“When you chase your own shadow…it leads you into the abyss.” In a Gotham City where every day feels darker and more irredeemable than the last, Batman makes a definitive choice-to kill off the Bruce Wayne identity for good and embrace the cowl full-time. But though he knows the streets of Gotham, Batman will soon come to find that he hardly knows himself. A serial killer is on the loose, and while the murder victims seem random at first, every clue draws Batman closer to the terrifying truth-that they are all connected, not just to each other…but to him… When an all-new rogues gallery of utterly depraved villains begins to emerge from the depths of the city, Batman will have to contend with the very nature of evil-including that which lurks inside in the darkest corners of his own heart-to face what’s coming for his city. Gargoyle of Gotham brings Rafael Grampá’s twisted vision of both the Dark Knight and the city of Gotham to life in a DC writing debut that will reach its icy black tendrils into the deepest and darkest corners of human nature and leave you gasping for breath-and for more!
Rafael Grampá began working as an illustrator at the age of 14. He began by illustrating self-help books – what he calls the “how to raise your problematic teenagers sort”. During this period, he also did t-shirt designs, caricatures, children’s party decorations, coats of arms and logos for butcher shops and surf shops. He worked as an art director at the Brazilian motion graphics studio LOBO in 2003 where he worked with clients such as Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Creme Savers, Banco Real, Grendene , Diesel and others. Recent freelance work includes the concept design for ESPN-NBA spots, for Wieden+Kennedy NY, directed by Blacklist’s CISMA, and the visual ID for RESFEST/10 Brasil, that includes a opening and a toy.
Gritty and grounded, it is dialogue heavy storytelling backed up by captivating art. Like many isolated stories that are free from continuity and crossover restraints, it is allowed to delve into detective over spectacle, making it more mystery focused than superhero. This works in its favour as Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham takes itself very seriously. Overdramatic at times, but well executed for the most part, there's a lot of promise here that will hopefully be well expanded upon in the following issues.
It's dark and gritty, just as Batman should be, and the artwork suits well.
There's a serial killer mystery to solve and a mysterious tie to our caped crusader.
Everything about this should have worked for me, but here's the thing: there was just too many words. XD
I think this stems from the amount of novels I read, but I've noticed that the more words a comic has, the less I'm into it. I like the blend of narration, dialogue and art, but if it's too heavy on the words I can't be bothered with it. I am an impatient person, and if I wanted to read a lot of words, I'd pick up a novel.
So it's definitely a me thing, here.
This is a decent read and if you're into Batman it should work like a charm. Didn't work for me, but I've heard a lot of positive things from Batman fans.
Some of the worst writing I’ve endured in ages. The editors really should be ashamed of themselves. A few simple cuts here and there would have done a world of good. Try reading some of the dialog out loud, it’s a riot!
But the art is very nice and that’s what I picked up the “Noir Edition” for. Rafael Grampa’s kinetic line work and obsessive mark making is on full display and much easier to appreciate in black and white than it is in the full color edition.
Sadly, many of the pages in my copy are ever so slightly misaligned so all those wonderful fiddly little lines are outlined in just a bit of color. Not crisp black and white but ruddy browns and blues. It’s not great.
Technically there is too much little detail on a lot of the pages to be reduced to standard comic book size anyway. Much of the detail becomes lost in grey sameness. The art would have been better served in a larger format like some of the other DC Black Label books.
Oh well, what are you gonna do. I should be happy DC recognized there was a market for a black and white version of this issue at all. Hopefully we’ll see more of this kind of art centric edition in the future.
Art is very impressive and I’m liking the villain and overall style of this new series. I often feel like you could mass produce Batman black label books and feed the crowds of people who really hunger for the darker adult aspects of Gotham but there are still not many of note. Gargoyle is an exception, looking forward to #2!
You have a serial killer on the loose in Gotham. You also have a crazy guy who looks like a shadow, obsessed with an old cartoon and cries before he kills people. Are the two the same person? If not, are they at least connected? Batman, with the help of Gordon are on the case. This was a pretty dope first issue with some nice art from Rafael Grampá even though I wasn’t the biggest fan of Batman’s cowl design.
