Present day Batman without the excess.
What They Say:
Be here for the start of a new era for The Dark Knight from writer Scott Snyder (AMERICAN VAMPIRE, BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM) and artist Greg Capullo! A series of brutal killings hints at an ancient conspiracy, and Batman learns that Gotham City is deadlier than he ever knew.
The Review:
This Batman series, distinguishable simply because it ONLY says Batman on the cover, moves ahead to the ‘present day’ where he is no longer an urban legend. Thankfully, he also does not have Robin (Damian Wayne) with him in this series although Damian does exist as the current Robin. In this issue we are introduced to Batman, Alfred, a few key supporting characters such as Commissioner Gordon and Vicki Vale, and a quick cameo/refresher of the three different Robins (their names, previous status and current status).
The plot starts off in Arkham Asylum where Batman is quelling a breakout. The book takes the time to setup a running monologue from page one about “Gotham is…”. This narrative allows Snyder, the writer, to tell us who most of the villains being fought are. This was a nice touch so readers relatively new to the Batman comics universe, like me, could know who’s who; but in the context of the story it wasn’t necessary. The story then progress to Bruce Wayne finishing the monologue that has run from the start in a speech he is giving to hopeful investors. This speech ended up being pretty poignant I thought because it shows the current state of mind Batman has. In both this comic and Batman & Robin, we are seeing a Batman that is more balanced and less angry. This is a good change and the actions and dialogue present within this issue give that setup without requiring us to know why or by confusing us.
The artwork in this issue is not the best of the different series I have read but it has a certain quality about it that doesn’t take itself too seriously but is well aware of it content and context. A really well made comic all in all in my opinion that achieves all goals of the new 52. The only real flaw is the cliffhanger. It’s a doosy I assure you that, but I have no investment in these characters. So my reaction isn’t so much “WOAH” as it is “Hmmm”. The book gives new readers what they need to follow the story and understand the cliffhanger but starting a new series off with something that would be better served further into the series run is a slight misstep. A misstep that I’m sure the series will overcome in the next issue (or two) but a misstep nonetheless.
Release Notes:
I purchased both the standard issue and the variant cover of this issue. The standard cover is nice as it gives a solid action scene and a good sample of the unique artwork of the series. But the variant cover is awesome! It has nothing to do with the actual plot (the standard cover does) but just has this amazing feeling of a badass Batman that is undeniable. The art of the variant is much more realistic and kind of mis-representative of the series so far. Still just a good looking cover anyway!
In Summary:
So that’s three of the four core Batman series of the new 52 I have read so far. I’ll put it to you this way: Batman is not as amazing and perfect as Detective Comics, but Oh My God is it vastly superior to Batman & Robin! The grittiness is toned down from Detective but replaced with a really interesting character that has my attention. The annoyance factor of Batman & Robin is completely absent from this series and takes everything I liked about that series. In other words, Batman is exactly as I hoped and expected. This a good series that may need a while to really take off but is worth your time.
Grade: B+
