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Batman
Бэтмен: Готэм Нуар
Готэм-сити погружается в нуар! В этом необычном ваншоте Эд Брубейкер, автор, подаривший миру историю о первой встрече Бэтмена и Джокера в комиксе «Человек, который смеется», помещает всем известных героев в атмосферу безысходных 50-х, наполненную гангстерами в широких шляпах, роковыми женщинами и мрачными тайнами. Такого Темного Рыцаря и его родной город вы еще никогда не видели!
64 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
15 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
Ed Brubaker
1,798 books3,010 followersEd Brubaker (born November 17, 1966) is an Eisner Award-winning American cartoonist and writer. He was born at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.
Brubaker is best known for his work as a comic book writer on such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist, Catwoman, Gotham Central and Uncanny X-Men. In more recent years, he has focused solely on creator-owned titles for Image Comics, such as Fatale, Criminal, Velvet and Kill or Be Killed.
In 2016, Brubaker ventured into television, joining the writing staff of the HBO series Westworld.
Brubaker is best known for his work as a comic book writer on such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist, Catwoman, Gotham Central and Uncanny X-Men. In more recent years, he has focused solely on creator-owned titles for Image Comics, such as Fatale, Criminal, Velvet and Kill or Be Killed.
In 2016, Brubaker ventured into television, joining the writing staff of the HBO series Westworld.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 3, 2019
Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips doing a Batman crime story? This should have been a triumph, but alas, the book is actually very bland and by-the-numbers. Brubaker tried so hard to stylize the story as film noir that he completely forgot to come up with an actual story, instead relying on big fat cliches from every noir detective story in existence. Seriously, you couldn’t come up with a more textbook story if you tried — a young beautiful woman with shady past gets murdered, detective Jim Gordon is framed, turns out it’s corrupt Gotham mayor and some mafiosos who are behind everything. Gordon also gets a backstory about his tortured war past which also couldn’t be more generic if Brubaker tried. Phillips’s art is also nothing special unfortunately, one of his least memorable efforts I’ve ever seen in comics, and Dave Stewart’s colors don’t compliment his style at all. Overall, a disappointing story that is unsurprisingly and deservedly mostly forgotten nowadays.
April 16, 2018
I was pretty impressed with this one.
While noir in title and in style, it never veers into the campy trying to hard to be something its not. Neither does it stray into territory where it should not. A firmly enjoyable middle road of established workability finds itself enshrined within a retro-contextualized 1940’s world in Batman: Noir.
Well renowned Brubaker works well here amongst an equally talented crew of known-values. This ensemble respectfully morphs known-knowns (as always within their immutable demarcations) but in still keeping it fresh, I was continually amazed by the labyrinthine twists and turns of Noir. Thankfully, no Minotaur was charging after me, and each step of the way was as much a pleasant surprise as a continual series of comforts until I finally exited the maze.
A healthy application of artistic license is well applied to our beloved characters and a story truly reveling in its “elseworld-ness,” is the charming result. The dramatis personae is as well chosen as it is tastefully applied. James Gordon (interestingly chosen as the protagnonist) is a flawed alcoholic private eye swept up into a world of umbrage and criminal subterfuge. Catwoman is denuded of her erstwhile criminal alter-ego, running a local cabaret. And the omnipresent BatMan is curiously depicted as more phantom (with an implementation to match) than man, making for a well-rounded and delightfully mysterious figure – matching the very black nature of the story in title and tone perfectly.
Featuring thoughtful plot twists and a perhaps more “real-world” approach – Batman Noir successfully straddles the line between that of everyday life and that of the fantastical. We’re able to simultaneously dip our toes into a world that clearly does not exist yet, still feels quite real to the touch.
Thoroughly enjoyable throughout and a sterling addition to the mythical panorama that is: The Batman.
While noir in title and in style, it never veers into the campy trying to hard to be something its not. Neither does it stray into territory where it should not. A firmly enjoyable middle road of established workability finds itself enshrined within a retro-contextualized 1940’s world in Batman: Noir.
Well renowned Brubaker works well here amongst an equally talented crew of known-values. This ensemble respectfully morphs known-knowns (as always within their immutable demarcations) but in still keeping it fresh, I was continually amazed by the labyrinthine twists and turns of Noir. Thankfully, no Minotaur was charging after me, and each step of the way was as much a pleasant surprise as a continual series of comforts until I finally exited the maze.
