Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Gotham By Midnight #1
DC Comics
Fawkes & Templesmith
Based on the title you would be led to believe this is just another Batman comic book. However, the title is deceptive. This is a comic book that takes place in Gotham and does contain Batman in a complete throwaway role, but this is primarily a supernatural police investigation book. The story and artwork make for a compelling and tension filled read. I definitely recommend this comic book as it appears DC is loosening the tight hold on the types of comics that are produced as part of the "New 52". This is a character driven book with a solid plot and dynamic artwork that fits the story. What's not to like?
The book follows along an internal affairs officer as he checks out a rag-tag group of cops and consultants that seem to be a fraudulent group based on the budget to arrest ratio. However, after he follows the group along on a wild ride he may be re-thinking this team's purpose and productivity. The group of characters makes for a good mix, but when thrown into this crazy case the book excels all the more.
The lead character is Jim Corrigan aka The Spectre. I'm not sure that this book needed a recognizable character, let alone one with super powers. It's not that it hurts the book but I was kind of put off thinking that I don't know this character and I feel like I am supposed to in order to understand this book. Not saying that's the case but that's how it came across. As presented here, Corrigan is a strong lead and makes an immediate impression on the reader. This was the perfect ground floor to building a character.
The book has a misstep here and there. For example, when Corrigan is about to leave the house he's investigating, the internal affairs guy says, "What other kids?" Unless I am missing something no one said anything about other kids at this point. These tiny things stopped this from being a must-read book.
Periodically a comic book finds the perfect match for the story with the choice of artist. This is the case tenfold for this book. Templesmith is the master of dark and mystic artwork. He brings a dark tone with pencil details that present a dreary existence for the characters. If this story isn't spooky enough then the artwork pushes it over the edge. The style also provides a nice build-up of tension and drama that has a terrific payoff with the final page, perhaps the best page of the book artistically. Templesmith delivers a fantastic visual story in this issue.
Gotham By Midnight could be a book set in any city and still provide the same punch. The addition of Batman was unnecessary but I suspect this comic will stand on its own soon enough. If you like detective stories into the supernatural realm then this is the book for you. If you love creepy artwork then you get your money's worth with this presentation. I definitely recommend checking this comic book out.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
