In a world without Batman, Jace Fox steps up to fill the void… Your Major Spoilers review of I Am Batman #1 from DC Comics awaits!
I AM BATMAN #1
Writer: John Ridley
Artist: Olivier Coipel
Colorist: Alex Sinclair
Letterer: ALW’s Troy Peteri
Editor: Ben Abernathy
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: September 14, 2021
Previously in I Am Batman: In the throes of Future State, the streets of Gotham City cry for justice, and Jace Fox answers the call! With a new and improved Bat-Suit, Jace hits the streets to inspire and protect (as he follows the trail of the voice of misinformation and violence) the anarchistic Anti-Oracle! Can the new Dark Knight counterbalance their plan to inspire armed rebellion in the citizens of Gotham?! Can one man inspire a city?
IS THIS THE WORLD OF FUTURE STATE?
I Am Batman #1 picks up with Jace Fox meeting with the board of FoxTech, charming them all, including his father, Lucius. He remarks how ironic it is that no one can see past his mask, then heads down to his secret lair, where his tech guy, Vol, has prepared his Batman costume. Jace takes to the streets as Batman, racing through the streets and trying to make it clear that Batman is back after a six-year absence. He encounters a few people who aren’t really impressed with his cape, but when he encounters a joyriding car thief, he responds with aggression, wrecking the classic Corvette, and letting the driver know that it’s time to turn himself in, before the dozens of people filming do it for him. A battle with a pair of gun-toting jerks goes just as well, with the GCPD greeting him as Batman, and warning him to get gone before less friendly police faces appear… like the two detectives who are already on the case.
“LET THEM KNOW: I’M NOT A MYTH.”
Although I’m confused as to how this isn’t more Future State, I have to say I liked this story, especially its characterization of a young Batman who has ideals that he wants to uphold. Luke’s interactions are all different than what Bruce Wayne would have done, in ways subtle and obvious, and it makes for a truly cool contrast to the Batman stories we’ve been seeing since the New 52 revamp. It’s a bit reminiscent of Batman Beyond, with a young Batman in a dystopian future reality, while people conspire against him and the forces of order. Coipel’s art is equally nuanced and textural, making the shadows of Gotham City almost a character in the book, while making Fox’s Batman suit look REALLY good. The shots of Batman racing through the streets on his motorcycle are top-notch stuff, and the final panel reveal of a meaningful body is the best looking murder scene you’ll see all week.
BOTTOM LINE: A GOOD BOOK
In short, I Am Batman #1 is really good, well-written and well-drawn and even though I’m not sure how or why it’s no longer a Future State thing, it’s still really interesting stuff, earning 4 out of 5 stars overall. If you’re not worried about issues of continuity or interconnectivity the way I am, you’ll probably enjoy it even more.
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I AM BATMAN #1
A new Batman in a new world makes for an interesting take, and Ridley's deeply nuanced script works well with the complex art of Coipel.
Batman is dead... Long live Batman!
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Writing7
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Art8
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Coloring8
