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| genre = [[Crime fiction]]<br />[[Superhero comics|Superhero]]
| genre = [[Crime fiction]]<br />[[Superhero comics|Superhero]]
| date = '''(Volume One)'''<br />{{DTS|2012-7-4}}<br />'''(Volume Two)'''<br />{{DTS|2015-5-6}}<br />'''(Volume Three)'''<br />{{DTS|2021-6-8}}
| date = '''(Volume One)'''<br />{{DTS|2012-7-4}}<br />'''(Volume Two)'''<br />{{DTS|2015-5-6}}<br />'''(Volume Three)'''<br />{{DTS|2021-6-8}}
| main_char_team = [[Batman]]<br />[[Harvey Bullock (character)|Harvey Bullock]]<br />[[Catwoman]]<br />[[Two-Face#Batman: Earth One|Jessica Dent]]<br />[[James Gordon (comics)|James Gordon]]<br />[[Killer Croc]]<br />[[Alfred Pennyworth]]<!--Note: Characters are listed in alphabetical order.-->
| main_char_team = [[Batman]]<br />[[Harvey Bullock (character)|Harvey Bullock]]<br />[[Catwoman]]<br />[[Two-Face#Batman: Earth One|Jessica Dent]]<br />[[James Gordon (comics)|Jim Gordon]]<br />[[Killer Croc]]<br />[[Alfred Pennyworth]]<!--Note: Characters are listed in alphabetical order.-->
| writers = [[Geoff Johns]]
| writers = [[Geoff Johns]]
| editors = [[Eddie Berganza]]
| editors = [[Eddie Berganza]]
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'''''Batman: Earth One''''' is a series of [[graphic novel]]s written by [[Geoff Johns]] and illustrated by [[Gary Frank (comics)|Gary Frank]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Batman Rebooted? An Exclusive Look at Batman: Earth One | url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bryan-young/batman-earth-one_b_1632766.html | website=[[HuffPost]] | access-date=September 15, 2012 | last=Young | first=Bryan | date=June 29, 2012}}</ref> The series is a modernized re-imagining of [[DC Comics]]' long-running [[Batman]] comic book [[Batman (franchise)|franchise]] as part of the company's [[Earth One (DC graphic novel series)|Earth One]] imprint.<ref>{{cite news | last1=Ayres | first1=Tom | title=DiDio reveals 'Earth One' plans for 2011 | url=http://www.digitalspy.com/comics/news/a295601/didio-reveals-earth-one-plans-for-2011.html | access-date=June 25, 2013 | website=[[Digital Spy]] | date=January 2, 2011}}</ref> Earth One's Batman exists alongside other [[List of Earth One characters|revamped DC characters]] in Earth One titles, including ''[[Superman: Earth One]]'' and ''[[Wonder Woman: Earth One]]'', as well as other graphic novels.<ref>{{cite comic | writer=[[Grant Morrison|Morrison, Grant]] | penciller=Various | inker=Various | title=[[The Multiversity#Guidebook|The Multiversity Guidebook]] | issue=#1 | date=January 2015}}</ref>
'''''Batman: Earth One''''' is a series of [[graphic novel]]s written by [[Geoff Johns]] and illustrated by [[Gary Frank (comics)|Gary Frank]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Batman Rebooted? An Exclusive Look at Batman: Earth One | url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bryan-young/batman-earth-one_b_1632766.html | website=[[HuffPost]] | access-date=September 15, 2012 | last=Young | first=Bryan | date=June 29, 2012}}</ref> The series is a modernized re-imagining of [[DC Comics]]' long-running [[Batman]] comic book [[Batman (franchise)|franchise]] as part of the company's [[Earth One (DC graphic novel series)|Earth One]] imprint.<ref>{{cite news | last1=Ayres | first1=Tom | title=DiDio reveals 'Earth One' plans for 2011 | url=http://www.digitalspy.com/comics/news/a295601/didio-reveals-earth-one-plans-for-2011.html | access-date=June 25, 2013 | website=[[Digital Spy]] | date=January 2, 2011}}</ref> Earth One's Batman exists alongside other [[List of Earth One characters|revamped DC characters]] in Earth One titles, including ''[[Superman: Earth One]]'' and ''[[Wonder Woman: Earth One]]'', as well as other graphic novels.<ref>{{cite comic | writer=[[Grant Morrison|Morrison, Grant]] | penciller=Various | inker=Various | title=[[The Multiversity#Guidebook|The Multiversity Guidebook]] | issue=#1 | date=January 2015}}</ref>


The premise of ''Batman: Earth One'' takes place in the alternate continuity of the Earth One universe, which features an updated and more realistic reinterpretation of Batman's story. While the characters presented remain relatively faithful to their original counterparts from the [[DC Universe]], they still differ from each other in a number of notable aspects and characteristics. For instance: Batman himself, who is usually depicted as a near-perfect crime-fighter in the [[Batman (comic book)|comic books]], is portrayed in the novels as inexperienced and constantly prone to mistakes, although he gains practice and becomes more competent as the volumes go by.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dccomics.com/blog/2015/05/12/five-important-differences-in-batman-earth-one | title=Five Important Differences in Batman: Earth One | publisher=[[DC Comics]] | last=Beedle | first=Tim | access-date=January 15, 2021 | language=en | date=May 12, 2015}}</ref>
''Batman: Earth One'' takes place in the [[Parallel universes in fiction|alternate continuity]] of the Earth One universe, which features a reinterpretation of Batman's story. The characters presented are vastly different from the depiction they are usually associated with. For instance: Batman himself, who is usually depicted as a near-perfect crimefighter in the [[Batman (comic book)|comic books]], is portrayed in the novels as inexperienced and prone to mistakes, although he gains practice and becomes more competent as the volumes go by.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dccomics.com/blog/2015/05/12/five-important-differences-in-batman-earth-one | title=Five Important Differences in Batman: Earth One | publisher=[[DC Comics]] | last=Beedle | first=Tim | access-date=January 15, 2021 | language=en | date=May 12, 2015}}</ref>


Announced in 2009, the ''Batman: Earth One'' series was launched with the publication of its Volume One on July 4, 2012.<ref>{{cite web | title="BATMAN: EARTH ONE" HITS IN JULY | url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=36958 | website=[[Comic Book Resources]] | access-date=September 15, 2012 | last=Sunu | first=Steve | date=February 13, 2012}}</ref> Later that same year, Volume Two was confirmed for release in 2013, but was [[Postponement|postponed]] and debuted on May 6, 2015.<ref name="BATMAN EARTH ONE 2">{{cite news | last1=Renaud | first1=Jeffrey | title=EXCLUSIVE: Adult Superheroes Don't Exist in Lemire's "Teen Titans: Earth One" OGN | url=https://www.cbr.com/exclusive-adult-superheroes-dont-exist-in-lemires-teen-titans-earth-one-ogn/ | access-date=December 26, 2018 | website=[[Comic Book Resources]] | date=March 27, 2014}}</ref> Originally announced for a release in 2018, Volume Three, the final volume in the series, had been pushed back for three years until published on June 8, 2021.<ref name="BEOV3">{{cite web | url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/geoff-johns-and-gary-franks-batman-earth-one-vol-3-for-october-2021/ | title=Geoff Johns and Gary Franks' Batman Earth One Vol 3 For June 2021 | website=[[Bleeding Cool]] | last=Johnston | first=Rich | access-date=November 21, 2020 | language=en | date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> The series received a mostly positive response from both critics and readers, with Johns' writing and unique, realistic and humanizing re-imagining of the titular character, along with Frank's artwork, being singled out for praise.
Announced in 2009, the ''Batman: Earth One'' series was launched with the publication of its Volume One on July 4, 2012.<ref>{{cite web | title="BATMAN: EARTH ONE" HITS IN JULY | url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=36958 | website=[[Comic Book Resources]] | access-date=September 15, 2012 | last=Sunu | first=Steve | date=February 13, 2012}}</ref> Volume Two was originally scheduled for release in 2013, but was [[Postponement|postponed]] and debuted on May 6, 2015.<ref name="BATMAN EARTH ONE 2">{{cite news | last1=Renaud | first1=Jeffrey | title=EXCLUSIVE: Adult Superheroes Don't Exist in Lemire's "Teen Titans: Earth One" OGN | url=https://www.cbr.com/exclusive-adult-superheroes-dont-exist-in-lemires-teen-titans-earth-one-ogn/ | access-date=December 26, 2018 | website=[[Comic Book Resources]] | date=March 27, 2014}}</ref> Originally announced for a release in 2018, Volume Three, the final volume in the series, had been pushed back for three years until published on June 8, 2021.<ref name="BEOV3">{{cite web | url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/geoff-johns-and-gary-franks-batman-earth-one-vol-3-for-october-2021/ | title=Geoff Johns and Gary Franks' Batman Earth One Vol 3 For June 2021 | website=[[Bleeding Cool]] | last=Johnston | first=Rich | access-date=November 21, 2020 | language=en | date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> The series received a positive response from both critics and readers, with Frank's artwork being singled out for praise.


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=== Volume One ===
=== Volume One ===
[[Batman|Bruce Wayne]] is the eight-year-old son of Dr. [[Thomas Wayne]], a mayoral candidate for [[Gotham City]], and [[Martha Wayne]] ({{nee}} Arkham). After receiving death threats, Thomas contacts his friend [[Alfred Pennyworth]] to become the head of security at [[Wayne Manor]]. During an outing with his parents, Bruce is taken hostage by a [[Joe Chill|mugger]]. He demands that the Waynes pay a ransom for the return of their son and attempts to remove Martha's pearl necklace. Thomas tries to intervene and [[Origin of Batman|the criminal shoots them both in front of Bruce]]. Following Bruce's return to Wayne Manor, Alfred learns that he has been named as Bruce's [[legal guardian]] by the Wayne parents in the event of their absence. Alfred agrees and presents himself to Bruce as his butler.
[[Batman|Bruce Wayne]] is the eight-year-old son of Dr. [[Thomas Wayne]], a mayoral candidate for [[Gotham City]], and [[Martha Wayne]] ({{nee}} Arkham). After receiving death threats, Thomas contacts his friend from his military service, [[Alfred Pennyworth]], to become the head of security at [[Wayne Manor]]. During an outing with his parents, Bruce is taken hostage by a [[Joe Chill|mugger]]. He demands that the Waynes pay a ransom for the return of their son and attempts to remove Martha's pearl necklace. Thomas tries to intervene and [[Origin of Batman|the criminal shoots them both in front of Bruce]]. Following Bruce's return to Wayne Manor, Alfred learns that he has been named as Bruce's [[legal guardian]] by the Wayne parents in the event of their absence. Alfred reluctantly agrees and presents himself to Bruce as his butler.


