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Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham
Batman: A Gárgula De Gotham
Em uma Gotham City onde cada dia parece mais sombrio e irremediável do que o anterior, Batman faz uma escolha definitiva: matar a identidade de Bruce Wayne para sempre e abraçar o capuz em tempo integral. Mas, embora conheça as ruas de Gotham, ele logo descobrirá que mal conhece a si mesmo. Uma galeria de vilões totalmente depravados começa a emergir das profundezas da cidade, e o Homem-Morcego terá que lidar com a própria natureza do mal, incluindo aquele que se esconde nas trevas de seu próprio coração, para enfrentar o que está por vir para sua cidade. Batman: A Gárgula de Gotham dá vida à visão perturbadora do brasileiro Rafael Grampá do Cavaleiro das Trevas, que mergulhará nos cantos mais profundos e sombrios da natureza humana e deixará você sem fôlego… e querendo mais!
48 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2023
About the author
Rafael Grampá
52 books32 followersRafael 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 25, 2023
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.
actual rating 3.5 stars
actual rating 3.5 stars
October 10, 2023
I can see the appeal, but this one wasn't for me.
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.
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.
September 16, 2023
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.
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.
September 20, 2023
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!
March 18, 2025
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.
September 16, 2023
Really nice art, strikingly bad writing.
From the first sentence I knew I was in trouble.
“No child should call the grave of his murdered parents home… because Gotham City and that grave are the same.”
Try to read some of the dialogue out loud, I dare you. To paraphrase bats: It’ll make your stomach demand escape through your throat.
From the first sentence I knew I was in trouble.
“No child should call the grave of his murdered parents home… because Gotham City and that grave are the same.”
Try to read some of the dialogue out loud, I dare you. To paraphrase bats: It’ll make your stomach demand escape through your throat.
June 11, 2026
Batman has always been a favorite superhero of mine.
There's just something about him I love, ever since I saw the 90s cartoon as a kid. I'm aware that the character is old enough that there are all sorts of different iterations of the guy, from the Campy Adam West depiction, the genial, good-natured Superfriends, to the dark, brooding knight, and everything in between, but it's the gothic detective version that I love the most.
Why? Because Batman, unlike other superheroes, is a regular human. Master of martial arts, genius-level IQ, and incalculable wealth, but a regular human nonetheless, so it never made sense why he'd be able to stand toe to toe with literal demigods and planetary threats.
So for me, the best version of Batman had always been where he's at home in Gotham, figuring out a crime spree, following clues, and fighting enemies who are just as tenacious as he is. The world's greatest detective has to mean something after all.
So when I saw that the 4th issue of this limited run came out, I had to pick up the previous issues to read. I quietly took a break from this classic novel I'm reading, and spent the day with some snacks and hot cocoa, curled up in my reading chair, following through over the last four issues.
How much did I like it? Well... by the 3-star review, you can probably guess I had an okay time, but not an amazing time. I enjoyed it and don't regret picking it up. Let me go more into depth on what I mean by that.
ALSO, keep in mind that I intend to copy/paste this review for Issues #1, #2, #3, and #4, so more than likely you'll see this on those four issues. Let me get into it:
Art
The art is honestly the best part of this limited run. It's bold, dynamic, gorgeous to look at, and never stops being impressive.
I'm not kidding. Look at the background art of Gotham itself, with its towering buildings, gothic architecture, and how Rafael Grampa switches between a comedic, simplistic style to one filled with minute details to pore over.
It's clear where his inspirations lie, too. A lot of the art has that Robert Crumb style of grittiness to it that feels like it belongs in the 70s or 80s. That sort of grungy, unkempt look that oozes onto the page, and where you can almost smell it. While occasionally the characters CAN look uncanny - especially Bruce Wayne when he's supposed to look handsome to an almost grotesque level - they're overall really fun to look at, especially since there's a large cast of varied characters.
Story
Unfortunately, this is where it loses some stars for me.
I'll try not to get too much into spoiler territory, as I do believe this is a Batman limited run worth picking up, but I do want to state some of the inherent problems with it over the entire 4-issue run (and as I said, you will be seeing this review on all 4 issues).
At the start, the story is intriguing and hooks you in. There's a serial killer on the loose, and the homeless keep going missing. Batman is tracking down the homeless to a warehouse, thinking it's connected to the serial killer. It hints at a larger conspiracy to uncover, which is what drew me in. I wanted to know more, how these different threads would eventually tie up, and who some of the new characters in Batman's newer rogues gallery were.
