Batman: Preludes to the Wedding includes six stories providing background to the events that occur in Batman and Catwoman: The Wedding Album.

The first and last story describe how the Joker receives his wedding invitation. The last also includes Harley Quinn. From This Day Forward includes a scene of Damien Wayne getting his wedding suit tailored where he describes his history to his soon-to-be stepmom, Catwoman. Later after returning from her bachelorette party, Catwoman and Damien have a serious talk. For Richer or Poorer makes the reader feel a part of Batman’s, anything but tranquil, bachelor party. For Better or Worse tells the Riddler’s tale. In Sickness and In Health, Red Hood crosses paths with an Anarky terrorist plot while watching over Catwoman’s bachelorette party.

This is a great entry point for those either just entering the DC multiverse or returning after a long absence. Most tales include a short history of the main character. Even for long-time fans, Batman: Preludes to the Wedding builds excitement for the wedding itself and foreshadows some complications. It is a worthwhile companion purchase.

I loved these simple short stories that were reminiscent of the comic books of my youth. 5 stars!

Thanks to DC Comics and NetGalley for an advance copy.

A nicely plotted interconnected series of stories. The characters felt spot-on for the most part, and, while it was a little difficult figuring out what the new backstories were for someone who hasn't read much of DC Comics since the old continuity ended with Flashpoint, it didn't detract too much from the overall enjoyment of the comic.

I particularly liked seeing how Batman's sons (because Dick, Tim and Jason are as much Batman's sons as Damian, and have been since long before the character of Damian was invented) were adjusting to the change in their "father"'s life. Selina bonding with Damian was a nice touch. The lack of a story for Tim, however, was a glaring omission. While I realize that this book was a compilation of the originally published comic books, the lack of a story for Tim, or even much of a reference to him, when it included the three other (male) Robins, Batgirl, and Harley Quinn, smacked a bit too much of real-life budgetary concerns ("They coudn't have afforded to put out one more comic book to include Tim?") and gave strong hints that the wedding might not be coming off after all (as, indeed, it did not).

Still having the Joker wipe out a squad of Ra's al Ghul's trained assassins was a nice touch.

I am so very excited! This was an amazing lead-up to the biggest comic book event of the year! I loved every minute of it. So many cameos from some of the best Batman villains and side-characters. I think if I say much more i might spoil it so all I am going to say is that you need to read this! So much fun!

4 stars
Such a fun romp led by the Joker who is extremely disturbed at not receiving an invitation to Batman and Catwoman’s wedding. The Joker stirs up trouble and gets various villains to cause trouble for Batman’s various friends and family.
The artwork is beautiful, if not a little distorted – Jokeresque? And the writing and stories are a lot of fun.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher, DC Entertainment, for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Batman: Preludes to the Wedding finds the Joker at his wit's end because he does not have his invitation to the Batman and Catwoman's wedding. Stirring up trouble with all the villains he can, the Joker brings trouble to the Bat's friends and family like only he can. Action packed and littered with humor, the story kept my attention through out and the beautiful art fed my art loving soul. As always, I enjoyed Damien Wayne's sarcasm and snark way too much and even laughed out loud a time or two. Harley is always good for a thrill and Batgirl and the Riddler entertains. The writing intrigues, ensnares, and amuses for an all around good time of a read- one of my favorites! My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

Weddings can bring people out of the woodwork, and that is certainly the case with the upcoming nuptials of Batman and Catwoman, Everyone wants to attend, from members of the bat family: Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, and Red Hood; to some non invited guests: Ra's al Ghul, Hush, Riddler, and of course it would not be a party without the Joker and Harley Quinn. This collection of six issues creates a shadow that will hover over the couple as they move even closer to their big day. The art is on par with current Batman comics and the stories are deep enough to show how a marriage between Batman and Catwoman will affect both friend and foe. Added to this collection are a few sketches that became finished art in the book and two prints not seen in the individual issues.

Rounded up to 3.5
This graphic novel is a collection of one-shots all with the common theme of Batman and Catwomanś wedding. There were times when I was genuinely confused by the story (Robin vs Raś al Ghul), but that could be my own fault for not keeping up with the storylines. But hello, who could pass up on the drama building up to a wedding?! On the other hand, there were other storylines I loved (Batgirl vs Riddler and Joker vs Harley). I enjoyed the art throughout the graphic novel and felt like it was fairly cohesive. While I wish there was more of a focus on Catwoman and Batman I would continue reading the storyline to see what happens at the wedding.

***I was provided an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***