Batman #1 Review

Today is a big day for comic book fans, after months of waiting, the latest Batman reboot series is finally here. It’s always a bitter sweet time when a beloved series gets rebooted, and more often than not, readers will find themselves picking out all its faults and comparing it to the previous series. With Batman #1 however, there has been nothing but praise from those who have been lucky enough to read it early – I could hardly wait to get my hands on it and see what all the fuss was about! So, without further delay, its time to get into our Batman #1 review and talk about everything this new era has to offer.

In Nerdy Nook fashion, this review will be spoiler free. However, we will be discussing minor plot points, so if you want to go in completely blind, make sure to read this review after reading the comic yourself.

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The Review

Image by DC Comics

Firstly, lets talk about the most noticeable thing about Batman #1… the suit. What an absolute stunning new look. The blue and grey has such a nostalgic feel to it, but this time we’ve gone all out with a blue emblem on his chest which really makes this whole look. The new suit perfectly combines the sleek and stealthy look most readers would be used to, with the vibrant, awe inspiring style that truly brings you back to the golden age.

In Batman #1, we dive head first into the action in an existing universe where Batman already has established himself as a hero. This was a bold choice considering this is a new take on the character, but it really works. In fact, it feels right! More often than not, readers will normally pick up a series half way through a big arc and have to just piece everything together with the context of that comic, while this comic does not drop us completely in the dark, it does have that same kind of feeling. It would be nice if we do get some background into this particular Batman soon, though it is not needed to enjoy this comic, it is so very different that it would be valuable.

This first instalment was not very action packed, it did not need to be, but what it does have is substance, it perfectly sets up a world that is very different from what we are used to and that is a truly exciting thing. This feels almost like a sequel to previous Batman series’ rather than a reboot, which is quickly backed up when Gordan mentions he is no longer commissioner within the first few panels. This opens up a lot of opportunity to tell a story we have never read before, not in the same way else world comics like Absolute Batman does it, because this is without a doubt set within the definitive Batman universe.

Image by DC Comics

Though Batman #1 is a good place for even new readers to start off their comic book journeys, if you are a long time fan, you will notice some subtle throwbacks. One in particular that stood out to me is of course Commissioner Savage, aka Vandal Savage – yes another homage to the golden age. Without knowing anything about this character, you can already tell that he is going to become somewhat of a problem for Batman, if you do however know Vandal Savage you will have a pretty good idea as to where this series is heading and what a menacing role commissioner Savage might play in this new world. If you cannot read my excitement, let it be known I am ecstatic right now.

Moving on to the artwork, what can I say… absolutely flawless! In just 1 issue, artist Jorge Jimenez and colourist Tomeu Morey have come together to create this vibrant and stunning world which will have you captivated at every panel. The very first time you see Batman feels like such a big moment, as it should, followed by his first glide over Gotham in quite literally one of the most satisfying Batman panels I think I have ever scene. Exceptional work.

I would not say there was anything I particularly do not like in Batman #1, but there is slight room for improvements. This was a solid first issue, it set up a strong and completely different narrative we have ever seen before, but as I said earlier it felt like a pilot not a sequel. I think for the series to really feel like part of something completely different, we need to see some insight into Batman’s past leading up to these moments sooner rather than later. Never the less, and incredible comic and a promising and exciting new era of Batman.

Image by DC Comics

As promised, Batman #1 offers a bold new take on this iconic character. But it does so while paying tribute to everything Batman comics are, right back to the golden age of comics. We could not be more excited to see where this series heads, it really has a promising future.

What are your thoughts on Batman #1? Is this the start of Batman era you’ve been waiting for? Whatever your thoughts and feelings, share them with us in the comment section of this article.

See also: Must Read Batman Comics

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