Comic Book Review - Batman: One Dark Knight #1

Rob reviews Batman: One Dark Knight #1...

The Legend of the Dark Knight is one steeped with a lot of history. Many heavyweight writers and artists have stamped their mark on Bruce Wayne's life throughout the years - some good - some bad. Stepping up to the proverbial plate this time is veteran comic book artist, Jock. However, not content with just producing another round of stellar art, he is also penning this DC Black Label too. 

One Dark Knight presents itself as a typical Batman tale. There's a new addition to the "rogues gallery" in the form of E.M.P., and Batman just so happens to be helping the GCPD transport him through Gotham. However, things don't go to plan and in living up to his name, E.M.P. knocks out everything electrical within Gotham City. With Batman's arsenal also affected by the blackout, the Dark Knight has to rely on his prowess to not only survive the long night but also get E.M.P. safely from Arkham Asylum to Blackgate Prison.

What follows is an action-packed dash through the streets as a mysterious gang, as well as various other groups, attempt to make the journey as difficult as possible. 

So. Just a typical day in Gotham City!?

While we've seen Batman in many dangerous situations throughout his rich history, I can't recall a time where he's been in a predicament quite like this. Not only has he got to contend with transporting E.M.P. to Blackgate, but he's also got to deal with not having any technology and the fallout to Gotham's blackout. There's certainly a lot of potential here for what could become a quintessential Batman tale. Yet, while Jock excels in his artwork, the writing is a bit hit and miss. 

Don't get me wrong, Jock does set the scene incredibly well. It's during the character interactions that things feel a little flat. A lot is going on with various story's playing out at the same time. There are certain areas where the writing hits like a freight train. The conversations between Batman and Alfred show how in tune both are with each other, and whilst Bruce is on the streets, Alfred is just as much there with him. 

However, this is undone by Gordon's interactions with Rita Vasquez. The two characters on paper are opposites of each other. While Jim Gordon is physically down on the streets, Vasquez isn't. Naturally, it's in policing Gotham where the two butt heads.

As head of the Prison Bureau Vasquez plans to stamp out all crime within Gotham, which also includes Batman. However it's a motive that's been seen time and time again, that's unfortunately hard to get behind. It's also worth noting that while Vasquez is anti-Batman, she's very much pro, Bruce Wayne. Hopefully, Jock expands on both Gordon and Vasquez in the future as at the moment both don't do anything to justify why they're here. 

When it comes to villains, E.M.P. is pretty mysterious. There isn't a great deal of context given as to the who, what, and why's to his character - or powers. This will be drip-fed to us as the series moves forward and I'm quite looking forward to finding this out. 

Jock's art is as impressive as ever and there's a great balance between the dark and gritty Gotham, whilst creating a figurative bright light around the Batman. There's a great deal to enjoy here, and nearly every scene tops the one that came before it. He also manages to capture a lot of emotion within his cast two. There's a scene involving Batman just after the blackout that speaks a lot more than the dialogue. 

All in all, One Dark Knight is a mixed bag. While it's a gorgeous display of what Jock does best and certainly plays into his many strengths. It does sadly show his weakness as a writer when it comes to dialogue and maintaining the pace. However, even with this One Dark Knight is a compelling read. The overall narrative is very interesting and I've already got many theories and hopes for what's to come. Naturally, fans of Jock will get a kick out of this series, and I am excited to see what's to come. 

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