Batman: Year One Review

Batman: Year One is not my first graphic novel revolving around the “caped crusader”, but it did make me aware of how Batman came to be. I gained most of my Batman knowledge through the various films throughout the years, but they all seem tame in comparison to Batman: Year One. The novel is dark and gritty and it’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t have at least one flaw, even Batman. Whether the pain is emotional or physical, Batman: Year One really reminds you that Batman is just an ordinary man putting the weight of a city on his shoulders.

I found Batman’s first endeavor into the role of hero to be the most interesting part of the Batman: Year One. His first venture down the righteous path wasn’t well thought out and could have easily been his last. There was no mask and no plan, only a man who wanted to make things right. Seeing how vulnerable Batman was in this situation really showed that Batman is just a man like you or me. “…yes father. I have everything but patience. I’d rather die... than wait… another hour.” (Miller 20) That line really sold me on Miller’s version of Batman. I immediately connected with the character and excitedly began looking forward to what happened next.

Not everything in Batman: Year One is worth praising however; Catwoman’s portrayal is rather unbecoming. Seeing Catwoman as a man-hating prostitute felt more like parody, rather than reality. “You know what I hate most about men, Skunk? Never met one.” (Miller 11) This particular line is something I would expect from a cheesy film and not a line I could ever take seriously. Catwoman’s involvement in the story isn’t even needed and seems tacked on just to have a familiar female face. James Gordon was also rather cliché. At times it seemed like he was given flaws just so he wouldn’t seem like such a perfect guy, but at the same time I didn’t find that to detract from the character.

In the end, I find Batman: Year One to be a very interesting novel and a great read. It’s a gripping introduction to the world of Gotham City and the character of Batman. The novel shows you how it started and gives you an idea of where Batman is heading without going into detail. You’re given the opportunity to see a Batman before he truly becomes “Batman”. You see the man become the symbol that we all know and love and Batman: Year One gives you an extra appreciation for how he got there.

Miller, Frank. Batman: Year One. New York: DC Comics 2005