Some thoughts about Batman: Reptilian #1

Can Batman bring justice to this dark world?

Dealing with people who abuse their power is not enough to stop the terrible crimes that happen around Gotham, especially once that the worst people around the city gather to create even more mayhem.

This is honestly something I never thought it would happen, Garth Ennis writing about Batman.

I mean, it has happened in the past but almost everytime that Ennis handled the character he portrayed him basically as a big joke, basically as a miserable guy who took himself too seriously. This doesn't come much of a suprise since Ennis famously hates superheroes that are not named Superman or The Punisher (and the latter is actually an antihero).

What makes this book shocking is that Ennis actually handles Batman in a serious manner, in a more respectful manner. Mind you, I always thought that if Ennis could get over his hate for the superhero genre he could create really good stories because above everything else, even his more juvenile side, Ennis is a extremely smart, extremely real writer.

This is showcased immediately when Ennis delivers his trademarked real life issues like a sexual assaulter that abuses his power and money to get away with his crimes and so, the only person who can confront him is the Dark Knight. Ennis depicts Batman more as an antihero I would say, someone who is willing take justice into his hands when the law is not enough for one reason or another and the writer delivers this segment in a very powerful way with strong lines and pacing.

Subsequent scenes also follow this since Ennis brilliantly plays with the idea of "Batman doesn't kill" in a way that makes it even more terrifying than if that wasn't the case, is such an unique take on such rule that it could only come from a writer that is not used to the superhero genre.

The plot progresses appropriately with a few hints about who the real villain is but coming from Ennis, it will most certainly deliver interesting twists surrounding the characters.

Liam Sharp's artwork is amazing, he has been constantly changing his style over the years and this time he delivers an incredibly dark, even bizarre depiction of Gotham City, with Batman drawn as this almost supernatural being chasing his preys.

Promising beginning, even better than expected.