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mysteriousmre 's review for:
Batman: White Knight
by Sean Murphy
7/10
This book's got a lot going for it. The premise of the Joker becoming sane and proving he can help Gotham in ways Batman can't is interesting. And because the book isn't in continuity, Murphy can play with fans' expectations and do things mainline continuity can't. For example: take a long hard look at how dangerous and self-destructive a person like Batman really is, how a corrupt city would take advantage of a rampaging vigilante, AND have some actual lasting ramifications and character growth. Harley Quinn (Harleen Quinzel) is a real standout in this book. I've never really liked the Hot-Topic airhead popularized by Suicide Squad, Murphy presents a Harley Quinn that's educated, savy, and empathetic and it's pretty refreshing. The art is great and stylish as heck too. Great to see a writer who's just as talented an artist. I think the best way to describe the look of this book is a gritty rendition of Bruce Timm's BTAS with some street racing flair thrown in. It looks marvelous and there's TONS of fanservice to Batman enthusiasts. Matt Hollingsworth's colors definitely fit the mood of the story, but I honestly think the book would look better in just Sean Murphy's black/white inks. I'll definitely consider another purchase if the rumored black and white edition comes out next year.
I do have 3 main gripes with the book though. 1) White Knight can't seem to decide whether Joker is an actual serial killer or not and that's pretty frustrating considering the main pitch of this book revolves around the Joker going sane and getting out of jail scott-free because the cops don't have any hard evidence 2) The book brings up the subject of racism/racial profiling but doesn't really do or say anything about it and I think the book would honestly be better off not including it 3) the final climax feels unsatisfactory after all the build-up.
It has come to my attention though that White Knight has been green-lit for a sequel story (Murphy definitely left more than a little sequel bait in the last act), so who knows? Maybe the sequel will address some of those issues in greater detail. I'd love to see some of the supporting cast like Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) and Duke Thomas get more time to shine. As it is right now, White Knight isn't perfect, but it's a fun ride. Just what an Elseworld story should be.
This book's got a lot going for it. The premise of the Joker becoming sane and proving he can help Gotham in ways Batman can't is interesting. And because the book isn't in continuity, Murphy can play with fans' expectations and do things mainline continuity can't. For example: take a long hard look at how dangerous and self-destructive a person like Batman really is, how a corrupt city would take advantage of a rampaging vigilante, AND have some actual lasting ramifications and character growth. Harley Quinn (Harleen Quinzel) is a real standout in this book. I've never really liked the Hot-Topic airhead popularized by Suicide Squad, Murphy presents a Harley Quinn that's educated, savy, and empathetic and it's pretty refreshing. The art is great and stylish as heck too. Great to see a writer who's just as talented an artist. I think the best way to describe the look of this book is a gritty rendition of Bruce Timm's BTAS with some street racing flair thrown in. It looks marvelous and there's TONS of fanservice to Batman enthusiasts. Matt Hollingsworth's colors definitely fit the mood of the story, but I honestly think the book would look better in just Sean Murphy's black/white inks. I'll definitely consider another purchase if the rumored black and white edition comes out next year.
I do have 3 main gripes with the book though. 1) White Knight can't seem to decide whether Joker is an actual serial killer or not and that's pretty frustrating considering the main pitch of this book revolves around the Joker going sane and getting out of jail scott-free because the cops don't have any hard evidence 2) The book brings up the subject of racism/racial profiling but doesn't really do or say anything about it and I think the book would honestly be better off not including it 3) the final climax feels unsatisfactory after all the build-up.
It has come to my attention though that White Knight has been green-lit for a sequel story (Murphy definitely left more than a little sequel bait in the last act), so who knows? Maybe the sequel will address some of those issues in greater detail. I'd love to see some of the supporting cast like Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) and Duke Thomas get more time to shine. As it is right now, White Knight isn't perfect, but it's a fun ride. Just what an Elseworld story should be.