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Batman Damned #1
Batman Condenado, Libro Uno
El Joker está muerto. No hay ninguna duda sobre eso. Pero continúa siendo un misterio si Batman fue quien rompió su frágil cuello o lo hizo alguna fuerza siniestra más de las que habitan Gotham City. El problema es que Batman no puede recordar nada... y cuanto más se adentra en este laberíntico caso, más empieza su mente a dudar de to do lo que descubre. Así que... ¿quién mejor para devolverle al buen camino que... John Constantine?
El problema es que, por mucho que disfrute John con un buen misterio, le gusta incluso más jugar con las mentes de las personas. De modo que, con la “ayuda” de John, el Hombre Murciélago investigará los peores rincones de Gotham y averiguará la demoledora verdad sobre quién mató al Joker.
Batman: Condenado es una historia de terror sobrenatural contada por dos de los mejores autores del cómic contemporáneo: Brian Azzarello y Lee Bermejo, responsables de obras como Joker, Luthor o Antes de Watchmen: Rorschach.
El problema es que, por mucho que disfrute John con un buen misterio, le gusta incluso más jugar con las mentes de las personas. De modo que, con la “ayuda” de John, el Hombre Murciélago investigará los peores rincones de Gotham y averiguará la demoledora verdad sobre quién mató al Joker.
Batman: Condenado es una historia de terror sobrenatural contada por dos de los mejores autores del cómic contemporáneo: Brian Azzarello y Lee Bermejo, responsables de obras como Joker, Luthor o Antes de Watchmen: Rorschach.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published September 19, 2018
33 people are currently reading
883 people want to read
About the author
Brian Azzarello
1,296 books1,106 followersBrian Azzarello (born in Cleveland, Ohio) is an American comic book writer. He came to prominence with 100 Bullets, published by DC Comics' mature-audience imprint Vertigo. He and Argentine artist Eduardo Risso, with whom Azzarello first worked on Jonny Double, won the 2001 Eisner Award for Best Serialized Story for 100 Bullets #15–18: "Hang Up on the Hang Low".
Azzarello has written for Batman ("Broken City", art by Risso; "Batman/Deathblow: After the Fire", art by Lee Bermejo, Tim Bradstreet, & Mick Gray) and Superman ("For Tomorrow", art by Jim Lee).
In 2005, Azzarello began a new creator-owned series, the western Loveless, with artist Marcelo Frusin.
As of 2007, Azzarello is married to fellow comic-book writer and illustrator Jill Thompson.
information taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Az...
Azzarello has written for Batman ("Broken City", art by Risso; "Batman/Deathblow: After the Fire", art by Lee Bermejo, Tim Bradstreet, & Mick Gray) and Superman ("For Tomorrow", art by Jim Lee).
In 2005, Azzarello began a new creator-owned series, the western Loveless, with artist Marcelo Frusin.
As of 2007, Azzarello is married to fellow comic-book writer and illustrator Jill Thompson.
information taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Az...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
June 16, 2019
I'm only in it for the Bat-peen.
Ok, ok, ok...and also the Bat-ass.
Genius marketing strategy on DC's part, right? A mature title shows a bit of willy in the first issue, decides after the first printing it's a mistake, and erases the Bat-wang from all digital copies and future hard copies. Which immediately results in everyone wanting to own a copy of the original...or at the very least to read the story.
Plus, now readers are going to be that much more likely to grab issues when they first come out just so they don't miss out on anything.
Bravo, guys! *tips hat*
So. This is supposed to be paranormal Batman, spooky Batman, Batman horror, something along those lines. And it does have that creaky-door vibe going in it that makes everything seem little what's actually real? and trippy, so kudos to Azzarello on that.
The gist is that the Joker is dead and Batman has a bit of a gap in his memory. And now he's seeing ghosts and remembering things about his parents less than idyllic marriage.
Why?
I don't know, dude. This is only the first issue!
Enter the heavy hitters of DC's Mystic universe: John Constantine, Deadman, and Zatanna.
Ok, and I don't know if you can see this from the image below, but Deadman's new look is very badass. Instead of the red acrobatic unitard thing, the red is on his suit is actually muscle tissue. When I first realized what I was looking at, I was pretty impressed.
My biggest complaint is the white lettering. It's squiggly, fades into the background too much in spots, and was hard for me to easily read. It was (I think) supposed to look all haunted and smokey but it didn't work for me and was really the only thing that I didn't enjoy about the comic.
Which...hell, one thing isn't all that bad.
I thought this was pretty freaking cool and I'm definitely interested enough to come back for more of this story. What started out as my wanting to see a cartoon dick, turned into genuine interest in DC's Black Label Batman.
Ok, ok, ok...and also the Bat-ass.
Genius marketing strategy on DC's part, right? A mature title shows a bit of willy in the first issue, decides after the first printing it's a mistake, and erases the Bat-wang from all digital copies and future hard copies. Which immediately results in everyone wanting to own a copy of the original...or at the very least to read the story.
Plus, now readers are going to be that much more likely to grab issues when they first come out just so they don't miss out on anything.
Bravo, guys! *tips hat*
So. This is supposed to be paranormal Batman, spooky Batman, Batman horror, something along those lines. And it does have that creaky-door vibe going in it that makes everything seem little what's actually real? and trippy, so kudos to Azzarello on that.
The gist is that the Joker is dead and Batman has a bit of a gap in his memory. And now he's seeing ghosts and remembering things about his parents less than idyllic marriage.
Why?
I don't know, dude. This is only the first issue!
Enter the heavy hitters of DC's Mystic universe: John Constantine, Deadman, and Zatanna.
Ok, and I don't know if you can see this from the image below, but Deadman's new look is very badass. Instead of the red acrobatic unitard thing, the red is on his suit is actually muscle tissue. When I first realized what I was looking at, I was pretty impressed.
My biggest complaint is the white lettering. It's squiggly, fades into the background too much in spots, and was hard for me to easily read. It was (I think) supposed to look all haunted and smokey but it didn't work for me and was really the only thing that I didn't enjoy about the comic.
Which...hell, one thing isn't all that bad.
