Batman: The Knight #1

Batman: The Knight

by Chip Zdarsky, Carmine Di Giandomenico (Cover Art), Manix Abrera (Cover Art)

The origin of Batman and his never-ending fight against crime in Gotham City is modern mythology, but what of the story in between? How did an angry, damaged young man grow into the most accomplished detective and crime-fighter the world has ever known? How did the Dark Knight…begin? Superstar writer Chip Zdarsky (Daredevil) and acclaimed artist Carmine Di Giandomenico (The Flash) will take Bruce Wayne on a fraught journey, making allies and enemies, on his training to become Batman in this definitive new series!

Genres: Comics, Batman, Dc Comics, Comic Book, Graphic Novels, Comix

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 18, 2022

About the author

Chip Zdarsky is a Canadian comic book artist and journalist. He was born Steve Murray but is known by his fan base as Chip Zdarsky, and occasionally Todd Diamond. He writes and illustrates an advice column called Extremely Bad Advice for the Canadian national newspaper National Post's The Ampersand, their pop culture section's online edition. He is also the creator of Prison Funnies and Monster Cops.

Source: Wikipedia.

Reviews

[Sam Quixote · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s comical how many Batman-related titles DC are putting out at the moment, almost like they’ve got no other characters that appeal to enough readers - anyway, here’s another one to add to the pile: a retelling of Batman’s origins imaginatively called The Knight!

In this first issue, we see Bruce in the wake of his parents’ double homicide, being moody at school, standing up to bullies, while slowly steering towards his destiny as Batman, hitting the books as hard as his opponents in underground boxing matches. He’s also receiving therapy from one Dr. Hugo Strange…

I’ve never read a Chip Zdarsky-written comic that’s blown me away and that remains the case after Batman: The Knight #1. It’s not poorly written, nor is Carmine Di Giandomenico’s art bad, but the story completely unimpressed me as a longtime reader of Batman who’s read and seen several retellings of his origins before. There’s nothing fresh or original about Zdarsky’s take and nowt here to hook me to want to keep up with the series.

The Hugo Strange framing story is ok, if predictable, but I don’t know why there are weird flashbacks to a Medieval suit of armour besides having something to reference the subtitle, The Knight.

If this level of writing/storytelling remains more or less consistent for the remainder of this 10 issue run, then The Knight may well turn out to be a solid Batman origin story for new readers who’ve never encountered it before, which is probably what DC are aiming for. But there isn’t anything here for more experienced Batman readers and I found The Knight #1 a very uninteresting and uninspired beginning.

[Eric Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does the world need another Batman book!?!?

If it's written by Zdarsky and with gorgeous, crisp, striking and rich art by Di Giandomenico the answer is Hell Yeah! The Knight kicks off a wellknown origin tale of Bruce Wayne but with a twist and is the "real story" you just didn't yet know you didnt know. It is both familiar and foreign, treading territory paved, but still off the beaten path. In this first introductory issue the stage is set with suspense, hinted(or glaring) villiany, relationship dynamism, and stark imagery promising much more to come. Let's do this!

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent start. Art is great and Bruce being young adult/teen is interesting. But nothing new or exciting...least yet.

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect first issue.

[Kastie Pavlik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This strikes the perfect balance between story telling and showing, of letting the panels speak and illustrating the progression of what Bruce is observing. That panel of him in the shadows under the tree was the "it" moment for me, like you can see Batman's entire ideology right there. And you can see Alfred changing. In the beginning, he holds the umbrella over Bruce who's wrapped in Alfred's coat, but later, Alfred walks ahead, wearing his coat and holding the umbrella over his head as Bruce follows behind. The art says so much, but the bits gleaned in text are just as vocal, leading Bruce to observe more and evolve, but not letting him off easy. He thinks he knows what to do, equating fighting smartly with not getting caught while still focusing on expanding his physical skills. But when he sees Alfred break, he finally sees what everyone has been/is trying to get him to see, but still views it through his view of the world, which is not their view of the world.

