Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Batman #1
DC Comics
Snyder, Capullo & Glapion
Of the fifteen or so number ones that I've read from the DCU reboot this one is by far the best. I say that in terms of it being new reader friendly as well as introducing a good plot. Add in that it's a good Batman story in its own right and it provides a kicker of a cliffhanger and you have one of the best comics I've read in 2011, let alone for DC's reboot.
As Snyder has stated in interviews, he wants this arc to tie Batman and his supporting cast (rogues included) to Gotham. Snyder pushes that in not such a subtle way from the first pages as he presents Batman's take on the "Gotham is…" campaign from one of the newspapers. Obviously, many people define Gotham as one of the villains, such as "Gotham is Two-faced" and so on. Batman wants to change that, but as Bruce Wayne.
First, Batman deals with someone on the "take" in Arkham but not before having to confront almost every villain in there. These scenes are excellent because thry provide a bit of an introduction into the Batman villain class and it also provides a mystery in the form of the Joker helping Batman out. You will have to read the comic to see how that turns out.
The scenes with Bruce, Dick, Tim and Damian are pitch perfect. Snyder's nailed what makes these characters so important to Batman without changing much at all. Alfred gets a little bit of action as well, but his role is almost forced whereas the others seem more natural to the story. However, you can't have a re-launch or reboot of Batman without Alfred.
Bruce makes a nice speech at a fund raising event that ties back into the "Gotham is" campaign. This allows more character introductions, such as Vicki Vale. It seems Bruce is going to be less playboy and more intelligent businessman during this series.
The issue ends with a mystery that has an outstanding twist that makes for a terrific cliffhanger. It's hard to imagine a reader not wanting to come back for more.
Some of the highlights in this issue include the usage of Wayne technology. He's got contact lenses that allow access to the Batcave and he's got facial recognition software that provides full on-the-fly profiles to boot. This issue doesn't hold back on the gadgets and its better for it.
The artwork is tremendous. This is certainly not the Greg Capullo I remember from Spawn from back in the early 90s. He's got a grittier style to it but he isn't afraid to provide a stunningly detailed splash page as he does with the amazing Batcave depiction. If you have any reservations that this book would look too much like Spawn then put them to rest. Capullo delivers an unbelievable story with his pictures.
I haven't enjoyed the start of a Batman story this much since the first issue of Morrison's Batman and Robin. This issue has just about everything. It's got character introductions, action, looks at the character of Bruce Wayne and as Batman and even some mystery. Snyder juggles a couple of threads and manages to show a few surprises in this issue. About the only thing I don't like about the issue is the logo. Beyond that I can't recommend a book more highly than this one.
5 out of 5 Geek Goggles
