Batman #1 Review

By D. Goodman | Jun 20, 2016

Batman enters new era as writer Tom King quickly makes himself right at home in Gotham without missing a beat.

Batman #1
Written by Tom King
Art by David Finch and Matt Banning
Colored by Jordie Bellaire
Published by DC Comics

Warning! SPOILERS for Batman #1 follow! If you have not read the issue yet, that ain’t my problem bub.

“How the hell is someone supposed to follow up what Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo did with their time working on the Dark Knight?”

That was perhaps the biggest question hanging over the entire Rebirth event as fans geared up for the first issue of the new Batman series. Tom King gave us a glimpse of what we could expect in Batman: Rebirth #1, but that was co-written by Snyder. However, now he would be flying without a net. Could he stick the landing or would King fall flat on his face?

I mean, it’s not like the character needed a lot of fixing, unlike most of the titles getting an overhaul thanks to Rebirth. Fans were deliriously happy with the New 52 Batman series and were sad to see the Snyder/Capullo era come to an end.

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So, how did King do?

Pretty damn well if you ask me.

“I Am Gotham” Part One is a very good first issue, maybe even a hair better than the Snyder/Capullo Batman #1 from 2011. It works as both a great introduction to the character of Batman for those who might have missed the previous series while still giving longtime fans something to enjoy.

Seeing Batman try to stop a jetliner from crashing into his city was a unique and unorthodox way to open the series, especially considering how much focus has been put on Batman’s Rogue’s Gallery thanks to the Gotham television series. But it works incredibly well and showcases not only Batman’s skills, but his relationship with both Alfred and James Gordon as well.

The final page reveal of Gotham and Gotham Girl was also a great way to finish the first issue, giving readers plenty of reasons to return in a couple weeks.

Artistically, well, obviously David Finch was born to draw Batman, that much is obvious. He does a splendid job on the new costume, which is really starting to grow on me, and tells the story in a straight-forward, simple style that I really enjoyed.

I don’t normally mention letterers when I do comic book reviews for the simple reason most of the time they are done via computer. In this day and age, the lettering in comics lack any real personality or sense of style.

So when I saw the name John Workman in the credits, my heart skipped a beat. His work is some of the most distinctive and imaginative in all of comics and he doesn’t get nearly the recognition he deserves. The man is an artist just as much as Finch and to see him working on a title as high-profile as Batman put a huge smile on my face.

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The Bottom Line: Batman #1, like almost every other Rebirth title thus far, is an incredibly good comic book that rewards new and old readers alike. King has picked up right were Snyder left off yet has already made the book and character his own. While one era might have ended, another one has officially begun and it looks like it’s going to be a good one.