A healthy application of artistic license is well applied to our beloved characters and a story truly reveling in its “elseworld-ness,” is the charming result. The dramatis personae is as well chosen as it is tastefully applied. James Gordon (interestingly chosen as the protagnonist) is a flawed alcoholic private eye swept up into a world of umbrage and criminal subterfuge. Catwoman is denuded of her erstwhile criminal alter-ego, running a local cabaret. And the omnipresent BatMan is curiously depicted as more phantom (with an implementation to match) than man, making for a well-rounded and delightfully mysterious figure – matching the very black nature of the story in title and tone perfectly.
Featuring thoughtful plot twists and a perhaps more “real-world” approach – Batman Noir successfully straddles the line between that of everyday life and that of the fantastical. We’re able to simultaneously dip our toes into a world that clearly does not exist yet, still feels quite real to the touch.
Thoroughly enjoyable throughout and a sterling addition to the mythical panorama that is: The Batman.
September 22, 2025
my mouth dropped at the end
December 25, 2024
Este no me gustó tanto, el Joker sale cuatro páginas y los mafiosos me dan más igual...
February 25, 2016
Ed Brubaker + Sean Phillips + Batman? Almost too good to be true. This short story feels just a little rushed, but it plays with the mythology in a fun way and Sean Phillips' Batman is a terrifying shadow - just the way I like him. It leaves you wanting more. Much more.
August 14, 2024
Quite bad, especially considering this is Batman by Ed Brubaker and everything read of his has been amazing so far. A Batman ought to be a home run.
However, its so forgettable, there's barely any story.
Jim Gordan is some unlikable guy with Selina Kyle as an ex and some murder happens and he on the run and bla bla.
Its wholly pointless and one of those completely unnecessary. You are never invested in it, not even the artwork nor dialogue.
Overall, nothing of note here.
However, its so forgettable, there's barely any story.
Jim Gordan is some unlikable guy with Selina Kyle as an ex and some murder happens and he on the run and bla bla.
Its wholly pointless and one of those completely unnecessary. You are never invested in it, not even the artwork nor dialogue.
Overall, nothing of note here.
October 22, 2022
(Zero spoiler review) 3.5/5
This just barely scraped up from a 3 to a 4 star by the very tip of its cape. I read this as part of the Batman Who Laughs deluxe edition, which again, surprised me with the named arc of the book only being one third of the content collected. Though in all honesty, the two supplemental Ed Brubaker stories were better than the Batman Who Laughs, so I can't really complain I guess. I really enjoyed the initial premise of this, And no, I don't just mean Brubaker doing a noir take on Gotham, because that is mana from heaven, even if this wasn't exactly his finest hour. What I mean is, the elseworld type differing spin on the Gotham characters we all know and love. I just wish he leaned more into it. I could easily see a series spinning out in this vein to rival the likes of Gotham Central. But hey, I guess three issues is all we're ever going to get.
Jim Gordon makes for the ideal protagonist, and whilst nothing here is revolutionary in any sense, even the great man Sean Philip's noir style is still in its infancy, but this one gets weaker the longer it goes on. The initial gentle nods to canon unfortunately change towards intentional adherence as the story continues, which robbed it a little of its main strength, which was what knocked it down dangerously close to 3 territory, although a healthy dose of Jim Gordon, Brubaker, admittedly on autopilot, and some Sean Philips art, admittedly at less than his best was still enough to earn a recommendation. Good, but not as good as it could or should have been. 3.5/5
OmniBen.
This just barely scraped up from a 3 to a 4 star by the very tip of its cape. I read this as part of the Batman Who Laughs deluxe edition, which again, surprised me with the named arc of the book only being one third of the content collected. Though in all honesty, the two supplemental Ed Brubaker stories were better than the Batman Who Laughs, so I can't really complain I guess. I really enjoyed the initial premise of this, And no, I don't just mean Brubaker doing a noir take on Gotham, because that is mana from heaven, even if this wasn't exactly his finest hour. What I mean is, the elseworld type differing spin on the Gotham characters we all know and love. I just wish he leaned more into it. I could easily see a series spinning out in this vein to rival the likes of Gotham Central. But hey, I guess three issues is all we're ever going to get.
