Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gritty, hyper-violent graphic novel about Batman's origin.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In BATMAN: EARTH ONE, wealthy playboy Bruce Wayne adopts the persona of the Batman to seek vengeance for his parents' murder. But this version of Batman is clumsy, impetuous, angry, and untrained. Other characters from the long-running comics series are shown in a new light: Alfred is a former Royal Marine, the Penguin is the mayor of Gotham City, and cop Jim Gordon is no longer on the straight-and-narrow.
Is It Any Good?
Comic book adventures in alternate universes can be a lot of fun, but Batman: Earth One turns out to be a hyper-violent, disappointing drag.
Comics have a long tradition of "alternate earth" versions of their superheroes. DC revamped its entire line of comics in 2011 and reintroduced a Batman that's pretty close to how most people think of "Batman." But Batman: Earth One introduces a new version of the Dark Knight quite different from the traditional Batman we know from the comics and movies.
Familiar characters and themes are turned upside-down, sometimes with great cleverness, but they don't add up to a world that feels any more interesting or inviting than what has been the standard Batman origin story since the '30s. Gary Frank's pencils are expressive and kinetic, but Geoff Johns' script doesn't do his masked vigilante justice.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why vigilantism is dangerous and why citizens should not attempt to take the law into their own hands.
Why are superheroes so popular with modern audiences? What sets Batman apart from other superheroes?
How has the comics medium changed over time? What kinds of comics appeal to children and teens, and which are more suitable for adults?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Gary Frank
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes , Adventures , Book Characters
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : DC Comics
- Publication date : July 10, 2012
- Number of pages : 144
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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