I’ve always been fond of superhero stories, and Batman was my introduction to comics. There’s something iconic about the character that captured my imagination.
Unfortunately, Batman’s issues go beyond a tormented origin story.
The Dark Knight might refuse to use a gun, but he has no problem crippling his enemies, causing long-term psychological damage, and wrecking valuable city infrastructure. He hoards technology that could better Gotham and the wider world, often treats his young wards poorly, and has an ethically dubious relationship with law enforcement.
Batman: White Knight tackles all of these issues head on.
The Joker is now sane, and attempting to clean up Gotham as its “white knight.” As Jack Napier, he reconciles with Harley Quinn and attempts to save the city from what he considers its greatest villain: Batman.
In addition to exploring Batman’s flaws, White Knight invites readers to reexamine several key relationships in Gotham. The Joker is Batman’s greatest fan, encouraging him to improve through more dangerous and elaborate crimes. There are actually two Harley Quinns: the clown-suit-wearing animated-series-inspired one who fell in love with Jack, and the desperate, over-sexualized survivor who fell in love with the Joker. And Batman’s young protégés are alternately frustrated and afraid of him.
There’s even social commentary. Why do Batman’s fights disproportionately damage less-affluent neighborhoods with a prominent black population? How are the rich profiting from Batman’s crusade? And why are liberal activists quick to support the reformed Joker while conservatives stand by Batman?
The new DC Black Label brand is off to a promising start. It’s aware of the criticisms leveled at its characters and free to explore new ideas without the limitation of past continuity or a broader comic universe.
I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the other DC characters explored through the Black Label brand, and I’ll be ordering the sequel comics to White Knight when they begin releasing later in 2019.
I read and reviewed this a while back. Thought it was a great twist on the Batman series.