Batman-100 Years(SPOILERS)

[Karl J. Barnes]

I just finished reading this new Paul Pope take on Batman set 100 years in the future. It was like reading action thriller with some dollops of characterization and clues to what Gotham is like in a hundred years.

Gotham , if nothing else, is dirtier,nastier than ever. We have the great-grandson of Jim Gordon, keeping up the family business. Some new characters like Doctor Goss and her daughter, who are allies of this Batman.

There seems to be no privacy and the government seems to be quasi-fascist. With TPs(telepaths) and several divisions of para-militaristic teams doing whatever they want.

The start of the story begins with Batman bleeding running across the rooftops with these paramilitiaries and cyber-dogs after him.Batman, of course, escapes, but is barely breathing. Gordon is kept from investigating a murder/killing of one of these paramiltary types though he is wrangled into finding out about this "new" Batman.

I liked the art, very visceral and stark. The story has my interest. Is this a clone of Bruce Wayne? Maybe someone related to Grayson or Wayne? Or maybe, in some way, Bruce Wayne himself?

[The Batman]

i'm a big fan of Paul Pope and i was really excited when i heard that he'd be doing some work on Batman. this was the first thing i read today after getting my comics and i wasn't at all disappointed.

this is good stuff and i hope we see more Paul Pope Batman in the future.

[cbridentity]

I am thus far digging the story line, batman in 2039 and all. I like everything about the artwork but the facial renderings, especially batmans. Again, the art-work, the coloring is all wonderful, just the faces don't appeal to me, they seem unatractive I guess. It feels very Heavy Metal magazinish to me. Anyway, it's fine. I'll get #2 when it comes out, I am just not chomping at the bit about it is all.

[Lubichev]

I am thus far digging the story line, batman in 2039 and all. I like everything about the artwork but the facial renderings, especially batmans. Again, the art-work, the coloring is all wonderful, just the faces don't appeal to me, they seem unatractive I guess. It feels very Heavy Metal magazinish to me. Anyway, it's fine. I'll get #2 when it comes out, I am just not chomping at the bit about it is all.
Paul Pope has never been known for his facial rendering. Kinda like Tan Eng Huat.

[TimDrake]

I just finished reading this new Paul Pope take on Batman set 100 years in the future.

Where can a copy be purchased? I checked Amazon and nothing, so it's not a TPB, right?

[yenaled]

Where can a copy be purchased? I checked Amazon and nothing, so it's not a TPB, right?

Try a comic shop - it's a mini series.

[Steel Spider]

I'll probably pick this book up tomorrow. It looks promising.

[mohammedali]

REVIEW:


(Impression) I have to say, I was impressed by the first issue. The action never gives you a second to breath. It really brings across what it would really feel like to be Batman. The constant persual, the need for crazy feats that are impossible to the average man. From the start, even as a reader, one feels strained just contemplating being there, let alone fully imagining it.

(Pace) I also liked the fact that it didn't give away all its secrets straight away as is often done. Instead of explaining everything that has happened since current Batman continuity, or revealing who all the characters are, even Batman is left a mystery - and a big one at that. It was refreshing to see him more as a beast than a man to get an idea of how GCPD and civilians must see him. The fact that he doesn't speak for most of the comic really adds to the mystery. This is on top of other questions such as what his connection is to the doctor, and so on. By the end of the first issue, one is left with more questions than there previously were, and this is how a book should be paced.

(Gotham City) In terms of the city itself, I love how this is a true reflection of what Gotham should look like in years to come. Not like the hi-tech Gotham of Batman Beyond. That's not what anyone expects to see. We all expect to see the same scum-filled Gotham with some new toys and gadgets in the mix. Realistically, a city wouldn't receive a complete make over in such little time - it would evolve in a similar way to how B:100Y shows. I'm very impressed on how spot on the idea was. It almost reminded me of the concept behind some of the planets in Star Wars. Full of technology we could only imagine, yet still no more advanced than what we have today. That's what the Gotham of the future should really be.

