Review: Batman Damned Book One
The much touted Black Label from DC is finally here, with this the first book featuring the company’s go to big play maker, Batman. Who else would DC use to kick of their more mature, superheroes with a touch of Vertigo, imprint? True there are a couple of guest stars, some more obvious than others, but at the end of the day this a Batman that is far removed from the heart-broken character currently inhabiting his own book.
The Joker is dead. Again. This time though, there is more of a certainty to the Clown Prince of Crime’s demise. Reports are inconclusive, but it seems that Batman may have exercised the ultimate brand of justice. Problem is, Batman can’t remember anything after waking up in ambulance with paramedics trying to cut off his mask. From there, requiring the help from good old faithful Alfred, he instead gains a “helping” hand from John Constantine.
Brian Azzarello is a comic veteran, having written a number books from across the aisles whilst carving out a stellar career and reputation as an excellent storyteller. It should therefore come as no shock that there is more going on in this book than the advertised topic. Azzarello weaves a mystery with an interweaving foliage of memories, misinformation that escapes young Bruce’s attention. Throughout the book we get a Batman that we are probably not used to seeing that much, a Batman on the back foot, with every ounce of his detective skills seemingly confusing him even more. With Constantine’s involvement things get more than a tad spooky with his narration also working to keep the reader in as much confusion as Batman. Azzarello introduces a small cast of characters that will no doubt impact things down the line. The script works to move the story along well, giving the barest of hints at the motivations in play, allowing the readers past knowledge and expectations to carve their own way through this dark world of perceptions. On a side note, I enjoyed the Killing Joke reference, even if at this stage its inclusion from the narrator is again another mystery.
The art by Lee Bermejo is simply stunning, with the Gotham on show a mix of bright lights and dark corners, that if anything, reminds me of the city scapes from the original Blade Runner film. All that is missing is the flying cars! There is an element of realism to the art; Batman is dressed in a more utilitarian fashion than you may be used to seeing, again an influence or freedom of not having to accede to the whim of super-heroics. Speaking of influences, it seems that Bermejo has a soft spot for Keaton’s ’89 Batman, judging from the facial elements on show which including seeing Batman’s eyes.  Heavy lines give the environment a weary lived in feel which when coupled with the gorgeous painted style of the colors, exudes horror in every panel. Jared K. Fletcher uses a mix of styles effectively to emphasise the “not of the actual DC Universe” vibe.
With the success of The Dark Prince Charming, it was almost inevitable that DC would yet again walk down the mature path with Batman, a character that could easily cast a long shadow in this tone of book as an ongoing series, if it wasn’t for all that pesky licencing that Warner Bros. insist on. As it stands, the quality of this book is outstanding and well worth the increase in the price of admission. I do have a minor concern that, like the Dark Prince, the tale will feature a fantastic setup, which may falter as characters are written into possible corners.
Writing – 5 Stars
Art & Colors – 5 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Written by; Brian Azzarello
Art & Colors by; Lee Bermejo
Letters by; Jared K. Fletcher
Published by;Â DC Comics / Black Label
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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