Batman: Year One
by David Mazzucchelli, Frank Miller
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Book Reviews of Batman: Year One
Book Review: Better than the Dark Knight Returns?
Summary: 4 Stars
It is hard to compare Frank Miller's books, but Year One is definitely more accessible perhaps traditional batman story than his legendary Dark Knight stories. David Mazzuchelli is also talented in his own right (see Asterios Polyp).
Year One has been cited as one of the main influences for Christopher Nolans Batman films. If you enjoyed Nolan's more realistic Gotham city, dominated by gangsters who attempt to use Batman's colorful rogues gallery to distract him from the root of the city's corruption, that comes straight out of the pages of Year One (as well as its "sequel" The Long Halloween).
I'm somewhat biased as a big Frank Miller fan, but I would highly recommend this graphic novel for any Batman fan.
Book Review: Partners in Crime-Fighting
Summary: 4 Stars
Created by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli, the story of Batman's beginnings is told not only from the perspective of the Dark Knight but that of policeman Jim Gordon, his eternal ally and friend, as they take on Gotham's criminal underbelly and a corrupt justice system. Though it goes as far into Batman's origin as it has to, what really sets "Year One" apart is that it's as much Gordon's story as it is Batman's, which sheds more light on how their unusual partnership begins. As an added bonus, the story also tells of the birth of Catwoman. With Miller going back to the Dark Knight's dark roots, if "Year One" doesn't wipe away your memories of that 1960s TV show, nothing will.
This comic is unrated: Violence, Adult Situations.
Book Review: The New Edition's Review...
Summary: 5 Stars
So many wonderful reviews have been written here that little comment is needed. Suffice to say that this new edition probably didn't rate the "Absolute" treatment from DC mainly due to the story's brevity. Still the extras included in this new edition make it worth it. David Mazzucchelli's afterword is wonderful, not to mention his sketches, preliminary artwork gives the reader a glimpse into the makings of a comic classic. The inclusion of several pages of Frank Miller's script and Mazzucchelli's breakdowns and Richmond Lewis's new coloring have given a timeless story new life.
Maybe DC will release this work as an "Absolute," edition. Failing that, this is the closest we will come to. 5 stars.
Book Review: Severely Overrated
Summary: 2 Stars
Really was disappointed in this novel especially considering all the hype it gets. The story is very short and is mostly about Gordon's rise through the ranks than it is about Batman. In fact, there is very little about Batman in the novel to begin with so do not expect to get the details about Batman like you did with Batman Begins. Also, as someone has mentioned, the novel seems to go nowhere and just when you think it is about to begin its over. The other major flaw is the artwork which is probably the worst you will ever see from a professional. The only positive I saw in this novel was the move towards realism. Other than that, there really isn't anything of value in this book.Book Review: Over-Hyped
Summary: 2 Stars
Only four issues long, this is meant to tell the story of Batman's formative year. I went into this riding high on the wave of adulation for this work and came away feeling cheated and like I'd gotten screwed with my pants still on. There are some inspired moments but mostly I was asking the question, "Yeah, okay, interesting - but when's the freaking story gonna start??!" Its not enough to say "It's Millar, shut up" or "Its untouchably masterfully brilliant!!" cos it really isn't. Compared to other Batman stories - basically anything Denny O'Neill wrote, Venom, Long Halloween, Hush etc - Year One falls down. Over-hyped with some good ideas but no real payoff.