DC Launches New Ongoing Batman: The Dark Knight

Hi all,

I'm sure you have read the news and the interviews on the main site by now. Just would like to know what all of you think about David Finch's 'Batman: The Dark Knight'.

Personally, I love David Finch's artwork. His visuals are always captivating and enjoyable to look at. But then does Batman really need another new book to begin with? David Finch will also be writing it and I'm always a little apprehensive when an artist takes on dual responsibilities. Look at Tony Daniel's run on Batman. The art was impressive but the story was mediocre.

For me, I have already decided to include this new title into my comic collection. I just hope the story is good and according to the CBR interview, it's going to be a "noir-ish" detective story, which really got me interested in the first place.

There has been talk that DC might shelve/cancel an existing Bat title for Batman: The Dark Knight. Anyone knows anything about this?

I very much like the art of David Finch. However I am a bit skeptical when it comes to the writing. As far as I know he has not written anything yet, but DC is letting him write a new ongoing so he must have impressed them which his scripts/ideas.

As for the premise, I think it is very exciting. In this new book we will experience batman dealing with something out of his comfort zone namely the supernatural. Due to this Batman is supposed to get help from Jason Blood/the demon and other probably magic based characters. However Finch has also clarified that he is also trying to write batman as a detective and that the book will indeed be what is called a street level book.

So I am a bit skeptical but also excited for this. I hope the first issue can blow all the skepticism away.

Mr.Vulture wrote:

David Finch Rocks! Although I wonder if they are really thinking straight to start another ongoing Batman series when the others (other than the main Batman title) aren't selling all that well....but then again, it's the DARK KNIGHT, so it's cool!

It does depress me somewhat since I'm trying to cut my spending in the comic book category, but I suppose that is one of the sacrifices of being a comic geek....lol

I think they figured anything with finch on it sells well. And they are probably right. Sales numbers spike when a superstar creator takes over. Rebels for example is a great book, however the creative team while highly talented is just not known enough among fans, so it sells poorly.
Another thing is marketing. Paul Dini's Heart of Hush arc in detective comics was a great story that was not as heavily and frequently marketed as batman rip, so it did not sell as well as rip.
Lastly what realy matters is the break even point. I dont know how many comic books one has to sell to break the bep. Does anybody know that? If so please share.

I'm kinda disappointed about this. I like David Finch, and I like Batman, but I don't think we need yet another Batman book. Even if they drop one of the other Batman/Gotham comics, it's still a bit much I think. I get the whole reason they have so many Batman and Superman books is because they're their top characters and they'll sell more, but still; drop a few of them and give some other teams/characters some issues too. That's my opinion anyway.

-Gary

gallegra wrote:

I'm kinda disappointed about this. I like David Finch, and I like Batman, but I don't think we need yet another Batman book. Even if they drop one of the other Batman/Gotham comics, it's still a bit much I think. I get the whole reason they have so many Batman and Superman books is because they're their top characters and they'll sell more, but still; drop a few of them and give some other teams/characters some issues too. That's my opinion anyway.

-Gary

They tried that with the red circle books (the shield and the web) but they just did not sell. So instead of focusing on new properties they are now trying to expand their existing brands and since batman is in demand they are producing more bat books. I just hope that the quality of the new book is high enough to justify a purchase.

badsoul wrote:

They tried that with the red circle books (the shield and the web) but they just did not sell. So instead of focusing on new properties they are now trying to expand their existing brands and since batman is in demand they are producing more bat books. I just hope that the quality of the new book is high enough to justify a purchase.

I agree with you Badsoul.

Batman: Odyssey by Neal Adams was really disappointing for me. It has good looking visuals but the plot and storyline was all over the place. Hopefully, David Finch will do better since he mentioned in the interview that he did get some pointers from Geoff Johns.

I can't wait for this series to come out. I think that finch has a perfect style for drawing batman.

Me too! I love the look of Bruce's new Batsuit, and I can't wait!

-Gary