I thought this was pretty freaking cool and I'm definitely interested enough to come back for more of this story. What started out as my wanting to see a cartoon dick, turned into genuine interest in DC's Black Label Batman.
February 6, 2019
Holy unholy story, Batman!
This is the first issue of the "Batman: Damned" miniseries, by DC Comics, under its label "Black Label".
Creative Team:
Writer: Brian Azzarello
Illustrator: Luis Bermejo
ROAD TO HELL
While I have respect by the creative pair of Azzarello and Bermejo and actually I have some of their iconic works in single comic books issues, like Luthor and Joker...
...I don't know, I can't pinpoint what I felt that it was missed at those popular works to fully gave them a full rating. Maybe I felt that they didn't fulfill its initial intention with the goal of the stories...
...and who knows? Maybe at the end, it resulted in that way (at least for me) here once again...
...BUT!!!
...in the past, I read the whole story, while in single comic book issues, the whole story in the same reading session...
...but this time, I am reading it, each issue per issue, since I was quite curious about the story and I didn't want to wait until having them all.
And...
...DANG!!!
This has been one heck of issue, where not only the writing has been top stuff, but also the usual artwork has been even more inspired than before...
...and certainly...
...BRAVE AND BOLD!!!
And I am not talking about that Batman is joining forces with John Constantine and Deadman, while investigating the death of The Joker,...
...but because this comic book issue has the most shocking scene that I have ever seen in a comic book!
And nope...
...I am not talking about having Bruce Wayne fully naked in several moments...
...nope. (While it seems that that detail got up the collection price of the issue, which I am not complaining).
Oh, nouh, my dear friends!
And I won't spoil, don't worry!
But, if you're a God-fearing Catholic, like me, or any Christian-related religion...
...your blood will freeze, your stomach will get down a bit, and even your breathing can become difficult for a moment...
...when you get to the final image of the issue.
My respects!
When a creative team make a comic book with balls, with courage, oh yes, they've win my respect.
This is the first issue of the "Batman: Damned" miniseries, by DC Comics, under its label "Black Label".
Creative Team:
Writer: Brian Azzarello
Illustrator: Luis Bermejo
ROAD TO HELL
While I have respect by the creative pair of Azzarello and Bermejo and actually I have some of their iconic works in single comic books issues, like Luthor and Joker...
...I don't know, I can't pinpoint what I felt that it was missed at those popular works to fully gave them a full rating. Maybe I felt that they didn't fulfill its initial intention with the goal of the stories...
...and who knows? Maybe at the end, it resulted in that way (at least for me) here once again...
...BUT!!!
...in the past, I read the whole story, while in single comic book issues, the whole story in the same reading session...
...but this time, I am reading it, each issue per issue, since I was quite curious about the story and I didn't want to wait until having them all.
And...
...DANG!!!
This has been one heck of issue, where not only the writing has been top stuff, but also the usual artwork has been even more inspired than before...
...and certainly...
...BRAVE AND BOLD!!!
And I am not talking about that Batman is joining forces with John Constantine and Deadman, while investigating the death of The Joker,...
...but because this comic book issue has the most shocking scene that I have ever seen in a comic book!
And nope...
...I am not talking about having Bruce Wayne fully naked in several moments...
...nope. (While it seems that that detail got up the collection price of the issue, which I am not complaining).
Oh, nouh, my dear friends!
And I won't spoil, don't worry!
But, if you're a God-fearing Catholic, like me, or any Christian-related religion...
...your blood will freeze, your stomach will get down a bit, and even your breathing can become difficult for a moment...
...when you get to the final image of the issue.
My respects!
When a creative team make a comic book with balls, with courage, oh yes, they've win my respect.
September 22, 2018
Batman: Damned #1 kicks off DC’s new Black Label imprint where fans can see their favourite characters - though it’s mostly Batman - engage in more adult content. Which apparently means full frontal shots of Bruce Wayne’s junk! Yeah, that’s definitely what’s been missing from the main Batman title… and it’s also the sole reason why copies of this issue are going for bonkers money on eBay as DC have said they’ll censor that panel in future printings.
The Joker is dead - whodunit? Or more accurately: is he dead - or is Batman dead? The comic opens with Batman shot, bleeding out, then falling off a bridge while his ghostly parents wave at him. He wakes up to the TV news which shows the corpse of the Joker having fallen to his death from the same bridge… hmm…
Damned is a very suggestive title, the (ostensibly horror) story is peppered with several of DC’s supernatural characters - John Constantine the Hellblazer, Deadman and Zatanna - and Bruce’s dad flips him a coin, perhaps the fee to pay Charon the ferryman of Hades. Batman doesn’t seem to be himself either and has a breakdown in the Batcave…?
It’s a very patchy, vague story. While it’s probable that Batman is somehow in the afterlife and is being guided by an unlikely Virgil, Constantine, it’s not clear why he’s gone to Hell or how solving the mystery of the Joker’s death will do anything. There are numerous flashbacks to Bruce’s childhood where his father Thomas is rewritten as a philanderer and Bruce was apparently haunted by a teenage witch?!
But I get why it’s deliberately unfocused: to draw you in (not so much for me), place the reader into Batman’s unbalanced perspective and, most likely, mask what I suspect is a feeble plot - I mean, neither character’s really dead or will stay dead so Brian Azzarello has to play silly buggers to make this feel like less of a waste of time. Still, I didn’t find the story particularly enthralling and Constantine’s narration seemed both pretentious and over-stylised - I think Azzarello was trying for an accent but he can’t replicate Liverpudlian speech convincingly.
Lee Bermejo’s art though is faultlessly fan-bloody-tastic! He’s one of my favourite artists and every single page is gorge. I love his Batman, particularly those amazing shit-kicking boots that look so solid, but mostly for capturing the raw physicality of the character - no-one else makes you believe the power within this guy. Damned looks to be set in the same world as Azzarello/Bermejo’s last Batman collaboration, Joker, which featured more realistic takes on DC characters. Zatanna looked sexy as hell as a punky street magician and Deadman was drawn with transparent sinewy red muscles, like something out of a medical textbook, instead of his usual red uniform, which was a really interesting interpretation of his look.
