man artist Mark Bagley, and the art is superb. Unfortunately, the story does not match the art. The villains chosen for this book are the Joker and Carnage—a pairing that should have been a match made in heaven. Both individuals thrive on chaos. However, the story just didn’t deliver and fell flat.
It's still worth getting for Bagley’s art, though.
My Batman Collected Editions Instagram page
Although I don't read Spider-Man comics, he was one of my favorite Marvel characters when I was young, which is why I was ecstatic when I was able to obtain a copy of this book. This takes place before Spectacular Spider-Man 229, so this is canon in my book. Batman even references the Maximum Carnage event—he really does prepare for his adversaries.
This book is illustrated by iconic Spider-Man artist Mark Bagley, and the art is superb. Unfortunately, the story does not match the art. The villains chosen for this book are the Joker and Carnage—a pairing that should have been a match made in heaven. Both individuals thrive on chaos. However, the story just didn’t deliver and fell flat.
It's still worth getting for Bagley’s art, though.
My Batman Collected Editions Instagram page
August 12, 2017
Los crossovers entre editoriales están buenos, no porque vayan a cambiar radicalmente en algo la continuidad de los respectivos universos, pero sí como ejercicio para explorar los personajes desde otras perspectivas.
Spiderman y Batman son superhéroes muy opuestos en cuanto a personalidad pero que tienen algo en común: se convirtieron en justicieros por la tragedia que les tocó vivir de jóvenes al perder a alguien importante. Spiderman jamás va a perdonarse el hecho de que podría haber evitado la muerte de su tío Ben si hubiese detenido al ladrón, Batman jamás podrá olvidar ni reponerse de haber visto como mataban a sus padres frente a él. La diferencia entre ambos es en como enfocaron esas pérdidas.
En esta historia además se plantea algo más que tienen en común y se trata de sus villanos más emblemáticos que comparten locura y sed de matar: Carnage y el Joker.
La lectura es entretenida y es interesante como en una historia breve se logra explorar el pasado y presente de los protagonista y marcar similitudes y diferencias incluso desde sus némesis.
Spiderman y Batman son superhéroes muy opuestos en cuanto a personalidad pero que tienen algo en común: se convirtieron en justicieros por la tragedia que les tocó vivir de jóvenes al perder a alguien importante. Spiderman jamás va a perdonarse el hecho de que podría haber evitado la muerte de su tío Ben si hubiese detenido al ladrón, Batman jamás podrá olvidar ni reponerse de haber visto como mataban a sus padres frente a él. La diferencia entre ambos es en como enfocaron esas pérdidas.
En esta historia además se plantea algo más que tienen en común y se trata de sus villanos más emblemáticos que comparten locura y sed de matar: Carnage y el Joker.
La lectura es entretenida y es interesante como en una historia breve se logra explorar el pasado y presente de los protagonista y marcar similitudes y diferencias incluso desde sus némesis.
November 6, 2019
Es una pena que estos crossovers ya no se reediten, porque surgen historias muy interesantes al cruzar a héroes tan diferentes y, a la vez, tan parecidos.
La tragedia común en su pasado une a Batman y Spider-Man. Por suerte en esta historia tenemos a un Bruce Wayne más sociable que como acabaría siendo el personaje años después, porque si no esto no habría sido posible.
Los villanos, en cambio, no se relacionan tan bien. Creo que J.M. DeMatteis no es un gran fan de Matanza, y no evita señalar las similitudes que el personaje tiene con el Joker, con Kasady declarándose un fan del payaso criminal y el Joker diciendo que, si matar fuera actuar, él sería Orson Wells y Carnage sería David Hasselhoff o Dolph Lundgren.
Mi mayor queja sería que la historia es breve, pero la verdad es que no necesita más para lo que quiere contar, y los dibujos de Mark Bagley hacen que la historia sea incluso más amena de lo que ya es.
La tragedia común en su pasado une a Batman y Spider-Man. Por suerte en esta historia tenemos a un Bruce Wayne más sociable que como acabaría siendo el personaje años después, porque si no esto no habría sido posible.
Los villanos, en cambio, no se relacionan tan bien. Creo que J.M. DeMatteis no es un gran fan de Matanza, y no evita señalar las similitudes que el personaje tiene con el Joker, con Kasady declarándose un fan del payaso criminal y el Joker diciendo que, si matar fuera actuar, él sería Orson Wells y Carnage sería David Hasselhoff o Dolph Lundgren.
Mi mayor queja sería que la historia es breve, pero la verdad es que no necesita más para lo que quiere contar, y los dibujos de Mark Bagley hacen que la historia sea incluso más amena de lo que ya es.
July 29, 2025
A fun and action-packed comic combining my two favourite superheroes, Batman and Spider-Man, against their most psychotic enemies, Joker and Carnage.
While I did enjoy this cross-over, it’s far from perfect. The paneling is occasionally poor but the artwork is really great. Particularly Bagley’s pencils of Spider-Man.
It was odd seeing Batman quite easily striking Carnage in normal hand-to-hand combat; which just wouldn’t be possible (Carnage is far too strong, and Batman is just a mortal man with no powers).