Man het artwork hier is wel waanzinnig. Grampá ontstijgt de Miller vibes hier helemaal. En bijzonder om te zien hoeveel Crumb en underground er in zijn werk zit. Ik hou mijn fingers wel crossed voor het verhaal. Het voelt wel weer als een "hoe kunnen we batman zo duister en getraumatiseerd mogelijk maken?" en ik weet niet of hij dat klaar kan spelen. Speciale shout out naar de creatieve lettering though
Apesar da cafonice dos recordatórios, a arte do Grampá e as cores dos Lopes são simplesmente espetaculares. E a história foi caminhando para algo constantemente surpreendente. Gostei.
Until recently, I didn't know who Rafael Grampá was. It was only after hearing him on the "Inteligência LTDA" podcast that I had the privilege of getting to know his work. I was super curious and amazed to discover that a Brazilian would be responsible for a Batman story. This revelation sparked a mix of excitement and admiration in me because knowing that someone from our own land, a fan like us, would be guiding the fate of the Dark Knight was simply sensational. In every way, the story written by him is blazing a fantastic path, and that's what I would like to share in this article.
From the first pages, "Batman: The Gargoyle of Gotham" plunges fans of the Dark Knight into a dark and provocative world, echoing the tone of the recent film "The Batman." In a Gotham where skyscrapers rise majestically, starkly contrasting with the dark streets plagued by poverty and social inequality, a new chapter emerges in the saga of the Dark Knight. Written and drawn by the renowned Brazilian artist Rafael Grampá, this work not only defies expectations but also promises to captivate readers in a story that will take them to the darkest and most intriguing depths of the Batman universe.
The Atmosphere of Gotham: Grampá presents a Gotham City that echoes the urban mazes of São Paulo, with graffiti-covered buildings and an atmosphere charged with tension and danger. This familiarity with urban reality adds an extra layer of immersion to the narrative, making Gotham not just a backdrop but a character in its own right.
The Return of the Dark Knight: In this story, Batman is not portrayed as an invincible hero but rather as a tireless fighter, willing to face any challenge. Grampá presents us with a Batman who not only fights crime but also confronts his own inner demons, reflected in dense and questioning monologues that echo through the darkness of Gotham. Additionally, this new chapter of the Dark Knight's saga introduces us to a Batman who does not hesitate to hit hard and take a beating, showing the brutality and determination of the hero to bring justice to a city plunged into chaos.
Flashbacks and Mysteries of the Past: Throughout the narrative, we are transported to Batman's past through small flashbacks, revealing difficult choices and events that shaped the man behind the mask. These elements add depth to the character and keep readers intrigued, eager to unravel the secrets of the Dark Knight's past.
The New Batmobile and Drastic Challenges: Furthermore, "Batman: The Gargoyle of Gotham" introduces a new Batmobile, upgraded to face the unique challenges that this story brings. As Batman faces a new and unknown villain, who gains prominence in the narrative, he is confronted with difficult and drastic choices, testing his moral and physical limits like never before.
Get ready for an epic journey through the dark alleys of Gotham City, where the fate of the Dark Knight is shaped by exceptional Brazilian talent: Rafael Grampá. The narrative of "Batman: The Gargoyle of Gotham" is a roller coaster of emotions, taking readers on a deep dive into the bowels of this corrupt and dangerous metropolis.
Grampá not only presents us with a vivid and realistic Gotham but also offers us a Batman like never before: a relentless vigilante who faces his inner demons while fighting crime. Get ready to be transported to the dark world of the Dark Knight, unraveling secrets and mysteries that shaped this comic book icon.
With a challenging new villain, a revamped Batmobile, and harrowing moral dilemmas, "Batman: The Gargoyle of Gotham" promises to captivate readers, eager for more action, suspense, and twists. This is not just a comic book; it is an immersive experience that will keep you captivated from beginning to end.
