Batman: Year One
by David Mazzucchelli, Frank Miller
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Book Reviews of Batman: Year One
Book Review: A Classic Look at the Beginning
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a classic graphic novel that shows the brilliance of Frank Miller's writing and the incredible artwork of David Mazzucchelli.
Originally published in the mid-1980s, the opening pages juxtaposes Lt. James Gordon arriving and Bruce Wayne returning to Gotham City, which is haunted by a corrupt police force and essentially open for plundering 24/7/365.
As an early the description of Wayne explains, "He will become the greatest crimefighter the world has ever known...It won't be easy." This is the start of a journey for Wayne and Gordon in a vicious venue where even the strong may not survive.
There is also 40 pages of developmental material, which places the work in a solid historical context. Ultimately, it is a classic (new) look at the beginning, but with a style that fondly remembers this iconic story from the past.
Book Review: Batman REALLY begins
Summary: 5 Stars
A book that Ive looked for a while. I've always said when the ROOTS aren't ignored, it makes for a better story. Also i heard through the pipeline that this was the book that helped Chris Nolan iron out the story that would become the movie "Batman Begins." A side that attracted Christian Bale to the role.
A side of the story that hasn't been explored a lot. His actual hardship well before he donned the cape and cowl. The making mental notes to make sure his mistakes aren't made a second time. The learned processes put through the paces on petty thieves, before being honed on crime bosses.
The artwork's crudeness (or for lack of better word) matched perfectly the beginnings of hero! I was never a big fan of Frank Miller, but this made me give Frank another looksee!
Book Review: Gordon: Year One
Summary: 4 Stars
This provides an interesting take on the origins of Batman, but it is equally (if not more) about Lieutenant Gordon's beginnings in Gotham City, which I didn't expect, but also didn't mind. I did enjoy the art and style, and much of the color was particularly impressive to me.
You do get to see a bit of an amateur and clumsy Batman, but I was far more intrigued by Gordon; his various conflicts seemed to hold a stronger influence throughout. If you're looking for a more comprehensive and in-depth portrayal of the origins of Batman himself then I would recommend Batman Begins, which seemed to be strongly influences by this series.
Overall, it was quite good but not great. If you're a fan of Batman or Miller then it's well worth the price.
Book Review: A truly amazing work of art
Summary: 5 Stars
Forget "The Dark Knight Returns" (also by Frank Miller), THIS is the best Batman book ever written, by a mile. I can't say enough good things about this book. The story is so good it's almost incomprehensible, and the art is just as amazing. The book follows both Jim Gordon and Bruce Wayne, surprisingly giving a little bit more focus to the former, as they experience the corruption of Gotham City firsthand and work to defeat it. If you've seen the movie "Batman Begins", which draws much of its inspiration from this book, then you'll have a pretty good grasp of whats going on here. If you've never read Batman or even a comic before, this is a great place to start, and if you're a lifelong fan, this is a must buy for you too. Highly, highly recommended.Book Review: A classic that leaves you wanting more
Summary: 5 Stars
Many "Classic" Batman stories don't live up to the hype and Frank Miller's work is not always 100%, but this tale definitely is.
I don't see it as a re-telling of the Batman origin as it is often touted to be, since the story mostly focuses on Jim Gordon and his introduction into the world of the GCPD. Batman is only seen in brief glimpses.
Miller's often extreme tendencies are toned down a bit in this book, although it still has plenty fo rough edges and he does a good job of non-chalantly mixing in recognizable characters with new plot points.
Definitely worth a read, it's just too bad it seems so short. Although the sign of a good book is when it leaves you wanting more, so I guess that means they did their job!