octavia_cade's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
3.5
I'm reading the Year One graphic novel, which collects four sequential comics, and this is the best of them.
The comic follows Jim Gordon's arrival in Gotham, alongside Bruce Wayne's return to that city and his taking on the role of Batman. In one sense the stories are the same - they certainly reflect each other - but that reflection is one of opposites. Gordon has a family, is not very well-off, and is constrained to working within the law while being surrounded by cops who are entirely corrupt. Wayne is alone, enormously wealthy, and works outside the law while being surrounded by law-makers who are also entirely corrupt. It's a very well-structured set-up, and although I'm honestly pretty indifferent to the art, that structure is what's giving this the highest rating of the four.
The comic follows Jim Gordon's arrival in Gotham, alongside Bruce Wayne's return to that city and his taking on the role of Batman. In one sense the stories are the same - they certainly reflect each other - but that reflection is one of opposites. Gordon has a family, is not very well-off, and is constrained to working within the law while being surrounded by cops who are entirely corrupt. Wayne is alone, enormously wealthy, and works outside the law while being surrounded by law-makers who are also entirely corrupt. It's a very well-structured set-up, and although I'm honestly pretty indifferent to the art, that structure is what's giving this the highest rating of the four.
bruinrocks's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A great start to Batman. Dives into how he becomes the Batman, this first chapter is quick and enjoyable.
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