Reviews

Batman: the Knight Vol. 1 by Chip Zdarsky

rhavaella's review against another edition

adventurous informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

robinscastle's review against another edition

adventurous emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

flexmentallo's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A shockingly good -- and intriguing -- take on Batman's origins. Zdarsky was clearly enormously influenced by Batman Begins here, focusing more on Bruce's training than on his adventures as Batman, but the comic format allows him to go into a lot more depth. What follows is a surprisingly rich cast of characters, with solid villains and allies, many of whom are new characters. He's helped a lot by Carmine Di Giandomenico, an artist whose work I'd never seen before but who manages to imbue these characters with both grace and power. This is just a surprisingly delightful look back at how Batman became Batman.

vulco1's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Great origin story. Really enjoyed it. Art was fantastic

unladylike's review against another edition

4.5

I still think of Chip Zdarsky as the silly pseudonym of the artist from Sex Criminals, but clearly he has become a serious writer. This is probably the best Batman origin story I've ever seen in comic book form.

aegondarhk's review

3.0

3.5 STARSSSS

phil_caron's review against another edition

dark reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

iroh's review against another edition

adventurous dark medium-paced

4.25

sonofatreus's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Good stuff but probably goes on for an issue or two too long. It sets up Batman’s origin, or, more accurately, Bruce’s training to become Batman. In that sense, it’s not a terribly original story. At certain points, it feels pretty “influenced by” Batman Begins.

That said, I was never really bored reading it. Some of the supporting characters can be pretty fun and I liked that they lean into the absurdity of the character. With just a couple weeks’ training, for example, Bruce can heal himself through sheer force of will. 

The art’s maybe my favorite part. It’s pretty cinematic in its sense of focus and how it directs attention. Even when the dialogue gets a little rote (which didn’t happen too often), usually the visuals were still interesting. Sometimes the art even said more than the text itself (*HRN*). Would easily recommend this one to any Batman fan or someone looking to get into comics.

howdyellie's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

My top recommendation for anyone who wants to get into Batman/Bruce centric comics.