REVIEW: ‘Batman: Gotham by Gaslight — The Kryptonian Age’ Issue #1

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight — The Kryptonian Age #1 is published by DC Comics as part of their Elseworlds imprint, written by Andy Diggle, art by Leandro Fernandez, colors by Dave Stewart and letters by Simon Bowland. The world in which superheroes emerged much earlier than in the main universe is expanded beyond Gotham.

This is an extended first issue, submerging the audience deep into 1892. The expansion of the Gotham By Gaslight universe is accomplished slowly but extensively. The opening is the first instance of stepping outside Gotham’s boundaries, traversing far into a new frontier and even further into the past. But beyond that, the comic returns to the infamous city. Diggle’s worldbuilding is exceptional, taking an unhurried tour of the city. We follow a different character for most of the story: this timeline’s version of Selina Kyle. Through her, Diggle explores the class divide of Gotham.

The early stages of this chapter can drag, taking a long time to get anywhere. But the world is fascinating to explore. It may take multiple read-throughs to absorb everything. The Batman of this Elseworlds tale only appears in the second act, and with that comes much more energy. The pace is suddenly electrifying, and brutality enters the fray. The fight scene traverses the city and expands the story just as much as the exposition. Although the progression out of the city is minimal so far, the movement on display makes it clear that it will not take long to do so.

The characters and the dialogue are sensational. Despite being spacious and full of content, Diggle focuses on a select few characters. For the majority of the comic, that falls on Selina and Holly, her working-class companion. Holly is the source of much of the humor within the opening chapter. Her Cockney dialect and unsuitability for the high-society locations she attends bring an air of Oliver Twist to the comic. As with many Victorian stories, it is easy to spot the Dickens influence everywhere.

Catwoman presents herself as prim, proper, and composed, an enigmatic figure with mystery laced within her. Towards the end of the issue, more of her depth, including her wit, is revealed. The dialogue is novelistic at times, fitting with the city’s atmosphere.

The art is gorgeous in Batman: Gotham By Gaslight — The Kryptonian Age #1, crafting a city with size, personality, and life. The scale and details attributed to Gotham are stunning when out in the streets. Fernandez gives each building time and attention. The architecture is worthy of its time, with big cathedrals and museums instead of skyscrapers and transportation.

The costumes are also terrific. There are adaptations of superhero outfits, which are fantastic. Almost all within this issue are easily translated to an earlier era. There are also dresses and suits for regular citizens. Gorgeously illustrated, Fernandez can manipulate the garments for activities such as costume changes and obscure movements.

The battle at the end has many features unique to this timeline which sets it apart from a regular throwdown in Gotham. The weapons used are from the period such as arrows, daggers, and other blades. These weapons are flung through the air, creating shocking violence and exhilarating action. The first set of villainous characters are typical thugs. They’re rough around the edges antagonists. But these designs are waylaid in the final pages as new villains enter the fray.

The colors are fascinating. Gotham is dark for much of the comic, only utilising a few tones on each page. This, again, is pivotal for the atmosphere. The dark blue makes the city cold and hostile, which is dangerous for the homeless citizens Selina discovers on her travels. The orange glow adds warmth and positivity to the book when there is flame The signature green lettering is effortless to read, which is important for a dialogue-heavy comic such as this.

Batman: Gotham By Gaslight — The Kryptonian Age #1 expands on a phenomenal idea. The Gotham by Gaslight was a one-shot focused on one city, brilliantly told by Brian Augustyn and Mike Mignola. Arguably the first Elseworlds tale, the wider potential of the world was never truly tapped into. Diggle starts to unleash that potential by barely featuring Batman at all. There is exploration underway, with other characters that deserve to be presented in this Victorian Age.

The sense of scale is dazzling in the writing and stunning visuals. Batman: Gotham By Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age #1 can drag and take its time to sink its teeth into the situation, but the second half is filled with adventure and character interactions. The characters are fleshed out, with details and depth that aren’t noticeable within just the first few panels of their appearances.

Batman: Gotham By Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age #1 is available where comics are sold.