It takes a while (not until this issue's cliffhanger) for Steve Niles's usual trademark horror writing to kick in, but what we're left with before that point isn't a typical super-hero vigilate story. Instead, it's an interesting serial killer story with a striking visual and a more vulnerable and grounded interpretation of the Dark Knight. Niles may be too successful when it comes to bringing that crime drama to life, as the supernatural element that pops up in the end doesn't seem to fit in. Still, this is a diverting Batman story and a decent foray into the world of super-heroes by a comics writer who's not all that well known for them.
As a favor to his friend Jim Gordon, the Batman ventures out into the suburbs of his hometown to investigate a series of gruesome murders of several families in Gotham County. Though he has contact with the local law-enforcement authories investigating the case, the masked hero soon finds himself locked in a battle of wits and a physical encounter with the man responsible for the grisly serial killings.
It's clear why Hampton was selected as the artist on this project. His style is one that shares some commonalities with that of Ben Templesmith, frequent Niles collaborator. Hampton's line art boasts a similarly gritty, dark and sketchy quality that's in keeping with the ugly mood for which the writer is aiming. Hampton and colorist Jose Villarrubia do a particularly good job of conveying the horrors of the murders with a vision of chemically treated blood residue. Hampton is also careful to show the reader how some of the Batman's gadgets "work," and the result is a vision of the hero that's more human and less god-like.
Of course, making those elements clear is no doubt the writer's idea. The main point of this first issue seems to be to explore the Batman as a man rather than an unstoppable super-hero. Niles brings him down to the level of a human being -- albeit a skilled killer. Seeing him working with regular cops and almost falling victim to the Joker in an opening scene also helps to bring the imposing Dark Knight down to earth.
The police procedural aspects here are quit satisfying. Not only will it tickle the fancy of CSI fans, but it demonstrates a truly clever criminal and just as clever hero -- and kudods to Niles for coming up with all of that cleverness. There are a couple of aspects of the book that trip it up a bit. There's the aforementioned conflict between the grounded tone Niles works so hard to establish and the impossible, supernatural shift in the plot, but there's another, more obvious obstacle: the price. I suspect readers are going to hesitate before shelling out almost $18 US, but then again, Niles's established fan base will no doubt plunk the dollars down. Still, it would be nice DC opts to release a more affordable trade paperback edition of this material later on down the line. 7/10