And then... it kind of just keeps expanding with new twists and turns. The roster of characters grows from Batman, Gordon, and the new badguy we got introduced to, to around a dozen new enemies, half a dozen allies, an overarching antagonist we see for all of two scenes, and a convoluted story that makes little to no sense when you stop to think about it.
I get it; this was a limited run, and if this series ever gets picked up again for another limited run in this Batman AU world, they want to entice readers into seeing new, exciting characters. However, all that does is muddy the water. I actually stopped caring about all of the characters added around halfway into Issue #2. There were just SO many shoehorned in.
Speaking of characters, I really did not like this version of Bruce Wayne. I get that a lot of Batman stories now mainly focus on Bruce's relationship with his cowled identity, but what makes Bruce Wayne an interesting person is how he handles both sides of his personality. Batman is stoic, to the point, and no-nonsense because he needs to be to be the monster in the shadows that scares criminals. The best depictions of Bruce Wayne have his real self acting like a good-natured, affable playboy who knows he's a nepo baby and is just trying to do his best. He's charming and sophisticated because Billionaire Playboy Bruce Wayne can go places Batman can't, and it's the juxtaposition of balancing out both sides and having Bruce decide on what he wants to be vs. what he has to be that makes his internal conflict engaging.
In this, Bruce is kind of an ass, and not in a fun way. He's rude when he doesn't need to be, acts like he's the smartest man in the room, and also seemingly is not aware of how his place as a billionaire is a tool. Two minor spoilers that put me off on this depiction of him are where Alfred mentions that he, too, still mourns Thomas and Martha Wayne's deaths, and Bruce tells him to shut up, and then shortly afterwards, a reporter asks him about his thoughts regarding how the homeless are ignored while the city's elite who died are given focus. He then tells her to essentially piss off before driving away.
Like, what the hell? I know this is supposed to be a grittier, gothic noir story and is aimed at adults, but he's still the hero, and we still need to have some reason to root for him. I thought this was a bit for Bruce to play into, so people wouldn't suspect he's Batman, but nope... later on, he runs into the reporter again and is remorseful that he thought that way before and sees the error of his ways.
I'd go into detail about the structure of the story, but honestly... I'll save that for a deep dive one day into some modern gothic horror essays on my Substack. For now, just know that the story is at least okay, but take breaks after each issue because otherwise you'll just space out and start skimming like I did when yet another twist to the conspiracy comes up, and we meet a new character.
Overall
In the end, this was a fun read, I did enjoy the day with but probably won't come back to read again if I see it across my bookshelf.
It presented some new enemies for Batman to fight that I would love to see become mainstay in canon. The crying assassin we met at the start was intriguing enough that I want to see whether he comes back in some form or another, especially since we didn't really resolve his story at all. I also like the idea of a cult that seeks to destroy Gotham, though I guess that's really just another form of Ras Al Ghoul with some other magic schtick.
Plus I really did like Rafael Grampa's art style and hope to see more down the line. Either with DC, IDW, Dark Horse, or Independent, it doesn't matter. I just want to see more in the end.
There's just something about him I love, ever since I saw the 90s cartoon as a kid. I'm aware that the character is old enough that there are all sorts of different iterations of the guy, from the Campy Adam West depiction, the genial, good-natured Superfriends, to the dark, brooding knight, and everything in between, but it's the gothic detective version that I love the most.
Why? Because Batman, unlike other superheroes, is a regular human. Master of martial arts, genius-level IQ, and incalculable wealth, but a regular human nonetheless, so it never made sense why he'd be able to stand toe to toe with literal demigods and planetary threats.
So for me, the best version of Batman had always been where he's at home in Gotham, figuring out a crime spree, following clues, and fighting enemies who are just as tenacious as he is. The world's greatest detective has to mean something after all.
So when I saw that the 4th issue of this limited run came out, I had to pick up the previous issues to read. I quietly took a break from this classic novel I'm reading, and spent the day with some snacks and hot cocoa, curled up in my reading chair, following through over the last four issues.
How much did I like it? Well... by the 3-star review, you can probably guess I had an okay time, but not an amazing time. I enjoyed it and don't regret picking it up. Let me go more into depth on what I mean by that.
ALSO, keep in mind that I intend to copy/paste this review for Issues #1, #2, #3, and #4, so more than likely you'll see this on those four issues. Let me get into it:
Art
The art is honestly the best part of this limited run. It's bold, dynamic, gorgeous to look at, and never stops being impressive.
