In Batman’s case, he’s had a few. We’ve had Batman (1989), directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton. We’ve had Batman Begins (2005), directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Christian Bale and we’ve had The Batman (2022), directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson. But even those origin stories have an origin story.

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Enter Batman: Year One.

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First published in 1987, Batman: Year One follows Bruce Wayne returning to Gotham after 12 years away. It’s later revealed that Bruce has been relentlessly training to fight crime in Gotham City to avenge the murder of his parents, Thomas and Martha Wayne. It’s a rocky start for Bruce, as he’s nearly killed on multiple occasions and staggers back to Wayne Manor after each fight, his trusty butler and friend, Alfred Pennyworth, waiting to clean him up. When Bruce becomes Batman, however, everything changes.

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Batman: Year One also introduces James “Jim” Gordon. Gordon has moved to Gotham and, like Bruce, struggles to adjust to the city. The Police Department is ravaged with corruption, going all the way to the Police Commissioner, Gillian Loeb. The first instance Gordon witnesses police corruption, he tries to speak out, but Commissioner Loeb orders several officers to beat him severely. Like Bruce, it’s clear Gordon must take matters into his own hands.

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And so, the alliance between Batman and Gordon is born.

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Batman: Year One is the blueprint for the character of Batman and the world of Gotham.  Batman is driven by a combination of personal vengeance and seeking to right the wrongs of his past but is hopeful that his actions will bring a better day for Gotham. His symbol in the night sky starts as a warning but evolves into one of hope and protection, telling the people of Gotham to hope for a better future.

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Now, are there better ways to inspire hope and change in people than beating people to a pulp every night? Most definitely. Batman has billions of dollars at his disposal, so investing in healthcare, education or community outreach programs would probably be more helpful than what he’s doing.

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But he has spent the last twelve years away completely focused on revenge and living in that hurt, so he’s probably not thinking with his full noggin.

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If you’re looking for a compelling, mysterious origin story about one of the most famous superheroes, Batman: Year One is definitely worth the read.