Last week, I was asked to comment on Batman #131 from DC Comics, written by Chip Zdarsky. I contribute reviews to Weird Science as well as run ComicalOpinions.com, so I’m familiar with the issue and have a review posted on the Weird Science review site. You can read the review in full here, but I’ll give you the short verdict: Batman #131 is boring.
When I was asked to co-host a YouTube video critiquing Batman #131, I was struck by a few of the comments left on the video. Most of the comments are supportive and complimentary (naturally), but a few comments sound roughly familiar to this statement: “You can’t judge an arc by the first issue. Give it a chance to get going.”
My response? Nonsense.
Giving comics, at least comics published by the Big 2 (Marvel and DC), a chance is an act of unearned, unwarranted charity. In a new story arc, as in life, everything comes down to making a good first impression.
Arguably, the most important issue in a new arc is the first issue, followed closely by the last. The first issue sets the tone, establishes the stakes, and by any standard measure, is the litmus test that helps a reader decide if an arc is worth pursuing. In truth, a creative team needs to make every issue count, but if you can’t grab a reader with the first issue, the chances of retaining readers for the rest of the story are severely hampered.
In comics, a killer first issue is even more important for making a good first impression because that issue costs money. It’s not as if I can pick up Batman #131, read it, and give it back if I don’t like it. DC Comics is asking for trust and money in exchange for an entertaining story. If DC Comics doesn’t deliver, the money is gone, and trust is broken.
“Art is subjective,” you say. “Not every comic is going to appeal to everyone,” you remind me.
Fair enough, but let’s look at the facts of this particular comic: Batman #131.
Batman is not a new character. First appearing in 1939, DC editorial has the power of 83 years worth of stories and character development to build on. There is no mystery surrounding what’s considered a “good” Batman comic and the elements Batman readers like.
Next, Chip Zdarsky is not a new writer. Among comics circles, he’s a known creator with a respected fan base. A seasoned comic writer with a good reputation knows (or should know) first impressions count.
Last but not least, Batman #131 has a $4.99 cover price. That makes the Batman series one of the most expensive, ongoing titles on the market (emphasis on the word “ongoing”). If Batman #131 was a unique, oversized one-shot or a special crossover issue, perhaps that cost could be justified if the story didn’t meet expectations. But an expensive ongoing title warrants a higher level of quality. Period.
Are my expectations too high? I don’t think so. Possibly the most famous superhero in the world, written by a seasoned writer, delivered at the most expensive cover price for an ongoing series on the market should be met with expectations to match. At best, Batman #131 is mediocre.
“It could get better,” you wonder.
Yes, it could. However, it could stay the same or get worse. Given the state of DC Comics, nothing is assured, so it comes down to how much money readers are willing to gamble on the chance that an arc might get better.
DC Comics is not a charity. If DC Comics wants my money, DC Comics has to earn my money with every issue.
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