Sean Murphy is his own greatest asset. With Matt Hollingsworth on colors, Murphy's created a gothic Gotham with the creepiest corners ever seen. His words are wonderful; his lines are legendary. Sean Murphy is making a name for himself unlike any other in comics' today.Batman: White Knight#1 is captivating storytelling and eye-popping artwork by a true master of both. Read Full Review

This Batman Elseworlds story has all the makings of an instant classic. So far, the story and the art are excellent. Read Full Review

There's so much black, red and white that it seems that the color scheme would get repetitive. Instead, it beautifully inserts you into the mood of a living nightmare. Hollingsworth manipulates the reader's emotions with his work, ensuring that we feel the panels exactly as Murphy intended them to be felt. The two make quite a team, and I'm excited to follow this run until it's death. Hopefully that'll be a very long time, if the first issue is anything to judge by. Read Full Review

Sean Murphy has created a Gotham that fans will feel nostalgic about on every page. Analyzing the relationship between Batman and the Joker, testing to see if Batman really can exist without his archenemy. Asking, what happens if the Joker is cured of his madness? Read Full Review

The writing is so strong, I had to put the book down for a few moments to handle it. It's Batman, but someone going: he's driving through the city in an unlicensed tank, destroying millions of dollars of property, and sometimes injuring civilians. They're such valid reason to arrest him, even Babs and Dick have nothing to say. A crime is a crime, the law is the law, and Batman breaks it. Napier is out to get justice, not war. It's such a political piece. How many activists, fighting for human rights, were forced behind bars versus the number unjust politicians who create decisions destroying people's lives? How many shooters walk away with sympathies? This is that story. You see Gordon's weakness, Batman's falling, and how evil men rise. Read Full Review

People have speculated that this could be this generation's version of The Dark Knight Returns. If this first issue is any indication of what comes next, I would go so far as to say that this might even be better. This series has the chance to be to Batman comics what The Dark Knight is to Batman movies. I can't wait to read more. Read Full Review

In an almost perfect first issue we see a new and unlikely hero rise in Gotham. With beautiful artwork and color through every Page, to impressive dioalogue from every character big or small. Easter eggs fill this new Batman world with hints of older ones as Sean Murphy delivers a must read, this DC elseworlds story will easily end up on the essentials list if it keeps going with this quality of work that's seen in this issue. The only real problem is the month wait for the next issue to finally find out Joker's plans for his beloved city. Read Full Review

A familiar story told with sophistication and subtlety, Batman: White Knight #1sets a high bar for creator-driven visions of Gotham's avenger. Layers of verbal and visual artistry further bloom with subsequent reading, and their effects are not diminished by one's awareness of them. Through it all, Murphy provides a frank commentary on the state of truth in the modern world, avoiding the pitfalls of reductionism and one-sided finger-pointing. This is what art speaking into culture can be. This is what it should be. Read Full Review

This is a really good start to a dark and interesting Elseworlds tale.  Sean Murphy is flipping things on their heads while also playing around with comic book conventions to give readers a mature look at Batman and his greatest fan/villain.  Recommended. Read Full Review

As far as I am concerned, any comic book creator that can throw down the gauntlet and illustrate his/her own script is worth a compliment or two. Batman: White Knight #1 is an excellent first issue crafted by one hell of an artist. Hold on to your butts folks, Batman: White Knight is going to be one wild ride. Read Full Review

A solid first issue with an interesting setup and great art. Read Full Review

I never thought I'd be that interested in Batman finally getting his comeuppance but Murphy has me hooked. Read Full Review

The timing of this book strikes me as unusual if I am honest. DC are currently putting out a wealth of “alternative” Batman books as part of the Metal event. As such, this may well get missed by some in the crush of product on the rack. That would be a shame, as this books, very much like Gotham City Garage and Nightwing New Order are presenting a different DC universe that actually feels like it could lead to an ongoing series, rather than the “make a buck, quick” nature of the aforementioned Metal books. I am sure that, with all the nods and echoes in the, book there might be a few people who will criticise; when are too many Easter eggs enough?(Please no French jokes).For me, I am very interested in seeing where this book is going. Read Full Review