A few notes - I love the symbolism and psychology of little boy Bruce hiding inside the knight. The age at which he's drawn throws in confusion. He looks like a college student or young businessman, but is supposed to be in highschool. It was nice to have that moment with Dana when Bruce was as much himself as he can be, to have a candid moment with a friend - something we see so rarely with him as Batman where Bruce is truly his alter ego and he doesn't trust anyone.

[Fernanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all love divorced, single dad Batman, but problem student, at-the-police-precinct-for-fighting-on-the-street seventeen-year-old Bruce Wayne might be objectively funnier.

[Burton Olivier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes when Chip does these books with a serious tone they can be hit or miss but I think this one is gonna be a big hit. Good start to what seems like a very cool take on this transitional phase of Bruce's life, good use of Hugo Strange and Dana. The art is also great, perfectly executing the tone.

[David Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another look into what made Bruce Wayne into Batman. New behind the scenes. I like Chip and will give him the benefit of the doubt. Let's see where this story goes. These retelling of Batman's origins always change a bit, due to more years passing from the original. Now, we see a young Bruce being tended by Hugo Strange. Convenient is it not?

[Ernez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was going to say hasn't there been enough Batman? But clearly nope. I love how this was set up. One of the ones I'm most intrigued by right now.

[RubiGiráldez RubiGiráldez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lo lógico es resoplar con cierto hastío al conocer que tendremos una nueva historia de origen de Batman. La cosa empieza a generar interés al saber que parece que no se trata de recontar nuevamente el Año Uno de Frank Miller (seguramente encauce con él, pero es muy pronto para vaticinarlo) y termina por llamar totalmente la atención sabiendo que Chip Zdarsky está detrás del guion. Este autor está siendo uno de los grandes nombres actuales del comic book de superhéroes y en DC ya se ha estando prodigando. Con su trabajo con la reciente etapa de Daredevil en mente, entramos sin miedo a redescubrir la juventud de Bruce Wayne desde una perspectiva y fuerza que ya me gustaría a mí haber visto en la serie de TV Gotham. Más allá del plano psicológico (para el cual, Chip acude a uno de los villanos más peligrosos y a la vez olvidados de la Batgalería), en el que Zdarsky redescubre el trauma de la tragedia familiar del enésimo huérfano de Gotham City, el autor sorprende con su abordaje del lado más oscuro y conflictivo de Bruce con esos primeros vistazos a la figura en la que se convertirá algún día tras su momentáneo destierro autoimpuesto de Gotham City.

El autor ya deja claro en este primer número que Alfred seguirá siendo el ancla del joven Wayne. Pero de una forma más activa y descarnada que no deja de agradecerse cuando en la mayor parte de las situaciones e historias del canon central este valioso personaje no termina pasando de ser un secundario por fuerza mayor.

Cuenta con un arte más que sobresaliente para que quien no tenga aún claro si darle una oportunidad a la propuesta con este número debut, se quede alguno más con la esperanza de ver alguna gran secuencia de acción cuando el rumbo justiciero del joven Bruce se vuelva más claro.

[Marius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beginning Of A Long Journey

"You've been given everything. Prove that you deserve it."
- Alfred

Upon the brutal murdering of his parents Bruce Wayne is eager to keep the crime in his hometown Gotham at bay. He studies without hesitation but the incident left scars on the soul of this young man...
What you can expect from this:
- a retelling of Bruce's school time when he learned how to stand up for others
- interesting looks into the billionaire's mind after the homicide of his parents
- emotional dive into Alfred's and his relationship
- a decent framing with Hugo Strange being Bruce's psychiatrist
- extremely good art with a very realistic touch and good shadow plays
What's also contained:
- nothing new for long time readers
Final Thoughts:
The first issue of "The Knight" has been a solid base for all readers to experience and enjoy the backstory of one of the greatest characters of comic book history. The reader gets to know how Bruce copes with the loss of his parents, how basic character traits of Batman began to evolve and how Alfred took care of the lonely boy. "The Knight" is a well done remaster of Bruce's backstory but nothing fresh.
4/5

[James Rodrigues · Rating 4 out of 5]

Issue 1 of Chip Zdarsky delivering a Batman origin story, and it's an interesting read. The focus is on a young Bruce, trying to channel his anger into something productive to help Gotham, only it's coming out in ways that aren't helpful. Intercut with these flashbacks are therapy scenes of Bruce with Hugo Strange, and visions of a Knight which seems to symbolise a saviour. With a character as prevalent as Batman, there's only so many ways you can do this kind of story without it feeling too familiar. So far, this doesn't set itself apart enough, but the artwork and the story do enough to make this an interesting read.

