Review of Batman: Year One (2011) by Kevin R — 22 Jan 2012

I know pain. Sometimes I share it.

A Chicago cop named James Gordon and his pregnant wife move from Chicago to Gotham City. His arrival is fairly parallel to the return of a rich playboy named Bruce Wayne who is returning to Gotham after a 12-13 year hiatus. They are both disgusted by the state of the city and they both feel obligated to take matters into their own hands. They'll be some bumps and bruises on the way, and the city may not even be worth their efforts, but if not them, who will try to save the city?

"Sometimes you got to spend money to make money.".

Sam Liu (Thor: Tales of Asgard, Hulk vs., Planet Hulk, and Superman/Batman: Public Enemies) and Lauren Montgomery (Green Lantern: Emerald Knights, Wonder Woman, and Superman/Batman: Apocalypse) collaborate to deliver Batman: Year One. The storyline for this picture is excellent and is from the marvelous Frank Miller (Sin City and 300). The animation is solid and the voices are well selected and include Eliza Dushku, Bryan Cranston, and Ben McKenzie.

"We're going to change our line of work.".

I am a huge fan of this graphic novel, which may be the best Batman story ever told (probably tied with Dark Knight, also by Frank Miller). However, this film is not as gritty, violent, or as intense as the graphic novel. The animation style stays true to the original plot and premises. Overall, this is a solid Batman cartoon but not the best of the recent string of DC classics.

"He deserves a handicap.".

Grade: B.