Mr. Murphy's art work is amazing and goes perfectly with this book; I have seen upcoming images of further issues and it looks amazing. This is a series I have had my eyes on since it was announced and cannot wait where it will lead us. Read Full Review

Sean Gordon Murphy delivers an exquisite, darker R-rated version of Batman: The Animated Series in Batman: White Knight #1. The questions remains, is the Joker really cured, or is this another trick? Read Full Review

I was excited for this mini-series just because of the concept, but the actual issue went far beyond my expectations. The dialogue and artwork draw you in immediately and before you know it, you've read the entire compelling piece of work. It's already better than I expected and I cannot wait for the next issue, I just hope the entire series is this good. Read Full Review

Overall, this is a beautiful issue with a ton of potential to reach the heights of other well regarded Elseworlds. Read Full Review

Murphys inks are strong. He plays up the Dark Knight aspect of the comic with a generous helping of inks. His Batman is very much like the Dark Knight of Frank Miller but interpreted with his own narrower and triangular design of faces. Read Full Review

When it comes to characters like Batman some ask what more can be done with them? If a character has been around for seventy-five years are there any good stories left to tell? Well in the case of Batman we have been getting a lot of yes answers to that question recently. We have had Tom Kings stellar run on Batman, the launch of Metal, and now added to the mix Batman White Knight. A book that has already become a must-read for any Batman fan. Read Full Review

Sean Murphy proves once again that he is one of the most badass creators in the comic world. Not only did he create a beautifully twisted alternate reality take on Joker-Batman, but he made some of DC's most fabled characters look like badasses straight out of Tokyo Ghost. Read Full Review

If you are a fan of Batman stories, you will enjoy this unique take on the character and world. But even if you dont like Batman, there are enough differences that you might find something you will like, even if it is only a twisted desire to see the Dark Knight in an insane situation. This book comes recommended. Read Full Review

My question is, "Why hasn't anyone ever wrote a story like this before?' One can use movie transformation scene to describe the rags to riches life of Joker. What was once a man who enjoy wreaking havoc on the city of Gotham City only to have Batman capture him is empower to have Batman be behind the bars of Arkham Asylum and become Gotham's White Knight. Read Full Review

Writer/artist Sean Murphy's ("The Wake," "Punk Rock Jesus") take on Batman, his role in a more realistic society, and his complex relationship with the Joker, form the heart of the engrossing and intriguing Batman - White Knight #1. Using the Batman/Joker dynamic to get the reader to question what our feelings about heroes like Batman are really all about, Murphy gives us a fresh look at the concept of Batman and his greatest foe. Read Full Review

From the writing to the artwork, Batman: White Knight #1 is a fantastic comic book. The time Sean Murphy spent on developing how Batman and Joker find themselves switching roles was handled extremely well. That development made this version of Gotham City and the residents living in it even more fascinating as GCPD and Batman Family play an important role in shaping this world. Read Full Review

I am interested in this series simply because as an adult I have seen many flaws in the character Batman. Some of which are addressed in this issue but his lack of killing violent enemies, (like The Joker), seem to create more trouble for Gotham City rather than true elimination. This series should definitely be appealing to fans of Batman and more specifically fans of the Batman video game trilogy. — Pierre Brown Read Full Review

I recommend this to any Batman fans who want to see the Joker became a "good guy." A White Knight versus a Dark Knight?" That sounds like a battle for the ages. Read Full Review

In the Joker's mind, he believes that if he really wanted to, he could end Batman and fix Gotham city. We see that hypothesis put to the test in this story and it is very intriguing and I think it will be a fun yet thought-provoking read for Batman fans. So pick up this book if you're wondering if Joke- I mean Jack Napier can maintain sanity and help Gotham without the Batman. Read Full Review

Along with some topical points on corruption, culpability, and police brutality (which, surprisingly, don't feel too forced), plus Murphy's scratchy inks and Hollingsworth muted, almost dingy colors, White Knight looks to be a most interesting exploration of not only Batman and Joker, but the city that made them. Read Full Review

What if the Joker were the only one who could protect Gotham City from the Batman? It sounds, if you'll forgive the phrase, batshit crazy. But is it really? That's the question writer and artist Sean Murphy poses in the new series, Batman: White Knight. Read Full Review

