Batman: Year One
by David Mazzucchelli, Frank Miller
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Book Reviews of Batman: Year One
Book Review: if origin storys rock, this one kicks ass.
Summary: 4 Stars
Frank Miller is an awesome writer. There's really no argument there.
And this graphic novel is definitely one of his best.
This is basically an origin story both for Batman and Jim Gordon.
It explores how both men came to be who they are in future references.
I only gave it four stars because it does tend to focus more on Gordon than Batman, and I didn't buy "Gordon:year one".
But that's not to be discounted in any way.If anything, this book makes Gordon look like a straight up bad-ass.
And even tho I would've liked to see more Batman action, its still a great read.
Again, Miller wrote it, so its got that noir feeling to it which I'm a giant fan of. Alot of that inner monologue, detailing how grimy and corrupt Gotham is, that kind of thing.
Here's what you need to consider.
If you like Batman, or Miller's work, you should get it.
If you're looking to get into Batman or Miller's work, you should definitely get it.
Book Review: Not Sure Why It Has Such High Ratings
Summary: 3 Stars
To be fair, this comic is dated now. Moreover, I'm probably comparing it to Batman Begins, which--I thought--was a great telling of Batman's origin. And, that movie did simple copy part of its story from this comic. Nonetheless, this comic lacks much of what made the story in Batman Begins so great. Frank Miller shows us Bruce Wayne's motivation--the death of his parents. But we knew that already. Yet, Miller adds nothing more to that. And, to be candid, the comic divides time with Gordon and Batman. I can see why it is necessary to spend time on Gordon, and Gordon's tale actually is the best part of the comic. Nonetheless, the story at times seems disjointed. The addition of Catwoman's story, while maybe useful in the grand scheme of Batman's continuity, adds nothing here. The story is short, and it just lacks the feeling of a cohesive story. I guess it's fine, but I don't consider it the masterpiece most other reviews seem to consider it.Book Review: The beginning ... by the guy who wrote the end
Summary: 5 Stars
Unlike many other superheros in the DC Universe, when the great origin revamp of the 1980s started, they left Batman's origin story well enough alone. It did, however, need to be retold. So to write the alpha, DC turned to the man who so masterfully told Batman's omega in "The Dark Knight Returns": Frank Miller.
We all know how Bruce Wayne's parents were slain, and Miller doesn't insult our intelligence and gives us a quick recap. Most of Year One is spent covering the rookie Batman and Lieutenant Jim Gordon, who's just taken a job in Gotham. Several important characters have cameos - Harvey Dent and Catwoman, for example - but the story really is about Batman and Gordon forging their bond.
Year One is a masterful Batman story. Not as dystopian as "The Dark Knight Returns," the warmer color palette and more optimistic end reflect the hope of Batman as he started out. A must-read for any Batman fan.
Book Review: READ THIS BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO BUY
Summary: 3 Stars
I checked this book out after seeing that IGN had crowned it the best batman book of all time. I disagree completely. It wasnt bad by any means just didnt live up to the hype at all in my mind. Some things you should know: this book is short! It took me about 30 minutes to read and I highly doubt I will wish to read it again. Also, this book focuses on Jim Gordon more than Batman. This isnt a bad thing because I found Jim Gordon's story to be very compelling. Maybe the main reason I didnt like this book as much was because I had read Long Halloween before it. Long Halloween is easily the best batman graphic novel so I suggest you check that out. All in all this book was good and fun to read but it had no lasting impact on me. I will give it props for the burning building action sequence though because I found that scene both exhilarating and just plain awesome. The rest of the book was so-so.Book Review: Batman: Year One
Summary: 5 Stars
Even though Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns" is the more widely-acclaimed classic, "Batman: Year One" is my preferred favorite. I consider Miller's TDKR a major classic and enjoy it, and I feel the same way about "Year One:" It's a classic.
"Year One" is my favorite origin story next to "Batman Begins." The tone is perfect, the writing is strong and memorable, and Mr. Mazzucchelli's artwork is fantastic and atmospheric.
One of my favorite aspects of this epic is the dynamic of the relationships between Batman and then-Lieutenant Jim Gordon, and Batman and the entire G.C.P.D. Batman/Gordon learning to trust each other, and Batman/G.C.P.D. trying to stay one step ahead of each other. It's the stuff of legends.
This is Batman, ladies and gentlemen. Who he is, and how he came to be.
Highest possible recommendation.