Batman: Year One

If there is one book in the plethora of graphic novels out there - on Batman or otherwise - one which can be considered a must read, is Batman: Year One.

Year One is Frank Miller's take on the origins of the Dark Knight, from the unsure and headstrong Bruce Wayne, to the outlaw vigilante he later becomes. As the title suggests, Year One chronicles Bruce Wayne's first year as the caped crusader as the takes on the scum of Gotham and escalates his war on crime.

Fusing narratives, and exploiting the conventional comic design to portray a simple, stark, yet vibrant imagery of Gotham and the characters within it, Miller and Mazzuchelli together create an almost unceasing, flowing story; that is both thought provoking and easy to read, particularly for someone new to the format.
The transition of the characterization as well the plot, from the pathos of Wayne, and his stubbornness, to the good-cop Gordon who tries to make a decent living in a city where corruption and vice is the norm, and the ever-so-slight element of hope (my only complain was that the book ends when you begin enjoying it the most)...Year One contains all the elements that work towards making it one of the best graphic novels in the Batman series and on the whole.

Batman: Year One, then, is definitely a book that is a must-have for Batman fans. And for those who wish to enter the fantastic world of graphic novels. Trust me, I did the same.

There came a time in DC universe that they realized that they need to revamp their charecters, re invent them and modify them. so started one of the biggest movement in DC comics to revamp their all super hero lines. so many heroes were tinkered around, new powers and even new origins.
But when they reached Batman unanimously it was decided he would remain the same as he was and will be perfect. All they needed was a new writer and an inspiring new artist. recently frnk miller had written dark knight returns which itself was a huge success. so Frank Miller was selected to re tell the epic story of how bruce became BATMAN and how Gordon started career towards Commissioner Gordon.
Just like dark knight returns the art style selected was unique and this time Frankmiller decided to write rather than draw and boy what a decision. never before was that story told so inspiringly.
To all Sons of Batman know this this is how our god was born and Frank Miller is the man to told the story to our generation.

Frank Miller is arguably the most brilliant creative head when it comes to Graphic Novel... A great read is what expected when he collaborates with the Dark Knight franchisee and he definitely doesnot disappointment. A pleasure reading, especially for those who want to have fresh look at the old hero!

This book is rated as the No 1 Batman Graphic novel of all time by IGN and I agree with that. Neat artwork and a superb story explaining the Origins of Batman. The story and the artwork shows the humane nature of the characters instead of the pulp version they were written for 60 years.

This book is def worth the buy, you can read it again and again and you will not get bored. It is amazing how this book written by Frank Miller 20 years ago is still the best.

FYI the movie Batman begins has most of the scenes from this book.