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zomvi's review
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This would have been a really solid thriller, had I not disagreed with the representation of some of the Gotham legacy characters: Alfred, who gives up on an angry young Bruce and leaves, further fueling Bruce's anger and issues of abandonment, and Detective Gordon, who leaves the police force in disgrace, and seemingly gives up on Gotham. The artwork and some of the spreads and panel layouts are phenomenal, though! Sorrentino is a brilliant choice to illustrate a gritty, noir, detective story, so Gotham is rendered expertly, and with Bellaire doing colors and Wands the lettering, this miniseries is a seriously impressive visual feast. There are also some really great side characters that leave quite an impact, though I wasn't sold on one of the relationships. Overall, this is worth the read for the presentation alone, but especially for anyone wanting a dark, gritty Batman noir.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death of parent, Gun violence, Death, Murder, Suicide, and Violence
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Child abuse
dozmuttz's review
5.0
HAPPY BATMAN DAY (I know I’m a day late), HERE’S AN AWESOME BATMAN STORY !!!
Last year, I’m assuming in anticipation for the new Batman flick, one of the actual screen writers for the movie, Mattson Tomlin, wrote this epic Batman mini-series. Partnered with him is Eisner-Award winning, technical artist genius, Andrea Sorrentino. In this mini-series we are put in a Gotham that has only had Batman for about a year, and the city is very back and forth towards the caped crusader. That’s nothing new to a Batman story, however this one takes a darker and more serious tone (aren’t most Batman stories dark and serious though?). In this one, Alfred quits and sends Bruce to a boarding school, commissioner Gordan is fired and blacklisted from GCPD for helping Batman, and Batman’s biggest threat isn’t one of his famous rogue gallery characters- it’s…himself. Well kinda, it’s as the title says, an imposter.
After Batman gets into a nasty tangle with a common thug, he finds himself knocked out on the floor of his old child psychiatrist. He is left with no option but to reveal himself in order to get patched up. She threatens to expose him if he doesn’t stop being Batman, but they come to a compromise. Bruce meets with her everyday after dawn and she gives him therapy sessions to understand him, but also try to help him and get him out of Batman's shadow. It all slows down however after it’s shown that Batman has executed multiple criminals and it’s all caught on tape. Who is this imposter? With Batman doing some digging he introduces himself as Bruce Wayne to the main detective on this new murder Batman case, Blair Wong. He puts on the playboy charm, in order to get more intel, however it gets a bit challenging when the caped crusader gets bit by the lovebug.
Tomlin is pure brilliance with the writing on this one! As a person who loves more grounded Batman stories with new takes and ideas, I felt that Tomlin hit all the check marks. The overall theme and feel of the read sets you in that gritty and gloomy setting. I loved the aspect of having Bruce go through therapy throughout the mini-series. It’s really cool to get into the cowl of Batman, and see what he is going through in his mental health. It brought such creative dialogue between characters and was part of a cool way to story tell. The early year Batman stories are so often done, that one might say it’s a bit cliche and overdone to do it, however the route Tomlin takes feels fresh and is a heck of a read pacing wise, depth wise, and entertainment wise. I also loved that he didn’t choose an original rogue member and even though we’ve kinda gotten the whole “dude impersonating Batman and killing people” trope before, the setting in which Tomlin does the story feels like a distinct version that separates itself from the others. This really gave me the same vibes as “Black Mirror” and as most Batfans could probably agree, that’s one of the best stories ever written for the character. I shouldn’t be surprised the story was so superb though, as Tomlin was one of the writers on ‘The Batman’ film that came out this year (2022) and I loved that film. Tomlin is familiar with the character and wrote him in a way that feels most recent due to the film and that’s why it feels really well done.
On art duties is Andrea Sorrentino. Admitly, I slept very much on Sorrentino’s work. I’ve only briefly seen his art and after peaking through his stuff on ‘Gideon Falls’ I remember not really being intrigued by it. Well egg on my face, cause he stuff is some of the best I’ve seen from a current artist. His watercolor style and creative paneling makes me think of a Jock and David Aja hybrid. And that’s in no way to take away from Sorrentino’s own originality, because seeing his work it’s still distinct to him. You know a Sorrentino piece when you see one, because the technique alone is genius! There is no page left plain or repetitive. His paneling is super fresh and storytelling, even after finishing the panels you still find yourself staring at the pages background as that in itself follows a pace and flow. There’s also so many great shots that he plays with shadows and darkness, which is obviously a perfect match for a Batman story. His pacing is so cool as it seems to move really fast when it needs to but slows down in the right amount of time to breathe and be examined. It’s really prolific work and I for sure have to go back to check out his other books. I really really hope this eventually gets an OHC or Absolute edition because it feels like a really thought out project from Sorrentino and you can tell there was a lot of care and passion put into this one.
