100 Greatest Superhero Stories Ever
By Steve Lam
Image Courtesy of DC Comics
#11. Batman #404–#407: “Batman: Year One”
Medium
Comic Book
Release Dates
February 1987–May 1987
Credits
Writer: Frank Miller
Artist: David Mazzucchelli
Letterer: Todd Klein
Colorist: Richmond Lewis
Editor: Dennis O’Neil
The Reason It’s Great
The Dark Knight’s first year in action are explored in Batman: Year One. Writer Frank Miller starts from Bruce’s return after twelve years of rigorous training throughout the world. The story also documents Detective James Gordon’s fight against corruption, and shows Selina Kyle’s path to becoming Catwoman.
After Bruce is badly beaten in his attempt to save a teenaged prostitute, he receives the inspiration to become Batman. His fight moves him up the chain to notorious mob leader Carmine Falcone. James Gordon, freshly transferred from Chicago with his wife, experiences the corruption of Gotham City and fights against the system.
Both Batman and Gordon come to blows after a mandate is issued to apprehend the masked vigilante. However, District Attorney Harvey Dent sees an ally in Batman. The war on crime comes to a head when Falcone directly targets Gordon and his family.
Batman: Year One was released to critical acclaimed and is considered the second best Batman story behind The Dark Knight Returns (which is also on our list). The story is so influential that it served as inspiration for Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins (a film that’s also on our list).