Batman: Year One
Whether you grew up reading Batman comics, watched the campy television show, or eagerly await each new movie, this is the book for you. A retelling of the events that led to Bruce Wayne’s becoming Batman, this book combines Frank Miller’s tight film-noir writing with David Mazucchelli’s solid artwork. A new deluxe trade paperback edition of one of the most important and critically acclaimed Batman adventures ever, written by Frank Miller, author of THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS!
In addition to telling the entire dramatic story of Batman’s first year fighting crime, this collection includes reproductions of original pencils, promotional art, script pages, unseen David Mazzucchelli Batman art and more.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars The beginning … by the guy who wrote the end
Unlike many other superheros in the DC Universe, when the great origin revamp of the 1980s started, they left Batman’s origin story well enough alone. It did, however, need to be retold. So to write the alpha, DC turned to the man who so masterfully told Batman’s omega in “The Dark Knight Returns”: Frank Miller.
We all know how Bruce Wayne’s parents were slain, and Miller doesn’t insult our intelligence and gives us a quick recap. Most of Year One is spent covering the rookie Batman and Lieutenant Jim Gordon, who’s just taken a job in Gotham. Several important characters have cameos - Harvey Dent and Catwoman, for example - but the story really is about Batman and Gordon forging their bond.
Year One is a masterful Batman story. Not as dystopian as “The Dark Knight Returns,” the warmer color palette and more optimistic end reflect the hope of Batman as he started out. A must-read for any Batman fan.
5 Stars A subtely different take from a great artist
Definitely a different, almost noir feel to Batman, perhaps the star in this is Jim Gordon - who is also the most tainted in this newer approach.
A well told tale that might not be good for canon but definitely works here. These are men who are willing to compromise on some level in their battle for good, but Miller gives us a world where maybe that is the only way to achieve some level of justice.
4 Stars Good stuff
It is great to see this, and get the background for the Chris Nolan Batman movies. It also does a decent job of telling the Batman origin story. It is not quite as strong as The Dark Knight (also by Frank Miller) but is still a must for any Batman graphic novel fan.
5 Stars A Classic Look at the Beginning
This is a classic graphic novel that shows the brilliance of Frank Miller’s writing and the incredible artwork of David Mazzucchelli.
Originally published in the mid-1980s, the opening pages juxtaposes Lt. James Gordon arriving and Bruce Wayne returning to Gotham City, which is haunted by a corrupt police force and essentially open for plundering 24/7/365.
As an early the description of Wayne explains, “He will become the greatest crimefighter the world has ever known…It won’t be easy.” This is the start of a journey for Wayne and Gordon in a vicious venue where even the strong may not survive.
There is also 40 pages of developmental material, which places the work in a solid historical context. Ultimately, it is a classic (new) look at the beginning, but with a style that fondly remembers this iconic story from the past.
3 Stars Not Sure Why It Has Such High Ratings
To be fair, this comic is dated now. Moreover, I’m probably comparing it to Batman Begins, which–I thought–was a great telling of Batman’s origin. And, that movie did simple copy part of its story from this comic. Nonetheless, this comic lacks much of what made the story in Batman Begins so great. Frank Miller shows us Bruce Wayne’s motivation–the death of his parents. But we knew that already. Yet, Miller adds nothing more to that. And, to be candid, the comic divides time with Gordon and Batman. I can see why it is necessary to spend time on Gordon, and Gordon’s tale actually is the best part of the comic. Nonetheless, the story at times seems disjointed. The addition of Catwoman’s story, while maybe useful in the grand scheme of Batman’s continuity, adds nothing here. The story is short, and it just lacks the feeling of a cohesive story. I guess it’s fine, but I don’t consider it the masterpiece most other reviews seem to consider it.
Filed under: Top Batman Comics