Batman White Knight #1 is a good start to this seven issue mini-series, while the story does feel a little long in some parts it mostly flows nicely at setting up everything for the rest of the series. The most intriguing part is how this story is going to play out over seven issues, what is really happening with Batman and The Joker. The staying point is having Sean Murphy and Matt Hollingsworth on art they are truly a “dynamic duo” that will have me picking up the series no matter where the story goes! Read Full Review

Overall, I was very pleasantly surprised by this issue. It has an interesting idea, brings up points that I've always agreed with and it feels like a classic Batman story in the making, as if that winged rat didn't have enough classic stories. Big recommendation, go out and pick it up. Read Full Review

In terms of story, Batman: White Knight has a few hurdles to clear before it can live up to its full potential. This first issue has some dialogue problems and dwells too long on setting the stage for Joker's personality change. But it's a promising start all the same, and the gorgeous artwork is worth the price of admission all on its own. Murphy's dynamic, gritty style is perfect for bringing Gotham City and its inhabitants to life. Read Full Review

Batman: White Knight #1 isn't quite a spectacular debut, but it does a good job establishing its world before flipping it upside down. How much establishing a world such as Gotham really needed is up for debate, but now that the stage is set, Sean Murphy will be able to further explore the promising angles he has created here. Read Full Review

That's the greatest appeal of Batman: White Knight #1. It presents Batman with an existential crisis that doesn't involve deadly novelty gags, crippling close friends, or corrupting innocent souls. It calls into question the methods and justifications he puts into being Batman, as well as the price that others pay for his actions. In a sense, nobody has ever been either crazy or sane enough to attack Batman on this level. It's only fitting that the one person capable of that feat is the Joker. Read Full Review

"Batman: White Knight" #1 has a twisted sense of ambition and beautiful art but spins an underwhelming narrative. Read Full Review

That isn't to say the whole of this might be something special. The first issue is the set up, which is some of its problems, and what comes next might actually get interesting. But, for a first issue that's supposed to hook us, it just feels like something that's been done before. Read Full Review

Myself, I wish that (as presented so far) Batman did not have to be reduced in stature or character the way he is, but that doesnt mean future issues wont rectify what for me was a shaky premise. Read Full Review

With nobody to root for, nothing to understand, and an unearned veneer of social relevance strewn across some admittedly beautiful art, Batman: White Knight may be a loud book that tries to use its edginess to demand attention, but at the end of the day, it ultimately does very little to justify its lack of an inside voice. Read Full Review

The action is visceral and the characters are expressive. There's a lot to like here, so hopefully the story itself catches up to the artistry on display. Read Full Review

This is one of the smartest comics I've ever read.

Batman: White Knight 1 was absolutely fantastic. Murphy outdoes himself with the tremendous art and mind boggling story. This is one of the most fascinating Joker stories I’ve read, and it’s only issue 1

Finally a different story! this series is really good start. I'm very excited about the next issue.

Sean Gordon Murphy has possibly created the next Batman masterpiece. One of the best artists in the business, he's now given the chance to pen his own elseworlds Batman tale, and this 1st of 8 issues fully delivers. The Joker has been cured (has he?) and is building a case to hold Batman accountable for the countless, unchecked destruction Batman's done during his time as a vigilante. It's an interesting concept, and delves into some real-world politics, but not too on-the-nose. This is a great start to something special.

Best Batman art aside from Gerads in years. Completely new and nuanced take on the Joker and it ties in current events (SJWs, policing) without taking sides in a simplistic manner. Perfect starting issue, and ready for #2!

I must admit I was one of those guys believing this would be mediocre, maybe just good, at best. I was wrong, so wrong. This is fantastic, words and pencils alike. I can't wait for #2

I was really excited for this series and I'm now more impressed than I expected. Murphy takes this simple idea and runs with it in a very interesting and relevant way. For those that don't like politics in their comics, stay away from this. But if you like politics done in a very interesting way, pick this up.

Oh my god! This is so good!

Amazing. Can't wait to see how super genius Joker puts away that menace Batman for good! The fact that this was made by one guy all by himself makes it all the more impressive.

