The denizens of Arkham Asylum get a new dwelling in the surprisingly intimate, psychologically rich, and heartstring-pulling first issue of “Arkham Manor” by writer Gerry Duggan, artist Shawn Crystal, and colorist Dave McCaig.
Written by Gerry Duggan
Illustrated by Shawn CrystalWhen catastrophe strikes Arkham Asylum, where will Gotham City house the world’s most dangerous criminals, and when inmates are found murdered, what is Batman prepared to do in search of justice? Arkham’s madness comes home in ARKHAM MANOR! A bold new series brought to you by the mad minds of Gerry Duggan (Deadpool, Nova) and Shawn Crystal (Deadpool, Wolverine and the X-Men).
After Arkham Asylum is decimated under supernatural circumstances (which is promised and spoiled to happen in next week’s “Batman Eternal” #30), the criminally insane are in need of an abode. Bruce Wayne’s childhood home is forced to become the new living quarters of the worst criminals that Gotham City has to offer. Bruce, obviously, has qualms about his residence becoming tainted by the horrors that are bound to haunt the mansion and remain once the insane eventually leave his home. There are definitely some status quo changes in effect because of “Batman Eternal”, yet familiar Bat-allies thankfully remain present in Bruce’s life. There are questions that need answering and the journey promises to be both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Duggan is immediately comfortable as a citizen of the Bat-world. He writes Batman as a creature of the night who instills fear in the superstitious and cowardly criminal lot. There’s a bit of detective work thrown into the issue, which seems more than likely to be one of the main thrusts of the book as it goes along. There’s even a few doses of humor to lighten the proceedings (as evidenced in that instilling fear in criminals scene that had me laughing out loud). This is a perfect first issue because Duggan plants various elements that he can explore throughout this creative team’s run. He makes the book his own, which in turn transforms it into something that is not redundant but is instead original and enriches the Bat-line.
Family is one of the central and the most surprising themes that Duggan and Crystal explore in “Arkham Manor”. Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have placed great emphasis on Batman’s family and the effect it has on Bruce over the past three years. Duggan has clearly been influenced by the “Batman” team and allows Crystal to express familial themes in visually poignant ways. They both explore new avenues when it comes to family and home and put their own stamp on those respective themes.
There are gorgeous scenes with the past juxtaposed with the present that bring, appropriately, Bruce’s psyche alive on the page when it comes to family and home. Few words (again, appropriately) need to be expressed to get the essence of Batman just right. Duggan allows Crystal and McCaig the breathing room needed to do their thing. This is another great team on another great book in a growing Bat-related comic book line.
The words on the page, however sparse they may seem, are chosen carefully whether they are expressed through thoughts or dialogue. Every word and scene matters to the story, which makes the issue appear to be longer than its actual twenty pages. The language is poetic in its simplicity and yet rich with character and intelligence. Because Duggan understands and already seems like a pro at getting into the heads of Batman and Gotham City, he’s able to successfully juggle the many rich and complex characteristics that are a part of Batman’s character and world.
Crystal also brings poetry to the book through his art. The simplicity is not only relegated to the words, but also to the stark and empty feel that Crystal brings to this issue. Just as we get into the head of Bruce through Duggan’s words, we also delve into his psyche through the art. The city appears desolate and haunted, whether Batman is riding through an empty street in the Batmobile (in a scene reminiscent of a past “Batman” issue by the classic artist Kelley Jones) or walking the corridors of Wayne/Arkham Manor that are haunted by Bruce’s past. Batman is alone with his thoughts, but thoughts that are pregnant with nuance and complexity.
Continued belowMcCaig’s colors complement Crystal’s art in simple, yet remarkable ways. The coloring contributes as much of a haunted feel to the book as the art. Each scene is colored with somber hues that give the simplicity and desolate feel of the art much more of an impact. Yellow and sepia colors saturate scenes and panels that are set in the past. The decision to use those particular shades of color is appropriate for a book that deals with the darkness of the mind and the ever-present influence of the past.
I didn’t expect to be moved so deeply by “Arkham Manor”. I didn’t even expect Batman to play such a large role in the book. When you get to the ending, the premise of the entire series is laid bare before us and is rich with inventive possibilities for exploring not only the character of Batman, but the nemeses that comprise his rich rogue’s gallery. In a visual nod to “Batman: Arkham Asylum – A Serious House On Serious Earth” by Grant Morrison and Dave McKean, Batman enters an asylum that promises to be just as haunting as the one in that classic book.
Final Verdict: 8.5 – I had to immediately re-read “Arkham Manor” #1 after reading it the first time, which is a hallmark of a brilliant book. This is definitely one of the best issues of the year. It’s refreshing and exciting to see a creative team really enjoying themselves. Duggan, Crystal, and McCaig are just such a team. I can’t wait to explore the manor with them and the dark corners of the Dark Knight Detective’s mind.
