Bullet Points:  Raging Bullets online DC Comics TPB/HC reviews 
 

Batman:  Year One Deluxe Ed. Hardcover 
 

Reviewed by 
 

Matthew G. Guy 
 

July 8, 2006 
 

      What is Bullet Points?  Simply put it is the online version of a traditional review of a trade paperback or hardcover from the 1980’s, 1990’s to the present of a DC title sometimes known, sometimes not so much to the average comic book reader. The review will have some spoilers but also provide you with the main details to draw you into the story. I hope I achieved some balance in giving you details to read further into this review while still wanting you to pick up the title for your own reading pleasure in the future.  The review will include the background details, review of the materials interior art, cover art, how well the story was, and the overall significance of the trade or hardcover with a rating scale at the end of the review.    
 

      So let us begin with an in-depth look at Batman:  Year One Deluxe Edition. For this series, the writer is Frank Miller; penciller and cover artist is David Mazzucchelli; colorist is Richmond Lewis; letterer is Todd Kelvin & the editor is Denny O’Neil.  Batman:  Year One collects the following issues 404 thru 407 from Batman in 1987.  This series reboots the Dark Knight following Crisis on Infinite Earths maxi series in the DC Universe. 
 

      Year One is an examination of the lives of both Bruce Wayne & James Gordon and the reasons behind their actions.  Bruce Wayne returns to Gotham City after a twelve year stint abroad; James Gordon goes to Gotham City for a better job and hoping a brighter future for this family.  Both men face great challenges in their goals:  Bruce training with skill but without method and James must battle within the Gotham City Police Dept. fighting corruption while choosing his battles carefully.  Selina Kyle is introduced into Gotham City but I will not say how as to not ruin the surprise for you.   We flashback to the darkest night in Bruce’s life and seeks justice in the form of a symbol, a bat.  One who can put fear into the hearts of others as Batman while fighting for justice in Gotham City.   
 

            Next Gordon deals with a schizophrenic that is holding three kids hostage by gunpoint.   Gordon’s recent actions widen the conflict between him and the police dept.  Batman foils a robbery and then moves up battling crime trying to stop the drugs entering Gotham.  The police dept. sees Batman as a vigilante and tries various ways to bring him in without success over the past few weeks.  The Mayor and Falcone are making plans to deal with both Batman and Gordon.  But Batman makes a surprise visit to the mayor’s home and sets the record straight:  no one can escape justice not even the rich and powerful in Gotham.  Gordon is told to catch Batman or else.  Batman rescues a elderly lady from harm’s way and in the process Batman is trapped and the GCPD are on the trail to bring in the Dark Knight.    
 

      Batman makes a darling escape from the GCPD, but it is not a escape made easily.  Selina decides to investigate matters for herself concerning Batman.  Batman meets face to face with Branden (GCPD) during the standoff.  Batman uses various bat-tools and sharp mind to aid him to avoid being captured in a sequence of events that is action packed.  Many of the GCPD are badly injured after their encounter with Batman.  Bruce goes to Switzerland to let his body heal and make plans for his next move and seriously considers getting more help to aid him in his war on crime in Gotham.  Gordon tries his best to find out who really is Batman.  Selina decides its time for a career change for herself.  Gordon and Essen (also GCPD) are becoming too close for comfort.  All the actions over the past few months make Gordon question who and what is right anymore in Gotham and at home.      
 

      Gordon talks to Essen and about certain choices that have to be made.  Jim arrests a drug dealer named Jefferson Skeevers and when he is out on bail the Batman goes looking for answers.  After Batman and Skeevers have a “chat” about what he knows.  Skeevers decides it is time to name names and include many in the police dept as one could have guessed.  But the commissioner decides it is time to put the screws to Gordon and blackmail him with pictures of Gordon and Essen together.  Gordon tests his theory as to find out who Batman really is and starts by questioning Bruce Wayne whereabouts.  After Bruce’s playboy act, Gordon is less sure about who Batman really is.  Gordon’s marriage is put to the test when he tells all to his wife about him and Essen.  Skeevers was poisoned but has his stomach pumped out in time.   Gordon has a healthy baby boy.  Selina embraces her role as Catwoman in full force.  Batman and Catwoman meet up at the same location not knowing of the other’s presence until a fight erupts while Batman was trying to get information about what was going on inside.  The Commissioner put his plan into action to get rid of Gordon once and for all.  As Gordon leaves to investigate the so called “domestic disturbance” his wife and baby are kidnapped by the goons that the commish hired. The thrilling way Gordon tracks down and makes the daring rescues of his wife and baby are by far the best art in the book as the book approaches its end.  Afterwards, the Commish resigns and Jim gets a promotion to Captain while he and his wife attend marriage counseling to save the marriage.  With Jim facing his next threat in Gotham City he seeks the aid of the Dark Knight in the next case.     
 
 

      Here Is How The Bullet Fired (For Me) 
 

      Raging Bullets Writing Rating: 9.9 Bullets 
 

      Raging Bullets Art Rating: 9.7 Bullets 
 

      Raging Bullet Cover Art: 9.8 Bullets 
 

      Raging Bullets Extras (sketches & writer’s script): 9.8 Bullets 
 

      Raging Bullet Overall Rating: 9.8 Bullets 
 

      If You Like This Try:  Batman Year Two:  Fear the Reaper (tpb)

      Collects Detective Comics 575 thru 578 
 

            I appreciate everyone’s support in this effort with their words of encouragement towards this project and I hope this column will aid in bringing thoughtful discussion of DC Comics and bring up great titles of both past and present for readers of comics to be aware of.  To this end, I issue a special challenge that is going to help with the direction of Bullet Points in future editions of this review column.  Details will come next week following the release of Bullet Points number 2.  I also encourage fellow listeners to submit their own entries into this column to Sean and let him post them on the Raging Bullets website during weeks that I am not posting to give variety to the column while making others aware of other DC, Vertigo, and WildStorm titles to fellow readers of this column to broaden their comic reading habit.   
 

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Copyright 2006 Raging Bullets & Matthew Guy