The Curse of the White Knight is a comic book series that delves into the dark and troubled past of Batman. The story revolves around an ancient curse that torments our beloved hero and threatens to expose his deepest secrets. Matt Wagner, the writer of this gripping storyline, explores the psychological torment Batman experiences as he races against time to save Gotham City from an impending disaster. The curse in question is tied to Bruce Wayne's ancestry and the long-forgotten sins of his forefathers. The curse manifests as haunting visions that gradually drive Batman to the brink of madness. These visions are vivid and disturbing, often depicting scenes of violence and tragedy that reflect Batman's inner turmoil.
Batman: Curse of the White Knight #1 by Sean Murphy and Matt Hollingsworth is now available on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE.
This new trajectory that Murphy s story is taking coming out of Batman White Knight is so unique and exciting, but what I truly admire is how what took place in the past still has a major effect on this narrative. Batman s discovery of Laffy s bones, Edmond Wayne s journal and whip made of bat leather further reinforce how everything is connected and has been connected for so long.
These visions are vivid and disturbing, often depicting scenes of violence and tragedy that reflect Batman's inner turmoil. Wagner skillfully uses these visions to explore the psychological trauma that fuels Batman's relentless quest for justice. The curse not only torments Batman but also puts those closest to him in danger.
Book Review: Batman: Curse of the White Knight by Sean Gordon Murphy
Batman: Curse of the White Knight by Sean Gordon Murphy is a hard look at what it takes to be a hero, and Batman himself asking if he helped contribute to crime. This is the sequel to the excellent Batman: White Knight where the Joker went sane and went after Batman as if he were the victim. The Joker is back to being the joker, but the things he called out were too good and could ruin crime sprees. The Joker has one more joke to pull the could blow up the Wayne legacy. The Curse of the White Knight continue its streak of being one of the best Batman stories. The story had a lot of twist and turns as it explores the birth of the Wayne dynasty and a current threat with an old score to settle. The writing will make you both laugh and almost cry. This story does take place in an alternative universe and not in the current DCU that gives the novel no limits as it is no-holds bar, with lots of shocking deaths. Batman: Curse of the White Knight collects issue 1-8 and a bonus Mr. Freeze origin story.
Plot: When the Joker took a pill to go sane he turned back into Jack Napier former mob member. Jack saw evil in Gotham and his name was Batman. Jack becomes a council member a and sets up the Napier Initiative which would have Batman be responsible for every damage he causes, and he would give tech and his vehicles to the police so they will eventually not need Batman. Batman has to look at the harsh truth that Napier is right. The pills are slowly killing Napier the only way he can live is if he lets the Joker take back over. With the Joker back in control he hates the Napier Initiative because it will mean no more Batman. The joker has been saving a Joke that will destroy everything and tarnish the Wayne legacy (Joker/Napier admitted they have know for some time he is Bruce Wayne). The Joker gets Azrael who is in on the joke having to do with his family legacy. Azrael will stop at nothing to kill or hurt those around him. Bruce has to search his families history to solve the mystery of the joke. Harley is able to bring Napier back for a few seconds as she reveals she is pregnant, he tells her the Joke will break Batman and the Wayne family.
What I Liked: The balance of drama, action and humor is great. The Action is really well done. The Joke is pretty world shattering for Batman and the Wayne legacy. Azrael who I haven’t seen in comics for quite sometime (since Knightfall and Knightquest arcs) returns with a vengeance. He ends up wearing the Knightquest Batman suit for when he took over as Batman. There’s a scene where Batman’s cave gets destroyed with all his Batmobiles except the Batmobile from the late 80’s one of my personal favorites. The Jokes, there’s a scene where Montoya and Bullock are taking over for an incapacitated Gordon, and Batman does his disappearing while speaking, and Bullock goes does he do that everytime, that must drive Gordon crazy. Another joke is Azrael breaks Joker out of Prison in the Batsuit from Knightquest, Joker says, “how did you get in here?” Azrael reveals the batsuit, “I’m Batman!” The Joker seems aghast, “that worked, they just let you in…”, he looks past Azrael to see a stream of bloody bodies. The pacing in this book i really good the set up for Joke takes a while as we flashback to the past, but the pay off was well worth it. I liked the subplot about the Joker wanting to kill one of Harley’s twins because one half is his and one half is Napier’s. The art is really well done, I’m very particular about faces but feel they were drawn really well.
