The BatMan – First Knight

Original edition: The BatMan – First Knight 1-6 (DC Comics, 2024))
National edition/Spain: DC ONE-SHOT V1 (Panini Comics, 2025)
Script: Dan Jurgens
Drawing: Mike Perkins
inked: Mike Perkins
Color: Mike Spicer
Format: Cardboard. 168 pages. €38

modern golden age

“I have been shot, beaten, beaten and cut”

We all know the stories of the Golden Age of the publisher’s savior, the bat created by Bill Finger y Bob Kane along with that characteristic suit designed by himself. Bill with that cape and the horned mask that later, decades later, our favorite author would take advantage of so much in his time with Dr. Hurt.

Time passed, Batman changed as expected, in attitude, ways of solving the crime and the suit itself, but now we return to the origins or, rather, to a reinterpretation of them within the Batman line Black Labelwith the eternal man of the house And Jurgens the superstar Mike Perkinswhich Panini brings in its line not exempt from controversy Black Label XL or comic book size, depending on the series (or how you give them).

We are in the year 1939, the same year as the publication of our hero’s stories. The world is already on the verge of ruin because of Hitler and World War II, and the Nazi rats and people related to that garbage are coming out beyond Germany. Gotham—and the world—were tense: a climate of hatred, murders, and even more pronounced discrimination against Jews, the poor, and the helpless. Meanwhile, a dark, nightmarish figure, believed to be a legend of the city itself, is emerging, saving innocents and clandestinely detaining criminals.

The Bat-Man prowls around the city, while Commissioner Gordon investigates a new series of murders of councillors.

Among all that, Jurgens It teaches us little by little how the city and the characters work, along with their relationships. Gordon is fed up with all the crime and how life is developing in general, so that is to come in a short time, while we see that he has a certain affinity with Bruce Wayne, who, of course, continues in his role as a millionaire who cares little about everything, thanks to the hyper-realistic style of Perkins with the face of Gregory Peck —of course—.

Jurgens It gives us a lot of information about the political and social moment in the work, advantages of being a label where there is more scope when it comes to making the stories; he is allowed to be more “adult”if you can say it that way, in the way of creating the characters, making it clear where the protagonists are and where they will go in the future, while we read the three installments, and the impact on America itself for both the heroes and the villains and the ordinary people in society.

That is why gruesome murders continue to be, in a certain sense, the comic’s excuse to tell its story through the figure of Batman/Bruce. Each page has political comments of the moment and, as I say, it is not in vain that everything is about to explode and it shows in the atmosphere, in the characters and in the drawing itself. Perkinsalthough we do not expect a V for Vendetta because we are not going to find it; it is simply a rare review in a bat comic, but one that is very well integrated for the moment in which it is set.

It is also true that there are errors, such as a comment by a Jewish rabbi when he sees Batman and compares black leather with the German Gestapo and the KKK, when a German Jew would rather compare Batman’s black with brown shirts.

The story we have has been told many times with other characters, in movies or literature, but seeing it with Batman in particular gives a little fresh spin on the Bat, who has done it all. Something different, although it is common in other places, as I mentioned, and it is appreciated. Just as, as it could not be otherwise, Jurgens takes advantage and puts Easter eggs throughout the volume.

First, at the beginning of each chapter, we see some press clippings where reference is made to the first cases of the Golden Age Batman, such as the confrontation with Mr. Death, the jewel thief Frenchy Blake or the mythical case of the gang of chemists, among other references.

In addition, the main female character is Bruce’s first girlfriend in the Golden Age, Julia Madison, who here does not have the typical role of damsel in distress, but rather serves as a catharsis for Bruce to reaffirm his crusade and not use the firearms that Gordon and those close to him tell him so much to put into practice to improve his work. A reinterpreted Julie, as they did before Matt Wagner o Scott Snyderamong other authors.

With that we also have a more failable Batman—which is when it’s cool—alone, without Alfred; He looks for chestnuts himself, performs autopsies, epic chemists; They beat him up, they hit him, he is slow and in a one-on-one combat with several he has a bad time, and this is evident with the narrative that Perkins prints: the blows are sharp, slow, they hurt; boxing matches, without great paraphernalia, street fights with grotesque monsters, all with their “realism” within the limitations of the comic.

In the end Jurgens gives us a very political story, marked by exposing the sign of the times and certain ideas and thoughts that, unfortunately, are the order of the day, with a reinterpretation of the original Batman very close to the original, with modern and street nuances. It is appreciated that people who have given so much to the world of comics always have more to contribute, different things or at least part of them, because in this world everything is already very manipulated, and also a certain freedom to do what you want is a wombo combo manual winner.

The artistic section is not far behind, in fact, it is the great star of the show. Mike Perkinswhich already dazzled us with its change and evolution in The swamp thing of Ram Vhere he does the same with his hyperrealism taken to its maximum expression. It is true that many scenes are a little rigid at times, but it gives us some architectural details, the atmosphere of Gotham, those seedy alleys, the houses and their people as faithfully as possible.

A true visual enjoyment that the author himself takes advantage of, and has pages that are tributes to period covers and vignettes from that specific moment; It enchants the posters, their typography and the covers that accompany the work, with exquisite aesthetic taste, with that brown color of pulp paper worn by time.

