Booknote: Batman: White Knight

Sean Gordon Murphy, Batman: White Knight. Burbank, CA: DC Comics, 2018. ISBN: 9781401279592.

Genre: comics and graphic novels
Subgenre: superheroes
Format: e-book galley
Source: NetGalley

The story is set in a Gotham City where the Joker, thanks to a seriously good dose of pills, is cured of his madness. He is still a serious genius, so he argues his own legal case to be released, and he gets released. Known now as Jack Napier, he wants to fix the corruption that ails the city and its real problem: Batman. Napier goes on a political crusade to discredit Batman that works so well even Batman's allies Nightwing and Batgirl wonder if they are on the right side or not.

I was very intrigued by this comic's premise. I've not read a good Batman comic, let alone a good DC one in a while. This was not perfect, but it was very good. The story's basic premise is good and intriguing; what if Joker's madness was cured? Most of the story is good overall, and it also touches on contemporary topics like police brutality, police and municipal corruption, activism, civil rights, and even a bit of World War II history. I thought the story plot of Mr. Freeze's father being a former Nazi criminal brought to the U.S., with Thomas Wayne's assistance, was an interesting angle. If you have never read about Operation Paperclip, go do so after reading this comic.

The relationship between Jack Napier and Dr. Harleen Quinzel (Harley Quinn) was done well. Throughout the comics there are some moments between them that can be very touching. Harley Quinn does get a pretty good portrayal, coming across as pretty strong as well as passionately in love as well as willing to do right when it comes right down to it.

The story has good pacing. It is a bit of a long volume at about 230 pages, but the story keeps your attention. Author weaves plots and conspiracies to make you wonder if Jack Napier is really cured or not. Is Batman's skepticism really justified? One just keeps reading to find out. While I found the last act with the various batmobiles a bit much, the story as a whole is interesting and engaging.

For libraries that collect graphic novels, this is a must have, especially for Batman fans. It is one we eventually got for our library's collection. Overall, I really liked it. I learned there is a sequel, so I will be looking for it.

4 out of 5 stars.

This book qualifies for the following 2020 Reading Challenges

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