Writer: Tom King
Art: Phil Hester, Eric Gapstur, Jordie Bellaire, and Clayton Cowles
Publisher: DC Comics
Price:$4.99
Release Date: October 4th, 2022
There once was a glistening metropolis along the water. A place of hope, family, and growth. This place was called Gotham and it was exquisite. Let’s dive into Gotham City: Year One #1 by Tom King as the legend of this fine city’s fall from grace begins. How the wonderful City of Gotham became the hellhole of brutality and corruption it is today! Let’s jump into the origin of Gotham almost two generations before the true Batman took center stage and follow one Slam Bradley as he investigates a crime that will change his life forever.
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the Gotham City: Year One #1 Review.
TOM KING’S JAM
Now, readers, this is right in Tom King’s wheelhouse. This is the perfect type of story for him to mess around with, create some new mysteries, stay in his lane, and dazzle fans with the noir and fresh look. Some would argue that he needs to be in the thick of it, thoroughly involved with a more dominant character. The problem is when that happens, King oftentimes steps on too many toes, doesn’t research enough of the characters involved, and ultimately rewrites history in the process.
Yet everyone can admit that he has this uncanny knack for writing that draws people towards his work. So, Gotham City: Year One #1 is this amazing comprise that puts King in the heart of a solid mystery, gets his visionary juices flowing, and does all of this while keeping him close to a well-known character and area in the process. It’s a win-win for everyone.
THE DISPATCH
Furthermore, right out of the gate, King grabs the reader’s interest by involving the Waynes. However, it’s not the Wayne’s you’d think. This story goes much deeper and moves pretty quickly. Readers see a different side of Gotham than the rejected, murderous, monstrosity it’s become. As this story begins, Gotham is a City of promise. It’s strong, stable, and filled with compassionate individuals. Nevertheless, the mystery and intrigue always surround itself with the Wayne’s. And before you know it, King weaves together a masterful detective story that’s thrown all on his shoulders.
Now, I’m not saying the art is bad… because it’s not. Yet, to fit the noir style that King is searching for, that leaves the illustrations a bit bland and flat. Therefore, it’s up to King to keep the reader’s attention. And he does so very well with small little wrinkles that gradually reveal what this mystery is and why it’s unfolding. Plus, he instantly throws in some clever speculations and drops them on the reader’s lap to question a few of the main individuals involved in keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
ART
Phil Hester and Eric Gapstur nicely provide the older, noir tone well setting the stage beautifully for the type of story King has planned. Its finish is fresh and modern yet still feels dated and unique at the same time. It’s actually the shades and coloring that temper the mood more represented by Jordie Bellaire. However, the best feature this reviewer loves the most is the lettering which completely provides the journalistic style that places this story masterfully in its noir roots.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Gotham City: Year One #1 is the exact type of story Tom King should be writing. To anyone looking for that perfect detective, noir mystery that feels like it involves characters you should know, this is right up your alley. Fans will instantly be drawn towards Slam Bradley, find the Wayne’s super weird and suspicious, and all while uncovering a new suspenseful thriller in the heart of Gotham’s history long for the Batman.
Fans will need to check this issue of Gotham City: Year One out in order to discover just where this Batman connection actually takes place in this week’s story. Nevertheless, even Tom King haters will be thoroughly intrigued by Gotham City: Year One #1 along with the truthers making this series an interesting pick-up for anyone’s pull list this week. I highly recommend giving this a shot. Let me know what you think, have a great el, and God Bless!