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A review by supeskenobi
Batman: Year One by Frank Miller, David Mazzucchelli
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Batman: Year One is often called the definitive origin story for The Batman. Not since his debut in Detective Comics Issue Number 27, has the story of Bruce Wayne becoming 'The Dark Knight' been so thoroughly explored, and I dare say I doubt it will be done better than here. Taking place over Bruce's first year as Batman, not only do we get a deeper insight into Bruce's though process in becoming Batman; but also into the reaction from the public, the upper-echelons of the Gotham Elite (most of whom are connected to crime), the GCPD and most importantly of all, Detective James Gordon.
What makes this retelling of Batman's origins unique is that not only is it told from Bruce's perspective, but from that of Detective James Gordon; newly of the GCPD. Gordon, who like Batman, rebels against the fetid and corrupt nature of Gotham society and of its police force; stands in the way of his fellow colleagues and his superiors. Despite cheating on his pregnant wife (a move which I am no fan of), Gordon remains good of heart, never once succumbing to the temptations of corruption or the pressures of his colleagues/superiors.
To say that Batman: Year One is an influential story in the grand and rich history of comic books; would be an understatement to say the least. Inspiring the hit 2005 movie 'Batman Begins' from Christopher Nolan, to an animated adaptation in 2011 with Bryan Cranston as Detective Gordon and Ben McKenzie as Bruce Wayne/Batman, to more recently 2022's 'The Batman' by Matt Reeves (especially with the usage of Bruce's internal monologue), Batman: Year One is a brilliant (albeit rather too short) telling of the origins of one of the greatest fictional characters of all time. It will be adapted, drawn inspiration from and celebrated for many years to come.
What makes this retelling of Batman's origins unique is that not only is it told from Bruce's perspective, but from that of Detective James Gordon; newly of the GCPD. Gordon, who like Batman, rebels against the fetid and corrupt nature of Gotham society and of its police force; stands in the way of his fellow colleagues and his superiors. Despite cheating on his pregnant wife (a move which I am no fan of), Gordon remains good of heart, never once succumbing to the temptations of corruption or the pressures of his colleagues/superiors.
To say that Batman: Year One is an influential story in the grand and rich history of comic books; would be an understatement to say the least. Inspiring the hit 2005 movie 'Batman Begins' from Christopher Nolan, to an animated adaptation in 2011 with Bryan Cranston as Detective Gordon and Ben McKenzie as Bruce Wayne/Batman, to more recently 2022's 'The Batman' by Matt Reeves (especially with the usage of Bruce's internal monologue), Batman: Year One is a brilliant (albeit rather too short) telling of the origins of one of the greatest fictional characters of all time. It will be adapted, drawn inspiration from and celebrated for many years to come.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Blood, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, and Fire/Fire injury