(Matrix) The feel of the comic was interesting. Perhas it was only me, but I could almost imagine this being a comic made by the Watchouski Brothers, for all its Matrix-esque attributes. In fact, when we look at the first scene, it is almost a direct lift from the first Matrix movie with Batman replacing Trinity. Also, Batman's physical abilities isn't the only thing that seems to draw from the Matrix. Even the new police cars owned by the feds seems remarkably similar to the senitals seen attacking Zion. In fact, if Batman were to be replaced by Morpheus, I think the story would make just as much sence. This is in no way a negative point, I just find the parallels interesting and worth mentioning. In fact, I'm suprised such a subtle allusion wasn't made before - after all, B:100Y has proven it to be a good look for Batman.

(Art) As for the art, it's interesting to see how a comic based on the future is using character faces that look more primative than usual. The stone-age face is attributed to almost all of the characters, save perhaps Gordon and Batman's 2 female aids. Other than them, even Batman seems to have a pre-historic look about him, again adding to the feel of the comic. This style of art coupled with the dull colourings throughout really stress the state of Gotham. It shows us that Gotham is a colourless place that still hasn't evolved, and hence needs one of it's own ancient demons to bring it forwards. This is what I see as the premise of the comic, and I believe that Pope did well to convey that in his art rather than explicitly state it in words.

(Plot) The only problem I have at the moment with the comic is that I'm not happy with its direction. Although I love the art, concept, and pace, I am not too sure if I want to read another story of misplaced blame of the death of a cop. It's been done more times than I care to mention. Each time is more or less the same. However, even though the plot seem to be obvious at this point, there is always the chance it could change. Even if it doesn't, there are far greater mysteries to entertain readers. For that I can invision myself carrying this book on. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the next issue.

Mohammed Ali

[GRANDPA]

the book was a book i have been looking forward to and i was not dissapointed..its moody and a great story...cannot wait for the next one...this is what comics are all about :D

[enediol]

Great book - I love the combat boots the "Bat-Like" creature is wearing.

Great artwork as well, I was a little skeptical about it but then I gave it a shot and I can't imagine it any other way.

I look forward to the next issue as well as finding out who the two females are that are helping him.

As well - the scene where the little kid gives Batman a Superman figure is pure gold.

I'm going to cry like a sissy when this run is over. :(

[NMoline]

REVIEW:

(Plot) The only problem I have at the moment with the comic is that I'm not happy with its direction. Although I love the art, concept, and pace, I am not too sure if I want to read another story of misplaced blame of the death of a cop. It's been done more times than I care to mention. Each time is more or less the same. However, even though the plot seem to be obvious at this point, there is always the chance it could change. Even if it doesn't, there are far greater mysteries to entertain readers. For that I can invision myself carrying this book on. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the next issue.

Mohammed Ali
Where the mystery comes is how the cop was killed. Batman says he was there but it does not look like he did it, yet it looks as if the other cops did it possibly. Plus the unusual bullet holes in the cop and it seems Batman was a victim of those same bullets. I can't wait until the next issue and I really am enjoying the plot.

[mohammedali]

I know what you're saying, but as I said before, 'misplaced blame of murder' stories are a penny a dozen. I'm not saying Year 100 will be bad because of it, I'm just worried it'll fall into a whole bunch of cliches. For example, if we see it being a cop that killed the other cop, then it's hit the most obvious cliche ever. OTOH, they could make it interesting, and have a new Joker be the maniac killer. In any case, I would have prefered it if Batman was being chased solely for being a vigilante like he was in DKR, rather than as a cop killing murderer. Still, I imagine it won't detract from the series too much. I'm still lookng forward to the next issue.

Mohammed Ali

[Chris Thomas]

good book. not great but very interesting

I am wondering why he misspelled 'pneumothorax'

did I just misspell 'misspell'?

[atoningunifex]

I didn't use to like Paul Pope. But lately I've changed my mind. His issue of Solo was pretty cool and I liked 100% a lot. So I decided to pick this up today on a whim.

I should say that I'm not a big Batman fan. I've read various Batman stuff over the years, but I've never been all that in love with the character.