This first issue hasn’t totally confirmed to me that this is going to be a great story but I’m mildly intrigued and the comic is readable enough. It certainly benefits from Lee Bermejo’s art which is the star attraction here. Given how good their Joker book was, I’m willing to give these guys the benefit of the doubt but Batman: Damned #1 is still a very mediocre comic. Nevertheless, it’s succeeding in drawing attention to DC Black Label, though unfortunately not for the quality of the storytelling but for the gratuitous nudity!
The Joker is dead - whodunit? Or more accurately: is he dead - or is Batman dead? The comic opens with Batman shot, bleeding out, then falling off a bridge while his ghostly parents wave at him. He wakes up to the TV news which shows the corpse of the Joker having fallen to his death from the same bridge… hmm…
Damned is a very suggestive title, the (ostensibly horror) story is peppered with several of DC’s supernatural characters - John Constantine the Hellblazer, Deadman and Zatanna - and Bruce’s dad flips him a coin, perhaps the fee to pay Charon the ferryman of Hades. Batman doesn’t seem to be himself either and has a breakdown in the Batcave…?
It’s a very patchy, vague story. While it’s probable that Batman is somehow in the afterlife and is being guided by an unlikely Virgil, Constantine, it’s not clear why he’s gone to Hell or how solving the mystery of the Joker’s death will do anything. There are numerous flashbacks to Bruce’s childhood where his father Thomas is rewritten as a philanderer and Bruce was apparently haunted by a teenage witch?!
But I get why it’s deliberately unfocused: to draw you in (not so much for me), place the reader into Batman’s unbalanced perspective and, most likely, mask what I suspect is a feeble plot - I mean, neither character’s really dead or will stay dead so Brian Azzarello has to play silly buggers to make this feel like less of a waste of time. Still, I didn’t find the story particularly enthralling and Constantine’s narration seemed both pretentious and over-stylised - I think Azzarello was trying for an accent but he can’t replicate Liverpudlian speech convincingly.
Lee Bermejo’s art though is faultlessly fan-bloody-tastic! He’s one of my favourite artists and every single page is gorge. I love his Batman, particularly those amazing shit-kicking boots that look so solid, but mostly for capturing the raw physicality of the character - no-one else makes you believe the power within this guy. Damned looks to be set in the same world as Azzarello/Bermejo’s last Batman collaboration, Joker, which featured more realistic takes on DC characters. Zatanna looked sexy as hell as a punky street magician and Deadman was drawn with transparent sinewy red muscles, like something out of a medical textbook, instead of his usual red uniform, which was a really interesting interpretation of his look.
This first issue hasn’t totally confirmed to me that this is going to be a great story but I’m mildly intrigued and the comic is readable enough. It certainly benefits from Lee Bermejo’s art which is the star attraction here. Given how good their Joker book was, I’m willing to give these guys the benefit of the doubt but Batman: Damned #1 is still a very mediocre comic. Nevertheless, it’s succeeding in drawing attention to DC Black Label, though unfortunately not for the quality of the storytelling but for the gratuitous nudity!
September 21, 2019
I usually wait until they collect single issues into a volume before I check out a comic, but this was too tempting to wait for.
The good:
The art is GORGEOUS. Every panel is like a painting. Also, Gotham has rarely looked so dark and dirty (which is perfect).
The story and world are as dark as the inside of a coffin on a moonless night, which really fits a Batman story.
This is almost like a Justice League Dark reunion, with Constantine, Zatanna, and Deadman all running around. I am really into DC's supernatural characters, so I really dug this. As a bonus, Deadman's "muscle" suit was really neat.
The not as good:
They tried really hard to be edgy and included a big old Batman penis, which has since been edited out of the book in digital format and in future print runs. Now, I am no prude and would love nothing more than to stare at Bat junk and Wonder Woman goodies all day long, but putting that into your "mature" book for no reason just reeks of immaturity and desperate pandering.
This book is literally very dark, and they used a boxless and weird font for all of the exposition (of which there is a lot) which makes it hard to read.
There isn't much story yet. We get a main plot and then Batman kind of just wanders around for 40 pages.
The good:
The art is GORGEOUS. Every panel is like a painting. Also, Gotham has rarely looked so dark and dirty (which is perfect).
The story and world are as dark as the inside of a coffin on a moonless night, which really fits a Batman story.
This is almost like a Justice League Dark reunion, with Constantine, Zatanna, and Deadman all running around. I am really into DC's supernatural characters, so I really dug this. As a bonus, Deadman's "muscle" suit was really neat.
The not as good:
They tried really hard to be edgy and included a big old Batman penis, which has since been edited out of the book in digital format and in future print runs. Now, I am no prude and would love nothing more than to stare at Bat junk and Wonder Woman goodies all day long, but putting that into your "mature" book for no reason just reeks of immaturity and desperate pandering.
This book is literally very dark, and they used a boxless and weird font for all of the exposition (of which there is a lot) which makes it hard to read.
There isn't much story yet. We get a main plot and then Batman kind of just wanders around for 40 pages.
Read
October 28, 2018So is "DC Black Label" a way to tell 'adult' stories in the way that "Ultimates" was Marvel's? That is to say, an excuse to make all of the 'good' people into unrepentant assholes? Considering they turn Thomas Wayne into a womanizer in issue #1, it certainly seems like they're using the same teenager's definition of 'adult' that Marvel was.
Otherwise, this issue is... interesting. The plot is intentionally vague and 'spooky' and a little all over the place. It could end up extremely good or a complete disaster in future issues. For now, I'm giving Brian Azzarello the benefit of the doubt, but not much of one considering.
Otherwise, this issue is... interesting. The plot is intentionally vague and 'spooky' and a little all over the place. It could end up extremely good or a complete disaster in future issues. For now, I'm giving Brian Azzarello the benefit of the doubt, but not much of one considering.
September 20, 2018
Great!!! Darker then usual Batman comic but God it was good. Darker in it's story, in it's characters, in it's writing and in it's illustrations, which are marvelous!! A little piece of art here!