The art looks great and story-wise they looked at a standard Batman/Joker interaction with a bit more focus on the collateral damage/anti-social aspect of Batman and it's a refreshing perspective.

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

Very dense and thought provoking. If the rest of the series is as good as this issue it may go down as one of the classic Batman stories ever.

A great in my opinion new take on the Batman and Jokers "rivalry" and a must pick up for any Batman fan, or just any fan of good, solid art or really good writing. Sean Murphy does it all! From the art to the writing and it's a excellent story. No spoilers or any description. Pick it up and check it out. 9 out of 10..

A great new, self-contained Batman story seemingly out of nowhere. Far more promising than any of the other Batman book out right now. One question: why is Batman still in his costume while locked up at the beginning? Lol.

This book was awesome. I really can't say anything bad at all. It was everything I could ask for in a twisted Batman story. The art was really good too. Definitely a unique style that fits the tone of the book and uses a dark color set. I have a feeling this will only get better.

Sean Murphy is one of the last true superstar artists and a pretty good writer. I like seeing him do something this ambitious.

Terrific concept. “What if…” Batman story. As with DKR, we don’t know the specific timeframe, but it doesn’t matter. This is mythmaking.

“I know my way around.” a clever presentation of one of the themes -- Batman and the Joker are so similar, mirror images, they are interchangeable.

This Joker is an annoying, theater-geek, improv-class-taking meta-fanboy.He’s the ultimate extrovert who would rather murder you than not command your attention. He even laughs with a “Bwa-hah-ha-ha!”

This Batman is all toxic masculinity. The ultimate male - driven by a lack of control in a chaotic world he created for himself.

I love that Murphy is being topical -- on point ad relevant with the comics world and society in general.

Read it with Batman representing comic book industry and The Joker as comic book fans turned-critics/journalists/editors/podcasters….what?!?

Only complaint the last few pages felt a little sparse to try and end on the cliffhanger.
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This is an interesting enough twist on the relationship and place of Batman and the Joker in an Elseworlds-type story. But what really won me over is the art of Sean Murphy. Moody, atmospheric stuff.

Murphy is a illustrator I love to see. And I find his batman, Batgirl, Nightwing beautifull.
I not fond of his joker except when he's in Nappier state of mind.
The story his good and make some echo too what Snyder wrote.
I will follow this story with pleasure.

I'll be honest, I expected a BIT more. Still, I'm giving it 8 so I still enjoyed it. It took me a while to really get into the story as I felt the opening act was a bit all over the place. Murphy made it hardly believable that Joker got so much compassion from the public so fast. Apart from that, the art is gorgeous, dark and fits the tone of this version of Gotham so well. I love text heavy comics, but it probably isn't for everyone though, but It does have plenty of action in the first act to balance this. I'm really lookinf forward to the next chapter and have high hope that it's going to be a great story in the end.

Well, this certainly felt fresh and different.

Very well written and the artwork is just spectacular.

I found this to be a solid elseworld story that I can see actually happening. But at the end of the day it is the Joker so I'd be curious to see what he has up his sleeves. Although the story was good and there seems to be a clear vision for what they want to do with it, it may fall out of my pull list because it is already too big and an elseworld needs to be top notch for me to justify keeping it. But it was good.

The role reversal is a very interesting premise, and the Elseworlds nature of the story is a great way to open new possibilities in Gotham. There are numerous flaws in this issue, but it's too early in the series to dwell on them significantly, as the they may be addressed later in the run. The art is amazing, as usual, for Sean Gordon Murphy. I could have done with a little more subtlety with the politics, but I'm hoping that will change as the series goes on. It will take a lot to win me over that the Joker can become a true hero. I hope Murphy is up to the challenge to give me a good reason to root for a "reformed" psychopathic serial killer turned good guy.

Flawed premise, decent artwork.

Interesting enough, but paced weirdly

The art's great and all, but the plot is obvious. It'll turn out the pills did nothing and Joker is as nuts/maybe-not-nuts as ever. He'll run for mayor, win, and then just as all seems lost he'll whisper to Batman that he poisoned Alfred, setting all this in motion. And Batman will record that and be vindicated.