Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Art: Carmine Di Giandomenico, Ivan Plascencia, and Pat Brosseau
Publisher: DC Comics
Price:$4.99
Release Date: March 15th, 2022
While preparing to become the BATMAN in Paris alongside a notorious cat burglar, Bruce gets trapped in an impasse between Henri Ducard and the Foundling. Let’s dive into BATMAN: THE KNIGHT #3 by Chip Zdarsky and Carmine Di Giandomenico to see if Bruce can pass his first “real” test or will it prove to be too deadly for the young, soon to be a vigilante? Let’s dive in and find out!
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THE DISPATCH
Did you ever wonder how BATMAN became such a good detective? Well, look no further than BATMAN: THE KNIGHT #3 to see his introduction into detective work from none other than Henri Ducard himself. Readers will get a young, naive Bruce Wayne twisted up into a hot mess that involves a serial killer and burglary. This Bruce is somewhat innocent and instantly becomes enamored with Henri’s abilities.
In all reality, BATMAN fans get little Bruce Wayne this issue and more hardcore Ducard, who’s a straight-up bad$&$. He’s smart, gritty, and comes to the game well prepared. He gets into the heads of who he’s tracking down and can ultimately “think” like a killer. Bruce immediately sees his attributes and can’t help but become awestruck. Yet, the part of BATMAN: THE KNIGHT #3 that I love so much is that readers don’t get an 80s montage of Ducard ultimately grooming Bruce. We see their first encounter, a relationship at its roots, and hopefully the possibility of this series turning into fans witnessing the growth and maturation of the character. Plus, all while simultaneously solving a murder and capturing a serial killer. Readers, it’s like his first big case!!
And then just when you think this issue of BATMAN: THE KNIGHT #3 couldn’t get any better, it sinks its teeth in deep. Bruce magically switches into gear after a crazy mishap that propels some of the first inclinations of the BATMAN to the surface. It’s almost as if we see that first spark mixed with the rage that would fuel anyone who witnessed their parent’s murder. Readers, I can’t begin to tell you just how well-written and articulated this issue of BATMAN: THE KNIGHT #3 is by Zdarsky. It truly does hit on so many levels.
ART
Carmine Di Giandomenico draws some of the most thorough illustrations which are uniquely paired with the use of vital shades and intense angles. This could be partially due to his background, however, his European ties may have helped him make the buildings and backgrounds come to life. The renderings are amplified by some incredible coloring by Ivan Plascencia that helps provide personality to the pages of BATMAN: THE KNIGHT #3. The dark tones thoroughly assisted in portraying the mood of the comic while also complementing the European background and rhythm of the issue.
FINAL THOUGHTS
BATMAN: THE KNIGHT #3 by Zdarsky not only depicts the early machinations of BATMAN, but it gives fans the tools to genuinely see what it takes to be BATMAN. How did Bruce learn how to sneak into buildings without being seen? How did he become the world’s greatest detective? And, who taught him all of this? Zdarsky lays out the details and ramps up the emotion this week. Bruce may be immature and angry but fans get to see that inner drive that just never quits.
Moreover, readers get the perfect glance of Zdarsky’s range. He jumps from a simple burglary story to a serial killer motif in seconds. Couple that with the emotional charge of a young Bruce Wayne that simply fits even though the matured version lacks almost all aspects of emotion. It’s ironic yet real and powerful. I can’t recommend BATMAN: THE KNIGHT #3 enough. Pick this issue up, grab back issues, or wait for the trade. Either way, it’s a must-read. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!