Issue One

Characterisation

Using pages 2-3, compare the way the reader is introduced to James Gordon & Bruce Wayne. What do we learn about their focus and expectations?
How is the narration by Gordon & Wayne presented?
1. What can we assume about their personalities from this?
Wayne tries to ‘save’ a girl. How does she repay him?
1. What concept does this reinforce for the reader regarding gender?
Flass shows Gordon “…what it takes to be a cop in Gotham City.” (p19) What did he learn?

Plot

What is the purpose of the first tier of page 17?
Wayne’s first adventure is a failure. Why?
Gordon’s first violence is a success. Why?
What do we learn by juxtaposing these two events?
What important actions take place in this issue that you think set up the action for later events?

Theme

What is this issue about? (ie, not just the plot, what is the chapter trying to say)
What messages are presented to the audience?

Technique

Find an example of each of these techniques being used successfully in this issue. Why is it successful?
- Colouring
- Juxtaposition
- Narration
- Foreshadowing
- Symbolism
- Imagery
- Lettering
- Metonymy

Page Analysis: Pages 10 & 11

What is Bruce Wayne's goal during this foray?
How is Gotham established as a wretched hive of scum and villainy?
Describe and justify the use of colours on these two pages.
How are the first female characters introduced to the audience?
What purpose do these female characters serve in this issue, and how do they subvert audience expectations?

Page Analysis: Page 20

What is the purpose of the shadowing?
What noticeable pattern is created by the shadows, and what does it symbolise?
What is the purpose & meaning of the bell?
The way that the panels are demarcated is interesting because it is different to previous pages. What do you observe that is different? Explain the purpose behind the organisation of tiers and panels on this page, with acknowledgement to the usage of the gutters.

Page Analysis: Page 22

Describe the use of juxtaposition in this scene.
Explain the symbolism in tier three, panel two.
Why does Wayne reach for the bell?
Explain the impact of the lack of panelling in tier two.

Parody

All good pop-culture deserves to be parodied, and Batman: Year One is not immune to this rule! If parody works by subverting our expectations, the finale of Issue One is ripe for targeting. Take, for example, this excerpt sourced from DC's own L.E.G.I.O.N. Annual #5, published in 1994.

List five ways this comic subverts Batman: Year One.
What ridiculous idea does this comic highlight?
What message could this image be conveying?

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