September 20, 2018
BAT DICK
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2018
Batman Damned offers a gritty, street-level darkness and supernat1ural horror that is even rarely seen nowadays in any Caped Crusader series. The DC Black Label imprint gives the creative team Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo the freedom to choose whatever story they want for Bats. And with Before Watchmen: Rorschach and Joker on their list of notable works, we know the feeling it will leave us - uncomfortable and dangling from the salty and murky air we are exposed to (oh wait, did I just describe what the exposed Batawang felt???).
What the first book perfectly does is set the tone. I like the team-up between Batman, Constantine and the Deadman, a very unlikely trio yet here we are. It's an effective team from the narrative perspective, with Batman doing the serious muscle work while Constantine lighting up the mood with his smart, funny, and sometimes fourth wall breaking monologues, and Deadman as the wildcard.
Lee Bermejo's art is stellar as usual. The noir vibe of his art with his undeniable fetish for cloth and face creases can believably create a world full of shit, and I meant that as a compliment. His drawing style is a perfect fit for this type of story.
I am fortunate enough to be able to grab a copy of Batman Damned. News is, it will not be reprinted again.
What the first book perfectly does is set the tone. I like the team-up between Batman, Constantine and the Deadman, a very unlikely trio yet here we are. It's an effective team from the narrative perspective, with Batman doing the serious muscle work while Constantine lighting up the mood with his smart, funny, and sometimes fourth wall breaking monologues, and Deadman as the wildcard.
Lee Bermejo's art is stellar as usual. The noir vibe of his art with his undeniable fetish for cloth and face creases can believably create a world full of shit, and I meant that as a compliment. His drawing style is a perfect fit for this type of story.
I am fortunate enough to be able to grab a copy of Batman Damned. News is, it will not be reprinted again.
July 2, 2021
Артът на Лий Бермехо е трепач с минорни, угнетяващи окото тонове - ръждиво кафяво, блатисто зелено, метално сиво и синьо... Неговият Готам е град, в която не бих издържал и десет минути. Виж, сценарият на Брайън Азарело, поне това, което успях да хвана от тия 40-тина страници, яко издиша - умишлено, или пък де да знам, толкова си може тоз чиляк, ама историята ми дойде крайно хаотична, почти нищичко не разбрах... Жокера мъртъв, Батман ближе рани, чуди се какво е станало, чат-пат изникват някакви кахърно-сантиментални сцени от детството на Брус, които стоят като пришити кръпки, за капак и Джон Константин (да оня с демоните и пр. свръхестествени шитни) попушва нервно, през страница-две... бахти гювеча... Картинки- петичка, разказ - тройка на релси, сбор - осем, делено на две - четворка.
September 22, 2018
The art was damn good, but my god, that writing; really damn bad. Damn annoying, damn aggravating.
September 25, 2018
Ok lets get rid of this issue before I start talking about my oppinion. You guys wanna see Bat's badingdong but too lazy to google it here it is
Digital Edition
And this is the original
Your welcome
Know what separates humanity from animals?
Aint thumbs. Rats got those. No.. Its the ability to lie
Batman Damned is a self contain batman story that focus on paranormal activity. Which mean we get to see some of the popular magic base characters of DC universe such as:
Jon Constantine and a really cool looking Deadman
Like seriously Deadman never looks so good.
And Enchantress. She probably had a bigger role in this.
The book is narrated by Jon Constantine himself making me a littlebit skeptical for what's really going on. The writing was stellar and the art was gorgeous with some haunting elements that makes so say whaaa...
Digital Edition
And this is the original
Your welcome
Know what separates humanity from animals?
Aint thumbs. Rats got those. No.. Its the ability to lie
Batman Damned is a self contain batman story that focus on paranormal activity. Which mean we get to see some of the popular magic base characters of DC universe such as:
Jon Constantine and a really cool looking Deadman
Like seriously Deadman never looks so good.
And Enchantress. She probably had a bigger role in this.
The book is narrated by Jon Constantine himself making me a littlebit skeptical for what's really going on. The writing was stellar and the art was gorgeous with some haunting elements that makes so say whaaa...
September 19, 2018
A good start for DC's Black Label. I'll be interested to see how this can possibly be wrapped up in just three installments, though. It laid a lot of questions on the table, with pretty much no answers.
Lee Bermejo's art is stellar here. Dark, twisted and perfectly suited for the tale Brian Azzarello is weaving. If you liked their collaboration on "Joker," you're going to feel right at home here. Only this one has the restrictor plates taken off and goes pretty violent, very dark and leans into the horror realm.
If this is what we can expect from Black Label moving forward, then color me excited.
Lee Bermejo's art is stellar here. Dark, twisted and perfectly suited for the tale Brian Azzarello is weaving. If you liked their collaboration on "Joker," you're going to feel right at home here. Only this one has the restrictor plates taken off and goes pretty violent, very dark and leans into the horror realm.
If this is what we can expect from Black Label moving forward, then color me excited.
September 21, 2018
A lot of hype going on with this one! Art - incredible! Cool concept, lot going on... most importantly, we see Batman's peen.
September 25, 2018
Batman Damned
gehört zum Auftakt des groß angekündigten DC Black Labels, dass sich dadurch auszeichnen soll, "einzigartige" Geschichten außerhalb der Kontinuität des DC Universe zu erzählen. Zu den namhaften Autoren hinter dem Label gehört auch Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets, Wonder Woman - New 52), der für "Batman Damned" verantwortlich ist.
Für viel Vorfreude sorgte bei der Ankündigung des Titels, dass Lee Bermejo zeichnet. Seine teilweise fotorealistischen Zeichnungen, DC-Leser vor allem aus "Batman: Noël" bekannt, sind auch in "Damned" eine absolute Augenweide und für sich schon ein Grund, durch das Heft zu stöbern und die Panels zu bestaunen. An die Atmosphäre der Geschichte angepasst ist der Stil sehr düster gehalten. Viel grau und Schatten, blutroter Lichteinfall und während bestimmter Sequenzen sepiahaft; zeichnerisch sehr konsistent und in dieser Qualität schon etwas Besonderes.