La lectura de este primer número de propuesta personal de Batman de Rafael Grampa, sin duda desafía muchísimo al lector. Desde esa primera parte que nos presenta una nueva variación del fundacional Año Uno, pero con una narración y perspectiva totalmente autodestructiva incluso habiendo visto la película de Matt Reeves protagonizada por Bruce Pattinson. Al completar la lectura de esta presentación, ya solo puedes horrorizarte o admitir que quizás tengas una curiosidad morbosa por ver hasta dónde llegará Grampa con esta apuesta. Es cierto que nos topamos con un Bruce Wayne con un interés más que preocupante en su rol de Caballero Oscuro, al punto de no dudar en desprenderse de cualquier cosa que no suponga poder ser el héroe oscuro que hubiese agradecido que salvase la vida de sus padres en aquel frío callejón y que ha definido su existencia en este camino que solo conduce a salvar Gotham City o morir en el intento.
Al ser una propuesta totalmente independiente, es cierto que hay más margen para poder definir tu Batman descartando cualquier idea establecida a lo largo de las décadas del canon. Rafael Grampa tiene bien claro su perspectiva con este abordaje del personaje. Y ha presentado unas ideas argumentales que bien pueden justificar esta perspectiva y que funcionen para una evolución que le acerque a la figura más reconicible de Cruzado de la Capa... o bien afiance un nuevo rol como el que parece anticipar el título del cómic.
Gárgola de Gotham presenta una nueva forma de mostrar una Gotham City en constante podredumbre arquitectónica y moral. Los diseños de personajes tienen un estilo y personalidad única, que realmente justifican esta oportunidad para Grampa. Al punto de que este decide apostar por su propio imaginario para el Batverso. Con una presencia antagónica con una aparente variación del Film Freak. Al catalizar sus posibles traumas y obsesiones con una clase específica de producto audiovisual que define un aspecto que da un juego tremendo en lo visual.
Story aside -- and it's not bad thus far -- Rafael Grampa's artwork is the best in the medium. He's on another level, mixing media, almost entirely physical, be it graphite, ink, charcoal, scratchboard, gouache, coquille, etc., to take comic art one step above the best work completed by any mainstream artists in the American mainstream -- talented motherfuckers like Ian Bertram, Esad Ribic, Daniel Warren Johnson, James Harren, & even veteran masters of the medium like Geof Darrow, Frank Quitely, Mike Mignola, & Paul Pope -- like the once-in-a-generation talent I believe he is. It's only subjective until enough people see what I'm seeing, and then a consensus opinion becomes a historical consensus, within the incestuous world of comics. The writing seems fine, but I didn't really give a fuck; the only thing that could get me buying a bi/tri/quarterly prestige-format 'Batman' comic is Rafael Grampa's name on the cover. That or Ian Bertram's name; or perhaps a Frank Quitely that was actually inking his books, instead of going the finished pencils route... though I must admit, it usually looks like he's investing 73-75% effort.
I have no idea what the regular editions of this book look like, opting instead for the 'Noir Edition', showing off his black-&-white brilliance to full effect, & perhaps even demonstrating that the willfully obtuse editors of DC recognize how special this guy is. I can only pray to Lucifer Morningstar & all gods fictional, dead, & severely handicapped by non-existence (like Zeus & Allah), that the finished art makes its way into an Artist's Edition. Satan, don't fail me now.
I feel like I'm reading an R Rated Batman: Year One from Miller. That's the bulk of the review.
The diary-esque sort of vibe to his thoughts, the darkness of them, it feels very Miller.
This is still a fairly early Batman, I would think. He's learning how his tech works, how his suit works, Gordon is a detective.
Bruce is having trouble fighting a serial killer who doesn't seem to have superpowers or fantastical training. But maybe he does.
It's a weird vibe, reminds me of some of those video games that came out lately based on those "creepy" musical cartoons from the Betty Boop era. (I'm going to remember the name as soon as I hit post, and be mad at myself.) Cab Calloway. And like Bendy, or Cuphead. That's what it feels like, vibe wise. (I didn't play the games but... it just feels like how I imagine those would.)
The story is interesting enough I do want to know what happens next, which is good, but the vibe just feels like unhinged Batman which generally isn't a Batman I give too many f's about.
Umm, does this take place in '1930s First Appearance Batman Land' or current day with soul sucking smart phones? I can't tell because Grampa is drawing Detective Comics #27 Bats but there's hashtags and viral videos. C'mon Grampa! I dig Grampa's art. I don't know about Grampa's villain though. Crytoon? A dude that's crying all the time, like, tears just flowing everywhere as he's fighting? Oh Grampa. Maybe this should have been called the Weepy Wah Wah Whiner of Gotham. Maybe a visit to Grampa's house could give us some answers. Full take at: https://standupcomicreader.blogspot.c...
