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. Batman: Dark Patterns #1 is an interesting start to what feels like a bit of a classic vibe of a Batman story.

Written by Dan Watters, Batman: Dark Patterns #1 is an interesting comic. It’s a back to basics in some ways take on the character. Taking place early in his career, the relationships are thin and the story itself is rooted more in the detective aspect of the character with some fantastical elements.

The story is a good murder mystery, one that would feel like it was below Batman today in some ways with his rogue gallery. Instead, three murders have taken place, but how are they connected? Are they connected at all? And who or what is behind them? That gets Batman to do his detective things, eschewing his fancy computers he’d use today and instead getting his hands dirty needing to get evidence and figure out what it all means. It’s nice in some ways to see the world’s Greatest Detective to actually have to do detective work and not just crunch things on a computer.

For as grounded as the story is, Watters still introduces a new villain who’s… interesting. Not to spoil, but the character is, for me, difficult to look at with a horror aspect to him that really emphasizes the vibe that underlies the comic. The new character is an impressive addition that triggered for me every little issue I have with some visuals, it caused an unease, which isn’t a bad thing. It’s impressive visual work to deliver that in a somewhat grounded sense.

Part of the grounded aspect to the comic is Hayden Sherman‘s art. There’s an almost classic feel to it, and it reminds me of some of the Batman comics of the 80s I remember reading. Add in color by Triona Farrell and lettering by Frank Cvetkovic and the visuals feel like a nice retro vibe in some ways that matches the storytelling. The team creates a vibe that’s reminiscent of Se7en in some ways and the art amplifies the unsettling nature of the murders and story.

Batman: Dark Patterns #1 is a solid start. It delivers a debut that feels like it emphasizes the detective aspect of the character while infusing horror aspects that could make readers wince at the visuals. It’s a nice beginning for what should be an entertaining Batman series.

Story: Dan Watters Art: Hayden Sherman
Color: Triona Farrell Letterer: Frank Cvetkovic
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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