I enjoyed the issue very much. But I was a little disappointed that Pope seems to be setting up all the usual Batman stuff pretty much in line with the, well, usual stuff. You've got a cop named Gordon. You've got Batman with two helpers (and is the daughter oif the doctor going to be Robin?). You've got the fed with the flower in his lapel who is having trouble controlling his emotions. It's the same stuff. I would have liked to see it mixed up a little.

The art was very cool and I loved Pope's Batman costume. I loved the laces and the way it moved. I loved the cityscape he built and the energy he put into it.

I'll be buying all of it. I'm hoping that Pope will change up some of the usual bat stuff, but I'll be satisfied if he just keeps up the pacing and energy of this fun first issue.

[infoghost]

I dug this issue also. I was a little put off on the art at first - I certainly wouldn't want Pope drawing a monthly Batbook - but here, it just worked for the story.

[DCKar2nist]

this is an elseworlds title right? Have they gotten rid of the symbol that use to tag all EW titles?

[Chewbaccacabra]

Just read issue #2 yesterday. I love the look of this book. Still a mystery who Batman is. His face is kept covered the whole time. There also seems to be a Dark Knight Returns connection in there as the police are reviewing old footage of Batman from 1986 in the arcades and city dump. What does everyone think?

[monstermike]

Did it actually come out this week? I can't find it anywhere...

[The Batman]

yup. where i get my comics it sold out right away. seems alot of people wanted this but didn't think to order it.

still not sure who Batman is but i did like the DKR connection with Commisioner Yindel and the fight with the police.

[the goddamn batman]

Just read issue #2 yesterday. I love the look of this book. Still a mystery who Batman is. His face is kept covered the whole time. There also seems to be a Dark Knight Returns connection in there as the police are reviewing old footage of Batman from 1986 in the arcades and city dump. What does everyone think?

I'm sure it's a DKR reference, Paul and Frank are friends, I read that in some interview with Paul.

I didn't get #1 yet, should I wait for a trade, or get the singles?

[mohammedali]

Issue 2 is making more of a link the Matrixesque idea with the monitor screens being very similar. It's clear Pope has a thing for the Wachaouski brothers.

Mohammed Ali

[Chewbaccacabra]

Front page says issue #s 1 and 2 are sellouts. Congratulations to Mr. Pope!

[Kid Omega]

Issue 2 is making more of a link the Matrixesque idea with the monitor screens being very similar. It's clear Pope has a thing for the Wachaouski brothers.

Mohammed Ali

I think that if you find some old copies of THB, you will see that the designs of Pope's "tech" pre-date the Wachowskis by several years.

So it's more likely that the Wachowskis have a thing for Pope.... it's certainly been proven that they love comical books (Invisibles, anyone?)

[Chewbaccacabra]

New issue comes out today. I'm all over this.

[the_coldest_sun]

I just picked up the first 3 issues yesterday (1 & 2 being reprints), and just read them today. While the first issue didnt hook me as much, I'm now absolutely loving this. I LOVE the false teeth idea. Makes Batman look more sinister and really makes those who encounter him believe he really ISNT human.

Actually, I dont think the girl will be Robin.. she's more like Oracle (she even says it), plus the younger guy's name IS Robin, who is apparently an orphan this new Batman has taken in and raised. I'm really enjoying the Gordon character, but as to how he knew the name Bruce Wayne confuses me a bit.

The identity of this Batman remains a mystery and I have absolutely no clue as to who it could be, but I found myself intrigued with the story more than finding out his identity. For a while I actually forgot we didnt know his identity.

Another bit that confuses me is Ahmbra. What's that? But all in all, I'm enjoying this mini.

[sonofsound]

I think that if you find some old copies of THB, you will see that the designs of Pope's "tech" pre-date the Wachowskis by several years.

So it's more likely that the Wachowskis have a thing for Pope.... it's certainly been proven that they love comical books (Invisibles, anyone?)

I agree. But Ali you have a point about the genreal plot/story-drive being done before.

I 'effin love Paul Pope to pieces. Inky, dirt, lovely. :o

[cactusmaac]

I read all four issues of this recently.

Excellent Batman story, best I've read in a couple of years.

It'll be somewhat criminal if this doesn't pick up anything come award season.