[Som3r MM · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 ⭐️ Este cómic nos narra un Bruce más joven y sin un rumbo fijo aún, para mi que aún estoy empezando, es una experiencia bastante agradable, podría ubicar la historia antes que la de "Batman año uno" al menos si hablamos de manera cronología, pero de igual forma siento que se puede disfrutar en este orden.

Me gusta que le den más desarrollo a él personaje y que nos permitan apreciar mejor su crecimiento.
Esta historia esta dividida en 10 grapas, por lo que aún no se bien que onda con todo, pero al menos para ser la primera me ha gustado mucho!!

[Jagaddhita Pradana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Banyak banget pelajaran yang dapat kita ambil dari komik ini. Salah satunya adalah yang dikatakan oleh Bruce:
"I'm here to learn not to prove to people that I've learned."

Karakter Bruce dibuat dengan sangat detail. Di sinilah kisah sebelum menjadi seorang "Batman" di mulai.

Ini adalah komik pertama yang saya baca. Saya kurang suka dengan komik, tapi ketika membaca ini. Tuhan. Aku ingin cepat menyelesaikannya. Aku penasaran dengan kelanjutan ceritanya. Semoga membawaku pada hal-hal yang lebih seru lagi.

[Gelo Arucan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to be honest, the only reason why I own this is because I purchased the Manix Abrera variant cover. I'm a huge fan of Manix Abrera and I just had to have his variant cover of this comic in my collection.

I decided to read it when the Batman movie came out. I've never read any Batman comics before and this is the first time I've read one.

I actually liked it and it's very intriguing! The art is also amazing!

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I need to go back to it in the future, but I really just wasn’t not gripped by this series. A lot of the gaps that would be fun filling in are rushed through, and it doesn’t connect to Batman lore in an interesting way for me. Art doesn’t really grab me or standout either.

[Garth · Rating 4 out of 5]

2024 - Year of The Bat (366 Days of Batman)

Day 15: I know it’s yet another origin story but, in just one issue, Zdarsky and Di Giandomenico have already hooked me more than King’s run did with Knightmares. Glad I switched over to this maxi-series for a break from the regular title.

[Jon Ninneman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a re telling of Batman before Batman.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing art and a really good start to a new run! I love the way young Bruce is drawn here! Looking forward to this!

[Etienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting new series. Seem good, but nothing totally gripping and not the most original take on this universe. It has potential but we will need to wait and see where the next issue is taking us!

[Femme Power Comix · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Davorin Horak]

Chip kuži stvar, ali teško je, ako uopće moguće, pronaći neki friški, originalni pogled na Gothamova najvećeg sina...

[magalí · Rating 4 out of 5]

previando

[som ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱₊˚⊹ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*
أظن القصة بتكون عبارة عن دراسة لشخصية بروس وتطورها ؟ وايد مثير للإهتمام + الكتابة حلوة مسمسممس الرسم ذو ما وايد ستايلي ؟
بكملها :]

[Lexington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this new human like Batman. Batman is a myth at this point and every writer have their takes of the cape crusader and I’m here for all of them truly so yeah.

[Paul Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid miniseries, just completed.

[savvy · Rating 5 out of 5]

BANGER

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Olivia Gallo · Rating 4 out of 5]

i got to learn more about batman 💪🏻💪🏻

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

So first we get a Bruce before he's Batman sort of story, but then we get hints for something more (a suit of armor?) and a pretty fun ending. It's Zdarsky, I trust him. Let's go!