Jim Gordon makes for the ideal protagonist, and whilst nothing here is revolutionary in any sense, even the great man Sean Philip's noir style is still in its infancy, but this one gets weaker the longer it goes on. The initial gentle nods to canon unfortunately change towards intentional adherence as the story continues, which robbed it a little of its main strength, which was what knocked it down dangerously close to 3 territory, although a healthy dose of Jim Gordon, Brubaker, admittedly on autopilot, and some Sean Philips art, admittedly at less than his best was still enough to earn a recommendation. Good, but not as good as it could or should have been. 3.5/5
OmniBen.
March 23, 2021
I could read volumes of this. Noir, gangster Batman stories
February 21, 2021
As the best of the Elseworlds should be - not a rehashed origin story in a slightly different setting but rather a self-contained tale with vaguely familiar characters.
August 13, 2025
i actually loved how batman was illustrated in this, though the story was pretty mid
December 23, 2025
quien me manda a mi leerme los elseworlds de DC, así estoy que luego no me entero de nada
March 13, 2023
It's 1949 in Gotham and a short-tempered, alcoholic private eye named James Gordon is framed for murder after taking a job from seedy night club owner Selina Kyle. This is an Elseworlds concept I could read volumes of; gritty noir in a mid-century Gotham with apt character adaptations that feel both novel and familiar exploring an isolated sandbox removed from the concerns of continuity. Gordon's tortured characterization was really well executed and the criminal conspiracy plot he gets entangled in is engrossing. The plot feels a bit rushed at times and doesn't stray very far from familiar noir tropes but I was immersed nonetheless. Phillips' art is as good as ever and his depiction of Batman is fantastic; appearing more a phantom than a man. 8.5/10
March 16, 2025
Really interesting take. Gritty and had Gordon has the main character
September 26, 2025
2.5/5
A little boring if im honest, but that may be personal bias beacuse im just alot more interested in stories about batman or in this case, batman solving a crime. I also just felt it was only trying to be a cool noir tale and only focusing on the visual aspect and storytelling tone without really caring about how interesting the story was. Big fan of how batman was drawn in this one and the general concept of the bat being a myth and a literal huge shadow though, It just wasn’t the most interesting thing ever but it was alright nonetheless
A little boring if im honest, but that may be personal bias beacuse im just alot more interested in stories about batman or in this case, batman solving a crime. I also just felt it was only trying to be a cool noir tale and only focusing on the visual aspect and storytelling tone without really caring about how interesting the story was. Big fan of how batman was drawn in this one and the general concept of the bat being a myth and a literal huge shadow though, It just wasn’t the most interesting thing ever but it was alright nonetheless
February 26, 2024
+9 According to many, Gotham Noir makes good use of film noir tropes as a homage - and to others, it’s cliché and stereotypical. Unfortunately I do not know enough about noir or its stereotypes to form a good judgement on their usage in this story. Either way, I still really loved this story for its plot and art.
James Gordon takes on the protagonist role and Batman becomes a tertiary character - seeing a perfectly normal guy navigate the city of Gotham and clear his name will always be interesting. During all this, James is still battling his PTSD and alcoholism issues - which like the other slight character reworkings of well-known Batman mythos characters - gave a refreshing take on a familiar character with additional depth. The perspective this one-shot has on Batman is intriguing too, being an all-black shadow that only appears in Gordon’s presence. Is the Batman real, or is it a hallucination brought on by Gordon’s mental issues and substance abuse? Also was greatly amused by how often Gordon gets beaten up, tortured and captured. He’s really lucky, or got sharp wits, to get out of such great dangers! There was one plot hole that had me scratching my head though - how did ?
The noir-ish art by Sean Phillips is amazing, with lots of dramatic shadow covering faces in close-up or mid-range shots, particularly the faces of Gordon and Harvey Dent. Dave Stewart’s colouring, combined with Phillip’s art, really gave each scene vibrancy and action, particularly with the flat colour backgrounds. Phillips was very good with consistency regarding the little details - for example, a character is holding an object in their left hand, and continue to hold it throughout the scene. I did notice a couple of errors though, like Gordon not wearing his necktie for one singular panel. However that's acceptable, since not every panel requires the same amount of detail.
To finally conclude, Gotham Noir is a wonderful Elseworlds story with interesting 1950’s noir takes on well-known characters, wrapped up in a tight mystery told in 60-ish pages.
