Product Description

From master storyteller Frank Miller (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Sin City) comes the most incredible Batman story of all...one that at last reveals the truth behind the Dark Knight's very first year as a crimefighter! Batman's origin is re-told, as only Frank Miller can. Lieutentant James Gordon takes up a new post in the crime-ridden and corrupt city of Gotham, while billionaire Bruce Wayne returns to the scene of his parents' deaths, intent on punishing the criminal element. Each faces trials and challenges of their own, only for their lives to become irrevocably and potentially tragically intertwined. And as the shadow of the bat falls on Gotham, so a legend is born.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #135981 in Books
• Published on: 2001-05-25
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 104 pages

From the Back Cover
The story of Gotham City's Dark Knight ... who he is and how he came to be. One of the most successful and critically acclaimed Batman stories of all - now back in print. From master storyteller Frank Miller comes the most incredible Batman story of all ... one that at last reveals the truth behind the Dark Knight's very first year as a crimefighter!

Lieutenant James Gordon takes up a new post in the crime-ridden and corrupt city of Gotham, while billionaire Bruce Wayne returns to the scene of his parent's deaths, intent on punishing the criminal element. Each faces trials and challenges of their own, only for their lives to become irrevocably and potentially tragically intertwined. And as the shadow of the bat falls on Gotham, so a legend is born.

'The staggering storytelling of Frank Miller ... quality stuff!' NME

Customer Reviews

The compelling story of the Dark Knight's first year...
Frank Miller's stunning tale of an young Bruce Wayne's first attempts to dispense justice in the dark and seedy streets of Gotham City. Along with the startlingly compelling account of a Batman who is not quite the highly skilled vigilante that he will one day become, is a sub-plot that bri ngs a young James Gordon (Lieutenant Gordon at this point in time...) to Gotham, a James Gordon who is willing to bend the rules to see justice served...

Characterisation is second to none, with possibly the most well rounded characters I have ever seen in the medium, and the art brings a neo-noir feel with washed out colours reflecting the cloudy morality on display. In short, this is an awesome companion piece to Miller's more highly regarded classic, The Dark Knight Returns, an exceptional tribute to the Dark Knight that lurks within us all...

A Wonderful Detective Story
Following the time after I read Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns", whenever I hear the name "Batman", my mind immediately conjures up a vision of a lonely, troubled, ordinary man who, night by night, uses his detective skills to apprehend the criminals. He moves in the shadows and strikes fear into all those who are guilty and he. Never. Smiles.

Thanks to Miller, comic book writers proceeding after "Dark Knight Returns" have, for the most part, remained true to this vision. "Batman: Year One" is such an example and is truly a seminal body of work in the Batman canon.

"Batman: Year One" introduces us to two main characters, one being the aforementioned Dark Knight and the other being his most trusting friend and ally, (Lieutenant) James Gordon. The story is interwoven between these two men of Gotham City. Bruce Wayne has returned after having spent twelve years abroad with only one thing firmly rooted in his mind: to catch the bad guys. This desire runs parallel to (new cop in town) Gordon's own, in his case with addition to dealing with a corrupt police force.

Which is the beauty of this story. We see two men, one working for the law, and the other outside it, trying to come to terms with what they have to face. Gordon hates his job and corrupt superiors, regrets that his wife is bringing a child into this godforsaken city and has an affair to forget his troubles. Bruce Wayne/Batman on the other hand, has to come to deal with how he can strike fear into the hearts of men and maintain the image of a social elite at the same time. Something tells me they will get the hang of it.

Mazzuchelli's artwork is beautiful. Although I have always been a comic book fan, I've never really cared for the art unless it fails to help the story along. In this case, it does so much more. The art makes me feel totally uneasy with Gotham City, like I'm in Jim Gordon's place. It is perfect.

The most astounding feature of "Batman: Year One" is that it reads like a detective story and not a blockbusting special effects bonanza. Batman has always been a detective first and a "super-hero" second. He doesn't work like Superman, a character with whom comparisons are constant. It reminded me why I like him more than Superman: because he is, to all ends and purposes, only human. Miller keeps him that way which makes this a gritty and thrilling read.

I liked this book because it revived my interest in the Batman. I hear the film will be based on some elements of this story - I hope that the final script remains true to the detective aspect of "Batman: Year One", because it works best like that. The last two Batman movies were guilty of making Batman less mysterious. I want the real Batman back and if you read this book, you will too.

Greatest Batman tale ever?
Being new to the world of graphic novels I bought this book based on the reviews of Amazon customers. I must say I was not dissapointed, it provided me with a wonderous introduction to the true nature of Batman, my only other experience being the camp 60's TV show. The artwork and story drag you into the cesspit that is Gotham City and place you firmly in a world of corruption and brutality where the police are as much a danger to public safety as any criminal. We are introduced to Lt James Gordon who quickly becomes the moral centre of the piece, but even he has the most basic of human flaws, we watch as he fights a one man battle to clean up both the police department and Gotham City aided only by a loyal police woman and assistant D.A Harvey Dent. Into this mix is plunged a young Bruce wayne still tortured over the death of his parents and at a loss as to how best strike at the heart of the criminal world his first forays into enemy territory being a complete disaster.
I reccomend this book to newcomers and fans alike. It has brought me into the world of Batman and I will be buying more of Frank Miller's work in the future.
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