In Bezug auf die Handlung sieht das leider etwas zwiespältiger aus. Nach dem ersten von drei geplanten Heften ist der Funke noch nicht übergesprungen, und dass wäre z.B. bei einem Buch bei 100 von 300 Seiten kein gutes Zeichen. Meines Erachtens verliert sich Azzarello darin, eine möglichst dunkle und mysteriöse Atmosphäre aufzubauen. Die Monologe wirken an mehr als einer Stelle gezwungen geheimnisvoll und sollen vermutlich ein Gefühl von Tiefe geben, dass sich aber nie wirklich einstellt. Vielleicht kommt in #2 und #3 der große Kniff, der mich als fehlgeleitet entlarvt, aber bis dahin vermute ich eine große Portion Selbstzweck und Oberflächlichkeit.
Die Handlung selbst tappt bis zur letzten Seite auf dem Stand des Klappentexts: Der Joker ist tot. So viel wissen wir und da werden auch keine großen Umwege gemacht, der Rest von #1 dient einem sehr groben setup der Geschichte, die sich in den kommenden beiden Heften entwickeln muss. Wir treffen John Constantine und Azarellos/Bermejos Interpretationen von Dead Man und Zantanna, die über kurze Auftritte aber nicht hinauskommen und wahrscheinlich erst noch ihre Momente bekommen; wenn sie Batman zur Seite stehen. Der große übernatürliche Zusammenhang deutet sich an allen Ecken an, hier bleibt auf den genialen oder zumindest cleveren Twist zu hoffen, aber bis auf düstere Atmosphäre fehlt bis hier (!) noch der thematische Punkt, mit dem mich der Autor überzeugen muss. Insofern gehen auch die drei Sterne vor allem an Lee Berjemo.
Egal wie das abschließende Urteil am Ende der Mini-Serie aussieht, "Batman: Damned" hat sich schon jetzt seinen Eintrag in die Anekdoten-Bücher für Comics gesichert. Die gedruckte Variante wird aufgrund des mehrfach zu sehenden Genitals von Bruce Wayne sicher bald zu Mondpreisen gehandelt, denn künftig soll dieser in allen gedruckten Varianten nicht mehr zu sehen sein (die digitale Ausgabe wurde bereits von Anfang an zensiert). Die Welt ist offenbar noch nicht bereit für Batmans Schniedel...
Für viel Vorfreude sorgte bei der Ankündigung des Titels, dass Lee Bermejo zeichnet. Seine teilweise fotorealistischen Zeichnungen, DC-Leser vor allem aus "Batman: Noël" bekannt, sind auch in "Damned" eine absolute Augenweide und für sich schon ein Grund, durch das Heft zu stöbern und die Panels zu bestaunen. An die Atmosphäre der Geschichte angepasst ist der Stil sehr düster gehalten. Viel grau und Schatten, blutroter Lichteinfall und während bestimmter Sequenzen sepiahaft; zeichnerisch sehr konsistent und in dieser Qualität schon etwas Besonderes.
In Bezug auf die Handlung sieht das leider etwas zwiespältiger aus. Nach dem ersten von drei geplanten Heften ist der Funke noch nicht übergesprungen, und dass wäre z.B. bei einem Buch bei 100 von 300 Seiten kein gutes Zeichen. Meines Erachtens verliert sich Azzarello darin, eine möglichst dunkle und mysteriöse Atmosphäre aufzubauen. Die Monologe wirken an mehr als einer Stelle gezwungen geheimnisvoll und sollen vermutlich ein Gefühl von Tiefe geben, dass sich aber nie wirklich einstellt. Vielleicht kommt in #2 und #3 der große Kniff, der mich als fehlgeleitet entlarvt, aber bis dahin vermute ich eine große Portion Selbstzweck und Oberflächlichkeit.
Die Handlung selbst tappt bis zur letzten Seite auf dem Stand des Klappentexts: Der Joker ist tot. So viel wissen wir und da werden auch keine großen Umwege gemacht, der Rest von #1 dient einem sehr groben setup der Geschichte, die sich in den kommenden beiden Heften entwickeln muss. Wir treffen John Constantine und Azarellos/Bermejos Interpretationen von Dead Man und Zantanna, die über kurze Auftritte aber nicht hinauskommen und wahrscheinlich erst noch ihre Momente bekommen; wenn sie Batman zur Seite stehen. Der große übernatürliche Zusammenhang deutet sich an allen Ecken an, hier bleibt auf den genialen oder zumindest cleveren Twist zu hoffen, aber bis auf düstere Atmosphäre fehlt bis hier (!) noch der thematische Punkt, mit dem mich der Autor überzeugen muss. Insofern gehen auch die drei Sterne vor allem an Lee Berjemo.
Egal wie das abschließende Urteil am Ende der Mini-Serie aussieht, "Batman: Damned" hat sich schon jetzt seinen Eintrag in die Anekdoten-Bücher für Comics gesichert. Die gedruckte Variante wird aufgrund des mehrfach zu sehenden Genitals von Bruce Wayne sicher bald zu Mondpreisen gehandelt, denn künftig soll dieser in allen gedruckten Varianten nicht mehr zu sehen sein (die digitale Ausgabe wurde bereits von Anfang an zensiert). Die Welt ist offenbar noch nicht bereit für Batmans Schniedel...
February 27, 2020
El más allá, el Joker "parece" estar muerto, John Constantine? Esto promete y el dibujo así parece fotografía retocada 😘👌
September 19, 2018
There have been so many spinoff and miniseries coming out of Batman’s arc lately, I almost overlooked this one. I can’t tell you how glad I am that I took the time to read this one! Seriously, if there’s one Batman miniseries you read this year, let it be this one.
This is a darker telling of Batman and his antics, both in regards to the plot, perspective, and art style. But it all works together perfectly. The tone compliments the art style, and both reflect the plot in perfect balance.
Here we find Batman getting himself in a mess, as per usual. Unlike usual though…things go poorly for him. Okay, that isn’t exactly out of the norm for him either, but it certainly seems and feels like things go slightly worse for him than usual.
Side note: in regards to the introductory scene of this series. Holy cow! I won’t spoil it by saying exactly what happened, but man! If ever I needed an example of Batman not being a perfect good guy archetype, this would be it. I understand he was injured and possibly delirious, but those were not the actions of a good man.