As a teenager, Bruce befriends his classmate, [[Two-Face#Batman: Earth One|Jessica Dent]], and develops a rivalry with her twin brother, [[Two-Face|Harvey]]. He also learns about Arkham Manor, where Martha lived as a child; her mother suffered a mental breakdown when Martha was 12-year-old, murdering her husband and then committing suicide. Arkham Manor is believed to be cursed due to the actions of Martha's mother, causing all members of the Arkham bloodline to become insane. Bruce convinces Alfred to train him in various forms of [[martial arts]] and [[acrobatics]]; and also learns investigative techniques. Following this training, he discovers evidence that Mayor [[Penguin (comics)|Oswald Cobblepot]] was involved in his parents' assassination.
As a teenager, Bruce befriends his classmate, [[Two-Face#Batman: Earth One|Jessica Dent]], and develops a rivalry with her twin brother, [[Two-Face|Harvey]]. He also learns about Arkham Manor, where Martha lived as a child; her mother suffered a [[mental breakdown]] when Martha was 12-year-old, murdering her husband and then committing suicide. Arkham Manor is believed to be cursed due to the actions of Martha's mother, causing all members of the Arkham bloodline to become insane. Bruce convinces Alfred to train him in various forms of [[martial arts]] and [[acrobatics]]; and also learns investigative techniques. Following this training, he discovers evidence that Mayor [[Penguin (comics)|Oswald Cobblepot]] was involved in his parents' assassination.


Years later, Bruce's investigation leads him to Jacob Weaver, a police detective who was the first to arrive at the Waynes' murder scene and later left the police to work in the mayor's office. Bruce dons a [[Batsuit|bat-themed costume]] as a disguise to frighten his parents' alleged killers. He attacks Weaver, but the grapple gun he developed malfunctions and Weaver escapes. Bruce then seeks the help of [[Lucius Fox]], a 22-year-old intern at Wayne Medical, who agrees to repair his equipment in exchange for funding for a project to develop [[Prosthesis|artificial limbs]] for amputees, which Fox wants to use to give his five-year-old niece a new arm. Meanwhile, Detective [[James Gordon (comics)|James Gordon]] of the [[Gotham City Police Department]] meets his new partner, [[Harvey Bullock (comics)|Harvey Bullock]], an experienced [[Los Angeles Police Department|LAPD]] detective who has come to Gotham to solve the Wayne murders in order to revive a fading career. Following an altercation between Cobblepot's bodyguards and Bruce at a function organized by the mayor, Bruce's alter ego is named "Batman" by the press and the topic becomes a public sensation. Cobblepot, infuriated by Batman's actions at the event, orders one of his henchmen, a serial killer named "Birthday Boy", to take care of Weaver. Birthday Boy kills Weaver, and Batman's investigation takes him to Arkham Manor, where Birthday Boy had been placing his victims.
Years later, Bruce's investigation leads him to Jacob Weaver, a police detective who was the first to arrive at the Wayne murder scene and later left the police to work in the mayor's office. Bruce dons a [[Batsuit|bat-themed costume]] as a disguise to frighten his parents' alleged killers. He attacks Weaver, but the grapple gun he developed malfunctions and Weaver escapes. Bruce then seeks the help of [[Lucius Fox]], a 22-year-old intern at Wayne Medical, who agrees to repair his equipment in exchange for funding for a project to develop [[Prosthesis|artificial limbs]] for amputees, which Fox wants to use to give his five-year-old niece a new arm.


Meanwhile, Detective [[James Gordon (comics)|James Gordon]] of the [[Gotham City Police Department]] meets his new partner, [[Harvey Bullock (comics)|Harvey Bullock]], an experienced [[Los Angeles Police Department|LAPD]] detective who has come to Gotham to solve the Wayne murders and revive his fading career. Following an altercation between Bruce and Cobblepot's bodyguards at a function organized by the mayor, Bruce's alter ego is named "Batman" by the press and becomes a public sensation. Cobblepot, infuriated by Batman's actions, orders one of his henchmen, a [[serial killer]] named "Birthday Boy", to kill Weaver. Batman's investigation takes him to Arkham Manor, where Birthday Boy had been placing his victims.
⚫
A chain of events leads to the kidnapping of Gordon's 17-year-old daughter, [[Barbara Gordon|Barbara]], by Axe, a petty thug who previously antagonized Gordon, at the behest of Cobblepot. Gordon learns that Bullock is indirectly responsible for Barbara's kidnapping, since Bullock checked out the Thomas And Martha Wayne murder files under Gordon's name, and Gordon was threatened by Cobblepot to stay out of the archives to keep him from discovering his complicity in the murders. An apologetic Bullock helps Gordon find Axe, who is violently forced to reveal Barbara's location. While she struggles against Birthday Boy, Batman, Gordon and Bullock unite in the search for her. Batman eventually intercepts Birthday Boy while Gordon rescues Barbara; Batman overpowers the serial killer, who is then arrested by Gordon and Bullock. In a subsequent confrontation between Batman and Cobblepot, the mayor reveals his intention was for Weaver to murder Thomas, but he and his wife ran into the mugger instead. Cobblepot then prepares to kill an unmasked Bruce but is fatally shot by Alfred. Axe is arrested and Birthday Boy, whose identity is revealed as Ray Salinger, is transferred to the Crane Institute for the Criminally Insane, run by Dr. [[Scarecrow (DC Comics)|Jonathan Crane]], from which Salinger originally escaped.


⚫
A chain of events leads to the [[kidnapping]] of Gordon's 17-year-old daughter, [[Barbara Gordon|Barbara]], by Axe, a petty thug working for Cobblepot. Gordon learns that Bullock is indirectly responsible the kidnapping, since he checked out the Wayne murder files under Gordon's name, and Gordon was threatened by Cobblepot to stay out of the archives to keep him from discovering his complicity in the murders. An apologetic Bullock helps Gordon find Axe, who is violently forced to reveal Barbara's location. While she struggles against Birthday Boy, Batman, Gordon and Bullock unite in the search for her. Batman eventually intercepts Birthday Boy while Gordon rescues Barbara; Batman overpowers the serial killer, who is then arrested by Gordon and Bullock.
⚫
Barbara begins to idolize Batman, studying martial arts and criminology, and sketching potential "[[Batgirl]]" costumes. Bullock, on the other hand, is traumatized by his experiences and succumbs to alcoholism. After Cobblepot's crimes are posthumously outed, he is replaced by Jessica as the mayor of Gotham. Fox, after seeing Batman uses the grapple gun he repaired for Bruce on the news, deduces that the young billionaire is the vigilante and begins building a [[Batman#Technology|bat-themed arsenal]] for him, hoping to become a part of the action. Bruce is left disappointed by the truth behind his parents' death, but with Alfred's encouragement, decides that he will continue on to refine his new persona as Batman. The story concludes with the depiction of an [[Riddler|enigmatic man]] reviewing information on Batman.

In a subsequent confrontation between Batman and Cobblepot, the mayor reveals his intention was for Weaver to murder Thomas, but he and his wife ran into the mugger instead. Cobblepot then prepares to kill an unmasked Bruce but is fatally shot by Alfred. Axe is arrested and Birthday Boy, whose identity is revealed as Ray Salinger, is transferred to the Crane Institute for the Criminally Insane, run by Dr. [[Scarecrow (DC Comics)|Jonathan Crane]], from which Salinger originally escaped.

⚫
Barbara begins to idolize Batman, studying martial arts and [[criminology]], and sketching potential "[[Batgirl]]" costumes. Bullock, on the other hand, is traumatized by his experiences and succumbs to alcoholism. After Cobblepot's crimes are posthumously outed, he is replaced by Jessica as the mayor of Gotham. Fox, after seeing Batman uses the grapple gun he repaired for Bruce on the news, deduces that the young billionaire is the vigilante and begins building a [[Batman#Technology|bat-themed arsenal]] for him, hoping to become a part of the action. Bruce is left disappointed by the truth behind his parents' death, but with Alfred's encouragement, decides that he will continue on to refine his new persona as Batman. The story concludes with the depiction of an [[Riddler|enigmatic man]] reviewing information on Batman.


=== Volume Two ===
=== Volume Two ===
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The events depicted in Volume Two occur six months after those of Volume One. A mysterious serial killer, who calls himself "The Riddler", is murdering people in Gotham, hoping to get Batman's attention. Elsewhere, after losing track of one of the drug dealers he fought during a car chase, Bruce has Fox (who is promoted as the Head of [[Wayne Enterprises]]' Research and Development department) build him a [[Batmobile|custom-made race car]]. Bullock remains traumatized over the travesties that occurred in Arkham Manor, and Gordon tries to help him to combat his alcoholism, as he needs Bullock as an ally in order to combat corruption in Gotham.
The events depicted in Volume Two occur six months after those of Volume One. A mysterious serial killer, who calls himself "The Riddler", is murdering people in Gotham, hoping to get Batman's attention. Elsewhere, after losing track of one of the drug dealers he fought during a car chase, Bruce has Fox (who is promoted as the Head of [[Wayne Enterprises]]' Research and Development department) build him a [[Batmobile|custom-made race car]]. Bullock remains traumatized over the travesties that occurred in Arkham Manor, and Gordon tries to help him to combat his alcoholism, as he needs Bullock as an ally in order to combat corruption in Gotham.


Jessica comes to Wayne Manor to visit Bruce in the hopes that, as the [[CEO]] of Wayne Enterprises, he could help her find five of the remaining members of Cobblepot's criminal organization within the city's legislature. Despite Cobblepot's death, his criminal empire remains active because of these five members. The corrupt officials have taken over the city's police department, housing commission, [[public works]], [[city council]] and the [[State court (United States)|state court]]. Along with her brother Harvey, Jessica is desperate to find the officials in order to destroy Cobblepot's legacy once and for all, and Batman seeks Gordon's help in uncovering the identities of these corrupt officials.
Jessica comes to Wayne Manor to visit Bruce in the hopes that, as the [[CEO]] of Wayne Enterprises, he could help her find five of the remaining members of Cobblepot's criminal organization within the city's legislature. Despite Cobblepot's death, his criminal empire remains active because of these five members, corrupt officials who have taken over the city's police department, housing commission, [[public works]], [[city council]] and the [[State court (United States)|state court]]. Along with her brother Harvey, Jessica is desperate to find the officials in order to destroy Cobblepot's legacy once and for all. Batman seeks Gordon's help in aiding her efforts.


