Written by Frank Miller
Art by David Mazzucchelli & Richmond Lewis
Compilation Cover Art by David Mazzucchelli
SUMMARY:
From a 1986-87 four-part storyline, the original issues are Batman # 404-407. Year One was first published as a trade paperback in 1988. Re-issued in 2005 by DC Comics to capitalize on Batman Begins, this 136-page edition includes artist David Mazzucchelli’s production materials: sample script pages, character designs, layout sketches, cover images, etc.
Set over several months, the narrative alternates between its two pivotal players. One is 25-year old multi-millionaire Bruce Wayne, who has finally returned home to Wayne Manor after a dozen years. More often, the story is told from seasoned police Lt. James Gordon’s P.O.V., upon transferring into Gotham City from Chicago, with his pregnant wife, Barbara.
Disguised as a street thug, an inexperienced Wayne struggles to deploy his stealthy vigilante tactics on Gotham’s dark streets. While brawling with a pimp and his prostitutes, one of Wayne’s attackers is the future Catwoman. In shock from blood loss, a despondent Wayne returns home to await either his death … or the haunting sight of something more. Meanwhile, Gordon warily realizes how far up corruption permeates his department. Having found sudden inspiration, Wayne’s new masked alter ego puts him at instantly violent odds with both the police and Gotham’s underworld.
Among those navigating the chaotic turbulence are District Attorney Harvey Dent and a young Selina Kyle, who joins the action as a masked freelance thief. Trying to apprehend the so-called ‘Batman’ and tangling with Commissioner Loeb’s in-house ‘dirty tricks’ squad, Gordon succumbs to an extramarital affair with his subordinate, Sarah Essen.
A wounded Batman faces the wrath of Gotham’s trigger-happy SWAT team in a fiery showdown. Gordon’s marriage and infant son are threatened by mob enemies he now shares with Gotham’s nocturnal avenger. For his family’s safety, the city’s best cop must ultimately put his faith in a mysterious crusader, whose secret identity he already suspects.
Notes: Among innumerable re-releases, the 2015 hardcover edition includes a double-disc set of DC’s 2011 animated film adaptation.
REVIEW:
It’s deservedly a Bat-masterpiece, with a down-to-earth James Gordon as its MVP. Frank Miller’s realistic plotting, combined with David Mazzuchelli’s gritty visuals, makes for ideal comic book noir revisiting Batman’s first months. Other than a rudimentary utility belt, this rookie Dark Knight is often forced to improvise in desperate situations. Hence, Bruce Wayne’s alter ego is appreciably much closer to classic pulp heroes like The Shadow vs. an unbeatable James Bond-like super-hero. Let’s just say that adults are in for a dynamite and often unpredictable read that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
The glorious padding is a graphic novel’s equivalent of Blu-ray extras. There’s no skimping, as David Mazzuchelli’s treasure trove takes fans behind the scenes of Year One’s development, including his own childhood inspirations. Ultimately, Year One is an ideal prequel before tackling Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale’s enormous Batman: The Long Halloween, which was written a decade later.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
For some Gotham-weary ambiance, the first page is Slam Bradley’s “Crime Blotter” gossip column. Written in March 1988, longtime Bat-writer/editor Denny O’Neil pens a two-page introduction. Frank Miller’s 1988 afterword is entitled “A Shadow Fell Across Me …”
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
