Hayden Sherman has been on a heater lately. First the artist delivered the work of his career in Absolute Wonder Woman. And now, he’s presenting an incredibly different style for the new, dark mystery series from DC Comics that kicks off in Batman: Dark Patterns #1.
Written by Dan Watters, the book allows Sherman to go extremely dark and close-up, where Absolute Wonder Woman is more epic and widescreen. It’s actually pretty stunning to see these two books back to back, because if there weren’t Sherman’s normal tells, you’d think these were two different artists. This book isn’t even similar to Dark Spaces: Dungeon from IDW, which should be the most similar – they’re both twisted serial killer mysteries.
What’s clear is that perhaps more than any artist working today, Sherman tweaks and morphs their style to match the story they’re telling; rather than the story conforming to the style of their work. It’s inordinately impressive to see all these books back to back, and it’s a thrill to see an already great artist hitting their stride.
But what, you may ask, is this book about? Great question. While it’s being sold as a younger Batman investigating open and shut mysteries, the nostalgic premise belies a tone from Watters that is closer to David Fincher’s oeuvre (specifically Se7en and Zodiac) than the earnest throwback Mark Waid and Chris Samnee are delivering in Batman and Robin: Year One. In Dark Patterns, a serial killer is stalking the streets of Gotham, horribly mutilating and stabbing people to death. It’s up to Batman to figure out how and why — but once he does, the eventual villain reveal is something Batman may not be able to stop.
It’s gross, it’s disturbing, and given the title is “dark patterns” I probably should have known better than to expect “gee whiz, Batman.” This is the sort of story that Robert Pattinson’s Batman might hear and go, “yo, that’s pretty f**ked up.” And if you’re a fan of those sorts of tales (I know I am), it’s an impressive debut that will sit with you long after you close the final page.
While Dark Patterns may not be everyone’s cup of tea, if you are a Fincher acolyte in particular, this will be right up your alley. Normally, Batman ends up in a superhero mode in the comics, or things spiral out into a massive conspiracy. Here, we get to see him be a detective, exploring a mystery box for the next few issues. What’s in the box? I guess we’ll find out. At least along the way it’ll be a pleasure to see what Sherman and Watters have in store.
Batman: Dark Patterns #1 Rating:
Batman: Dark Patterns #1 Official Synopsis:
Set during the early years of Batman’s career, Batman: Dark Patterns delves into four mysterious cases as he attempts to cement his place as Gotham City’s protector while the city itself fights back against him. This is the Dark Knight Detective at his most stripped-down core, a man relying on his wits, his skills, and little else as he tackles some of the most twisted mysteries Gotham City and its protector have ever encountered.
Case 01: We Are Wounded
A series of sickeningly gruesome murders has sent shock waves through Gotham. Are these the random works of a serial killer, or is there something more sinister at play? Batman attempts to get to the bottom of the mystery before any more victims are claimed.
Comic Book Club Live Info:
Discover more from Comic Book Club
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.