Show notes provided by Joe Peluso
A standing tradition in the comic book industry is the retelling of
the origins of its iconic heroes.Superman got a new origin, and a new
start, by John Byrne in 1986's "Man of Steel".The amazing Spider-Man
had his origin retold numerous times whenever an anniversary issue hit
the stands, and The Batman's origin had been expanded upon from its
initial two page intro in the Golden Age to full length issues, and
eventually to a three part mini-series written by Len Wein at the end
of the Bronze Age. But it wasn't until the end of 1986, with issue
#404-407 (cover dated Feb.1987-May 1987) that all the desperate pieces
of the Dark Knight's mysterious origins came into four-color reality
in "Batman: Year One" by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli.
Join hosts James, Chris, and Joe as they plumb the secrets of The
Batcave to uncover the elements of creation that gave birth to this
new "post Crisis " origin of the Dark Knight Detective.
How much control did editor Denny O'Neil (a legendary Batman
scribe) have over the production of these issues? What was it like for
James, Chris, and grizzled old comic book vet Joe, reading this
seminal, game changing work for the first time? Who is this upstart
honest cop Jim Gordon just recently transferred from the Chicago PD?
And how important was this story to the inception of the Modern Age of
comics?
If you're walking down the streets of Gotham and the sky blackens
suddenly, take cover! The Batman's calling-card may be coming for you!