Overall, I’m glad I bought this issue and the embossed cover was a really nice touch!
Would recommend.
While I did enjoy this cross-over, it’s far from perfect. The paneling is occasionally poor but the artwork is really great. Particularly Bagley’s pencils of Spider-Man.
It was odd seeing Batman quite easily striking Carnage in normal hand-to-hand combat; which just wouldn’t be possible (Carnage is far too strong, and Batman is just a mortal man with no powers).
Overall, I’m glad I bought this issue and the embossed cover was a really nice touch!
Would recommend.
May 4, 2025
This was a really good story! The comic did an interesting job highlighting the similarities between Batman's and Spider-Man's origin stories.
The villain set of Carnage and the Joker was really interesting! Unfortunately, the writers made the pair have a falling out, which didn't help the plot or align with either of their characters.
The ending too kind of fell flat and was a little disappointing.
Nevertheless, this story is worth the read. The artwork alone makes it worth reading the comic.
The villain set of Carnage and the Joker was really interesting! Unfortunately, the writers made the pair have a falling out, which didn't help the plot or align with either of their characters.
The ending too kind of fell flat and was a little disappointing.
Nevertheless, this story is worth the read. The artwork alone makes it worth reading the comic.
January 3, 2022
'The crossover of two of the biggest superheroes' - is perhaps the only positive thing about this book that also makes it a rare collectable.
The interaction between the protagonists, however, hardly creates an impact. The story is awkwardly paced and has an abrupt end.
The colours are so bright that it almost hurts the eye to concentrate on a page.
Lettering is weird as well. In many panels, SFXs are unreadable and disturb the artwork.
The interaction between the protagonists, however, hardly creates an impact. The story is awkwardly paced and has an abrupt end.
The colours are so bright that it almost hurts the eye to concentrate on a page.
Lettering is weird as well. In many panels, SFXs are unreadable and disturb the artwork.
December 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this. You take my two favorite comic book superheroes and put them in the same story. You demonstrate you understand each’s origins and motivations, and the motivations of two of their biggest villains. It’s not the deep meditation it could’ve been — it’s no “Batman: Ego” or “Spider-Man: Blue” — but it’s fun! I also appreciate contrasting Carnage and the Joker. And it’s got great art to go with. If you’re a fan of both of its title superheroes, it’s worth a read!
September 8, 2025
Never meet your heroes…
A brilliant psychiatrist develops a chip that supposedly neutralizes all evil tendencies in criminals. Her first test subject is Carnage. She manages to suppress Cletus Kasady, turning him into a calm, almost robotic husk.
This of course gets her permission to do the same procedure with the Joker over at Gotham City. Carnage was apparently only playing all along, since the symbiote cannot be affected by a simple chip. He just wanted to meet his idol, the clown prince of crime.
The crossover brings both heroes and villains together in a surprisingly organic way. It could have used a bit more action, but it’s entertaining for what it is.
I can see why these two were put together, the stroytelling they had at the time was pretty darn similar.
A brilliant psychiatrist develops a chip that supposedly neutralizes all evil tendencies in criminals. Her first test subject is Carnage. She manages to suppress Cletus Kasady, turning him into a calm, almost robotic husk.
This of course gets her permission to do the same procedure with the Joker over at Gotham City. Carnage was apparently only playing all along, since the symbiote cannot be affected by a simple chip. He just wanted to meet his idol, the clown prince of crime.
The crossover brings both heroes and villains together in a surprisingly organic way. It could have used a bit more action, but it’s entertaining for what it is.
I can see why these two were put together, the stroytelling they had at the time was pretty darn similar.
January 3, 2022
Fun crossover story, even with cheesy dialogue. It was a 90s cash grab, I’m sure. But these two were childhood favorites, so there’s room for forgiveness.
I bought this when I was 9 and loved it…and it has survived the years with me. I remembered the general story, but decided to read again before putting it in a frame on my wall.
I bought this when I was 9 and loved it…and it has survived the years with me. I remembered the general story, but decided to read again before putting it in a frame on my wall.
January 18, 2024
Solid book involving Batman and Spider-Man teaming up to take down The Joker & Carnage. We get some solid moments between both the heroes and villains, but the core plot kind of lets everyone down and ultimately isn’t as satisfying as it should be. Still, art is solid and is nice seeing how Batman & Spider-Man react to dealing with a psychotic villain they’re not familiar with.
February 14, 2017
Batman and Spider-Man teaming up to face off against 2 of their most deadly, and psychotic enemies, Carnage and the Joker! What could be better?!
August 7, 2017
For me this comic isn't interesting because of Batman and Spiderman meet, but because the Joker and Carnage meet as well
April 22, 2018
This was a fun and quick read. There wasn’t as much action or plot between the villains as I hoped but there was just enough to keep the story going.
February 4, 2021
Great short crossover event. I really liked the play on carnage and joker...
September 12, 2021
Not what I expected, but it has some interesting surprises along the way. All in all, a worthy read!
December 14, 2021
Two of my favorite comic heroes finally get to team up! very nice art and a good story. enjoyable read. Recommended
April 1, 2022
We all know that if Batman ever met Spider-Man he would adopt him.
It's fine.
It's fine.
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