Cataclysm is a “collected edition” of the stories that lead up to the “No Man’s Land” storyline. Basically, an earthquake and subsequent aftershocks absolutely destroy Gotham City. Batman, Robin, Nightwing, Oracle, Huntress, Spoiler and even Anarky lend a hand to clean up along side Gotham’s finest and The G.C.F.D. There are looters, thugs, prison escapees and so-called masterminds to be taken care of while Gotham’s law abiding citizens are waiting to be pulled out of the rubble. Fires and floods run amok and almost all communications are down. The story is definitely a worst case scenario, fortunately for us the book itself is not. There are many writers and artists involved but the whole thing manages to stay cohesive. While it might not knock your socks off it is a solid collection and a fun, quick read. Overall I would give this book a 4/5. ( )

A compilation of the "Batman" comic book sequence from 1999, in which Gotham City - and Wayne Manor - are virtually destroyed by a massive earthquake. The whole of the book deals with the quake and Gotham's response. Many of the scenes have been given additional power in light of the September 11, 2001 attacks; they seem eerily prescient in their portrayal of heroes doing their best to save life, at great personal risk. A well-told and powerful tale, and a lead-in to the "No-Man's Land" sequel. ( )