Overall; This was outstanding and I’m sure it will stand the test of time as one of the best Batman stories. I know there’s a lot with the caped crusader and it can feel like beating a dead horse, but that’s how you're able to see the ones that will go down as greats, even classics. This team captured something so enthralling and it makes you satisfied with what you got but also wanting more. I’d love to see this team make more mini-series or even a maxi-series, and show more of this version of Batman's Gotham. The ending ended in a way that could be a closing to the book, but also could just be the closing of a chapter. Regardless I’m happy with whatever, I JUST NEED THE ABSOLUTE EDITION TO SOLICIT ASAP!
Last year, I’m assuming in anticipation for the new Batman flick, one of the actual screen writers for the movie, Mattson Tomlin, wrote this epic Batman mini-series. Partnered with him is Eisner-Award winning, technical artist genius, Andrea Sorrentino. In this mini-series we are put in a Gotham that has only had Batman for about a year, and the city is very back and forth towards the caped crusader. That’s nothing new to a Batman story, however this one takes a darker and more serious tone (aren’t most Batman stories dark and serious though?). In this one, Alfred quits and sends Bruce to a boarding school, commissioner Gordan is fired and blacklisted from GCPD for helping Batman, and Batman’s biggest threat isn’t one of his famous rogue gallery characters- it’s…himself. Well kinda, it’s as the title says, an imposter.
After Batman gets into a nasty tangle with a common thug, he finds himself knocked out on the floor of his old child psychiatrist. He is left with no option but to reveal himself in order to get patched up. She threatens to expose him if he doesn’t stop being Batman, but they come to a compromise. Bruce meets with her everyday after dawn and she gives him therapy sessions to understand him, but also try to help him and get him out of Batman's shadow. It all slows down however after it’s shown that Batman has executed multiple criminals and it’s all caught on tape. Who is this imposter? With Batman doing some digging he introduces himself as Bruce Wayne to the main detective on this new murder Batman case, Blair Wong. He puts on the playboy charm, in order to get more intel, however it gets a bit challenging when the caped crusader gets bit by the lovebug.
Tomlin is pure brilliance with the writing on this one! As a person who loves more grounded Batman stories with new takes and ideas, I felt that Tomlin hit all the check marks. The overall theme and feel of the read sets you in that gritty and gloomy setting. I loved the aspect of having Bruce go through therapy throughout the mini-series. It’s really cool to get into the cowl of Batman, and see what he is going through in his mental health. It brought such creative dialogue between characters and was part of a cool way to story tell. The early year Batman stories are so often done, that one might say it’s a bit cliche and overdone to do it, however the route Tomlin takes feels fresh and is a heck of a read pacing wise, depth wise, and entertainment wise. I also loved that he didn’t choose an original rogue member and even though we’ve kinda gotten the whole “dude impersonating Batman and killing people” trope before, the setting in which Tomlin does the story feels like a distinct version that separates itself from the others. This really gave me the same vibes as “Black Mirror” and as most Batfans could probably agree, that’s one of the best stories ever written for the character. I shouldn’t be surprised the story was so superb though, as Tomlin was one of the writers on ‘The Batman’ film that came out this year (2022) and I loved that film. Tomlin is familiar with the character and wrote him in a way that feels most recent due to the film and that’s why it feels really well done.