After bombing the city museum, the Riddler is chased by Batman, who during the chase is knocked out from behind by the Riddler and falls off a building, landing on a balcony. Batman wakes up the next day to find himself inside the apartment of an attractive woman who has tended to his injuries. Seeing Gordon's excellence as a detective, Batman asks Gordon to train him in [[Forensic science|forensics]] and [[Deductive reasoning|deduction]], with Gordon notes that Batman has a gifted investigative mind. As they track their murderous suspect to the sewers (called the "Arkham's Labyrinth"), Batman encounters Waylon Jones, a benign but mutated man whom the media dubbed "[[Killer Croc]]", who is seeking refuge underground out of fear of society's discrimination over his reptilian appearance. With Jones' help, Batman discovers the Riddler's hideout, but fails to stop him from bombing a [[rapid transit|rapid transit train]]. Using discovered clues, Batman deduces that these killings were not random, as they were actually targeted. He leaves Gordon an [[Bat phone|encrypted cellphone]] for the detective to contact him, calling it his "[[Bat-Signal]]".
After bombing the city museum, the Riddler is chased by Batman. The Riddler knocks Batman out from behind, causing him to fall off a building and onto a balcony. He wakes up the next day to find himself inside the apartment of an attractive woman who has tended to his injuries. Later, Batman asks Gordon to train him in [[Forensic science|forensics]] and [[Deductive reasoning|deduction]], with Gordon noting that Batman has a gifted investigative mind. As they track the Riddler to the sewers, Batman encounters Waylon Jones, a benign but mutated man whom the media dubbed "[[Killer Croc]]", who is seeking refuge underground out of fear of society's discrimination over his reptilian appearance. With Jones' help, Batman discovers the Riddler's hideout, but fails to stop him from bombing a [[rapid transit|rapid transit train]]. Using clues, Batman deduces that the Riddler's killings were not random. He leaves Gordon an [[Bat phone|encrypted cellphone]] to contact him, calling it his "[[Bat-Signal]]".


Meeting with Bruce, Jessica reveals to him that she knows he is Batman since her visit to Wayne Manor; both also declare their love for each other as they kiss. With new information from Gordon, Bruce discovers the Riddler is targeting the people who Jessica and Harvey are trying to find. Bruce is later accused of being the Riddler after the real Riddler frames him in an attempt to divert Gordon's investigation, but Jessica is able to provide Bruce an alibi so he is not arrested. During a riot at the police precinct caused by the Riddler, Cobblepot's former henchman [[Sal Maroni]] fatally stabs Harvey and then disfigures the right side of his face with a [[Molotov cocktail]] before he dies. Jessica, in her grief, scars the left side of her face by pressing it against Harvey's burns in order to match her face with his. After chasing the Riddler through the city, Batman manages to subdue the killer with Jones' assistance.
Meeting with Bruce, Jessica reveals that she has known his identity as Batman since her visit to Wayne Manor; both also declare their love for each other. With new information from Gordon, Bruce discovers the Riddler is targeting the people who Jessica and Harvey are trying to find. He is later accused of being the Riddler after the real Riddler frames him in an attempt to divert Gordon's investigation, but Jessica is able to provide Bruce an [[alibi]] so that he is not arrested. During a riot at the police precinct caused by the Riddler, Cobblepot's former henchman [[Sal Maroni]] fatally stabs Harvey and disfigures the right side of his face with a [[Molotov cocktail]] before he dies. Jessica, in her grief, scars the left side of her face by pressing it against Harvey's burns in order to match her face with his. After chasing the Riddler through the city, Batman subdues the killer with Jones' assistance.


After he is cleared of all charges, Bruce generously writes a check to help the city's police department rebuild their precinct. Bullock begins to recover from his alcoholism. Batman offers Jones a place in Wayne Manor, seeking his help in finding a [[Batcave|location]] to hide his "Batmobile". After Gordon arrests Christopher Black, a police captain who was one of Cobblepot's lieutenants, he is promoted to captain. Upon visiting her at the hospital, Bruce discovers that the trauma caused Jessica to develop a [[Dissociative identity disorder|split personality]] based on Harvey's. In the epilogue, Bruce finds out through a phone call with Alfred that the attractive woman he met earlier as Batman is not the apartment's resident, but actually a [[Catwoman|cat burglar]] who was robbing the building at the time.
After he is cleared of all charges, Bruce generously writes a check to help the police department rebuild their precinct. Bullock begins to recover from his alcoholism. Batman offers Jones a place in Wayne Manor, seeking his help in finding a [[Batcave|location]] to hide his "Batmobile". After Gordon arrests Christopher Black, a police captain who was one of Cobblepot's lieutenants, he is promoted to captain. Upon visiting her at the hospital, Bruce discovers that the trauma of Harvey's death has caused Jessica to develop a [[Dissociative identity disorder|split personality]] based on Harvey's. In the epilogue, Bruce discovers through a phone call with Alfred that the attractive woman he met earlier as Batman is not the apartment's resident, but actually a [[Catwoman|cat burglar]] who was robbing the building at the time.


=== Volume Three ===
=== Volume Three ===
[[File:Batman-Earth One Volume 3.jpg|thumb|right|Cover page for Volume Three of ''Batman: Earth One'' (June 2021).]]
[[File:Batman-Earth One Volume 3.jpg|thumb|right|Cover page for Volume Three of ''Batman: Earth One'' (June 2021).]]
The events depicted in Volume Three occur one month after those of Volume Two. In Upstate Maine, a police officer sees that an abandoned [[psychiatric hospital]] has been broken into. Inside, he finds a delusional elderly man who attacks him, yelling for his daughter Martha.
The events depicted in Volume Three occur one month after those of Volume Two. In [[Maine]], a police officer sees that an abandoned [[psychiatric hospital]] has been broken into. Inside, he finds a delusional elderly man who attacks him, yelling for his daughter Martha.

⚫
Bruce, Alfred and Jones find an old subterranean [[Metro station|subway station]] that connects Wayne and Arkham Manors to the rest of Gotham. Bruce plans to use the location both as a bunker to hide the Batmobile and as a [[safehouse]] to expand his operation as Batman. Suddenly, Gordon calls to alert him of criminals with military-grade weapons. Batman stops them, with the last gunman incapacitated by the cat-burglar he met a month earlier, who escapes with the criminals' stolen money. Jessica – wearing a mask – is escorted by Bruce to a [[press conference]] where she opens a homeless shelter named after Harvey. During the conference, Bruce and Alfred are called to the Gotham Mental Hospital, where they learn that the elderly man from the prologue is actually Adrian Arkham, Bruce's maternal grandfather. Skeptical that his grandfather might be alive, Bruce takes Adrian to Wayne Manor.

⚫
Batman eavesdrops on an arms deal and learns that a criminal uprising is brewing in Gotham, fueled by advanced weaponry brought in from [[Metropolis (comics)|Metropolis]]. He is caught and a firefight ensues, but the woman from earlier (Catwoman) saves him. He interrogates the criminals and learns that Harvey might be alive and behind the uprising. Bruce remembers Jessica waking up after her accident and briefly claiming to be Harvey. Worried, he meets with Jessica to confront her, only for "Harvey" to call her and tell them that he's going to destroy Gotham.


Adrian escapes to Arkham Manor and tries to jump from the roof, but Bruce stops him. Adrian reveals the history of their ancestors: as the Arkhams helped build Gotham, they were viciously attacked by bats, which they believed to be representatives of native spirits. He claims that these events bound a terrible curse to the Arkham bloodline, describing how his wife went mad over the loss of her son and tried to kill Martha, Bruce's mother; he claims to have sacrificed his life to save their daughter. Bruce brings his grandfather home, promising to help him work through his worsening mental health.
⚫
Bruce, Alfred and Jones find an old subterrenean [[Metro station|subway station]] that connects Wayne and Arkham Manors to the rest of Gotham. Bruce plans to use the place both as a bunker to hide his new Batmobile and as a [[safehouse]] to expand his operation as Batman. Suddenly, Gordon calls him through the Bat-Signal to alert him of criminals with [[Military rank|military-grade]] weapons. Batman arrives and stops them, with the last man incapacitated by the cat-burglar he met a month earlier, who escapes with the criminals' stolen money. Jessica – wearing a mask – is escorted by Bruce to a [[press conference]] where she opens a homeless shelter named after Harvey. During the conference, Alfred and Bruce are called to the Gotham Mental Hospital, where they learn that the elderly man who broke into the psychiatric hospital in Maine is actually Adrian Arkham, Bruce's maternal grandfather, thought to be long-deceased. Skeptical that his grandfather might be alive, Bruce still takes Adrian to Wayne Manor.


Catwoman alerts Batman of a final shipment of explosives arriving in Gotham that night. Gordon and Bullock head off to stop it. As the weapons arrive, Adrian lights Arkham Manor on fire, while Batman and Gordon learn that Jessica Dent is "Harvey Dent", suffering from a [[dissociative identity disorder]]. Adrian reveals his allegiance to Jessica and forces Batman inside the burning Arkham Manor. Jessica wants to destroy Gotham for taking so many lives, including that of her brother's, while Adrian claims he wants to save Bruce's soul. Batman frees himself with Catwoman's help and subdues Adrian. Learning that Gordon has halted the explosives shipment, a distraught Jessica leaps to her death, but is saved by Jones at the last moment. Adrian emerges from Arkham Manor, his face melting, and tries to kill Batman before Gordon stops him. With the crisis averted, Gotham is safe.
⚫
Batman learns of a weapons shipment deal, where he sees that a criminal uprising is brewing in Gotham, fueled by advanced weaponry brought in from [[Metropolis (comics)|Metropolis]]. He is caught and a firefight ensues, but the woman from earlier (Catwoman) saves him. He interrogates the criminals and learns that Harvey Dent might be alive and behind the uprising. Bruce remembers Jessica waking up after her accident and briefly claiming to be Harvey. Worried, Batman meets with Jessica to confront her, only for "Harvey" to call her and tell them that he's going to destroy Gotham. Adrian escapes to Arkham Manor and tries to jump from the roof, but Bruce stops him. Adrian reveals the history of their ancestors: as the Arkhams helped build the city, they were viciously attacked by bats, which they believed to be representatives of native spirits. He claims that these events bound a terrible curse to the Arkham bloodline. Adrian describes how his wife went mad over the loss of her son, and tried to kill Martha; he claims to have sacrificed his life to save their daughter. Bruce brings his grandfather home, promising to help him work through his worsening mental health.


