Batman : Year One - Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli

Since I had read 'A Killing Joke' by Alan Moore, I had started looking at more from the Batman series. Recently I had read Mazzucchelli's 'Asterios Polyp' and, looking at his other works, I noticed a cross with my interest. 'Batman : Year One' with Frank Miller. It was hailed as one of the greatest Batman novels ever. The next time I felt like reading a graphic novel, the choice was obvious.

In 1986, Frank Miller had recently finished work on 'Batman : The Dark Knight Returns' when DC entrusted him with reworking Batman's original story. Batman was to stop being a comic character since. Miller turned Batman into the dark character that most of my generation associates it with. But this was before Nolan had come up with the Batman trilogy that would be etched into our brains. But the book stands out over the movies for one simple reason : James Gordon. Miller creates Gordon as a man while the movies treated him flippantly. Miller's storytelling needs to be appreciated here. Wayne's initial struggle as a vigilante and roots of his immense will power that keeps him from killing even the worst of Gotham's villains. How a Lieutenant made a name for himself despite all the disapproval from his colleagues and city's bureaucracy. Gordon's turbulent personal life. Batman bringing James Gordon around to accepting him and relying on him to do the dirty work.

'Year One' traces the lives of two individuals who come to a city run amok and a decaying society. Lieutenant James Gordon and the heir of Wayne Enterprises, Bruce Wayne. It traces the beginnings of Wayne's vigilante activities, how and why he finally picks up a cape and a mask. It traces Gordon's struggle within a corrupt police institution and his initial stance against Batman. It tells us the story of how two individuals with conflicting opinions join hands to fight a city full of criminals. 'Year One' also briefly talks about the origins of the Catwoman. But most of the story is about Wayne's transformation into the Batman and Gordon's acceptance of the crusader as a necessary force in the city.

Miller really outshone with his story telling. And Mazzucchelli's art work was aptly dark for the kind of character they were trying to bring to life. It was a well done book with some superb moments. Of course I will read more Miller. And Batman.