[Read in February, read and reviewed in May 2023]
James Gordon takes on the protagonist role and Batman becomes a tertiary character - seeing a perfectly normal guy navigate the city of Gotham and clear his name will always be interesting. During all this, James is still battling his PTSD and alcoholism issues - which like the other slight character reworkings of well-known Batman mythos characters - gave a refreshing take on a familiar character with additional depth. The perspective this one-shot has on Batman is intriguing too, being an all-black shadow that only appears in Gordon’s presence. Is the Batman real, or is it a hallucination brought on by Gordon’s mental issues and substance abuse? Also was greatly amused by how often Gordon gets beaten up, tortured and captured. He’s really lucky, or got sharp wits, to get out of such great dangers! There was one plot hole that had me scratching my head though - how did ?
The noir-ish art by Sean Phillips is amazing, with lots of dramatic shadow covering faces in close-up or mid-range shots, particularly the faces of Gordon and Harvey Dent. Dave Stewart’s colouring, combined with Phillip’s art, really gave each scene vibrancy and action, particularly with the flat colour backgrounds. Phillips was very good with consistency regarding the little details - for example, a character is holding an object in their left hand, and continue to hold it throughout the scene. I did notice a couple of errors though, like Gordon not wearing his necktie for one singular panel. However that's acceptable, since not every panel requires the same amount of detail.
To finally conclude, Gotham Noir is a wonderful Elseworlds story with interesting 1950’s noir takes on well-known characters, wrapped up in a tight mystery told in 60-ish pages.
[Read in February, read and reviewed in May 2023]
September 4, 2011
2.5
I expected more out of this. It isn't bad, just not up to the standards I expect from a Brubaker/Phillips book. Oh course this probably one of the earlier collaborations if not the earliest.
Gordon has been fired from the police force and is now more of an alcoholic private eye. Pretty much solely has to do with Gordon and nothing to do with Batman.
I expected more out of this. It isn't bad, just not up to the standards I expect from a Brubaker/Phillips book. Oh course this probably one of the earlier collaborations if not the earliest.
Gordon has been fired from the police force and is now more of an alcoholic private eye. Pretty much solely has to do with Gordon and nothing to do with Batman.
February 1, 2013
I love noir and I love Batman so I'm really surprised that this sucked so much! I certainly cannot believe it was on Nerdist's criminally good noir comics list.
March 30, 2014
I expected much more from this marvellous creative team, however this story is so anodine. I think the best part of it was the cover. It was quite boring.
November 24, 2014
De las que he leído de Batman, es la mejor narrada.
August 1, 2015
Terrific Noir imagining of Gotham City in 1949 with a hard-boiled Jim Gordon tackling the mob and government corruption with a assist from The Batman.
November 9, 2023
A smooth 1940s detective noir style Elseworlds tale set in the DC comics universe. Without the doubt Ed Brubaker was born to write these types of stories. The funny thing is that this tale felt like a really old school Batman book. This was surprising since Batman is more like a ghost that shows up just a few times in the book. Brubaker has chosen to focus this story on a down on his luck Private Investigator version of James Gordon. This was a simple read but very entertaining. Sean Philips artwork fits this Batman book like a well fitted glove. The dialogue was really well done and I was really rooting for Jim to get out of the calamity he found himself in. My only gripe with the book was just a few minor plot threads that seemed a bit tagged on. Of course, the Napier joker like turn seemed to come out of nowhere and felt more like a fan service nod than a clear transition to the story. Although, Jim's fate was an unexpected surprise. This is definitely one of the coolest Elseworlds tales I have read from DC comics in sometime. For those who enjoy this and other noir style comic books I'd recommend reading more of Brubaker's crime noir books. Here a few suggestions: Kill or be Killed, Vol. 1, Reckless, & Follow Me Down.
May 28, 2024
Batman: Gotham Noir (2001)
Writer – Ed Brubaker
Illustrator – Sean Phillips
Synopsis: Gordan, an ex-cop is framed for a murder and is hunted by a mysterious being called The Bat.
Gotham Noir is a stand-alone novel set in 1940’s Gotham City. Unlike most series, this one is entirely in the perspective of Gordon with Batman playing an extended cameo.
With Gotham Noir, the story is set very much like a movie crime mystery and Ed Brubaker has done a fine job with creating a well-rounded base. Various Batman characters are given a Noir style origin/life and its well suited.
But on the downside, it is very misleading to go into it expecting Batman to take any kind of considerable lead. Gordon is at the forefront and while its fine, does dampen the excitement. The ending felt anticlimactic and rushed.