Ahem, moving on. The biggest twist of the whole plot has to be the person that’s telling the story. And no, it isn’t Batman. Nor is it anybody we typically see running with Batman, or any part of the Bat family. I was shocked…but I’m also really into this new perspective. It also explains the darker tones being shown. Here’s a hint for those impatient few out there: you can narrow the character down by the title of this series.
I’m not sure where this plot is going to go just yet…but I am incredibly excited to see what happens next. I feel like this comic is the perfect example of the dark tones the recent round of movies was trying to hit. Granted, that’s my personal opinion and I haven’t actually seen those movies…so…grain of salt.
I’m completely in love with the art for this issue. It’s hyper-detailed and stylized at the same time. It’s strikingly beautiful, with lots of motion and stylistic shading. Sometimes the full image won’t be visible on a page, having a chunk of it concealed by shadow. But it actually works really well in this context.
This is a darker telling of Batman and his antics, both in regards to the plot, perspective, and art style. But it all works together perfectly. The tone compliments the art style, and both reflect the plot in perfect balance.
Here we find Batman getting himself in a mess, as per usual. Unlike usual though…things go poorly for him. Okay, that isn’t exactly out of the norm for him either, but it certainly seems and feels like things go slightly worse for him than usual.
Side note: in regards to the introductory scene of this series. Holy cow! I won’t spoil it by saying exactly what happened, but man! If ever I needed an example of Batman not being a perfect good guy archetype, this would be it. I understand he was injured and possibly delirious, but those were not the actions of a good man.
Ahem, moving on. The biggest twist of the whole plot has to be the person that’s telling the story. And no, it isn’t Batman. Nor is it anybody we typically see running with Batman, or any part of the Bat family. I was shocked…but I’m also really into this new perspective. It also explains the darker tones being shown. Here’s a hint for those impatient few out there: you can narrow the character down by the title of this series.
I’m not sure where this plot is going to go just yet…but I am incredibly excited to see what happens next. I feel like this comic is the perfect example of the dark tones the recent round of movies was trying to hit. Granted, that’s my personal opinion and I haven’t actually seen those movies…so…grain of salt.
I’m completely in love with the art for this issue. It’s hyper-detailed and stylized at the same time. It’s strikingly beautiful, with lots of motion and stylistic shading. Sometimes the full image won’t be visible on a page, having a chunk of it concealed by shadow. But it actually works really well in this context.
September 14, 2018
I've been intrigued by this series ever since it was announced. I have to say that the art is just... wow! There's no denying the talent on display. It is just so atmospheric and beautiful. You feel the eerie creepiness of the city, of Bruce's visitations, of a world just slightly out of kilter. I loved looking and analyzing each panel.
The story seems interesting but the narrator's voice is gratingly clawing. I didn't like it. He's not effortlessly cynical despite his efforts and I feel that failed the book in parts. At times, I just wanted to skip ahead to the actual story rather than wallow in the pandering. Some of the text felt like fillers - others, like they portended the doom that is undoubtedly going to befall the characters in the book.
My biggest grouse with the book is that it implies that Thomas and Martha Wayne were not the idyllic, happy couple we are used to reading about in most Batman comics. I am all right with the need to humanize these veritable demi-gods, but come on, do something original for goodness' sake. If it's all the safe, cliche option, then there's nothing refreshing about it.
Other than that, this seems like an interesting route to take the character. The first issue wasn't as violent or gory as I had expected, but they'll probably up the ante in the coming issues. I hope they don't overdo the gratuitousness, because that would be unnecessary.
The story seems interesting but the narrator's voice is gratingly clawing. I didn't like it. He's not effortlessly cynical despite his efforts and I feel that failed the book in parts. At times, I just wanted to skip ahead to the actual story rather than wallow in the pandering. Some of the text felt like fillers - others, like they portended the doom that is undoubtedly going to befall the characters in the book.
My biggest grouse with the book is that it implies that Thomas and Martha Wayne were not the idyllic, happy couple we are used to reading about in most Batman comics. I am all right with the need to humanize these veritable demi-gods, but come on, do something original for goodness' sake. If it's all the safe, cliche option, then there's nothing refreshing about it.
Other than that, this seems like an interesting route to take the character. The first issue wasn't as violent or gory as I had expected, but they'll probably up the ante in the coming issues. I hope they don't overdo the gratuitousness, because that would be unnecessary.
September 19, 2018
Holy shit, guys.
February 11, 2019
so freaking dark and i'm here for it!
May 11, 2019
Buen comienzo, veremos como desarrolla la historia. Muy místico por ahora. El dibujo no es estrellas es 500 estrellas: fenomenal.
August 9, 2019
Meine Meinung
Das neue Black Label der DC-Comics ist für Erwachsene gedacht und schürt alleine schon durch das hochwertige optische Erscheinungsbild die Neugier auf die Story zwischen den Buchdeckeln. Den Auftakt des Labels bestreiten das Künstler-Duo Brian Azzarello und Lee Bermejo, die bereits bei Alben wie z. B. »Batman: Joker« und »Batman: Deathblow« Hand in Hand arbeiten, nun mit einer dreiteiligen »Batman Damned« Serie.
Der erste Band machte durch eine nachträgliche Zensierung des Geschlechtsteils des dunklen Ritters aus Gotham City Schlagzeilen, was mich nur ungläubig mit den Augen rollen lässt, schließlich wollte das Black Label doch gerade einen neuen Maßstab für die Sparte der Erwachsenen-Comics setzen und nicht als Sinnbild der unglaublich kindlichen amerikanischen Prüderie eingesetzt werden. Ob sich DC mit dieser außerordentlich peinlichen PR nur Aufmerksamkeit sichern wollte und einen Markt für die wenigen Hefte mit Bruce-Stück anheizen wollte möchte ich gar nicht näher verfolgen. Der Comic hätte einen solchen Mini-Skandal jedenfalls nicht nötig gehabt und ist auch in der zensierten Fassung eine richtige Augenweide.
