Photography, Creative Writing and Reviews

Feeling a litle burnt out on heroes lately? Feeling especially un-inspired by the constant re-imagining of Batman and the Joker?

I was in the same boat until recently. However, a couple of weeks ago I picked up a DC Black Label graphic novel called Batman: White Knight and was absolutely gripped by it.

Sean Murphy as writer and artist creates a compelling corner of the DC Universe, filled with intrigue and fascinating physicological profiles.

He deeply explores the concept of Batman/Joker as a co-dependent couple by posing the question: what if The Joker turned sane?

The opening panels of this one are very familiar to Batman fans: the Batmobile roars through the gates of Arkham Asylum, the gothic structure looms large in the distance, offset by an autumnal purple sky at dusk.

However, the man that steps out is not Batman/Bruce Wayne, it’s a smartly dressed individual with an aura of leadership and distinction, he is greeted….as Mr Napier.

Jack Napier, for the uninitiated, is of course one alter ego that has been prescribed to The Joker over the years.

Without wanting to spoil the plot for people who might read this one, it is a fascinating psychological thriller in which Napier sets himself up as a reformed character; a politician who cares about Gotham and can save it from the true destructive influence in its shadows, Batman.

You can tell Sean Murphy is a Batman fan because he explores some thrilling what if scenarios in this; Gotham turning on the Caped Crusader, a fleet of Batmobile-like vehicles patrolling the streets and what happens when Joker gives up chaos and adds calculated strategy to that razor sharp intellect?

What works really well about this one is Sean Murphy takes his time, he gives the characters and the story chance to breathe, rather than rushing to the next fight scene.

It’s not crash, bang wallop at all, it’s clever and measured, the conflict between Jack and the wild, abusive Joker character that under normal circumstances, holds him hostage, is compelling.

It’s nuanced and the relationship that the two Harley Quinns have with both of these versions of his personality, is at times moving and always spot on.

Oh and the visuals are fantastic, the depictions of the iconic Batman villains are almost cartoonish at times, like versions of them from animated TV shows but even they have that thread of maturity in some way.

A prime example is The Joker’s silouhette seen in Jack Napier’s shadow on the wall – telling you that even when Napier is in control, the monster always lies in wait underneath.

Give this book a chance if you want to rediscover that excitement for the DC Universe.