Catwoman alerts Batman of the final shipment of explosives arriving in Gotham that night. Gordon and Bullock head off to stop it. As the weapons arrive, Adrian lights Arkham Manor on fire, while Batman and Gordon learn that Jessica Dent is Harvey Dent, suffering from a dissociative identity disorder. Adrian reveals his allegiance to Dent and forces Batman inside the ablaze Arkham Manor. Dent wants to destroy Gotham for taking so many lives, including that of her brother's, while Adrian claims he wants to save Bruce's soul. Batman frees himself with Catwoman's help and subdues Adrian. Learning that Gordon has halted the explosives shipment, a distraught Dent leaps to her death, but is saved by Waylon at the last moment. Adrian emerges from Arkham Manor, his face 'melting', and tries to kill Batman before Gordon stops him. With the crisis averted, Gotham is safe. Bruce learns that Adrian was actually [[Clayface|an imposter]] capable of changing his appearance at a cellular level, with layers of fingerprints from three different men (Preston Payne, Matt Hagen, and Basil Karlo) found beneath his layers of shifting skin. Bruce promises to get Jessica the help she needs and decides to continue his mission to protect Gotham, unburdened by the troubled history of his family.
Bruce learns that Adrian was actually [[Clayface|an imposter]] capable of changing his appearance at a cellular level, with layers of fingerprints from three different men found beneath his layers of shifting skin. Bruce promises to get Jessica the help she needs and decides to continue his mission to protect Gotham, unburdened by the troubled history of his family.


Time passes with Bruce becoming an experienced crimefighter, recruiting more "[[Outsiders (comics)|outsiders]]" to help save Gotham. During a performance at Haly's Circus, a "[[The Joker (comics)|clown]]" kills the circus' prized [[Flying Graysons]] act. This leaves the late Grayson couple's young son [[Dick Grayson|Dick]] an orphan, who is taken in by Bruce to eventually become a member of Batman's crusade. Captain Gordon's daughter Barbara wants to learn more about Gotham's caped crusader, and she eventually dons a costume as well. After facing rampant injustice and persecution in the city, [[Ragman (character)|Rory Regan]] too decides to take matters into his own hands and fight back against Gotham's criminal underbelly. Soon, Robin, Batgirl, and Ragman join Batman, Alfred, Waylon, Lucius Fox, and Catwoman as members of this new Outsiders team, headed out of the subway base (now called the Batcave). Bruce also helps turn his mother's home into a state-of-the-art mental health facility called [[Arkham Asylum]], with Jessica becoming a patient. Later, [[Toyman#Winslow Percival Schott|Winslow Schott]]'s prisoner transport is stopped by a mysterious clown. The clown claims he needs 'the Toyman's' help to "kill a lot of children, and their pets". When Schott asks who his new employer is, the clown replies "I'm Nobody".
As Bruce becomes a more experienced crimefighter over time, he recruits more "[[Outsiders (comics)|outsiders]]" to his crusade. During a performance at Haly's Circus, a "[[The Joker (comics)|clown]]" kills the circus' prized [[Flying Graysons]] act. This leaves the late Grayson couple's young son [[Dick Grayson|Dick]] an orphan, who is taken in by Bruce to eventually become a member of Batman's circle. Gordon's daughter Barbara wants to learn more about Batman, and eventually dons a costume as well. After facing rampant injustice and persecution in the city, [[Ragman (character)|Rory Regan]] also decides to fight back against Gotham's criminal underbelly. Soon Robin, Batgirl and Ragman join Batman, Alfred, Waylon, Fox and Catwoman as members of this new team, based out of the now-named Batcave. Bruce also helps turn Arkham Manor into a state-of-the-art mental hospital called [[Arkham Asylum]], with Jessica becoming a patient. Later, [[Toyman#Winslow Percival Schott|Winslow Schott]]'s prisoner transport is stopped by a mysterious clown. The clown claims he needs Schott's help to "kill a lot of children, and their pets". When Schott asks who his new employer is, the clown replies, "I'm Nobody".


== Publication ==
== Publication ==
''Batman: Earth One'' Volume One is the second original [[graphic novel]] to be announced by [[DC Comics]] as part of the [[Earth One (DC graphic novel series)|Earth One]] [[Line (comics)|line]] established in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|last=Segura |first=Alex |url=http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2009/12/07/dcu-in-2010-welcome-to-earth-one/ |title=WELCOME TO EARTH ONE |publisher=[[DC Comics]] |date=December 7, 2009 |access-date=August 21, 2011}}</ref> It follows the 2010 release of ''[[Superman: Earth One]]'', marking the first collaboration between writer [[Geoff Johns]] and artist [[Gary Frank (comics)|Gary Frank]] on a [[Batman]] story.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aintitcool.com/node/43302 |title=AICN COMICS STM EXCLUSIVE Q&@ w JMS & GEOFF JOHNS on DC EARTH ONE! |website=[[Ain't It Cool News]] |date=December 7, 2009 |access-date=July 10, 2010}}</ref> ''Batman: Earth One'' was planned to be printed in 2010, but was held to be released at the same time as ''[[The Dark Knight Rises]]'' film on July 4, 2012.<ref name="GNR:BEOV2IGN">{{cite news |last1=Schedeen |first1=Jesse |title=Graphic Novel Review: Batman - Earth One Vol. 2 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/06/graphic-novel-review-batman-earth-one-vol-2 |access-date=November 22, 2020 |website=[[IGN]] |date=May 6, 2015}}</ref> Volume Two was originally scheduled for a 2013 release,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/gary-frank-confirms-batman-earth-one-vol-2-for-2013/ |title=Gary Frank Confirms "Batman: Earth One" Vol. 2 For 2013 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |last=Sunu |first=Steve |access-date=December 10, 2020 |language=en |date=November 19, 2012}}</ref> but was [[Postponement|postponed]] and, as a result, launched on May 6, 2015.<ref name="BATMAN EARTH ONE 2" />
''Batman: Earth One'' is the second original [[graphic novel]] to be announced by [[DC Comics]] as part of the [[Earth One (DC graphic novel series)|Earth One]] [[Line (comics)|line]] established in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|last=Segura |first=Alex |url=http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2009/12/07/dcu-in-2010-welcome-to-earth-one/ |title=WELCOME TO EARTH ONE |publisher=[[DC Comics]] |date=December 7, 2009 |access-date=August 21, 2011}}</ref> It follows the 2010 release of ''[[Superman: Earth One]]'', marking the first collaboration between writer [[Geoff Johns]] and artist [[Gary Frank (comics)|Gary Frank]] on a [[Batman]] story.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aintitcool.com/node/43302 |title=AICN COMICS STM EXCLUSIVE Q&@ w JMS & GEOFF JOHNS on DC EARTH ONE! |website=[[Ain't It Cool News]] |date=December 7, 2009 |access-date=July 10, 2010}}</ref> ''Batman: Earth One'' was planned to be printed in 2010, but was held to be released at the same time as ''[[The Dark Knight Rises]]'' film on July 4, 2012.<ref name="GNR:BEOV2IGN">{{cite news |last1=Schedeen |first1=Jesse |title=Graphic Novel Review: Batman - Earth One Vol. 2 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/06/graphic-novel-review-batman-earth-one-vol-2 |access-date=November 22, 2020 |website=[[IGN]] |date=May 6, 2015}}</ref> Volume Two was originally scheduled for a 2013 release,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/gary-frank-confirms-batman-earth-one-vol-2-for-2013/ |title=Gary Frank Confirms "Batman: Earth One" Vol. 2 For 2013 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |last=Sunu |first=Steve |access-date=December 10, 2020 |language=en |date=November 19, 2012}}</ref> but was [[Postponement|postponed]] and, as a result, launched on May 6, 2015.<ref name="BATMAN EARTH ONE 2" />


After 2012's Volume One and 2015's Volume Two of ''Batman: Earth One'', Volume Three was originally announced to debut in 2018, but was pushed back for 2021 due to Johns and Frank's work on [[DC Rebirth]] and ''[[Doomsday Clock (comics)|Doomsday Clock]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/au/batman-earth-one-vol-3-lands-summer-2021-release-date/ |title=Batman: Earth One Vol. 3 lands summer 2021 release date |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |last=Arrant |first=Chris |access-date=November 23, 2020 |language=en |date=November 23, 2020}}</ref> Volume Three was "finished"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/batman-earth-one-volume-3-finished-waiting-for-dc-release-according-to-geoff-johns/ |title=Batman: Earth One Volume 3 "finished", waiting for DC release according to Geoff Johns |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |last=Arrant |first=Chris |access-date=January 15, 2021 |language=en |date=July 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://insidepulse.com/2021/04/28/dc-comics-continues-to-tease-doomsday-clock-geiger-creative-teams-batman-earth-one-volume-3-opus-sans-spoilers/ |title=DC Comics Continues To Tease Doomsday Clock & Geiger Creative Team’s Batman Earth One Volume 3 Opus! (Sans Spoilers) |website=Inside Pulse |last=Babos |first=John |access-date=May 11, 2021 |language=en |date=April 28, 2021}}</ref> and ultimately published on June 8, 2021, resulting in a six-year gap between Volumes Two and Three, exactly twice the gap between Volumes One and Two.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/batman-earth-one-volume-3-release-date-two-face-arkham |title=Batman: Earth One Vol. 3 Gets June 2021 Release Date |website=[[IGN]] |last=Schedeen |first=Jesse |access-date=November 26, 2020 |language=en |date=November 23, 2020}}</ref>
After 2012's Volume One and 2015's Volume Two of ''Batman: Earth One'', Volume Three was originally announced to debut in 2018, but was pushed back for 2021 due to Johns and Frank's work on [[DC Rebirth]] and ''[[Doomsday Clock (comics)|Doomsday Clock]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/au/batman-earth-one-vol-3-lands-summer-2021-release-date/ |title=Batman: Earth One Vol. 3 lands summer 2021 release date |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |last=Arrant |first=Chris |access-date=November 23, 2020 |language=en |date=November 23, 2020}}</ref> Volume Three was "finished"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/batman-earth-one-volume-3-finished-waiting-for-dc-release-according-to-geoff-johns/ |title=Batman: Earth One Volume 3 "finished", waiting for DC release according to Geoff Johns |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |last=Arrant |first=Chris |access-date=January 15, 2021 |language=en |date=July 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://insidepulse.com/2021/04/28/dc-comics-continues-to-tease-doomsday-clock-geiger-creative-teams-batman-earth-one-volume-3-opus-sans-spoilers/ |title=DC Comics Continues To Tease Doomsday Clock & Geiger Creative Team's Batman Earth One Volume 3 Opus! (Sans Spoilers) |website=Inside Pulse |last=Babos |first=John |access-date=May 11, 2021 |language=en |date=April 28, 2021}}</ref> and ultimately published on June 8, 2021, resulting in a six-year gap between Volumes Two and Three, exactly twice the gap between Volumes One and Two.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/batman-earth-one-volume-3-release-date-two-face-arkham |title=Batman: Earth One Vol. 3 Gets June 2021 Release Date |website=[[IGN]] |last=Schedeen |first=Jesse |access-date=November 26, 2020 |language=en |date=November 23, 2020}}</ref>


