Writer: Dan Jurgens
Art: Mike Perkins, Mike Spicer, and Simon Bowland
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $6.99
Release Date: March 5th, 2024
The year is 1939. The world, still reeling from the horrors of the First World War, is on the brink of tipping into an even more gruesome conflict, as fascism is on the march—and gathering strength in America’s darkest corners. Against this backdrop, a series of violent murders has begun in Gotham, and the recent emergence of the mysterious vigilante known as The Bat-Man has the power brokers of the city living in fear of institutional collapse. All of the evidence in the murder investigation defies logic: the perpetrators are all men who died in the electric chair. But when the Bat- Man comes face to face with one of these sickening anomalies, he barely escapes with his life—throwing into question his ability to survive in a world that is brutally evolving around him! Legendary writer Dan Jurgens and superstar artist Mike Perkins return to the earliest days of the Dark Knight, retelling one of his most infamous cases through an acutely modern lens, depicting a world paralyzed by anxiety and a desperate populace crying out for release!
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 Bat-Man: First Knight #1 Review.
THE DISPATCH
Jump back into 1939 with a Bat-Man cleaving to a city coming out of the Great Depression and entering a war that could change the face of the world forever. Watch as a new vigilante bat creature, or at least that’s what the papers say, scours the streets of Gotham looking for an unexplained serial killer targeting the Gotham elite. However, this Bat-Man is new, young, and raw. He’s not the amazing fighter we’re accustomed to nor is he the best detective in the world either. This Bruce is alone and in the beginning stages of his mission to clean up Gotham City.
Now, what sounds like another Batman: Year One comic is far from that. It’s the story’s setting and theme that makes Bat-Man: First Knight #1 something special. Picture a comic that mixes Dick Tracy with the original, classic, horror movie genre and readers will find the exact setting of issue one. And if we’re being technical, this was the world our Batman was introduced to originally. Heck, this was the authentic vision for the character before time got its sticky hands on this masterclass.
Moreover, it’s the subtle nuances that Jurgens slides into Bat-Man: First Knight #1 that set the stage beautifully. Notice the vocabulary from the characters down to the very slang words that drive this era perfectly. Or how about the dark colors and tone that exemplify the horror motif? It’s always raining, gloomy, and depressing. Yet, the detail provided by Mike Perkins is out of this world. If you’re a realistic comic book fan, this art is truly stunning. The characters perfectly depict the hard-boiled detective mixed with the beauty and grace of a woman of the time. Readers, you will be dazzled by Perkins’ illustration and searching for a 1930s movie night to wet your whistle In between issues.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Bat-Man: First Knight #1 is certainly a must-buy for the original Batman fan. You know; the one who’s read every issue and wants an updated look with a classic feel. For the hard-boiled detective fan who loves the classic monster flick, this issue is right up your alley. Plus, you get a Batman that’s new, on the scene, and navigating Gotham in a more realistic manner than what we see today. However, it’s the cliffhanger that has me “juiced” for the next installment. I couldn’t be more excited for this fresh, new take on the character that places Batman in his original light with better artistry and plot design. I highly recommend adding Bat-Man: First Knight #1 to your pull list. It’s worth the price and you can thank me later. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!