Die edle Hardcover-Ausgabe aus dem Panini Verlag kommt in einem übergroßen Format daher und bietet auch für DC-Comic-Einsteiger, wie mich, einen guten Punkt, um in die düstere Welt von Gotham City einzutauchen und den bekannten Fledermaus-Ritter Bruce Wayne ein Stück zu begleiten. Der erste Teil von »Batman Damned« beginnt mit einem verletzten Batman, der nach seinem Unfall vom Tod des Jokers erfährt und sich nun der Frage stellen muss, ob er selbst etwas mit der Ermordung seines Erzfeindes zu tun hat.
Brian Azzarello zeigt in der Geschichte eine wahrhaftig düstere Episode aus Batmans Leben und lässt dabei sehr viel Spielraum für die eigenen Gedanken und welche Schlüsse man aus der Handlung zieht. Der Leser bleibt über die Vorgänge genauso im dunkeln wie der Titelheld selbst und ist somit auf die fragwürdigen Informationen des gaunerhaften Detektive John Constantine angewiesen, den Batman neben der Magierin Zatanna und Deadman zur Seite gestellt bekommt.
Die Story an sich kann noch nicht viel handfestes bieten, außer dem mysteriösen Tod des Jokers und dem Hinweis auf die Kindheit von Bruce Wayne, der in diesem Comic überhaupt nichts von ihrem Bilderbuchdasein anhaftet, bekommt der Leser noch nicht viel Handlung geliefert. Der Comic lohnt sich allerdings schon alleine aufgrund Bermejos beeindruckender Zeichenkunst, die vor allen Dingen auf den übergroßen Doppelseiten mit vielen Details und den realen Darstellungen brilliert. Ich bin auf jeden Fall schon sehr gespannt, was sich Azzarello und Bermejo für den Dreiteiler noch haben einfallen lassen und ob es ihnen gelingt der Handlung in den folgenden beiden Alben mehr Tiefe zu verleihen.
Fazit
Das Design des erste Bandes der »Batman Damned« Comic Trilogie überzeugt mit den grandiosen Zeichnungen Bermejos in düsteren und absolut mitreißenden Panels und hat lediglich storytechnisch etwas Nachholbedarf.
Das neue Black Label der DC-Comics ist für Erwachsene gedacht und schürt alleine schon durch das hochwertige optische Erscheinungsbild die Neugier auf die Story zwischen den Buchdeckeln. Den Auftakt des Labels bestreiten das Künstler-Duo Brian Azzarello und Lee Bermejo, die bereits bei Alben wie z. B. »Batman: Joker« und »Batman: Deathblow« Hand in Hand arbeiten, nun mit einer dreiteiligen »Batman Damned« Serie.
Der erste Band machte durch eine nachträgliche Zensierung des Geschlechtsteils des dunklen Ritters aus Gotham City Schlagzeilen, was mich nur ungläubig mit den Augen rollen lässt, schließlich wollte das Black Label doch gerade einen neuen Maßstab für die Sparte der Erwachsenen-Comics setzen und nicht als Sinnbild der unglaublich kindlichen amerikanischen Prüderie eingesetzt werden. Ob sich DC mit dieser außerordentlich peinlichen PR nur Aufmerksamkeit sichern wollte und einen Markt für die wenigen Hefte mit Bruce-Stück anheizen wollte möchte ich gar nicht näher verfolgen. Der Comic hätte einen solchen Mini-Skandal jedenfalls nicht nötig gehabt und ist auch in der zensierten Fassung eine richtige Augenweide.
Die edle Hardcover-Ausgabe aus dem Panini Verlag kommt in einem übergroßen Format daher und bietet auch für DC-Comic-Einsteiger, wie mich, einen guten Punkt, um in die düstere Welt von Gotham City einzutauchen und den bekannten Fledermaus-Ritter Bruce Wayne ein Stück zu begleiten. Der erste Teil von »Batman Damned« beginnt mit einem verletzten Batman, der nach seinem Unfall vom Tod des Jokers erfährt und sich nun der Frage stellen muss, ob er selbst etwas mit der Ermordung seines Erzfeindes zu tun hat.
Brian Azzarello zeigt in der Geschichte eine wahrhaftig düstere Episode aus Batmans Leben und lässt dabei sehr viel Spielraum für die eigenen Gedanken und welche Schlüsse man aus der Handlung zieht. Der Leser bleibt über die Vorgänge genauso im dunkeln wie der Titelheld selbst und ist somit auf die fragwürdigen Informationen des gaunerhaften Detektive John Constantine angewiesen, den Batman neben der Magierin Zatanna und Deadman zur Seite gestellt bekommt.
Die Story an sich kann noch nicht viel handfestes bieten, außer dem mysteriösen Tod des Jokers und dem Hinweis auf die Kindheit von Bruce Wayne, der in diesem Comic überhaupt nichts von ihrem Bilderbuchdasein anhaftet, bekommt der Leser noch nicht viel Handlung geliefert. Der Comic lohnt sich allerdings schon alleine aufgrund Bermejos beeindruckender Zeichenkunst, die vor allen Dingen auf den übergroßen Doppelseiten mit vielen Details und den realen Darstellungen brilliert. Ich bin auf jeden Fall schon sehr gespannt, was sich Azzarello und Bermejo für den Dreiteiler noch haben einfallen lassen und ob es ihnen gelingt der Handlung in den folgenden beiden Alben mehr Tiefe zu verleihen.
Fazit
Das Design des erste Bandes der »Batman Damned« Comic Trilogie überzeugt mit den grandiosen Zeichnungen Bermejos in düsteren und absolut mitreißenden Panels und hat lediglich storytechnisch etwas Nachholbedarf.
November 24, 2018
Decent enough. So I have been looking forward to this book in the Black Label line; mainly because I enjoy Brian Azzarello's writing and Lee Bermejo's artwork! If you liked Joker and Batman: Noel you will probably enjoy this one, I thought it was quite good. My only complaint is the monologue that you have to read on every page, in every panel drags on quite a bit. But I look forward to the next issue.
In terms of the controversy over the nudity; it really doesn't bother me that much. I find the situation around the issue and the fact that it's been removed from every new printing of this book, to be hilarious!
In terms of the controversy over the nudity; it really doesn't bother me that much. I find the situation around the issue and the fact that it's been removed from every new printing of this book, to be hilarious!