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
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''Batman: Earth One'' received a mostly positive response from critics and readers, with Johns' writing and unique, realistic and humanizing re-imagining of the titular character, along with Frank's artwork, being singled out for praise.<ref name="BEORJE2012">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/07/04/batman-earth-one-review |title=Batman: Earth One Review |website=[[IGN]] |last=Esposito |first=Joey |access-date=January 11, 2021 |language=en |date=July 4, 2012}}</ref> [[Barnes & Noble]] lists the graphic novel as one of the "Best Quirky, Beautiful, Different Books of 2012".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s?PRO=1358&store=book&view=grid |title=Best Quirky, Beautiful, Different Books of 2012 |publisher=[[Barnes & Noble]] |access-date=June 28, 2013}}</ref> It peaked at #9 on ''[[The New York Times]]''' Hardcover Graphic Book Best Seller List.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2012-10-14/hardcover-graphic-books/list.html |title=Hardcover Graphic Books |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=October 14, 2012 |access-date=June 28, 2013}}</ref> ''[[IGN]]'' listed it as #25 on their list of best Batman stories of all time.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-25-greatest-batman-graphic-novels |title=The Top 25 Best Batman Comics and Graphic Novels |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=December 12, 2020 |language=en |date=March 14, 2019}}</ref>
''Batman: Earth One'' received a mostly positive response from critics and readers, with Johns' writing and unique, realistic and humanizing re-imagining of the titular character, along with Frank's artwork, being singled out for praise.<ref name="BEORJE2012">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/07/04/batman-earth-one-review |title=Batman: Earth One Review |website=[[IGN]] |last=Esposito |first=Joey |access-date=January 11, 2021 |language=en |date=July 4, 2012}}</ref> [[Barnes & Noble]] lists the graphic novel as one of the "Best Quirky, Beautiful, Different Books of 2012".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s?PRO=1358&store=book&view=grid |title=Best Quirky, Beautiful, Different Books of 2012 |publisher=[[Barnes & Noble]] |access-date=June 28, 2013}}</ref> It peaked at #9 on ''[[The New York Times]]''' Hardcover Graphic Book Best Seller List.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2012-10-14/hardcover-graphic-books/list.html |title=Hardcover Graphic Books |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=October 14, 2012 |access-date=June 28, 2013}}</ref> ''[[IGN]]'' listed it as #25 on their list of best Batman stories of all time.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-25-greatest-batman-graphic-novels |title=The Top 25 Best Batman Comics and Graphic Novels |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=December 12, 2020 |language=en |date=March 14, 2019}}</ref>


''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' wrote: "Fresh, accessible, emotionally resonant…. This Batman graphic novel offers readers the chance to watch Batman actually grow and develop — through trial and error, success and failure — into an indomitable crime fighter".<ref name="BEODCCWS">{{cite web |url=https://www.dccomics.com/graphic-novels/batman-earth-one-2012/batman-earth-one |title=BATMAN: EARTH ONE |publisher=[[DC Comics]] |access-date=January 14, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> [[David S. Goyer]], co-writer of ''[[Batman Begins]]'', ''[[The Dark Knight Rises]]'', ''[[Man of Steel (film)|Man of Steel]]'' and ''[[Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice]]'', said: "After successfully re-imagining the [[Superman|Man of Steel]] in ''[[Superman: Secret Origin]]'', Geoff Johns and Gary Frank have unleashed their talents on Bruce Wayne and proven, once again, that under the right stewardship, the Batman legend is endlessly malleable. Alfred as a former [[Royal Marines|Royal Marine]]. The Penguin as a genuinely creepy and sadistic villain. Awesome".<ref name="BEODCCWS" /> ''[[HuffPost]]'' wrote: "The book was so thoroughly captivating that my most burning question for Johns was whether or not we'll see more".<ref name="BEODCCWS" /> [[Damon Lindelof]], co-creator and executive producer of ''[[Lost (TV series)|Lost]]'', said: "Original, surprising and emotional, ''Batman: Earth One'' is a must-read".<ref name="BEODCCWS" />
''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' wrote: "Fresh, accessible, emotionally resonant…. This Batman graphic novel offers readers the chance to watch Batman actually grow and develop — through trial and error, success and failure — into an indomitable crime fighter".<ref name="BEODCCWS">{{cite web |url=https://www.dccomics.com/graphic-novels/batman-earth-one-2012/batman-earth-one |title=BATMAN: EARTH ONE |publisher=[[DC Comics]] |access-date=January 14, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> [[David S. Goyer]], co-writer of ''[[Batman Begins]]'', ''[[The Dark Knight Rises]]'', ''[[Man of Steel (film)|Man of Steel]]'' and ''[[Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice]]'', was positive to the title, saying that Geoff Johns and Gary Frank managed to make the Batman legend "endlessly" malleable.<ref name="BEODCCWS" /> ''[[HuffPost]]'' gave a positive review to the book and called it "thoroughly captivating".<ref name="BEODCCWS" /> [[Damon Lindelof]], co-creator and executive producer of ''[[Lost (2004 TV series)|Lost]]'', said: "Original, surprising and emotional, ''Batman: Earth One'' is a must-read".<ref name="BEODCCWS" />


In his review for ''Batman: Earth One'', Joey Esposito of ''IGN'' wrote positively about the novel, complimenting both Johns' writing and Frank's artwork, as well as the characters featured in it, especially Bullock, "whose journey is perhaps the most profoundly jarring throughout the course of the book", added Esposito. By the end of the review, he stated, "''Batman: Earth One'' is a resounding success. There’s no supplemental material to speak of, but the beautiful characterization, interesting new direction, and stunning artwork makes it an easy recommendation. When ''Superman: Earth One'' disappointed it left me cold on these books completely, but Johns and Frank have rejuvenated this line tenfold and made sure that Batman fans have a great new graphic novel to rave about".<ref name="BEORJE2012" /> Writing for ''[[GamesRadar+]]'', David Pepose was more critical to ''Batman: Earth One'': he gave the graphic novel a rating of 4 out of 10, considering it "too ambitious", while also commenting that Johns "throws together enough decent ideas to fill six graphic novels, but having them all together leads to a scattered, unfocused read". Regarding the characters, Pepose felt that, due to the fast pace of the novel, fan readers were unable to "really stick around with anyone long enough to get to know them". However, he praised the depictions of Alfred and Cobblepot as a "badass" and a "true power player", respectively; another character that Pepose complimented was Gordon's daughter, Barbara, deeming her "[by] far and away the most endearing character in the entire book".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/batman-earth-one-volume-1-review/ |title=Best Shots review - Batman: Earth One Volume 1 "too ambitious" |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |last=Pepose |first=David |access-date=January 12, 2021 |language=en |date=October 8, 2013}}</ref>
In his review for ''Batman: Earth One'', Joey Esposito of ''IGN'' wrote positively about the novel, complimenting both Johns' writing and Frank's artwork, as well as the characters featured in it, especially Bullock, "whose journey is perhaps the most profoundly jarring throughout the course of the book". By the end of the review, he wrote that "''Batman: Earth One'' is a resounding success. There's no supplemental material to speak of, but the beautiful characterization, interesting new direction, and stunning artwork makes it an easy recommendation. When ''Superman: Earth One'' disappointed it left me cold on these books completely, but Johns and Frank have rejuvenated this line tenfold and made sure that Batman fans have a great new graphic novel to rave about".<ref name="BEORJE2012" /> Writing for ''[[GamesRadar+]]'', David Pepose was more critical to ''Batman: Earth One'': he gave the graphic novel a rating of 4 out of 10, considering it "too ambitious", while also commenting that Johns "throws together enough decent ideas to fill six graphic novels, but having them all together leads to a scattered, unfocused read". Regarding the characters, Pepose felt that, due to the fast pace of the novel, fan readers were unable to "really stick around with anyone long enough to get to know them". However, he praised the depictions of Alfred and Cobblepot as a "badass" and a "true power player", respectively; another character that Pepose complimented was Gordon's daughter, Barbara, deeming her "[by] far and away the most endearing character in the entire book".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/batman-earth-one-volume-1-review/ |title=Best Shots review - Batman: Earth One Volume 1 "too ambitious" |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |last=Pepose |first=David |access-date=January 12, 2021 |language=en |date=October 8, 2013}}</ref>