In short, a comic that can make more than one yawn to see another Batman in Black Labelbut with the stars who are in charge of it you know that you will not fail. And also, to improve the situation, the second part will come in no time, so maybe, if we’re lucky, Jurgens and Perkins set up their own universe “Gas Light” of the Golden Age. Only time will tell.

The best

• Jurgens continues at the foot of the canyon.
• Perkins in his line although sometimes…

Worst

• It can be a little stiff.
• The price and edition is not optimal for wallets or shelves.

Original edition: The BatMan – First Knight 1-6 (DC Comics, 2024)) National/Spain edition: DC ONE-SHOT V1 (Panini Comics, 2025) Script: Dan Jurgens Drawing: Mike Perkins Inking: Mike Perkins Color: Mike Spicer Format: Cardboard. 168 pages. €38 Modern golden age “I have been shot, beaten, beaten and cut” We all know the…

The BatMan – First Knight

The BatMan – First Knight

2026-01-28

Antonio Valdepeñas Torres

Screenplay – 7.5

Drawing – 9.1

Interest – 8.7

You rate: 8.52 ( 1 votes)

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What makes *Batman – First Knight* unique within the Batman film canon?

The Batman – First Knight: A Deep Dive into Schumacher’s Vision

Joel schumacher’s Batman Forever (1995) marked a important shift in the franchise, and Batman & Robin (1997) followed suit. But nestled between these two visually distinct films lies Batman – First Knight (1996), a unique entry often overlooked. This article explores the film’s narrative, its place within the Batman cinematic universe, and why it remains a fascinating, if sometimes controversial, piece of Batman history.

Introducing Bruce Wayne’s Romantic Interest: Chase Meridian

Batman – First Knight boldly introduces Chase Meridian (Nicole Kidman), a psychologist specializing in vigilantes.Unlike previous romantic interests for Bruce Wayne, Chase isn’t a damsel in distress. She actively seeks to understand Batman, believing she can “cure” him of his obsession.

This dynamic is central to the film’s conflict. Bruce, grappling with his dual identity and the loneliness it brings, finds himself genuinely drawn to Chase. However, her attempts to analyze and fix him clash with his deeply ingrained sense of purpose. The film explores the tension between Wayne’s desire for a normal life and his commitment to being Batman.

The Villainous Duo: Two-Face and the Riddler

The film features not one, but two iconic Batman villains: Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) and the Riddler (Jim Carrey). This pairing, while enterprising, proved divisive among fans.

* two-Face: Continues Harvey Dent’s descent into madness, driven by his obsession with chance and duality.Jones delivers a performance that, while different from previous portrayals, emphasizes the character’s unpredictable nature.

* The Riddler: Jim Carrey’s Riddler is a flamboyant, hyperactive take on the character, leaning heavily into comedic elements. He views himself as an intellectual superior, leaving elaborate riddles as clues to his crimes.

Their alliance, born from mutual resentment towards Batman, creates a formidable threat. The villains’ contrasting styles – Two-Face’s brutal pragmatism versus the Riddler’s theatricality – add a layer of complexity to their dynamic.

Narrative Structure and Key Plot Points

The story unfolds with a focus on the psychological battle between Batman, Bruce Wayne, and Chase Meridian. Key plot points include:

1. The Introduction of Chase: Her arrival in Gotham and her immediate interest in Batman set the stage for the central conflict.
2. the villainous Alliance: Two-Face and the Riddler team up, aiming to expose Batman’s identity and dismantle his operation.
3. The Riddle Game: The Riddler’s increasingly complex riddles challenge Batman’s intellect and lead him on a frantic chase.
4. bruce Wayne’s Vulnerability: Chase’s attempts to understand Bruce force him to confront his inner demons and the trauma that fuels his crusade.
5. The Final Confrontation: A climactic showdown between Batman and the villains,testing his physical and mental limits.

Production Details and Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Batman – First Knight was directed by Patrica Rozema, making her the first woman to direct a major superhero film. This fact is significant, as Rozema brought a different viewpoint to the franchise, focusing on character relationships and psychological themes.

The film’s production wasn’t without its challenges. Reports suggest creative differences between Rozema and the studio regarding the tone and direction of the film. Some of Rozema’s original ideas were altered or removed during post-production, resulting in a final product that didn’t fully align with her vision.

The Film’s Reception and Legacy

upon release, Batman – First Knight received mixed reviews. Critics praised the performances of Kidman and Jones, but many found the film’s tone uneven and the villainous pairing underwhelming.

Despite its critical reception, the film performed reasonably well at the box office, grossing over $184 million worldwide. However,it ultimately paved the way for the even more divisive batman & Robin.

Today, batman – First knight is often viewed as a transitional film, bridging the gap between Tim Burton’s darker vision and Joel Schumacher’s more stylized approach. It remains a subject of debate among Batman fans,with some appreciating its unique qualities and others criticizing its departures from the source material.

Exploring the Psychological Depth of Bruce Wayne

The film delves deeper into Bruce Wayne’s psyche than previous installments. Chase Meridian’s attempts to analyze him force him to confront the origins of his trauma and the motivations behind his vigilantism. This exploration adds a layer of complexity to the character, portraying him not just as a