THE DARK KNIGHT #1

[ I HATE WINDOW SHOPPING ]

Like most emotions, fear is one that can aide you if used properly. It can guide you to over come any doubts – it can be used as a stimulant to justify pasts woes – and it can be deployed as a narrative piece to introduce you to this comic book Written by Paul Jenkins and David Finch; Drawn by Paul Jenkins; and Published by DC Comics in October 2011. 



 THE STORY:

Whilst pontificating on the nature of fear, Batman jumps out of his plane, suits up into his Bruce Wayne attire, before giving a speech at a charitable function associated with homelessness.

What a cool guy!

Now at this event, Bruce speaks to a congressmen about they way that the Wayne Foundation is trying to help unemployment in Gotham City, as he is then accused by Police Lieutenant Forbes, of Internal Affairs, of aiding Batman and his ‘allies’ with dodgy financing.

What an unlucky guy!

Thankfully, though, Bruce is saved from this confrontation by the host of this event, Jaina Hudson, whom tries to seduce him in the process.

What a jammy git!

However, later that same evening, things turn a shade darker for Batman – as he is called to Arkham Asylum because the lunatics have broken free. So what does Batman do about this disastrous turn of events? Correct – kick ass and takes name – and one in particular is on his list to keep within this domicile, Two Face. And does Batman find Two-Face? Err – yes – a Two-Face of sorts – one pumped up to the nines and ready to rumble.

To be continued....

THE REVIEW:

Now I am sure that this comic book series should be in the Guinness Book of Records or something, because it has had two number ones within the space of a year. However, is this second number one like a number two? (If you get my gist) Moreover, is it something well worth the re-boot treatment? Errr – neither I suppose – as in essence, this issue just feels like a continuation of what happen last issue (if you get my gist again).

Granted, the art on this book by David Finch is of a very high standard. And to a certain extent you can say the same thing about David Finch’s and Paul Jenkins words too. But (yes, there is a but), I have to admit, something does not feel right within this tale all in all – and I guess that is all to do with what this ‘Dark Knight’ Batman series is all about.

Well, if the ‘Batman’ title is about ‘Batman stories’, ‘Batman and Robin’ is about... err... Batman and Robin tales, and ‘Detective Comics’ is about detective mysteries, what does ‘The Dark Knight’ stand for? How mysterious Batman can be? How Knightly Batman looks if drawn by a cool artist? How DC can scam a few more bucks out of their Bat-fans?

OK, fair dues, my last comment was a bit bellow the belt. Still, it would be nice if this series could highlight the direction that it is going in. Fair enough, the art is great – the story is clear – and the overall presentation is just out of this world. Nevertheless, I feel that it needs some substance to make the package that much more complete.

Anyway, as a first issue goes, this wasn’t a bad one in the execution – as the narration was nice – the story felt fractured yet clear – and as for the art, well, just look at the picture above, isn’t it perfect.

Nice start – fair story – no direction.

THE RATING: B