;Volume Two
;Volume Two
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== In other media ==
== In other media ==
=== Television ===
=== Television ===
In the TV show ''[[Gotham (TV series)|Gotham]]'', Alfred (portrayed by [[Sean Pertwee]]) takes inspiration from both his mainstream and his Earth One counterparts, drawing elements from the two versions, such as him being a former member of the Royal Marines who is the loyal butler of the [[List of Batman supporting characters#Wayne family|Wayne family]], and later becomes the legal guardian of [[Bruce Wayne (Gotham)|Bruce]] ([[David Mazouz]]) following the murder of his parents. Alfred is also a skilled martial artist, just like his Earth One incarnation, training Bruce in the combat skills he eventually uses in his adulthood as Batman.<ref>{{cite web |title='GOTHAM' FIRST LOOK: BATMAN'S BUTLER REVEALED |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1724730/gotham-batman-alfred-sean-pertwee/ |publisher=[[MTV]] |access-date=December 1, 2020 |last=Wigler |first=Josh |date=March 25, 2014}}</ref>
In the TV show ''[[Gotham (TV series)|Gotham]]'', Alfred ([[Sean Pertwee]]) takes inspiration from both his mainstream and his Earth One counterparts, drawing elements from the two versions, such as him being a former member of the Royal Marines who is the loyal butler of the [[List of Batman supporting characters#Wayne family|Wayne family]], and later becomes the legal guardian of [[Bruce Wayne (Gotham)|Bruce]] ([[David Mazouz]]) following the murder of his parents. Alfred is also a skilled martial artist, just like his Earth One incarnation, training Bruce in the combat skills he eventually uses in his adulthood as Batman.<ref>{{cite web |title='GOTHAM' FIRST LOOK: BATMAN'S BUTLER REVEALED |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1724730/gotham-batman-alfred-sean-pertwee/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726021008/http://www.mtv.com/news/1724730/gotham-batman-alfred-sean-pertwee/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 26, 2014 |publisher=[[MTV]] |access-date=December 1, 2020 |last=Wigler |first=Josh |date=March 25, 2014}}</ref>


=== Films ===
=== Films ===
* In the 2016 film ''[[Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice]]'', Alfred ([[Jeremy Irons]]) is based on the Earth One iteration of the character.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/alfred-no-longer-butler-batman-v-superman/ |title=Alfred is no longer a butler in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |last=Warmann |first=Amon |access-date=January 9, 2021 |date=February 19, 2016}}</ref>
* In the 2016 film ''[[Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice]]'', Alfred ([[Jeremy Irons]]) is based on the Earth One iteration of the character.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/alfred-no-longer-butler-batman-v-superman/ |title=Alfred is no longer a butler in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |last=Warmann |first=Amon |access-date=January 9, 2021 |date=February 19, 2016}}</ref>
* The 2022 film ''[[The Batman (film)|The Batman]]'' features various similarities with the ''Batman: Earth One'' graphic novel.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dccomics.com/blog/2020/11/23/geoff-johns-and-gary-frank-return-to-batman-earth-one |title=Geoff Johns and Gary Frank Return to Batman: Earth One |publisher=[[DC Comics]] |access-date=January 6, 2021 |language=en |date=November 23, 2020}}</ref> Such similarities include: the portrayal of a still young and inexperienced Batman ([[Robert Pattinson]]) at the beginning of his career as a crime-fighter, the Riddler ([[Paul Dano]]) being a serial killer targeting Gotham City's corrupt elite,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/the-batman-trailer-paul-dano-riddler-inspired-batman-earth-one-volume-2/ |title=The Batman: Paul Dano’s Villain Compared to the Riddler of Earth One |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |last=Bonomolo |first=Cameron |access-date=December 19, 2020 |date=August 24, 2020}}</ref> the depiction of Alfred ([[Andy Serkis]]) as a former Royal Marine responsible for training Bruce in combat,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/the-batman-should-read-geoff-johns-earth-one/ |title=The Batman: Why You Should Be Reading Geoff Johns' Earth One, Not Year Zero or One |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |last=Matadeen |first=Renaldo |access-date=December 15, 2020 |date=August 27, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/batman-movie-robert-pattinson-dc-comics-story-influences/ |title=The Batman: DC Stories That Could Influence Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight |website=[[Screen Rant]] |last=Baker |first=Chrishaun |access-date=December 15, 2020 |date=February 25, 2020}}</ref> as well as the revelation that Martha Wayne is a member of the Arkham family.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/the-batman-martha-arkham-comics-history-origins/amp/|title=Martha Arkham: Comic History & Arkham Asylum Connection Explained|date=March 5, 2022|website=ScreenRant}}</ref>
* The 2022 film ''[[The Batman (film)|The Batman]]'' features various similarities with the ''Batman: Earth One'' graphic novel.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dccomics.com/blog/2020/11/23/geoff-johns-and-gary-frank-return-to-batman-earth-one |title=Geoff Johns and Gary Frank Return to Batman: Earth One |publisher=[[DC Comics]] |access-date=January 6, 2021 |language=en |date=November 23, 2020}}</ref> Such similarities include: the portrayal of a still young and inexperienced Batman ([[Robert Pattinson]]) at the beginning of his career as a crime-fighter, the Riddler ([[Paul Dano]]) being a serial killer targeting Gotham City's corrupt elite,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/the-batman-trailer-paul-dano-riddler-inspired-batman-earth-one-volume-2/ |title=The Batman: Paul Dano's Villain Compared to the Riddler of Earth One |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |last=Bonomolo |first=Cameron |access-date=December 19, 2020 |date=August 24, 2020}}</ref> the depictions of Alfred ([[Andy Serkis]]) as a former Royal Marine responsible for training Bruce in combat,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/the-batman-should-read-geoff-johns-earth-one/ |title=The Batman: Why You Should Be Reading Geoff Johns' Earth One, Not Year Zero or One |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |last=Matadeen |first=Renaldo |access-date=December 15, 2020 |date=August 27, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/batman-movie-robert-pattinson-dc-comics-story-influences/ |title=The Batman: DC Stories That Could Influence Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight |website=[[Screen Rant]] |last=Baker |first=Chrishaun |access-date=December 15, 2020 |date=February 25, 2020}}</ref> as well as the revelation that Martha Wayne is a member of the Arkham family.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/the-batman-martha-arkham-comics-history-origins/amp/|title=Martha Arkham: Comic History & Arkham Asylum Connection Explained|date=March 5, 2022|website=ScreenRant}}</ref> Additionally, Penguin resembles his design from Earth One.


=== Video games ===
=== Video games ===
The 2011 video game ''[[Batman: Arkham City]]'' and its 2013 prequel ''[[Batman: Arkham Origins]]'' feature a number of alternative outfits for Batman to wear, including one based on the costume used by the Earth One version of the character.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/batman-arkham-city/Skins |title=Skins - Batman: Arkham City Wiki Guide |last=Lee |first=Stephanie |website=[[IGN]] |date=January 18, 2013 |access-date=December 5, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gameranx.com/updates/id/17266/article/batman-arkham-origins-leaked-alternate-skins/ |title=''Batman: Arkham Origins'' Leaked Alternate Skins |last=Parreno |first=Ryan |website=Gameranx.com |date=September 7, 2013 |access-date=September 16, 2013}}</ref>
The 2011 video game ''[[Batman: Arkham City]]'', its 2013 prequel ''[[Batman: Arkham Origins]]'' and its 2015 sequel ''[[Batman: Arkham Knight]]'' feature a number of alternative outfits for Batman to wear, including one based on the costume used by the Earth One version of the character.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/batman-arkham-city/Skins |title=Skins - Batman: Arkham City Wiki Guide |last=Lee |first=Stephanie |website=[[IGN]] |date=January 18, 2013 |access-date=December 5, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gameranx.com/updates/id/17266/article/batman-arkham-origins-leaked-alternate-skins/ |title=''Batman: Arkham Origins'' Leaked Alternate Skins |last=Parreno |first=Ryan |website=Gameranx.com |date=September 7, 2013 |access-date=September 16, 2013 |archive-date=September 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911090321/http://www.gameranx.com/updates/id/17266/article/batman-arkham-origins-leaked-alternate-skins |url-status=dead}}</ref>


=== Comic books ===
=== Comic books ===
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[[Category:Superhero graphic novels]]
[[Category:Superhero graphic novels]]
[[Category:Works by Geoff Johns]]
[[Category:Works by Geoff Johns]]

Latest revision as of 14:29, 12 December 2024

Batman: Earth One
Cover page for Volume One of Batman:
Earth One (July 2012).
Publication information
PublisherEarth One (DC Comics)
GenreCrime fiction
Superhero
Publication date(Volume One)
July 4, 2012
(Volume Two)
May 6, 2015
(Volume Three)
June 8, 2021
Main character(s)Batman
Harvey Bullock
Catwoman
Jessica Dent
Jim Gordon
Killer Croc
Alfred Pennyworth
Creative team
Written byGeoff Johns
Artist(s)Gary Frank
Inker(s)Jonathan Sibal
Letterer(s)Rob Leigh
Colorist(s)Brad Anderson
Editor(s)Eddie Berganza
Collected editions
Volume 1ISBN 1401232086
Volume 2ISBN 1401241859
Volume 3ISBN 1401259049

Batman: Earth One is a series of graphic novels written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Gary Frank.[1] The series is a modernized re-imagining of DC Comics' long-running Batman comic book franchise as part of the company's Earth One imprint.[2] Earth One's Batman exists alongside other revamped DC characters in Earth One titles, including Superman: Earth One and Wonder Woman: Earth One, as well as other graphic novels.[3]

Batman: Earth One takes place in the alternate continuity of the Earth One universe, which features a reinterpretation of Batman's story. The characters presented are vastly different from the depiction they are usually associated with. For instance: Batman himself, who is usually depicted as a near-perfect crimefighter in the comic books, is portrayed in the novels as inexperienced and prone to mistakes, although he gains practice and becomes more competent as the volumes go by.[4]

Announced in 2009, the Batman: Earth One series was launched with the publication of its Volume One on July 4, 2012.[5] Volume Two was originally scheduled for release in 2013, but was postponed and debuted on May 6, 2015.[6] Originally announced for a release in 2018, Volume Three, the final volume in the series, had been pushed back for three years until published on June 8, 2021.[7] The series received a positive response from both critics and readers, with Frank's artwork being singled out for praise.

Plot summary

[edit]
See also: List of Earth One characters § Batman: Earth One

Volume One

[edit]

Bruce Wayne is the eight-year-old son of Dr. Thomas Wayne, a mayoral candidate for Gotham City, and Martha Wayne (née Arkham). After receiving death threats, Thomas contacts his friend from his military service, Alfred Pennyworth, to become the head of security at Wayne Manor. During an outing with his parents, Bruce is taken hostage by a mugger. He demands that the Waynes pay a ransom for the return of their son and attempts to remove Martha's pearl necklace. Thomas tries to intervene and the criminal shoots them both in front of Bruce. Following Bruce's return to Wayne Manor, Alfred learns that he has been named as Bruce's legal guardian by the Wayne parents in the event of their absence. Alfred reluctantly agrees and presents himself to Bruce as his butler.

