 |
Batman #1
Script: Scott Snyder
Pencils: Greg Capullo
Ink: Jonathan Glapion
Price: $2.99/$1.99 digital
Publisher: DC Comics
|
Story:
Scott Snyder has managed to turn every one of his stories into pure gold, so the comic-book community was rightfully overjoyed when DC announced that Snyder would be penning his own take on Bruce Wayne.
And it's nothing short of wonderful.
Instead of burdening himself with a "new" and "fresh" take on Batman, Snyder manages to inject all of the details that we already know and love about the character into every single page. We get a Batman who is confident, ambitious, and adept at mopping the floor with his entire rogue's gallery of villains in a single evening. Snyder also does a spectacular job with creating exciting and imaginative additions to Batman's utility belt, enhancing his reputation as a detective, first and foremost.
As Bruce Wayne, our hero announces his optimistic plans for Gotham's future and seems much more chipper than usual, and it's a refreshing angle on the typically dreary and pessimistic crimefighter.
But everyone should know that things won't stay bright and peppy for long; this expertly paced issue ends with a cliffhanger that is guaranteed to make Bruce question the inherent "good" of Gotham City.
Art:
After years of drawing elaborate monsters and creative carnage on Todd McFarlane's Spawn, Greg Capullo brings his unique and borderline cartoonish style to Batman, and it looks fantastic. There is a definite "back-to-basics" vibe with the look of the Batsuit that can be compared to David Mazzucchelli's groundbreaking work in Batman: Year One, and the straightforward design gives Batman a youthful and energetic presence.
 |
| Good ol' Bats can certainly bring the pain. |
The opening sequence featuring the Dark Knight containing a breakout at Arkham is downright thrilling, and while it doesn't necessarily further the plot, it serves as a perfect representation of what Batman is: one badass dude. We're also treated to a straight-up classic wide-angle splash page of the Batcave and all of its contents, which would look great blown-up and framed on my wall.
My only minor issue here: Why must every artist (and writer, for that matter) feel the need to completely redefine The Joker? I don't necessarily dislike his wacky look in this issue, but it's getting a bit old, people.
New-Reader Friendly?
If you've seen a single Bat-flick or TV show, you're good to go here. Well, other than the fact that Batman has gone through several Robins over the years, and the most recent one is Bruce's biological son from one steamy evening with Ra's al Ghul's daughter, Talia. There, now you're all set!
For a double-whammy of awesome, snag this along with Batman #2, in stores tomorrow!
