‘Batman: The Knight’ (review)

Written by Chip Zdarsky 
Art by Carmine di Giandomenico
Published by DC Comics

There have been a lot of comic books about Bruce Wayne’s time before he became Batman. They usually are just a part of a flashback story, however.

Even the film Batman Begins doesn’t delve into this time period very much.

Saying all of that, there has never been a series quite like this.

This book shows us Bruce training to become Batman in a totally different light than we have seen before. He’s never in a Batman costume either.

A lot of this does seem familiar to be upfront.

It’s the direction writer Chip Zdarsky takes us in once the premise is established that makes the difference.

The book starts off a decade after Bruce was left an orphan. We get to see Bruce meet some new characters who have a big impact on him and his success as Batman. We also get to see some other mentors that have failed him.

Of course, Bruce travels overseas to get the best training that he can possibly get.

We get to meet Anton, who is almost a mirror of Bruce. Anton is trying to learn how to best become a warrior like Bruce, and the two of them seem to be friends at first.

Yet, as the series progresses, we get to learn more about Anton. Suffice to say, Bruce’s and Anton’s friendship doesn’t last the entire series.

As he trains, Bruce goes through some incredible moments.

Each chapter has its own trial, and Bruce has to overcome them. As he does, he becomes closer and closer to the Batman that we all know. The ending has a mysterious villain who gets revealed. It is a bit of a surprise, and it is really well done.

It is also interesting to see who Anton eventually becomes.

Zdarsky does a great job writing this series. The dialogue is strong as is the conflict. It could have been a boring story, but he makes every moment count and makes the whole thing worth it. The artwork by Carmine di Giandomenico is the best of his career. I have always loved his work. Here, it is elegant and electric.

It’s a strong series that is definitely worth reading and revisiting for many years to come.

RATING: A