SYNOPSIS: The year is 1940. Most of the Western world is embroiled in a war against a fascist regime whose march across Europe shows no sign of defeat. With the specter of global war looming, it’s a time of fear and paranoia for those living in Gotham. It’s only been a few months since the city was rescued from undead monsters by the masked vigilante known as The Bat-Man, but a vicious killer has been on a murder spree that’s taking the city to its breaking point. Bodies are turning up in theatrically gruesome ways…all staged with the killer’s calling card: a hangman’s noose. While The Bat-Man endeavors to solve the spate of murders, a young reporter from the Daily Star named Lois Lane arrives in Gotham. Meant to cover a movie premiere, it doesn’t take long for Lane to find herself caught in the grips of a new villain in Gotham. One whose mastery of fear will plunge the city into chaos!
I was elated to hear that The Bat-Man: First Knight was getting a sequel. Not only was it a fitting way to mark the Dark Knight’s first year of operation during its eighty-fifth anniversary, but it was also a riveting adventure that examined a dark time in the world’s history through compelling storytelling by writer Dan Jurgens and artist Mike Perkins.
The gang is back together and picking up where they left off a few months ago. It’s 1940, Julie Madison’s film, Night of A Thousand Cuts, is about to have its big premiere in Gotham City, and a new killer is on the loose, adorned in a purple hangman’s costume and slaughtering people in gruesome ways. While it might not seem like it to the GCPD, The Bat-Man is on the case!
What follows are twists and turns as a well-known villain purports to join forces, lovers reunite, allies learn their boundaries, and a certain reporter arrives with a hidden agenda. Amidst it all, some harrowing action ensues, including the life of Commissioner Gordon in jeopardy!
If you’ve read the prior series, then you know what to expect from this Black Label book: impeccable art, mature storytelling, and an authentic-feeling period setting. I’m not quite sure why some Black Label titles have censored language and others do not (perhaps it’s only allowed in the Prestige Plus format?), but be advised, this is definitely not an All-Ages book based on language alone, to say nothing of some of the murders!
This oftentimes feels like a sequel to a successful first film. Once the particulars have been established, the creatives can hit the ground running in the next installment, allowing them to delve deeper into the characters and their interpersonal dynamics, such as how Bruce and Julie continue to evolve in their relationship. The Bat-Man also has to reflect on how he deals with his allies, including his sources at the brothel and particularly Rabbi Cohen.
The Rabbi Cohen scene is particularly memorable. While the visage of The Bat-Man is meant to strike fear into the hearts of evil-doers, the mask and black leather can also evoke images of the Gestapo in the innocent. One such innocent is the good Rabbi’s wife, and seeing the contrite Caped Crusader really struck a chord. This is one evil he does not want to be confused for, and it illustrates the deep respect he has for the Cohens. The remorseful tone as he stressed his friendship with them stood out to me. It’s not often we see Batman apologize for his comings and goings.
Another thing sequels do is broaden the world. While we don’t see the city itself, the reader definitely wonders what this Metropolis is like. Is there a Superman? There certainly is a Lois Lane, and in keeping with the times, she is a reporter for The Daily Star, not The Daily Planet. Of course, long-time Superman scribe Dan Jurgens would get the little details like George Taylor as editor correct. Naturally, he nails the characterization of Lois, too: bold, fearless, and a nose for the bigger story. I loved how she gets involved with the action during the climax, saving both The Bat-Man and Julie. It’s pure Lois, even if the mystery villain gets the upper hand by the end!
Mike Perkins is oh-so-good on the art! He captures the period so well, from the details of the city and technology, to the people being evocative of the styles of the day. The new villain looks extremely formidable and menacing, and the classic villain who shows up gets just tweaked enough and also comes off as very sinister.
Naturally, it’s The Bat-Man who looks the best. If you’re a fan of the Bob Kane style with the horned bat ears, you’re going to love how Perkins renders him. There are a few splash pages that look so cinematic and breathtaking, like the first time we see The Dark Knight and when Bruce goes to suit up for action! The little details, like The Bat-Man applying a line to his Batarang, add to the verisimilitude of the series. The colors by Mike Spicer, like when Bat-Man goes to rescue Gordon, are outstanding. He really brings Perkins’ art to life and adds significantly to the mood. Every page is a testament to the beauty of comics!
When I think of Dan Jurgens, the first two things I think of are “Superman” and “artist”. Jurgens establishes once again that he is equally capable beyond the confines of Metropolis, delivering a thrilling noir of a story, filled with a touch of current events and hard-boiled action. If you were a fan of First Knight, Second Knight is ready to deliver a second helping of the vintage action you crave! – Javier E. Trujillo
GRADE: A+