BATMAN ‘89 #1

Writer: Sam Hamm

Artist: Joe Quinones

Colorist: Leonardo Ito

what’s it about?

Over 30 years after it’s original release and subsequent sequel, Tim Burton’s Batman is back! Original screenwriter Sam Hamm returns to the craft tales set within the universe he helped create. The Joker may be gone but he’s certainly not forgotten as his disciples continue to run amuck on the streets of Gotham City. Harvey Dent is looking to bring order back to Gotham and that means bringing down the masked vigilante known as the Batman. Who does Dent turn to for help? Bruce Wayne of course!

The Good

It is great to be back in this universe again! I was 11-yearsold when Batmania swept the globe in 1989, which it did again in 1992 with Batman Returns. This book introduces us to the Burtonverse versions of Harvey Bullock and Barbara Gordon as well as reintroducing us to familiar faces like Jim Gordon and Alfred Pennyworth. When Harvey Dent speaks, I can’t help but read it in Billy Dee Williams’ voice and that feels great. I love the idea of Batman being a wanted vigilante akin to how he was presented in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises. The last few panels give us our first look at the character that will be Robin. I’m really excited to see where this is going and how much Bat-mythology can be introduced while maintaining the look and feel of the theatrical release.

The Bad

Quinones’ art is great, but some panels miss the mark on capturing the look of the original actor and the tone of the book. Michael Keaton’s older Batman and Pat Hingle’s Jim Gordon bear little-to-no resemblance to their respective actors. The other major flaw is that the Gotham City of the Burtonverse was a character unto itself. The bleak and Gothic nature of the production design is missing in this book. However, I realize that Hamm and Quinones are not Tim Burton and that’s not a bad thing. I’m glad they’re doing their own thing as they expand upon the original film. I’m anxious for more, primarily because I have so many questions about when this book is taking place. Is it after or before Batman Returns? When did Batman and Gordon develop their friendship? Here’s to hoping the second issue answers all those questions and more.