You can pickup your copy of Batman: Cure of the White Knight #1 now where all good comics are sold.
Synopsis
In this explosive sequel to the critically acclaimed blockbuster BATMAN: WHITE KNIGHT from writer/artist Sean Murphy, The Joker recruits Azrael to help him expose a shocking secret from the Wayne family’s legacy—and to run Gotham City into the ground! As Batman rushes to protect the city and his loved ones from danger, the mystery of his ancestry unravels, dealing a devastating blow to the Dark Knight. Exciting new villains and unexpected allies will clash in this unforgettable chapter of the White Knight saga—and the truth about the blood they shed will shake Gotham to its core!
Review
You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who wasn’t captivated by 2018’s Batman: White Knight. A masterpiece of a story written (and illustrated) by Sean Murphy. That series pitted an Elseworld Batman against both Joker and his alter-ego Jack Napier. Were they one-in-the-same? Was it all a charade?
If you haven’t read it then you’ll probably want to go back and check it out before picking up Curse of the White Knight as this series picks up shortly after the end of White Knight.
This time around Murphy is aiming to go even bigger in scope and he appears to be achieving this right from the outset. The book opens in the middle of a historic duel between a member of the Arkham family and a character by the name of Lord Wayne.
It seems the Waynes and the Arkham’s have been at odds for some time now and this duel sets the scene for Azrael’s arrival in the present day. Tying the story of Azrael back to Arkham Asylum but also the Wayne family was an excellent idea as it instantly makes this a much more personal story for Batman.
Where Murphy succeeded with the first series was keeping the story elements tied to Batman/Bruce Wayne in some respect. His understanding of the character and how he ties in to the wider world around him is what makes his writing so strong and enables him to build such complex and layered stories.
Back in the present day we get to see Joker pretty quickly and he’s rendered beautifully on the page. Murphy’s artwork is equally as strong as his writing making him a force to be reckoned with in the modern comic book landscape.
It seems Joker is not happy about the events of White Knight and, of course, still has a vendetta and an agenda for Batman. His mysterious actions in Arkham Asylum do feel a little out of character for Joker but we’re in a different world to the one we’re used to and this is a character who really is willing to do anything to take down The Dark Knight.
It is however funny to see that in all of the worlds of the multiverse the Warden of Arkham is still a wimp and a weasel.
The opening actions of Joker are punctuated by a tearjerking scene featuring Bruce reading a letter left behind for him by Alfred. It’s a tender moment which I hope I never have to read in mainstream comics. It feels perfectly on point for Alfred’s character and Bruce’s reaction all feels written in earnest.
We’re also introduced to Jean Paul Valley who, in this world, has been diagnosed with lung cancer and does not take the news well. He’s quickly manipulated by Joker and we soon see him spectacularly wielding his flaming sword as the issue draws to a close.
It would be hard to find anything to criticise with this issue. It’s a perfect setup to the story and demonstrates some truly excellent writing and artwork.
It was interesting to see how Barbara and Dick are still working with the GCPD in a partnership which began in the previous series. Elements that Murphy introduced in White Knight have been carefully plotted out to continue here and show just how much thought has gone in to crafting this new world.
Character designs are excellent. I loved the new uniforms for Batgirl and Nightwing which have been altered to reflect their partnership with the police. Batman looks amazing as always and Joker’s outfit is so emo that it deserves an instantly cosplay.
Verdict
Much like its predecessor, Batman: Curse of the White Knight #1 looks set to be an explosive series for the masterful Sean Murphy. This issue lays excellent groundwork for a Batman story which will including some exciting and mythic elements thanks to the inclusion of Azrael.
9/10
Batman: Cure of the White Knight #1 is written by Sean Murphy who also provides the artwork. Colours are by Matt Hollingsworth. Murphy and Hollingsworth also provide cover artwork.
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