Artwork by Sean Phillips was good and Gotham’s 40s look was nicely captured. Batman’s design matched the eery and mythic vibe that characters would have experienced.
Overall, it’s a good read, but do not expect Batman to turn up every now and then.
RJG Rating – 3.25/5
Goodreads – 3.54/5
Writer – Ed Brubaker
Illustrator – Sean Phillips
Synopsis: Gordan, an ex-cop is framed for a murder and is hunted by a mysterious being called The Bat.
Gotham Noir is a stand-alone novel set in 1940’s Gotham City. Unlike most series, this one is entirely in the perspective of Gordon with Batman playing an extended cameo.
With Gotham Noir, the story is set very much like a movie crime mystery and Ed Brubaker has done a fine job with creating a well-rounded base. Various Batman characters are given a Noir style origin/life and its well suited.
But on the downside, it is very misleading to go into it expecting Batman to take any kind of considerable lead. Gordon is at the forefront and while its fine, does dampen the excitement. The ending felt anticlimactic and rushed.
Artwork by Sean Phillips was good and Gotham’s 40s look was nicely captured. Batman’s design matched the eery and mythic vibe that characters would have experienced.
Overall, it’s a good read, but do not expect Batman to turn up every now and then.
RJG Rating – 3.25/5
Goodreads – 3.54/5
January 29, 2021
I always did like Film Noir and this Elseworlds Batman one-off captures the mood and style very well. It's rather a 'meaty' read with plenty of captions and dialogue, focusing on Jim Gordon rather than Batman himself. As with the films, all the dames and broads smoke, wear furs, can't be trusted. All the guys wave tommy guns around and get into fisticuffs. Consequently, this story is fairly seedy and somehow a little unsatisfactory in the end, but it's well-written and the artwork is decent too. 4.25/5
August 15, 2019
Прекрасная история, сошедшая на улицы Готэма будто прямиком из Criminal. Классический нуар, рассказанный в лицах мира Бэтмена (с узнаваемыми сюжетными тропами, но немного видоизменёнными героями и отношениями между ними). Ближе к развязке комикс ходит по краю фарса, но в целом очень даже здорово.
October 27, 2021
Although it's not a bad story, it's leagues away from what this amazing idea promises. I could easily read a series of Gotham Noir, either anthology or in continuity, but this particular story is forgettable to me. Also, I didn't like that Batman, he's drawn like a shadow. At first it was cool because his nightmarish looks work when you are not familiar with the story, but he remains the same until the end and I honestly thing it's because they didn't come up with a cool costume for the 40s.
March 27, 2022
This is fun but also incredibly cliche. I was not expecting Catwoman/Jim Gordon as a past pairing in the opening pages. How long has he been divorced from his wife?
This a literal Noir story but they renamed all the characters to be Batman characters. The ending is kinda of a twist that works or can be questioned.
This a literal Noir story but they renamed all the characters to be Batman characters. The ending is kinda of a twist that works or can be questioned.
August 22, 2022
The art was good & the story was an interesting twist on the traditional story, albeit a little convoluted.
Kind of annoying that it is only in 'The Man Who Laughs' Deluxe edition; Seems randomly thrown into it & I was confused because I thought it was a canon story, not an Elseworlds story. I did figure it out pretty soon though.
Kind of annoying that it is only in 'The Man Who Laughs' Deluxe edition; Seems randomly thrown into it & I was confused because I thought it was a canon story, not an Elseworlds story. I did figure it out pretty soon though.
June 25, 2023
One of the best creative teams in comics, especially involving crime stories apply their talents to an alternate reality Batman tale. Brubaker and Phillips check off a lot of boxes and add an touch of the supernatural to present an excellent noir story. The often underrated James Gordon is perfectly suited as the lead in this well crafted Elseworlds entry.
July 30, 2019
I really liked this!
This is how I want a Batman story to be:
Dark, gritty and based in reality.
More of a noir-crime story than a scifi space adventure.
Great, but short, read with some really nice artwork! 🦇
This is how I want a Batman story to be:
Dark, gritty and based in reality.
More of a noir-crime story than a scifi space adventure.
Great, but short, read with some really nice artwork! 🦇
November 25, 2019
Perfect crime noir story which uses noir tropes without being hackneyed. Set in the batman Elseworlds Universe. Drawings by Phillips,are as usual, visually perfect and as close to real art that comics can get.
This is a very short read but highly recommended.
This is a very short read but highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews