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unladylike's review against another edition
5.0
I finished this book in one quick, thoroughly enjoyable sitting despite having a rough day, and at the end was torn between giving it 4 or 5 stars. "How did Geoff Johns write a comic this well?!!?" I asked myself. "I haaaate everything I've ever read by him!" But this is such a great, tidy re-characterization of so many Gothamites that I'm giving it the full 5 stars.
I loved seeing Batman failing repeatedly, entering fights he can't win, not being very observant or detective-like, and having to be built and propped up by the likes of Badass Bearded Alfred Pennyworth, Crowed and Soul-sold Jim Gordon, and Slick Hollywood Reality Show Host Harvey Bullock. It could have easily become slapstick or parody, but instead it's just a fantastically designed alternate reality where heroes and villains roles have been turned by just a few degrees.
My fellow fans of badass women in comics who hate the fridging and disabling of damsels in distress tropes: here we see a young Barbara Gordon totally take matters into her own hand and fight her way out of certain peril pretty much better than Batman or the cops trying to save her. I'm really excited to see her development, as well as more appearances by Montoya and Killer Croc.
Because of my very low opinions of Geoff Johns as an intelligent script-writer, I was wary of starting Earth One at the beginning, since I was mostly interested in catching up so the upcoming [b:Wonder Woman: Earth One, Volume 1|25241697|Wonder Woman Earth One, Volume 1|Grant Morrison|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1443562789s/25241697.jpg|44961164] would make more sense (unnecessary, from what I've heard, but I like to explore worlds sequentially). Now when I see his name on the credits of so many big things, instead of rolling my eyes, thinking "Another hack who was really just better at climbing up the business world ranks," I can say, "He did a really good job with Batman: Earth One! Have you read it?"
I loved seeing Batman failing repeatedly, entering fights he can't win, not being very observant or detective-like, and having to be built and propped up by the likes of Badass Bearded Alfred Pennyworth, Crowed and Soul-sold Jim Gordon, and Slick Hollywood Reality Show Host Harvey Bullock. It could have easily become slapstick or parody, but instead it's just a fantastically designed alternate reality where heroes and villains roles have been turned by just a few degrees.
My fellow fans of badass women in comics who hate the fridging and disabling of damsels in distress tropes: here we see a young Barbara Gordon totally take matters into her own hand and fight her way out of certain peril pretty much better than Batman or the cops trying to save her. I'm really excited to see her development, as well as more appearances by Montoya and Killer Croc.
Because of my very low opinions of Geoff Johns as an intelligent script-writer, I was wary of starting Earth One at the beginning, since I was mostly interested in catching up so the upcoming [b:Wonder Woman: Earth One, Volume 1|25241697|Wonder Woman Earth One, Volume 1|Grant Morrison|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1443562789s/25241697.jpg|44961164] would make more sense (unnecessary, from what I've heard, but I like to explore worlds sequentially). Now when I see his name on the credits of so many big things, instead of rolling my eyes, thinking "Another hack who was really just better at climbing up the business world ranks," I can say, "He did a really good job with Batman: Earth One! Have you read it?"
ericthec's review against another edition
5.0
A really good retelling of the origin story. A twist here and there. Just read it.
daileyxplanet's review against another edition
4.0
I am a big fan of Geoff Johns, who is great at reinvigorating a character, which makes sense for Earth One. I haven't done any research as to why this line was created, but it feels like an answer to Marvel's Ultimate Comics. Letting go of the weight of continuity.
One of my favorite things about alternate universes is how you can defy expectations. Johns shakes things up just enough for this not to feel like Year One with smart phones.
One of my favorite things about alternate universes is how you can defy expectations. Johns shakes things up just enough for this not to feel like Year One with smart phones.
rodneywilhite's review against another edition
4.0
Everyone and their pet iguana have written a darker, grittier take on Batman's origin. This one is better than most, but pretty much what you would expect. The art is great, though.
ajmaese's review against another edition
3.0
A ‘realistic’ deconstruction (not the first or last time) of the Batman mythos where Batman’s character (and lore) becomes close to a parody of itself. Where does pop culture have left to venture except self-parody? In any case, I love the Batman mythos, even it’s various deconstructions which uncover, create, and add some interesting pieces to the lore. We are witnessing their incorporation now, such as Earth One’s maternal Arkham lineage and ‘Vengeance’ moniker making their way into ‘The Batman’ film as vital aspects to the story. The mythos is rebuilt in the public mind and lives on. I love it. Modern people need their myths too.
tobinlopes's review against another edition
4.0
I strong addition to the Bat's mythos. Frank's art is top notch and moving. Johns story is a different but legitimate take on the Bat's origin. It had weight that typically is lacking in monthly books and had the gravitas to deliver an emotional story while allowing Frank's images to add depth.
I gave it 8/10 on my personal scale.
-tpl
I gave it 8/10 on my personal scale.
-tpl
webjoram's review against another edition
4.0
Una vez más nos encontramos con la historia del origen de batman pero en esta ocasión debo reconocer que es la primera vez que me leo un evento de este tipo de una sentada. Me ha encantado el enfoque que me han dado a los orígenes de un batman no tan fabuloso como siempre nos han hecho pensar.
Estoy deseando leer el segundo volumen.
Estoy deseando leer el segundo volumen.
ogreart's review against another edition
4.0
Another retelling of Batman's origin. There are some good angles here. A little too easily predictable, but hey, it's Batman's origin, how far afield could they go?