I'm not kidding. Look at the background art of Gotham itself, with its towering buildings, gothic architecture, and how Rafael Grampa switches between a comedic, simplistic style to one filled with minute details to pore over.
It's clear where his inspirations lie, too. A lot of the art has that Robert Crumb style of grittiness to it that feels like it belongs in the 70s or 80s. That sort of grungy, unkempt look that oozes onto the page, and where you can almost smell it. While occasionally the characters CAN look uncanny - especially Bruce Wayne when he's supposed to look handsome to an almost grotesque level - they're overall really fun to look at, especially since there's a large cast of varied characters.
Story
Unfortunately, this is where it loses some stars for me.
I'll try not to get too much into spoiler territory, as I do believe this is a Batman limited run worth picking up, but I do want to state some of the inherent problems with it over the entire 4-issue run (and as I said, you will be seeing this review on all 4 issues).
At the start, the story is intriguing and hooks you in. There's a serial killer on the loose, and the homeless keep going missing. Batman is tracking down the homeless to a warehouse, thinking it's connected to the serial killer. It hints at a larger conspiracy to uncover, which is what drew me in. I wanted to know more, how these different threads would eventually tie up, and who some of the new characters in Batman's newer rogues gallery were.
And then... it kind of just keeps expanding with new twists and turns. The roster of characters grows from Batman, Gordon, and the new badguy we got introduced to, to around a dozen new enemies, half a dozen allies, an overarching antagonist we see for all of two scenes, and a convoluted story that makes little to no sense when you stop to think about it.
I get it; this was a limited run, and if this series ever gets picked up again for another limited run in this Batman AU world, they want to entice readers into seeing new, exciting characters. However, all that does is muddy the water. I actually stopped caring about all of the characters added around halfway into Issue #2. There were just SO many shoehorned in.
Speaking of characters, I really did not like this version of Bruce Wayne. I get that a lot of Batman stories now mainly focus on Bruce's relationship with his cowled identity, but what makes Bruce Wayne an interesting person is how he handles both sides of his personality. Batman is stoic, to the point, and no-nonsense because he needs to be to be the monster in the shadows that scares criminals. The best depictions of Bruce Wayne have his real self acting like a good-natured, affable playboy who knows he's a nepo baby and is just trying to do his best. He's charming and sophisticated because Billionaire Playboy Bruce Wayne can go places Batman can't, and it's the juxtaposition of balancing out both sides and having Bruce decide on what he wants to be vs. what he has to be that makes his internal conflict engaging.
In this, Bruce is kind of an ass, and not in a fun way. He's rude when he doesn't need to be, acts like he's the smartest man in the room, and also seemingly is not aware of how his place as a billionaire is a tool. Two minor spoilers that put me off on this depiction of him are where Alfred mentions that he, too, still mourns Thomas and Martha Wayne's deaths, and Bruce tells him to shut up, and then shortly afterwards, a reporter asks him about his thoughts regarding how the homeless are ignored while the city's elite who died are given focus. He then tells her to essentially piss off before driving away.
Like, what the hell? I know this is supposed to be a grittier, gothic noir story and is aimed at adults, but he's still the hero, and we still need to have some reason to root for him. I thought this was a bit for Bruce to play into, so people wouldn't suspect he's Batman, but nope... later on, he runs into the reporter again and is remorseful that he thought that way before and sees the error of his ways.
I'd go into detail about the structure of the story, but honestly... I'll save that for a deep dive one day into some modern gothic horror essays on my Substack. For now, just know that the story is at least okay, but take breaks after each issue because otherwise you'll just space out and start skimming like I did when yet another twist to the conspiracy comes up, and we meet a new character.
Overall
In the end, this was a fun read, I did enjoy the day with but probably won't come back to read again if I see it across my bookshelf.
It presented some new enemies for Batman to fight that I would love to see become mainstay in canon. The crying assassin we met at the start was intriguing enough that I want to see whether he comes back in some form or another, especially since we didn't really resolve his story at all. I also like the idea of a cult that seeks to destroy Gotham, though I guess that's really just another form of Ras Al Ghoul with some other magic schtick.
Plus I really did like Rafael Grampa's art style and hope to see more down the line. Either with DC, IDW, Dark Horse, or Independent, it doesn't matter. I just want to see more in the end.
September 21, 2023
This first issue is BEAUTIFUL. From storytelling to artworks everything is top notch. I'm hopeful for the series.
September 24, 2023
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.
March 11, 2024
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.
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.
September 21, 2023
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.
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.
February 19, 2024
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 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.
