Been a while since we’ve done a Batman title, eh? I knew I had to read this as soon as it popped on my radar.
Once again, Batman confronts the Joker. Once again, Batman puts the Joker in Arkham. But this time… Joker is cured? Batman force-fed the Joker an unknown medication that seems to have driven him sane. The newly reformed Jack Napier, along with Harleen Quinzel, are now on a crusade to save Gotham from Batman. Not too many people take him seriously at first – come on, it’s gotta be another of Joker’s schemes, right? – but as time goes on, and Jack doesn’t let up, it becomes very clear that he is serious, and that he won’t stop until Gotham is delivered from her Dark Knight and corrupt police force. Will the public’s opinion of Jack change? Will Batman be revealed as the villain after all, or will the Joker come back out of the woodwork?
W o w. This is definitely a Batman comic worth reading. It challenges a lot of things that Batman has previously gotten away with, and then some, revealing no clear answers in the process. It makes you question if Batman is really doing good, or if he’s just another criminal in a mask and cape. His design in this one – with a Dracula-esque collar, more angry scowl lines on his cowl, and hints of fangs – definitely hint that Batman is more of a villain than he lets on, and we see it in the art. Obsessively detailed and cinematic, with many Gothic elements in the architecture and character designs, the art is a constant reminder of the seedy city we’re in. This stellar start to the DC Black Label series is provocative, thought-provoking, and will have you mulling it over long after you’re finished.
– Kathleen
Murphy, Sean, and Matt Hollingsworth. Batman: White Knight. 2018.
October 29, 2018 at 1:52 pm
I really enjoyed Batman White Knight, great story and art. It was such a different take on the Dark Knight.
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October 29, 2018 at 8:02 pm
Yes! It brought to light all those nagging doubts you have about Batman and his methods in the back of your head.
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October 29, 2018 at 3:17 pm
I’ve been torn on this one, but with all the good I’ve been hearing about it, I figure it’s just a matter of time til I get to it myself!
I’m not sure how I feel about even the idea of seeing, say, “normal” Batman stuff challenged…BUT I imagine that’s no more than approaching Superman from Luthor’s point of view, that he is an “Other,” an Alien, and such. (I’m sure my phrasing is not conveying the extent and nuance of what I’m meaning).
Seeing your high positive on it does a great job of pushing me further along to actually acquiring it!
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October 29, 2018 at 8:06 pm
Oooh, I wonder if they’ve done anything like that – Superman from Lex’s point of view! That would interest me enough to pick it up. Part of why I liked this one so much was it challenged me to really think about Batman as a hero, and I like stuff that makes me think ;D
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October 29, 2018 at 8:09 pm
I think it’s been reprinted with a couple titles, but look for Lex Luthor: Man of Steel…I believe by Azzarello!
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October 29, 2018 at 8:24 pm
This is an actual Batman book I want to read! I tried to get an advance copy through NetGalley but I was denied- what, did they check our blog and read my comments about how I typically hate the Bat?!
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October 31, 2018 at 5:32 pm
They must have!!! X,D
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