A dark, gritty and intriguing start to an already captivating story. A slow burn for sure, driven by dialogue and inner monologues of the main character to flesh out his mindset, thoughts and complexities in a noir setting. Suit is badass - Totally unique yet still very reminiscent of the classic design. Batmobile is badass - A blend between the one from “Batman” (1989), “Batman vs. Superman” (2016) and “The Batman” (2022). The world feels like a mishmash of the 1920s and the modern age to make an exciting yet unpredictable environment to explore. Interested to learn more about the villain👍
I loved the idea of Batman planning to kill Bruce Wayne in order to fully comit with fighting crime. He's basically killing his humanity to go full psycho against villains.
Grampá's artwork looks beautiful. Loved the references to São Paulo and specifically brazilian grafitti on the cover. São Paulo looks pretty much like our Gotham.
And the villain is pretty misterious, leaving us with a cliffhanger that makes me wanna read volume 2.
Nesta primeira parte, Grampá consegue estabelecer as bases para uma narrativa sombria e envolvente.
Com uma atmosfera opressiva, típica das histórias do Cavaleiro das Trevas, o livro explora as complexidades psicológicas de Batman. A leitura é fluida, misturando ação, mistério e drama, tudo com uma escrita densa que prende o leitor.
Gotham é mais do que um cenário; é um reflexo do próprio protagonista, com suas sombras e perigos. Parabéns, Rafa, pelo excelente trabalho! Sucesso.
Picked this up on Free Comic Book Day 2025 The first part of a story where Batman is after an unnamed villain with an obsession with an old cartoon and a serial killer of 4 men (they might be one in the same?). As with most of Batman comics, there is no real date to where in the timeline this story occurs, but it seems to me to take place in Bruce's early years of being Batman. I'm calling this strange villain Cry Baby.
Interesante propuesta con una historia en formato muy clasico del hombre murciélago pero muy innovadora (personalmente y por lo que respecta al traje quizá demasiado) en lo visual. Maravillosa reacción de ambiente en Gotham y sus espacios y gran contraposición entre la realidad y el cine clásico de animación que inspira al villano. Veremos si sabe continuar y terminar.
A gruesome and horrific story in a gritty setting with some of the best batman artwork I have ever seen, easily one of the best batsuits and that classic ever present batman inner turmoil. With a heavy focus on the detective side of batman i’m absolutely in love with this new series and cannot wait to read the next issue to see how the story continues to unfurl.
Rafael Grampa's eclectic style finds a great partnership with the Batman. Anyone who is a fan of the early days of the character or the recent movie will like this. The new villain has a fun gimmick, weeping as he fights. Batman's worst enemy in this seems to be himself, a classic source of tension for the character.
I have been dreaming of a Rafael Grampa batman story written and illustrated by him and we finally got it, though I see a lot of influences with Frank Miller, I do enjoy the gritting mature version of a batman story along with the creative differences from the source material. I am excited to see where this goes.
Awful! I picked this up for the art more than anything, which is good, because the art is terrific but wewwww this has the worst dialogue I have read in a comic book in years. Really wanted to see what’s up with mr cry before you crime but ehh
The artwork is beautiful, and the story seems interesting, but it definitely leans into the Rorschach gritty noir narration to the point of parody. It's VERY serious, and it takes itself VERY seriously
Crytoon is such a cool villain and the art in this is 10/10! I agree with some of the other reviews about a few awkward bits of dialogue but nothing that took away from the experience. One of the best bat books of the year!
DAMN, what a story! Dark, mature, gripping, peak Batman. Love it when they can create an interesting, menacing new villain. Grampa's art is amazing, his Batsuit design is great too! Gordon looks funny.
First time reading this title, and I must say I am conflicted about it. The artwork is very well done, but I’m not a fan of the bat-suite. Now that is a me issue. The storyline so far is interesting. Batman is mentally going through somethings that is making him question his “future”.
this is as good as superhero fiction gets and Grampa is a master of the comic book art form. for every thousand or so generic and rote comic books, you get one of these. don’t miss out.