As a teenager, Bruce befriends his classmate, Jessica Dent, and develops a rivalry with her twin brother, Harvey. He also learns about Arkham Manor, where Martha lived as a child; her mother suffered a mental breakdown when Martha was 12-year-old, murdering her husband and then committing suicide. Arkham Manor is believed to be cursed due to the actions of Martha's mother, causing all members of the Arkham bloodline to become insane. Bruce convinces Alfred to train him in various forms of martial arts and acrobatics; and also learns investigative techniques. Following this training, he discovers evidence that Mayor Oswald Cobblepot was involved in his parents' assassination.

Years later, Bruce's investigation leads him to Jacob Weaver, a police detective who was the first to arrive at the Wayne murder scene and later left the police to work in the mayor's office. Bruce dons a bat-themed costume as a disguise to frighten his parents' alleged killers. He attacks Weaver, but the grapple gun he developed malfunctions and Weaver escapes. Bruce then seeks the help of Lucius Fox, a 22-year-old intern at Wayne Medical, who agrees to repair his equipment in exchange for funding for a project to develop artificial limbs for amputees, which Fox wants to use to give his five-year-old niece a new arm.

Meanwhile, Detective James Gordon of the Gotham City Police Department meets his new partner, Harvey Bullock, an experienced LAPD detective who has come to Gotham to solve the Wayne murders and revive his fading career. Following an altercation between Bruce and Cobblepot's bodyguards at a function organized by the mayor, Bruce's alter ego is named "Batman" by the press and becomes a public sensation. Cobblepot, infuriated by Batman's actions, orders one of his henchmen, a serial killer named "Birthday Boy", to kill Weaver. Batman's investigation takes him to Arkham Manor, where Birthday Boy had been placing his victims.

A chain of events leads to the kidnapping of Gordon's 17-year-old daughter, Barbara, by Axe, a petty thug working for Cobblepot. Gordon learns that Bullock is indirectly responsible the kidnapping, since he checked out the Wayne murder files under Gordon's name, and Gordon was threatened by Cobblepot to stay out of the archives to keep him from discovering his complicity in the murders. An apologetic Bullock helps Gordon find Axe, who is violently forced to reveal Barbara's location. While she struggles against Birthday Boy, Batman, Gordon and Bullock unite in the search for her. Batman eventually intercepts Birthday Boy while Gordon rescues Barbara; Batman overpowers the serial killer, who is then arrested by Gordon and Bullock.

In a subsequent confrontation between Batman and Cobblepot, the mayor reveals his intention was for Weaver to murder Thomas, but he and his wife ran into the mugger instead. Cobblepot then prepares to kill an unmasked Bruce but is fatally shot by Alfred. Axe is arrested and Birthday Boy, whose identity is revealed as Ray Salinger, is transferred to the Crane Institute for the Criminally Insane, run by Dr. Jonathan Crane, from which Salinger originally escaped.

Barbara begins to idolize Batman, studying martial arts and criminology, and sketching potential "Batgirl" costumes. Bullock, on the other hand, is traumatized by his experiences and succumbs to alcoholism. After Cobblepot's crimes are posthumously outed, he is replaced by Jessica as the mayor of Gotham. Fox, after seeing Batman uses the grapple gun he repaired for Bruce on the news, deduces that the young billionaire is the vigilante and begins building a bat-themed arsenal for him, hoping to become a part of the action. Bruce is left disappointed by the truth behind his parents' death, but with Alfred's encouragement, decides that he will continue on to refine his new persona as Batman. The story concludes with the depiction of an enigmatic man reviewing information on Batman.

Volume Two

[edit]
Cover page for Volume Two of Batman: Earth One (May 2015).

The events depicted in Volume Two occur six months after those of Volume One. A mysterious serial killer, who calls himself "The Riddler", is murdering people in Gotham, hoping to get Batman's attention. Elsewhere, after losing track of one of the drug dealers he fought during a car chase, Bruce has Fox (who is promoted as the Head of Wayne Enterprises' Research and Development department) build him a custom-made race car. Bullock remains traumatized over the travesties that occurred in Arkham Manor, and Gordon tries to help him to combat his alcoholism, as he needs Bullock as an ally in order to combat corruption in Gotham.

Jessica comes to Wayne Manor to visit Bruce in the hopes that, as the CEO of Wayne Enterprises, he could help her find five of the remaining members of Cobblepot's criminal organization within the city's legislature. Despite Cobblepot's death, his criminal empire remains active because of these five members, corrupt officials who have taken over the city's police department, housing commission, public works, city council and the state court. Along with her brother Harvey, Jessica is desperate to find the officials in order to destroy Cobblepot's legacy once and for all. Batman seeks Gordon's help in aiding her efforts.

After bombing the city museum, the Riddler is chased by Batman. The Riddler knocks Batman out from behind, causing him to fall off a building and onto a balcony. He wakes up the next day to find himself inside the apartment of an attractive woman who has tended to his injuries. Later, Batman asks Gordon to train him in forensics and deduction, with Gordon noting that Batman has a gifted investigative mind. As they track the Riddler to the sewers, Batman encounters Waylon Jones, a benign but mutated man whom the media dubbed "Killer Croc", who is seeking refuge underground out of fear of society's discrimination over his reptilian appearance. With Jones' help, Batman discovers the Riddler's hideout, but fails to stop him from bombing a rapid transit train. Using clues, Batman deduces that the Riddler's killings were not random. He leaves Gordon an encrypted cellphone to contact him, calling it his "Bat-Signal".

Meeting with Bruce, Jessica reveals that she has known his identity as Batman since her visit to Wayne Manor; both also declare their love for each other. With new information from Gordon, Bruce discovers the Riddler is targeting the people who Jessica and Harvey are trying to find. He is later accused of being the Riddler after the real Riddler frames him in an attempt to divert Gordon's investigation, but Jessica is able to provide Bruce an alibi so that he is not arrested. During a riot at the police precinct caused by the Riddler, Cobblepot's former henchman Sal Maroni fatally stabs Harvey and disfigures the right side of his face with a Molotov cocktail before he dies. Jessica, in her grief, scars the left side of her face by pressing it against Harvey's burns in order to match her face with his. After chasing the Riddler through the city, Batman subdues the killer with Jones' assistance.

After he is cleared of all charges, Bruce generously writes a check to help the police department rebuild their precinct. Bullock begins to recover from his alcoholism. Batman offers Jones a place in Wayne Manor, seeking his help in finding a location to hide his "Batmobile". After Gordon arrests Christopher Black, a police captain who was one of Cobblepot's lieutenants, he is promoted to captain. Upon visiting her at the hospital, Bruce discovers that the trauma of Harvey's death has caused Jessica to develop a split personality based on Harvey's. In the epilogue, Bruce discovers through a phone call with Alfred that the attractive woman he met earlier as Batman is not the apartment's resident, but actually a cat burglar who was robbing the building at the time.

Volume Three

[edit]
Cover page for Volume Three of Batman: Earth One (June 2021).

The events depicted in Volume Three occur one month after those of Volume Two. In Maine, a police officer sees that an abandoned psychiatric hospital has been broken into. Inside, he finds a delusional elderly man who attacks him, yelling for his daughter Martha.

Bruce, Alfred and Jones find an old subterranean subway station that connects Wayne and Arkham Manors to the rest of Gotham. Bruce plans to use the location both as a bunker to hide the Batmobile and as a safehouse to expand his operation as Batman. Suddenly, Gordon calls to alert him of criminals with military-grade weapons. Batman stops them, with the last gunman incapacitated by the cat-burglar he met a month earlier, who escapes with the criminals' stolen money. Jessica – wearing a mask – is escorted by Bruce to a press conference where she opens a homeless shelter named after Harvey. During the conference, Bruce and Alfred are called to the Gotham Mental Hospital, where they learn that the elderly man from the prologue is actually Adrian Arkham, Bruce's maternal grandfather. Skeptical that his grandfather might be alive, Bruce takes Adrian to Wayne Manor.

Batman eavesdrops on an arms deal and learns that a criminal uprising is brewing in Gotham, fueled by advanced weaponry brought in from Metropolis. He is caught and a firefight ensues, but the woman from earlier (Catwoman) saves him. He interrogates the criminals and learns that Harvey might be alive and behind the uprising. Bruce remembers Jessica waking up after her accident and briefly claiming to be Harvey. Worried, he meets with Jessica to confront her, only for "Harvey" to call her and tell them that he's going to destroy Gotham.

Adrian escapes to Arkham Manor and tries to jump from the roof, but Bruce stops him. Adrian reveals the history of their ancestors: as the Arkhams helped build Gotham, they were viciously attacked by bats, which they believed to be representatives of native spirits. He claims that these events bound a terrible curse to the Arkham bloodline, describing how his wife went mad over the loss of her son and tried to kill Martha, Bruce's mother; he claims to have sacrificed his life to save their daughter. Bruce brings his grandfather home, promising to help him work through his worsening mental health.

Catwoman alerts Batman of a final shipment of explosives arriving in Gotham that night. Gordon and Bullock head off to stop it. As the weapons arrive, Adrian lights Arkham Manor on fire, while Batman and Gordon learn that Jessica Dent is "Harvey Dent", suffering from a dissociative identity disorder. Adrian reveals his allegiance to Jessica and forces Batman inside the burning Arkham Manor. Jessica wants to destroy Gotham for taking so many lives, including that of her brother's, while Adrian claims he wants to save Bruce's soul. Batman frees himself with Catwoman's help and subdues Adrian. Learning that Gordon has halted the explosives shipment, a distraught Jessica leaps to her death, but is saved by Jones at the last moment. Adrian emerges from Arkham Manor, his face melting, and tries to kill Batman before Gordon stops him. With the crisis averted, Gotham is safe.

Bruce learns that Adrian was actually an imposter capable of changing his appearance at a cellular level, with layers of fingerprints from three different men found beneath his layers of shifting skin. Bruce promises to get Jessica the help she needs and decides to continue his mission to protect Gotham, unburdened by the troubled history of his family.

