"Batman: Streets of Gotham," is a brand new monthly series from the team of Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen. A partnership most famous for their work on "Detective Comics," Nguyen and Dini combine stellar, and engaging art with fantastic stories and top notch characterization. Their work on "Batman: Streets of Gotham," is no exception.
The first issue sees Dini laying the groundwork for an interesting run. Two plot lines showcase old enemies, both with the potential to cause plenty of trouble for Gotham in the future. The rescue of a young girl from a horrific life by a mysterious stranger is another piece of the groundwork, and one that I am interested to see more of. The last thread brings in a villain usually relegated to the second string, and gives him a scheme ambitious enough to thrust him into a much higher profile role. The sheer destructiveness of his plan is rivaled only by it's gruesome nature.
In addition, we get to see the new Batman interacting with Commissioner Gordon and Gotham P.D, an aspect of this title that I am particularly excited about. After all, Dick Grayson has known and respected Commissioner Gordon since he was a child, and is even an ex-police officer himself. Those two facts alone are sure to affect the dynamic between Gotham's official and unofficial protectors.
The writing is enjoyable and easy to read, with none of the awkward phrasing that can be such a problem in comic books. Dini’s Commissioner Gordon is always a treat to read, and I found myself liking his take on Damian Wayne, the new Robin.
The issue closes with an incredibly cool bit of action from Robin that really showcases how much of an impact good art can make. The action scenes are clear, concise and give the reader a great feeling of motion, and excitement. And as good as the action is, the atmosphere the artists create is just as impressive, it gives the book a feel and a mood that fits well with the characters and the content.
The artistic team does a fantastic job of utilizing shadow and muted colors to give Gotham that characteristic look of a big, dirty city where the towering skyline prevents all but a few rays of sunshine to reach the streets below. It's a really lovely affect, and the pale, off-color sunshine evokes the feeling that the ugliness that pervades Gotham has even gone so far as to pollute the very air.
Overall, I enjoyed this title a great deal. The art was beautiful, the writing enjoyable and the way this issue ended has me eagerly anticipating issue number two.
"Batman: Streets of Gotham #2," is scheduled for release on July 15th, 2009.
