Title: Batman: The Black Mirror
Author: Scott Snyder
Artists: Jock and Francesco Francavilla
Genre: Superheroes / Action / Adventure / Horror
Year Published: 2011
Year Read: 2013
Series: Batman
Publisher: DC Comics
Source: Purchased
Content Rating: Ages 16+ (Gory Violence and Disturbing Subject Matter)
Introduction:
Lately, I have been reading
many “Batman” comics that came out
during the 1980s and the 1990s, so that way I could be caught up with the “Batman” universe. But, after discovering some newer “Batman” comics, I wanted to try out
some and one of the “Batman” stories
that I had checked out was “Batman: The
Black Mirror.” Now, after reading “Batman: Hush,” I said to myself that I
wanted to read more “Batman” stories
that featured Dick Grayson since I loved his character in “Batman: Hush.” Well, imagine my surprise when I discovered that “Batman: The Black Mirror” was actually
Dick Grayson’s story! Well, what could I say?
This was definitely one wallop of a story that would be hard to review
because of so much going on in one graphic novel, but I will definitely do my
best to express my intense love for this comic book!
What is this story
about?
After the events of “Final Crisis,” Bruce Wayne, the real
Batman, decided to create a superhero group that consists of other “Batmans”
called “Batman Incorporated.” So, Dick
Grayson is forced to take on the mantle as the new Batman for Gotham City,
while working with Oracle (Barbara Gordon) and Red Robin (Tim Drake) on various
crimes that plague the city.
BUT THAT IS NOT THE STORY HERE!
The actual story here is that Dick Grayson, now Batman, has
uncovered a terrifying and strange case when he discovers that a nightmarish
auction is being held where the criminals of Gotham
City’s possessions are all being sold
to the rich citizens of Gotham
City. Little does Dick Grayson, know it seems to be
a plot to trap Batman once and for all!
Meanwhile, Commissioner Jim Gordon’s past catches up to him when his
psychotic son, James Gordon Jr. comes to visit Gotham City
and convinces his father and his step sister, Barbara Gordon, that he is a
changed man and is trying to get back on the right path. But, has James Gordon Jr. really changed or
is he up to no good?
What I loved about
this story:
Scott Snyder’s writing: WOW! All I could say is…WOW! After reading Scott Snyder’s fantastic work on “American Vampire,” I just had to see how well Scott Snyder can write the famous dark knight! I was actually pleasantly surprised that Scott Snyder managed to write Dick Grayson
extremely well as Dick Grayson might have some serious moments to his
personality, but I loved the fact that Dick is much more laid-back than Bruce
Wayne and that he is willing to help anyone in their time of need. It clearly shows when Dick Grayson dons the
Batman costume as his personality is less menacing than Bruce Wayne’s and he
makes a couple of jokes or two towards his enemies. I also loved the relationship shown between
Commissioner Jim Gordon and Dick Grayson as Jim Gordon holds the same respect
for Dick that he held for Bruce Wayne.
But what really sold the story for me was the fact that it was focused
on how the characters viewed Gotham
City as being a place
full of corruption and how it affected them.
I really enjoyed the storyline with James Gordon Jr. as he is a new
character that I had never read about before, but Scott Snyder did a brilliant job at making him extremely creepy as
you do not really know his true motives and yet, he can act so innocent at the
drop of a hat. If I were to list one of
the creepiest characters to ever appear in a “Batman” comic, then James Gordon Jr. would definitely be on that
list! I also loved the way that Scott Snyder provided an extremely dark
and gritty atmosphere to this story as it may have snippets of “American Vampire” in it (well, it is
written by Scott Snyder, who also
written “American Vampire”), but it
worked so well with the “Batman”
universe and it just made the story even more interesting to read!
Jock and Francesco Francavilla’s artwork: Both Jock
and Francesco Francavilla’s artwork greatly contributed to the dark
atmosphere of this story. Jock’s artwork during Dick Grayson’s
storylines is extremely detailed and dramatic and also, the images of the
monsters are extremely disturbing to look at which really made the story even
more intense. Francesco Francavilla’s artwork in Commissioner Jim Gordon’s side
of the story concerning his story are always shown in dark colorings and has a
slight 80s artwork vibe which really brought a classic vibe to this story.
What made me feel
uncomfortable about this story:
Out of all the “Batman”
comics I had read so far, this is seriously one of the most disturbing
stories I had ever read, next to “Batman:
the Killing Joke.” Anyone who does
not like reading about serial killers or disturbing psychological issues might
be a bit disturbed with this story.
Also, this story has many gory scenes of characters getting cut up and
killed that some readers might find a bit uncomfortable to read through.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, “Batman: The Black Mirror” is easily one of the best
current “Batman” stories around and anyone who is a huge fan of Dick
Grayson will definitely love this comic!
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