By Harrison Stewart — Batman: The Knight #1 is one of an increasing number of new out-of-continuity character-driven miniseries aimed at exploring the legend of the Bat in all its myriad forms, complete with varied tones and fresh angles. For example, Tom Taylor and Andy Kubert recently focused on the character’s pulp roots in Batman: The Detective, delivering a satisfying mystery in the process. While Mattson Tomlin and Andrea Sorrentino delivered a grounded look at Batman with romantic undertones and visual experimentation in Batman - The Imposter. And the list goes on.

This time around, writer Chip Zdarsky looks to answer the question of who Batman is by reexamining how he came to be. Aided by moody, cinematic art from Carmine Di Giandomenico and colors by Ivan Plascencia, this team crafts an origin that is at once familiar and fresh. The story is set a decade after Bruce is orphaned. His rage is resolute but unwieldy, in desperate need of refinement. We’ve seen this stage before, the moments where certain mentors crafted the man who would be the Bat. But Zdarsky adds a layer, taking interest also in those who tried and failed to change his course. Some try to change him for the better; others for worse. The result is an evocative tug-of-war for the soul of a young man destined for greatness, one whose outcome seems far from certain. 

The primary addition or change the creators make to the canon is the early introduction of a classic villain.  Whereas the traditional thinking around his rogue’s gallery is that Batman invited colorful nemeses with a likewise colorful crusade, recent stories have flipped the script, with the villains already present and Batman rising to the occasion. This makes for an interesting inversion, begging questions of who really made whom. Chicken or the egg. 

Per usual, Zdarsky’s writing is both witty and compelling. His characters feel grounded and well formed, utilizing the reader’s expectations to take us in new directions on oft trodden ground. This is a more cerebral look at Bruce’s early days, smoothly suggesting some of his darkness could stem from exterior forces. Despite its status as a prequel, The Knight proves effective at convincing you this may not play out how you think. 

As for the art, Di Giandomenico’s heavy shadows and dark facial expressions match the tone perfectly. Long stretches of back-and-forth conversation are held together seamlessly by some great artistic choices, never allowing a hint of visual stagnation. That attention to variation is of particular importance in an oversized book with a lot of ground to cover. To boot, Plascencia’s colors expertly establish mood, complimenting the inks without overshadowing them. 

Overall: Despite some familiar territory, Batman: The Knight #1 offers an intriguing opportunity to redefine the Dark Knight’s origins with a more sinister focus. 8.0/10

REVIEW: Batman - The Knight #1

Batman - The Knight #1
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artist: Carmine Di Giandomenico
Colorist: Ivan Plascencia
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Publisher: DC Comics - Black Label
The origin of Batman and his never-ending fight against crime in Gotham City is modern mythology, but what of the story in between? How did an angry, damaged young man grow into the most accomplished detective and crime-fighter the world has ever known? How did the Dark Knight…begin? Superstar writer Chip Zdarsky (Daredevil) and acclaimed artist Carmine Di Giandomenico (The Flash) will take Bruce Wayne on a fraught journey, making allies and enemies, on his training to become Batman in this definitive new series!
Price: $4.99
Read This: Get it via Amazon; or read it digitally via comiXology

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Harrison manages a comic shop by day and writes comics by night. You can find more of his writing at @stewart_bros