September 23, 2018
The art is amazing!! However the story is mediocre at best. The joker is dead( or we're told), batman is guided around by cool looking Constantine ( Im not so sure hes real or maybe a dream or worst case in the afterlife, Im guessing more will be revealed in Book 2). I'll definitely pick up the next book, just hopefully there's more structure/substance to the story.
March 7, 2024
Доколкото разбрах, DC Black Label е дъщерно издателство (ясно на коя компания), което издава комикси за големи.
Артът кърти с мрачните си цветове, но сюжетно не ми хареса това, че почти нищо не се случи.
Артът кърти с мрачните си цветове, но сюжетно не ми хареса това, че почти нищо не се случи.
October 23, 2018
Well... this is different. A Batman tale that is truly dark. The Joker is dead and no one has claimed the deed. What's the problem? Bruce can't remember his actions during this time. Did he finally snap and kill The Joker? Bruce is coming undone and is holding on to his sanity by a thread. When he reaches out for help, the unexpected hand of John Constantine is offered ... or is it? You never really know with him.
The script slow-paced, moody and nebulous. There is some action and a lot of internal strife yet not much insight as to where we're going. Like Bruce, you're not sure what's real or imaginary. And we can't trust the narrator. There are some revelations regarding Bruce's childhood that are surprising and disturbing. I can already hear the screams across the DC-verse. This is the first of a 3 book series. All will be revealed soon enough.
But that ARTWORK though! It is simply stunning. I was not familiar with Bermejo by name but I am a fan now. His work is emotional, surreal and intense. Gotham is dark, gritty and dangerous. Bruce is beautifully broken. My eyes feasted on each page. I am so glad I picked up a print version. I'm not sure digital could do it justice.
I want more, more, more.
The script slow-paced, moody and nebulous. There is some action and a lot of internal strife yet not much insight as to where we're going. Like Bruce, you're not sure what's real or imaginary. And we can't trust the narrator. There are some revelations regarding Bruce's childhood that are surprising and disturbing. I can already hear the screams across the DC-verse. This is the first of a 3 book series. All will be revealed soon enough.
But that ARTWORK though! It is simply stunning. I was not familiar with Bermejo by name but I am a fan now. His work is emotional, surreal and intense. Gotham is dark, gritty and dangerous. Bruce is beautifully broken. My eyes feasted on each page. I am so glad I picked up a print version. I'm not sure digital could do it justice.
I want more, more, more.
October 16, 2025
⭐3.5 for issue #1
از نظر بصری در بیشتر قسمتها بسیار زیباست؛ مخصوصاً مناظر، واقعاً زیبا هستند. اما شخصیتها، در بیشتر فریمها خیلی زشت هستند. میدونم که این بخشی از سبک کار هست؛ ولی خب باب میل من نیست.
از نظر داستانی، تا اینجا به اون بدی که فکر میکردم نبوده. اما اونطور که انتظار میرفت سرگرمکننده یا منسجم هم نیست. دوست دارم که به عنوان یک دنباله مستقل و غیراصلی برای کمیک the killing joke تصورش کنم.
به هر حال، فریم آخر واقعاً من را در مورد قسمتهای بعدی کنجکاو کرد. تاریک، خشن و بیرحم به نظر میرسید؛ دقیقا چیزی که برای یک کمیک بتمن مختص مخاطب بزرگسال، فرد میتونه انتظار داشته باشه.
the art looks pretty nice for most parts; especially the landscapes, they're really good looking. but the characters, they're so damn ugly in most of the frames. I know it's part of the style; it's just not my cup of tea.
story wise, so far not as bad as I thought. but nor is it as entertaining or coherent one would hope. I kinda like to imagine it as a standalone not-canon sequel for the killing joke.
anyway, the last frame got me really curious about the next parts. it looked dark, grim and gritty; so fitting for an adult oriented batman comic.
از نظر بصری در بیشتر قسمتها بسیار زیباست؛ مخصوصاً مناظر، واقعاً زیبا هستند. اما شخصیتها، در بیشتر فریمها خیلی زشت هستند. میدونم که این بخشی از سبک کار هست؛ ولی خب باب میل من نیست.
از نظر داستانی، تا اینجا به اون بدی که فکر میکردم نبوده. اما اونطور که انتظار میرفت سرگرمکننده یا منسجم هم نیست. دوست دارم که به عنوان یک دنباله مستقل و غیراصلی برای کمیک the killing joke تصورش کنم.
به هر حال، فریم آخر واقعاً من را در مورد قسمتهای بعدی کنجکاو کرد. تاریک، خشن و بیرحم به نظر میرسید؛ دقیقا چیزی که برای یک کمیک بتمن مختص مخاطب بزرگسال، فرد میتونه انتظار داشته باشه.
the art looks pretty nice for most parts; especially the landscapes, they're really good looking. but the characters, they're so damn ugly in most of the frames. I know it's part of the style; it's just not my cup of tea.
story wise, so far not as bad as I thought. but nor is it as entertaining or coherent one would hope. I kinda like to imagine it as a standalone not-canon sequel for the killing joke.
anyway, the last frame got me really curious about the next parts. it looked dark, grim and gritty; so fitting for an adult oriented batman comic.
September 19, 2018
Wow. This art is chilling. In fact nearly everything in this first issue, from the lettering to the writing to the darker take on the characters, feels so fresh and intriguing. I rarely find horror series that are so effective, or that aren't cliched, but this issue had a lot of surprises and interesting takes on characters. If you're looking for something to compare this series to, it reminds me a bit of the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina series, and how dark that went tonally. Such a great first issue!
January 30, 2019
4.5 stars
August 15, 2019
This seams to be a sequal to Azzarello's Joker story, if I am not mistaken. It looks to be trippy as heck as well. I hope everything comes together well at the end, when all is said and done. The art is awsome, and the story is quite intetesting as well. Seeing Enchantress makes me wonder if she is causing this whole thing???
One issue I had is the white lettering. It was hard to read in places...
One issue I had is the white lettering. It was hard to read in places...
June 5, 2020
It was interesting. Points for male nudity. Really liked the artwork.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews