REVIEW: ‘Batman: One Bad Day – Bane’ Issue #1

Batman: One Bad Day – Bane #1 is a part of a series of one-shots published by DC Comics, written by Joshua Williamson, art by Howard Porter, colors by Tomeu Morey, and letters by Steve Wands. Bane hunts down the creators of venom, wanting to wipe it out completely. But that means an alliance with Batman.

This is a story set within two points in time. In the present, Bane has encountered a young man with a vial of Venom, saying he knows of a place still manufacturing and distributing the dangerous substance. The start is quite sad, using a classic Bane moment to show how far he has fallen. It’s a blend of clever humor and deep melancholy, setting the tone for the rest of the book. This part of the comic then turns into a bit of a road trip, heading toward the stronghold. Another story is his association with Batman. The team-up is reluctant but fantastically written and action-packed. This is where the heart of the action is, part of the story that is slowly revealed. Bane drops a hint earlier of a surprising revelation that takes time to become apparent. The different timelines make the story fascinating and investing. The prestige length of the one-shot is split into chapters, with a significant change in the pacing, drama, and situation. While Batman serves an important part in this comic, the final chapter is Bane’s. It’s a brilliant conclusion to an epic plot, coming full circle in many ways. 

The character focus in these one-shots is fantastic. It is not to say that the characters are humanized because there is a firm reminder that these are exaggerated comic book villains. But they are given so much depth and life. Bane is superbly explored by Williamson, practically heroic by the end of the comic. His sense of honor and respect is treated superbly, returning to his warrior roots. His pride is a core theme of the one-shot, in tatters at the beginning of the comic. It is made clear early that this occurs after Bane’s murder of Alfred. That is a reminder of Bane’s evil. But then he and Batman have a journey together that develops a relationship and respect for one another. That nobility somewhat lessens Bane’s frightening demeanor, as the book does, but it raises an understanding of his mindset. The last part of the issue hints at a future of opportunity and change for Bane.

The art is fantastic, again, not trying to paint the characters realistically. Bane’s extraordinary body proportions are brilliantly portrayed. When he isn’t in his notable costume, it is slightly bizarre to see him considering his enormous size. The scale is illustrated through other characters, with villains that are awesome in their design. They are a creepy enemy, one serving as an unnerving potential future of what Bane could have become. The fight scenes are terrific. The fighting styles of both Batman and Bane show their similarities and differences. The panel layout is so engrossing, with each fight scene bringing something unique. One page has dozens of tiny panels showing a rapid and extensive brawl. Another ditches the traditional borders, blurring the panels. This means that you can’t just breeze through this comic. It has to be studied. Batman and Bane travel the world, and that sense of place is presented in a montage. The locations are atmospheric and gothic in architecture.

The colors have a distinct juxtaposition with each other, with some extremely powerful shades included. The changes in locations often lead to a switch in the color palette. The letters have some dynamic and eye-catching moments but are always easy to read.

Batman: One Bad Day – Bane #1 is another excellent addition to the one-shot series. It’s a comic that truly matches the personality of its subject, filled with violence, pride, and venom. Williamson’s writing of Bane is based on intricacies within his most prominent themes, which are laced with an energetic action comic powered by phenomenal art.

Batman: One Bad Day – Bane #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.