Review of Batman: Year One (2011) by Randall Q — 16 Jul 2012

I haven't read the graphic novel. I've heard rave reviews of Frank Miller's comic from fellow Bat-dorks, but never bothered to pick it up. The concept always intrigued me; a story that follows Batman during his first year as the vigilante. It's a story that has been told before, at least in film. And while the formative years of the Caped Crusader may have never been so rigorously documented in a timeline, "Batman Begins" depicts Bruce Wayne's transformation into Bat-madness flawlessly. "The Animated Series" does a helluva job, too. "Year One" may have been the original, but other storytellers have taken Miller's ideas and perfected them.

Oddly enough, Batman was the most uninteresting of all the characters. "Year One's" depiction of Gordon as a complete badass, but still flawed human struck a chord with me and instantly became my favorite interpretation of the character. Selina Kyle has a strong presence throughout, and it never feels forced. Gotham City itself is more interesting than the Dark Knight in this movie.

I recommend "Year One" to any Batman fan, as it is a novel, pulpy interpretation of Gotham, Gordon, and Selina Kyle. It's just odd that Batman/Bruce Wayne seems dry in comparison.