Batman: Year One is a four issue story arc written by Frank Miller and illustrated by David Mazzucchelli, that originally appeared in issues #404 to #407 of DC Comics' Batman series in 1987. Batman: Year One is one of the "must read" Batman comics, and is also one of the first examples of the "limited series" format (or self contained series within a series) that is now common place in most main stream comics. Batman: Year One is also the story arc that inspired a lot of the key plot points for the film Batman Begins, and there is a clear link between the gritty style portrayed in both Year One and the film.
Batman: Year One begins with the return of Bruce Wayne. Having left Gotham city 15 years ago, following the death of his parents, it appears that Bruce Wayne has spent his time away training in martial arts as well as forensic and criminal sciences. Jim Gordon is also moving back to Gotham City, with his pregnant wife Barbara. It doesn't take Gordon long to figure out that law enforcement in Gotham is not everything that it should be. Corruption has spread to the highest levels.
Bruce Wayne, yet to adopt the Batman persona, hits the street for his first mission, creating an alibi and disguising his appearance before entering the Red Light District of Gotham. Following an altercation with a local with a local pimp, and a brief fight with a dominitrix called Seline Kyle (who will go on to become Catwoman), Bruce Wayne is shot by police. Managing to escape and make his way back to Wayne Manor, Bruce sits alone, bleeding, and wondering whether it's worth going on. Searching for a flash of inspiration, and a way to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies, a bat crashes through a nearby window and lands on a sculpture of his father. "Yes Father, I will become a bat". Batman is born.
All the while, Gordon is on his own search, desperately trying to figure out how he can clean up the Gotham City Police Department. Gordon, now sure that Gotham is run by corrupt city leaders and gangsters like Carmine Falcone, begins to draw increased attention from those he'd seek to bring down.
From here, Gordon and Batman are on a collision course that will bring the two characters together, uniting to achieve a common goal.
Batman: Year One is awesome for a number of reasons. Firstly it gives us a greater insight into the development of Batman, at a time when he's arguably at his most vulnerable. Secondly it's an origin story, and I love a good origin story. But it's not just a Batman origin story, it tells us as much about Jim Gordon as it does about Batman in many respects. It also provides a few insights into the origin of Catwoman, that had not been previously explored.
Batman: Year One also illustrates the formation of the relationship between Batman and a young Assistant District Attorney, Harvey Dent. Year One also introduces crime boss, Carmine Falcone. Finally, Batman: Year One is awesome because it re-established Batman as a dark and gritty vigilante, that wasn't afraid of getting his hands dirty to clean up Gotham City. Frank Miller effectively reclaimed the character, and I think we can all be grateful for that.
What did I learn?
Batman Begins and The Dark Knight both owe a lot to Batman: Year One. Would I recommend it? Heck Yes. Pick up the graphic novel now and read it twice.
03 Oct 08
2:28 am
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