May 14, 2026
When I started collecting this series, I was initially wary because it was a seven-dollar book, but since it was supposed to released quarterly, I could actually spread the expense over a longer period. Plus, it was Rafael Grampá! A full Grampá written and illustrated four-issue miniseries!
It should have taken a year to complete but it took more than that to complete it. I got one issue in 2023, two in 2024, none in 2025, and in 2026, the release for the fourth issue has been finalized. Basically, this was an annual, given the quality of work Grampá was putting out, it probably took more than the lead time it originally took for a quarterly book.
Grampá pulled out the stops for his solo Batman series. Gave Batman a new Batsuit, a new bat-mobile, and several new bat-villains.
The cover to this first issue, as seen on this thumbnail, is a modern masterpiece of utilizing negative space and rendering to have a Batman on the cover that looms like the eponymous gargoyle in the title.
The continuity is intentionally fuzzy, to give it a chance as a potentially evergreen book. This is a younger Batman, since Gordon isn't commissioner. He's early enough in his Batman days to contemplate abandoning the Bruce Wayne identity to go Batman full time. Alfred is still alive, making this a better Batma book than most current traditional Batman titles. The butler has been dead in current comics for almost a decade.
It should have taken a year to complete but it took more than that to complete it. I got one issue in 2023, two in 2024, none in 2025, and in 2026, the release for the fourth issue has been finalized. Basically, this was an annual, given the quality of work Grampá was putting out, it probably took more than the lead time it originally took for a quarterly book.
Grampá pulled out the stops for his solo Batman series. Gave Batman a new Batsuit, a new bat-mobile, and several new bat-villains.
The cover to this first issue, as seen on this thumbnail, is a modern masterpiece of utilizing negative space and rendering to have a Batman on the cover that looms like the eponymous gargoyle in the title.
The continuity is intentionally fuzzy, to give it a chance as a potentially evergreen book. This is a younger Batman, since Gordon isn't commissioner. He's early enough in his Batman days to contemplate abandoning the Bruce Wayne identity to go Batman full time. Alfred is still alive, making this a better Batma book than most current traditional Batman titles. The butler has been dead in current comics for almost a decade.
September 12, 2023
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.
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.
May 24, 2026
Uma criança brincando.Caçando a própria sombra mas, quando se caça a própria sombra…acaba-se em um abismo.
Gotham sempre foi São Paulo e, em Gárgula de Gotham, Rafael Grampá e Matheus Lopes transformam esse cenário em algo íntimo e inquietante. A leitura mais como sensação do que como narrativa: um Batman mais velho, exausto, quase irreconhecível para si mesmo.
Aqui, Bruce Wayne já não é exatamente quem precisa ser protegido, é alguém de quem se quer escapar. A morte deixa de ser estratégia e passa a soar como ruptura, quase um gesto de negação de quem ele já foi um dia.
Existe uma solidão crua nisso, um isolamento que não vem só da cidade, mas de dentro.
E, em contraste, o vilão carrega algo perturbador: não apenas destrói, mas deseja reanimar essa infância doente, esse fragmento distorcido que nunca deixou de existir por completo. Como se, no fim, ambos orbitassem a mesma sombra, só que em direções opostas.
Gotham sempre foi São Paulo e, em Gárgula de Gotham, Rafael Grampá e Matheus Lopes transformam esse cenário em algo íntimo e inquietante. A leitura mais como sensação do que como narrativa: um Batman mais velho, exausto, quase irreconhecível para si mesmo.
Aqui, Bruce Wayne já não é exatamente quem precisa ser protegido, é alguém de quem se quer escapar. A morte deixa de ser estratégia e passa a soar como ruptura, quase um gesto de negação de quem ele já foi um dia.
Existe uma solidão crua nisso, um isolamento que não vem só da cidade, mas de dentro.
E, em contraste, o vilão carrega algo perturbador: não apenas destrói, mas deseja reanimar essa infância doente, esse fragmento distorcido que nunca deixou de existir por completo. Como se, no fim, ambos orbitassem a mesma sombra, só que em direções opostas.
November 1, 2023
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...
https://standupcomicreader.blogspot.c...
December 23, 2024
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👍
January 18, 2024
It was pretty short....but I liked it!
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.
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.
October 9, 2024
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.
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.
May 27, 2025
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.
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.
January 17, 2024
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.
February 3, 2024
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.
December 30, 2024
Explosivo!
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.
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.
July 30, 2025
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.
September 20, 2023
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
September 25, 2023
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
December 16, 2023
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!
April 18, 2024
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.
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