What I Disliked: There’s a joke that was a callback to 1960’s Batman that landed horribly, and felt really awkward and forced. The Batman not killing plot line I felt let down. This series has analyzed aspect of Batman that I have not thought of before, and I felt the Batman doesn’t kill was glossed over. You as Batman do not want to kill the Joker, but you want to kill Azrael, who has a general grievance with you over past family stuff. I would have wanted more conversation for Bruce to have gotten there, to make it more believable.
Recommendation: This story is good, and one of the best that I have read. Sean Gordon Murphy is one of the better Batman writer’s I still think that Scott Snyder is the best but Sean Gordon Murphy is getting close. The cool thing about Sean Gordon Murphy is he is also the artist and makes sure what he wrote in the story matches his vision on the comic. If you are looking at a great Batman story that explores the psyche of Batman then this is you Batman story. I rated Batman: Curse of the White Knight by Sean Gordon Murphy 5 out of 5 stars. I also rated Batman: White Knight 5 out of 5 stars do yourself a favor and read these books. It is separate from the DC comics universe so it is pretty accessible.
The first few pages of this issue take us to Gotham Valley in the year 1685. Here we are introduced to Edmond Wayne and Lafayette Arkham (aka Laffy) as they partake in a sword fight (because it’s the 1600’s and Batarangs weren't a thing yet). Long story short, Laffy claims that Gotham is cursed but Edmond isn’t having any of that and proceeds to kill him off. This little moment in the past is a big piece of the puzzle and is pretty crucial since the events tie in throughout the rest of the issue.
As he investigates the origins of the curse, Batman uncovers dark secrets that threaten to unravel the very fabric of his existence. This puts Alfred, Commissioner Gordon, and even Batman's love interest, Catwoman, in harm's way. The curse becomes a personal matter for Batman, as he is forced to confront his own past and the choices that led him down this path. Wagner's writing is complemented by the stunning artwork of Sean Murphy, who brings Gotham City to life with his gritty and atmospheric illustrations. The visuals serve to intensify the sense of impending doom and emphasize the weight of the curse on Batman's shoulders. As Batman struggles with the curse, he also faces the relentless pursuit of Azrael, a mysterious figure hell-bent on destroying him and Gotham City. Azrael serves as a physical embodiment of the curse, as his actions are driven by a desire to expose Batman's secrets and bring him to his knees. The Curse of the White Knight is a captivating story that explores the depths of Batman's character and the price he pays for his mission of justice. Through the curse, we see Batman confronted with his own demons and forced to confront the consequences of his actions. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the curse is not simply an external threat, but a reflection of Batman's inner struggles and the constant battle he faces to protect his city and his own sanity. In conclusion, the curse that torments Batman in Curse of the White Knight serves as a vehicle for exploring the psychological trauma and inner turmoil that drive the Dark Knight. It puts Batman and those close to him in danger, forces him to confront his own past, and ultimately serves as a test of his resolve and determination. This gripping storyline is a must-read for any Batman fan, as it delves deep into the psyche of our beloved hero and challenges our perception of what it truly means to be the Batman..
Reviews for "The Curse's Influence: Examining Batman's Relationships and Alliances"
1. David - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Curse That Torments Batman in Curse of the White Knight." I found the storyline to be confusing and convoluted. The transition between present-day Gotham and historical flashbacks was disjointed and hard to follow. Additionally, I felt that the characterization of Batman was off. The normally brooding and intense hero seemed lackluster in this installment. Overall, I found it difficult to connect with the story and didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped.
2. Sarah - 3 stars - While there were some interesting moments in "The Curse That Torments Batman in Curse of the White Knight," overall, I found it to be lacking in originality. The plot felt repetitive, with many elements reminiscent of previous Batman storylines. I also found the artwork to be somewhat inconsistent; there were moments of brilliance, but overall, it didn't quite meet my expectations. While it's not a terrible read, it didn't leave a lasting impression on me.
3. John - 2.5 stars - I had high hopes for "The Curse That Torments Batman in Curse of the White Knight," but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The pacing was too slow, and I found myself losing interest halfway through. The dialogue felt forced at times, and I couldn't fully invest in the characters. While the artwork was visually appealing, it couldn't make up for the lackluster story. Overall, I was left wanting more from this installment of the Batman series.
4. Emily - 2 stars - I've been a fan of the Batman series for years, but "The Curse That Torments Batman in Curse of the White Knight" didn't live up to my expectations. The storyline felt disjointed and confusing, making it difficult for me to fully engage with the narrative. The artwork, while visually appealing, couldn't make up for the frustrating plot. Additionally, I felt that the dialogue was overly dramatic and lacked subtlety. I was hoping for a captivating and thrilling read, but unfortunately, this installment left me disappointed.