On art duties is Andrea Sorrentino. Admitly, I slept very much on Sorrentino’s work. I’ve only briefly seen his art and after peaking through his stuff on ‘Gideon Falls’ I remember not really being intrigued by it. Well egg on my face, cause he stuff is some of the best I’ve seen from a current artist. His watercolor style and creative paneling makes me think of a Jock and David Aja hybrid. And that’s in no way to take away from Sorrentino’s own originality, because seeing his work it’s still distinct to him. You know a Sorrentino piece when you see one, because the technique alone is genius! There is no page left plain or repetitive. His paneling is super fresh and storytelling, even after finishing the panels you still find yourself staring at the pages background as that in itself follows a pace and flow. There’s also so many great shots that he plays with shadows and darkness, which is obviously a perfect match for a Batman story. His pacing is so cool as it seems to move really fast when it needs to but slows down in the right amount of time to breathe and be examined. It’s really prolific work and I for sure have to go back to check out his other books. I really really hope this eventually gets an OHC or Absolute edition because it feels like a really thought out project from Sorrentino and you can tell there was a lot of care and passion put into this one.
Overall; This was outstanding and I’m sure it will stand the test of time as one of the best Batman stories. I know there’s a lot with the caped crusader and it can feel like beating a dead horse, but that’s how you're able to see the ones that will go down as greats, even classics. This team captured something so enthralling and it makes you satisfied with what you got but also wanting more. I’d love to see this team make more mini-series or even a maxi-series, and show more of this version of Batman's Gotham. The ending ended in a way that could be a closing to the book, but also could just be the closing of a chapter. Regardless I’m happy with whatever, I JUST NEED THE ABSOLUTE EDITION TO SOLICIT ASAP!
annirogue's review
4.5
This was such an interesting take on Batman, one of the most original ones I’ve read. I loved Bruce’s development and thought the overall story was fascinating and captured the essence of Batman. I was super confused by some of the action scenes because there’s two Batman’s and it’s hard to differentiate but I think upon a second read this will clear up.
softstarrynights's review
5.0
Part of DC's Black Label line, Batman: The Imposter is written by Mattson Tomlin, drawn by Andrea Sorrentino, and coloured by Jordie Bellaire. In this book, we follow a relatively young Bruce Wayne on his crusade against crime, when he is brought up short by another Batman patrolling the streets. What's the problem? Well this Batman, this imposter, has no qualms about killing. In terms of plot, this was very compelling and very interesting right off the bat. Tomlin manages to capture the old-school world's greatest detective vibes, but false keeps it fresh enough that it feels very aligned with Matt Reeves The Batman. That's a hard balance to find in comic books, but it was executed very well. I was even theorising and guessing as to who the imposter could be, who I wanted it to be, and who I did not want it to be. However, a comic is nothing without its art team, this one comprising Sorrentino and Bellaire. The art is absolutely stunning. If you see this in-store, you need to pick it up and have a flick through. From the drawing style to the panel compositions to the use of colour. Everything about it is just--dare I use the word-- perfect. It's been a long time since I've read a Batman book that hits like this one, with both style and substance. There's no doubt in my mind that it is one of my favourites. And don't forget it's Black Label, so this could be the 100th Batman book you read, or it could be the first, and either way it's absolutely incredible.
muchado_'s review
3.0
This was a good read. It dives into Bruce's character- which I love. There are a lot of mental health topics, which is great! One of my favorite parts of this novel. Unfortunately, some of the words were blurry so I couldn't read them. Still, I enjoyed the novel.
Thank you NetGalley and DC Comics for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and DC Comics for the ARC.
devlinwav's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
mcbenzie's review
dark
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
A great alternate version of the Batman story which uses a real-world perspective to add a lot - including exploiting a real loophole in Bruce’s whole vigilante enterprise. Beautifully drawn too.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Abandonment, Death of parent, Murder, Police brutality, and Gun violence
Minor: Child abuse
babettes's review
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Great art! I love when people analyze what Batman means as a hero and what his impact truly is. Blair Wong was a great supporting character, I loved how her story mirrored Bruce and how she and us will never know if he truly felt anything for her (I think he did she’s cute how could he not). The revealed villain was not shocking which I like. And again GREAT ART
loradean's review against another edition
5.0
Probabilmente la migliore uscita Batman del 2021. Regia delle sequenze e disegni clamorosi.
has3000's review
4.0
A solid standalone story. Some known characters, some new, and it managed to feel like a crime-thriller while also feeling like a Batman story.
Worked great as a one-off, but also left me feeling like I’d be happy to learn more about this universe, which I’d say is a good way to end.
Worked great as a one-off, but also left me feeling like I’d be happy to learn more about this universe, which I’d say is a good way to end.