Comic Book Review: Batman #1
Jorge Arenas
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Batman is one of the most well known comic book characters of all time, only surpassed by Superman himself. With that, there has been countless stories written about the caped crusader. Some of the best can even be found in the Elseworlds series of comics. So to keep your audience hooked, you have to be able to give them something new, without it being so foreign, that they won’t enjoy the story.
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B01DKZ7T32″ locale=”US” src=”http://boundingintocomics.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/61Dg5XqE9L.jpg” tag=”bounintocomi-20″ width=”325″]
This is where the five part story arc “I Am Gotham” comes into play. We see Batman in the middle of the DC REBIRTH series in a new situation, which brings him a new problem. What will he do, when a new hero comes along, and tries to save Gotham from Batman? This is a pretty interesting question, and I look forward to see where Tom King takes this story, and how this all ties into the REBIRTH series with the other DC heroes.
Tom King takes the helm as the writer for Batman from Scott Snyder. King has penned such titles as The Omega Man, and The Vision, so fans know his work, and how well he can develop stories. And it is what you will find here in [easyazon_link identifier=”B01DKZ7T32″ locale=”US” tag=”bounintocomi-20″]Batman #1[/easyazon_link]. Batman feels not only larger than life within the first few panels, but you’re also reminded that he is only a mortal man. Not many people can bring that all together, but King does and he makes it enjoyable.
The dialogue between Batman and Alfred, especially towards the end of the issue was amazing. Sometimes we forget how important he was to the life of Batman, and in this issue, that comes out clear. With a few sentences King is able to draw you into to how their relationship has been among the most important of any hero and their parental figure within the DC universe.
If there was one issue I had with the overall plot it was Duke Thomas’s contribution. While his role was important, it just ended as quickly as he entered. I know it’s only one issue, but I would have liked to have seen more interaction between Batman and Duke.
David Finch did the penciling, while Jordie Bellaire was on colors. David and Jordie work well together as the panels feel gritty and dark as one is accustomed to for a Batman book. The illustration put forth, delivers the visual cues for the reader, as the coloring enriches those same cues a great deal. Each character is drawn with a purpose, and were expertly colored to bring them to life. David was able to follow King’s writing with well paced art that kept up with the story without overtaking the entire comic. My favorite action shot comes toward the end as Batman struggles to save the lives of passengers. The panel is beautiful and also creates a powerful testament to the effort Batman places behind protecting his city.
The Verdict
[easyazon_link identifier=”B01DKZ7T32″ locale=”US” tag=”bounintocomi-20″]Batman #1[/easyazon_link] fits nicely into the REBIRTH relaunch and if you are following along from the DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH special then it will be right up your alley as it gives you another layer of the universe to delve into. As far as a Batman book by itself, King puts Batman in an interesting situation that makes the book feel fresh and exciting. David Finch and Jordie Bellaire both do a wonderful job of creating a visual environment for the reader to both enjoy and get lost in.
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