Comic Book Review: Batman: White Knight #2
“They called me a murderous, incurable sociopath who needed to be locked up forever.”
Sean Gordon Murphy is spectacular. Only 2 issues in to Batman: White Knight and the work is already mystifying. Murphy’s interpretation of the Batman mythology is striking and thought-provoking. While Jack Napier, formerly the Joker, clearly has nefarious plans. Nevertheless, his arguments and reasoning are surprisingly logical. Did the Gotham Police Department have a hand in creating the Joker? Did Batman? These are relevant questions that are often touched upon, but never really explored. Murphy has set out to do just that.
The artwork itself is masterful. Murphy is one of the best in the business. Now, he gets to put his pencils to his own words. His first solo Batman outing is already shaping up to be a work of legend. Every panel is perfect; every bit of dialogue is interesting. It’s only a matter of time before Murphy gets himself a Batseries of his own.
The Arm of the Law
Jack Napier has plans. Now that he’s a free man he has the means and ability to right the system that did him wrong. However, is that his real goal? That’s the question that lingers at the edge of Murphy’s art and words. His story is both substantial and breezy. There’s no convoluted plot to confuse; no ridiculous amount of characters to follow. This is a simple story about setting the status quo of Gotham on its head. Batman: White Knight #2 continues the amazing story the debut issue began.
The last page in particular will remain in readers minds for years to come. This story is a dance between skilled masters. Batman remains on the back-burner for this issue. This is Napier’s story to unfold. After finding himself the right Harley Quinn he sets out on a journey of rehabilitation. Whether or not the system will truly change is part of the great mystery of this story. Hopefully after its conclusion, Murphy will continue to have stories for these characters for even more years to come.
A Bright Day
Murphy’s one of comics’ finest. The writers he’s worked with have clearly imparted a few lessons as his own words are fantastic. But no matter how great a writer he becomes, his words will never match up to his art. Every panel creates a breathtaking moment that could leave the reader hoping for a poster. Every character he realizes becomes his own set of colors: which are highlighted by the brilliant colors of Matt Hollingsworth. He’s the only artist who shares the credits with Murphy himself, and with good reason. He’s a partner who effortlessly compliments Murphy’s work.
One such panel depicts Mr. Freeze at his lowest. It’s one of the quietest moments in the issue. Unlike the debut, there’s no action set-pieces to be had. Instead, the drama and beauty of the world is what will entrance the reader. And it does so easily.
The Verdict
There are very few artists working today who are equally good writers. Sean Gordon Murphy is not one of them. However, it’s not because the scripts aren’t marvelous. Because it is. It isn’t because the dialogue isn’t perfect, or the characterization isn’t spot on. Because it is. It’s because Murphy’s art is some of the best to ever grace comic pages. Every figure is anatomically perfect. Many of the panels within these pages depict iconic images worthy of remembrance. Not surprising for any pages with words or art by Sean Gordon Murphy.
Batman is lucky to have him, and he is clearly lucky to have Batman. The two are a match made in heaven. Which is exactly what the pages of Batman: White Knight #2 are.
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