By d. emerson eddy — It pretty much goes without saying that DC Comics, that is “Detective Comics Comics”, publishes a lot of Batman comics. Just this week alone there's something like 16 Batman, Batman-related, and Batman-adjacent titles. It makes sense, Batman is a draw and continues to sell comics. He's one of those characters that lends himself to just about any type of story from action/adventure right on through to zombie horror, and it usually works. I tend to adhere to the belief that it's very hard not to make at the least a good, enjoyable Batman story and that there are many out there that are simply great. In some cases, even the best that the industry can offer. Granted, I am biased. It may not always seem as such, but Batman, like Swamp Thing, was one of the things that cemented my readership in comics. 

So, I was excited when I heard the news that Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch were going to be working on a year-long Batman story. Full disclosure, though, it's not because of The Authority. I enjoy Ellis and Hitch's work apart, but I was never really a fan of that series. I may have a different reaction if I were to read it again now, but it never grabbed me when it was first coming out. I liked what came before in Stormwatch, and I have enjoyed some subsequent takes on The Authority, but that era never clicked with me. Also, like the “grim and gritty” that people took from Watchmen and Dark Knight Returns, I thought many subsequent creators took the wrong lessons regarding “widescreen” decompressed storytelling from the series. Still, as I said, I really quite like Ellis and Hitch's work separately, so I was excited to see what they would do together again on The Batman's Grave #1.

And you know what? It's good. The story opens with the rather macabre narration of Alfred tending to the Wayne Family plot, including a third gravestone baring Bruce's name. It keeps you a bit off-balance since it's somewhat off-putting to think of having a headstone already made before you're dead. This intro gives the story a very ominous feel. It's also in contrast to the style and tone of the rest of the issue, featuring some intense action and some nice detective work. Ellis seems to be layering this to work on multiple levels in a way that is both a satisfying single issue experience and a cohesive larger narrative to be read as one continuous work. I find overall, though, that there's a very nice blend of storytelling formats that play to all of the creators' strengths. 

Especially the action sequence that follows the opening narration. Bryan Hitch here opens up and delivers a phenomenal depiction of the city with a very nice fight scene that's reminiscent of some of his best widescreen action scenes. It also really adds variety to the sombre beginning and the more crunchy detective work that follows, while still introducing us to a potential supporting character. 

Hitch's pencils are enhanced and enriched by the legendary Kevin Nowlan's inks, too. It's interesting to see two very distinctive artists styles mesh like this, with Hitch's scratchier shadows and Alan Davis-inspired lines melding with Nowlan's more solid shadows and Wally Wood-inspired lines. Though it is apparent that both artists seem to intersect at Neal Adams, leading to a very interesting meld of their styles, bringing together the strength of both artists to create an impressive looking Batman.

Alex Sinclair's colors help break down the tones of the three primary sections, from the sombre opening with a mix of muted grey and earth tones to the heavy blue base of Batman's action scenes and finally almost a sickly yellow/green while Bruce is trying to solve the murder mystery. There's even a nice break during it where a discussion between Alfred and Bruce takes on a more natural color tone, emphasizing almost a kind of safety and warmth between the two characters. I find it really enhances the story.

The creative team is rounded out by the equally legendary founder of Comicraft, Richard Starkings, who employs some interesting lettering and word balloon choices here. It feels a bit larger than standard, with mixed case letters, making it incredibly easy to read, while still giving it a unique feel.

Overall, I was impressed with this first issue of The Batman's Grave. Ellis, Hitch, Nowlan, Sinclair, and Starkings give us an opening chapter that has enough mystery to keep us going with enough crunch to make it a satisfying single issue in its own right. There's much more to be uncovered, giving one the feeling that they're only getting started.

The Batman's Grave #1
Writer: Warren Ellis
Penciller: Bryan Hitch
Inker: Kevin Nowlan
Colorist: Alex Sinclair
Letterer: Richard Starkings
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99

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d. emerson eddy is a student and writer of things. He fell in love with comics during Moore, Bissette, & Totleben's run on Swamp Thing and it has been a torrid affair ever since. His madness typically manifests itself on Twitter @93418.