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Now this is exactly why Mark Russell is one of my favorite authors, period.
Sorry to start with a conclusion but I really had to get that off my chest.
So, Mark Russell is writing a new Batman story.
But not just any story, no, it has to be an origin story. Daring, especially because Batman: Dark Age is no ordinary origin story, this is not the genesis of the Dark Knight as we know it from countless books and films.
Yes, well, his parents die, get murdered, that’s a must. But Bruce wasn’t there, didn’t witness the death of his parents. Which presumably also keeps the trauma somewhat in check (in comparison) and shapes his coping strategy differently.
He does not (immediately) become the lonely, revenge-filled vigilante, but the spoiled rich kid who, thanks to his background, his money and the power that comes with it, rebels, assholes and rules as he pleases.
Until the day approaches when he turns 18 and is to take over the president’s chair of Wayne Enterprises. Because a very special someone has something against it. Something effective...
Roughly outlined. Because when Mark Russell writes, it can only ever be approximated. After all, there is so much in his stories, on several levels, and certainly between the lines.
Batman: Dark Age #1 once again puts together the complete Russell package. We get a cinematically gripping story about the young Bruce Wayne, a developing intrigue behind the scenes at Wayne Enterprises and a Gotham in upheaval.
We also get philosophical anecdotes that make you think, socially critical observations, emotional moments, subliminal humor and a villain who is at least as subliminal.
By the last page, we are all hanging on the cliff and can hardly wait to see how the lively written characters and the intriguing story develop.
Well, I haven’t even touched on the fact that Russell has the ideal (Superman: Space Age proven) partner at his side in artist Michael Allred to express all this in pictures.
But it doesn’t matter, because I’m sure I’ll feel the urge to share my enthusiasm for Batman: Dark Age with you again after the next issue.
You can subscribe to the Batman: Dark Age series at Walt's Comic Shop through Manage Comics.
Simply click HERE.
Batman Dark Age #1 (Of 6) Cover C Frank Quitely Card Stock Variant
€9,50
Meet Bruce Wayne, Gotham’s favorite delinquent son. In an origin story like no other, witness the boy become a dark knight shaped by a city in turmoil as it marches towards its prophesied doom. Set against the backdrop of actual… read more
