Eight out of ten. CBR format.This story details the beginning of both Bruce Wayne's career as Batman and Jim Gordon's with the Gotham City police.Jim Gordon is shocked by the corruption of fellow police officers and Bruce is weak and vulnerable. As Batman grows into his role (with help from Harvey Dent) and Gordon single-handedly cleans up the department it's clear the two would benefit from a mutual agreement.A must read to understand the beginnings of the Batman story. ( )

I never knew superheros could be so interesting and deep! I am now a Batman fanatic thanks to Frank Miller and this book. This book also opened up a world of tights for me which I had previously looked down upon. The story is rich and realistic and I couldn't get enough of it! ( )

The beginning of Batman... ( )

This is Ground Zero for me. I had no interest in comics or graphic novels until I read this in my first year as a student in 1990.

There may have been predecessors to this style, but this was the first time I encountered it. Overused phrases such as "gritty realism" do not capture just what a change in style this was for me, in terms of my appreciation of comic characters.

It led me into the world of the graphic novel, and my reading interest has maintained a home there ever since. Yes, there are better graphic novels. No, there are few characters in the comic world more interesting. But if you don't know where to start with graphic novels, or perhaps feel that it is a cheap art, tawdry and unworthy of your time, then do yourself a favour and get this. It may change your outlook on the genre forever. ( )

This is the book that I recommend first to new Batman readers.
Frank Miller's retelling of Batman's origin broke the character free from the campy image and tone that had been established during the 60's and 70's. The Batman, James Gordon, and Harvey Dent that we meet in Year One are deep and psychologically plausible characters entangled in believable situations and conflicts.
Mazzucchelli's artwork is a perfect fit for Miller's script, portraying a Gotham City coated in industrial grime, and blanketed in deep shadows. The characters themselves are often composed of starkly contrasting areas of light and dark that imply they dwell primarily in the shadows and enter into the light.
All in all, this is a remarkable volume. ( )