As Bruce becomes a more experienced crimefighter over time, he recruits more "outsiders" to his crusade. During a performance at Haly's Circus, a "clown" kills the circus' prized Flying Graysons act. This leaves the late Grayson couple's young son Dick an orphan, who is taken in by Bruce to eventually become a member of Batman's circle. Gordon's daughter Barbara wants to learn more about Batman, and eventually dons a costume as well. After facing rampant injustice and persecution in the city, Rory Regan also decides to fight back against Gotham's criminal underbelly. Soon Robin, Batgirl and Ragman join Batman, Alfred, Waylon, Fox and Catwoman as members of this new team, based out of the now-named Batcave. Bruce also helps turn Arkham Manor into a state-of-the-art mental hospital called Arkham Asylum, with Jessica becoming a patient. Later, Winslow Schott's prisoner transport is stopped by a mysterious clown. The clown claims he needs Schott's help to "kill a lot of children, and their pets". When Schott asks who his new employer is, the clown replies, "I'm Nobody".

Publication

[edit]

Batman: Earth One is the second original graphic novel to be announced by DC Comics as part of the Earth One line established in 2009.[8] It follows the 2010 release of Superman: Earth One, marking the first collaboration between writer Geoff Johns and artist Gary Frank on a Batman story.[9] Batman: Earth One was planned to be printed in 2010, but was held to be released at the same time as The Dark Knight Rises film on July 4, 2012.[10] Volume Two was originally scheduled for a 2013 release,[11] but was postponed and, as a result, launched on May 6, 2015.[6]

After 2012's Volume One and 2015's Volume Two of Batman: Earth One, Volume Three was originally announced to debut in 2018, but was pushed back for 2021 due to Johns and Frank's work on DC Rebirth and Doomsday Clock.[12] Volume Three was "finished"[13][14] and ultimately published on June 8, 2021, resulting in a six-year gap between Volumes Two and Three, exactly twice the gap between Volumes One and Two.[15]

Reception

[edit]
Volume One

Batman: Earth One received a mostly positive response from critics and readers, with Johns' writing and unique, realistic and humanizing re-imagining of the titular character, along with Frank's artwork, being singled out for praise.[16] Barnes & Noble lists the graphic novel as one of the "Best Quirky, Beautiful, Different Books of 2012".[17] It peaked at #9 on The New York Times' Hardcover Graphic Book Best Seller List.[18] IGN listed it as #25 on their list of best Batman stories of all time.[19]

Entertainment Weekly wrote: "Fresh, accessible, emotionally resonant…. This Batman graphic novel offers readers the chance to watch Batman actually grow and develop — through trial and error, success and failure — into an indomitable crime fighter".[20] David S. Goyer, co-writer of Batman Begins, The Dark Knight Rises, Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, was positive to the title, saying that Geoff Johns and Gary Frank managed to make the Batman legend "endlessly" malleable.[20] HuffPost gave a positive review to the book and called it "thoroughly captivating".[20] Damon Lindelof, co-creator and executive producer of Lost, said: "Original, surprising and emotional, Batman: Earth One is a must-read".[20]

In his review for Batman: Earth One, Joey Esposito of IGN wrote positively about the novel, complimenting both Johns' writing and Frank's artwork, as well as the characters featured in it, especially Bullock, "whose journey is perhaps the most profoundly jarring throughout the course of the book". By the end of the review, he wrote that "Batman: Earth One is a resounding success. There's no supplemental material to speak of, but the beautiful characterization, interesting new direction, and stunning artwork makes it an easy recommendation. When Superman: Earth One disappointed it left me cold on these books completely, but Johns and Frank have rejuvenated this line tenfold and made sure that Batman fans have a great new graphic novel to rave about".[16] Writing for GamesRadar+, David Pepose was more critical to Batman: Earth One: he gave the graphic novel a rating of 4 out of 10, considering it "too ambitious", while also commenting that Johns "throws together enough decent ideas to fill six graphic novels, but having them all together leads to a scattered, unfocused read". Regarding the characters, Pepose felt that, due to the fast pace of the novel, fan readers were unable to "really stick around with anyone long enough to get to know them". However, he praised the depictions of Alfred and Cobblepot as a "badass" and a "true power player", respectively; another character that Pepose complimented was Gordon's daughter, Barbara, deeming her "[by] far and away the most endearing character in the entire book".[21]

Volume Two

The second volume received a widely positive response from readers and critics, with noting the improvement in storytelling and character work from the first volume, along with Frank's artwork and Johns' unique take on classic Batman characters being singled out for praise.[10] Brian Truitt of USA Today stated that this version of Batman "is neither a 'definitive' version nor one that blows the rest away", but still liked the more interesting, unique and realistic re-imagining of the classic Batman mythos and praised the gradual evolution of Batman's role as a skilled crime-fighter.[22] The graphic novel has made into #1 on The New York Times' Hardcover Graphic Books Best Seller List.[23]

In a review for Volume Two of Batman: Earth One, J. Caleb Mozzocco of Comic Book Resources praised the novel as "stronger" and more "enjoyable" than the first volume, in addition to comparing the two volumes: "If the first volume read like a pitch for a big-budget TV show, this one read more like a movie, albeit the middle movie in an intended trilogy. Despite the occasional, minor weaknesses, however, Johns and Frank were both apparently much more comfortable and confident in their work on this volume, and it's a vast improvement over the first volume". As for the characters, Mozzocco highlighted both the "refreshing" take on Killer Croc and the twist about the origin of Earth One's Two-Face, saying it "should prove interesting in future volumes", apart from also regarding the betterment of Batman's skills as a detective as the greatest improvement in the second volume, albeit he criticized the Riddler's design as "weak", describing him as "basically just a scruffy, shirtless guy in a long green coat, with a question-mark face tattoo".[24]

Reviewing Volume Two of Batman: Earth One, Matt Santori of Comicosity gave the graphic novel a rating of 8.5 out of 10, and said: "Another great addition to the Earth One universe, establishing the youth and inexperience of these heroes in a way we haven't seen on the comic page in decades, Batman: Earth One Volume [Two] is a definite buy for any fan of the Dark Knight, but particularly a good one for the uninitiated when paired with Volume [One]. He may not represent the monolith that we know him to be today, but this Batman is aggressively human, and is a great place to start if you want to see a Dark Knight built from the ground up".[25] Terry Miles Jr. of Batman News commented on how the twists and changes in the characters proved to be the most appealing part of Volume Two for him. According to Miles, a "notable change" in the Batman: Earth One series is the relationship between Batman and Alfred, which is not only a contrast to the usual dynamic of the duo in the comics, but also reflects the relationship between retired Bruce Wayne and his successor Terry McGinnis seen in the animated series Batman Beyond, set in the DC Animated Universe.[26]

In other media

[edit]

Television

[edit]

In the TV show Gotham, Alfred (Sean Pertwee) takes inspiration from both his mainstream and his Earth One counterparts, drawing elements from the two versions, such as him being a former member of the Royal Marines who is the loyal butler of the Wayne family, and later becomes the legal guardian of Bruce (David Mazouz) following the murder of his parents. Alfred is also a skilled martial artist, just like his Earth One incarnation, training Bruce in the combat skills he eventually uses in his adulthood as Batman.[27]

Films

[edit]
  • In the 2016 film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Alfred (Jeremy Irons) is based on the Earth One iteration of the character.[28]
  • The 2022 film The Batman features various similarities with the Batman: Earth One graphic novel.[29] Such similarities include: the portrayal of a still young and inexperienced Batman (Robert Pattinson) at the beginning of his career as a crime-fighter, the Riddler (Paul Dano) being a serial killer targeting Gotham City's corrupt elite,[30] the depictions of Alfred (Andy Serkis) as a former Royal Marine responsible for training Bruce in combat,[31][32] as well as the revelation that Martha Wayne is a member of the Arkham family.[33] Additionally, Penguin resembles his design from Earth One.

Video games

[edit]

The 2011 video game Batman: Arkham City, its 2013 prequel Batman: Arkham Origins and its 2015 sequel Batman: Arkham Knight feature a number of alternative outfits for Batman to wear, including one based on the costume used by the Earth One version of the character.[34][35]

Comic books

[edit]

The Earth One version of Batman makes a cameo appearance in the 10th issue of Batman: Arkham Unhinged.[36]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Young, Bryan (June 29, 2012). "Batman Rebooted? An Exclusive Look at Batman: Earth One". HuffPost. Retrieved September 15, 2012.
  2. ^ Ayres, Tom (January 2, 2011). "DiDio reveals 'Earth One' plans for 2011". Digital Spy. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  3. ^ Morrison, Grant (w), Various (p), Various (i). The Multiversity Guidebook, no. 1 (January 2015).
  4. ^ Beedle, Tim (May 12, 2015). "Five Important Differences in Batman: Earth One". DC Comics. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
  5. ^ Sunu, Steve (February 13, 2012). ""BATMAN: EARTH ONE" HITS IN JULY". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved September 15, 2012.
  6. ^ a b Renaud, Jeffrey (March 27, 2014). "EXCLUSIVE: Adult Superheroes Don't Exist in Lemire's "Teen Titans: Earth One" OGN". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved December 26, 2018.
  7. ^ Johnston, Rich (November 19, 2020). "Geoff Johns and Gary Franks' Batman Earth One Vol 3 For June 2021". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved November 21, 2020.
  8. ^ Segura, Alex (December 7, 2009). "WELCOME TO EARTH ONE". DC Comics. Retrieved August 21, 2011.
  9. ^ "AICN COMICS STM EXCLUSIVE Q&@ w JMS & GEOFF JOHNS on DC EARTH ONE!". Ain't It Cool News. December 7, 2009. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  10. ^ a b Schedeen, Jesse (May 6, 2015). "Graphic Novel Review: Batman - Earth One Vol. 2". IGN. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  11. ^ Sunu, Steve (November 19, 2012). "Gary Frank Confirms "Batman: Earth One" Vol. 2 For 2013". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  12. ^ Arrant, Chris (November 23, 2020). "Batman: Earth One Vol. 3 lands summer 2021 release date". GamesRadar+. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  13. ^ Arrant, Chris (July 1, 2020). "Batman: Earth One Volume 3 "finished", waiting for DC release according to Geoff Johns". GamesRadar+. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
  14. ^ Babos, John (April 28, 2021). "DC Comics Continues To Tease Doomsday Clock & Geiger Creative Team's Batman Earth One Volume 3 Opus! (Sans Spoilers)". Inside Pulse. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
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