Scott Snyder has written some exceptional Batman comics. This is not one of them. Nick Dragotta does a pretty good job with the art, he definitely has a unique style. I feel like I have read this before, however. I think it was called The Dark Knight Returns by a guy called Frank Miller, which was fantastic. This seems like the same recipe only Bruce Wayne is young instead of old. Also, I don’t feel as though we got to know much about Bruce Wayne/Batman in this issue. It mostly takes place through the eyes of Alfred, which is not all that interesting. I was kind of wondering what was up with the big blocky bat on his chest. Though the reveal was not all that interesting. Will I buy issue 2? Most likely, but this title is on a short leash for me. It is definitely readable but not a unique take on the character.

The plot is very generic with a very generic main character. Think of it as mashing up Downton Abbey with Harry Potter and an old timey mystery story. Sounds kind of intriguing as all of these elements appeal to me but it doesn’t really deliver, I am indifferent to the art, though it does suit the story rather well. I guess I was hoping for a return to the magic of Robinson like Leave it to Chance, which I really enjoyed. Not sure I would return for the next issue, unless there is nothing else to grab that week.

I love the format of Savage Sword of Conan. The magazine format is perfect for this type of storytelling. The art in this issue is really good. The story by Aaron is not all that original, it is kind of run of the mill. Seems like this story should have been a Solomon Kane story rather than a Conan one. I will be back for part 2 and beyond, however.