Batman: Year One – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Batman: Year One

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book1997

87%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

The definitive, dirt-under-the-fingernails origin story that proves Batman's greatest weapon isn't a Batarang—it's just showing up.

Batman: Year One

book

1997

87%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

The definitive, dirt-under-the-fingernails origin story that proves Batman's greatest weapon isn't a Batarang—it's just showing up.

4.8

Jump to

Also rated on

4.8

View →

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

Batman: Year One is the gold standard for graphic novels. It’s not 'fun' in the traditional sense—it’s a moody, atmospheric crime drama that happens to have a guy in a bat suit in it.

For a teen who is starting to appreciate more complex storytelling or wants to understand why Batman is such a cultural icon, this is essential reading. It has aged beautifully because it doesn't rely on technology or gimmicks; it relies on character and mood. Just keep it away from the elementary schoolers unless you want to explain what a 'madam' is much sooner than planned.

Age Fit

This is for the 14+ crowd. If your kid is looking for the 'POW! ZAP!' Batman, they’re going to be bored or bummed out by the heavy themes and lack of colorful villains.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It's a gritty noir about urban decay and corruption. While it values integrity, the tone is bleak, featuring infidelity, prostitution subplots, and a very broken social system.

Imaginative

A masterclass in world-building that stripped Batman of his campy gadgets and reimagined Gotham as a living, breathing character. It set the template for nearly every modern superhero origin.

Safe

Contains graphic violence, blood, and mature themes like police brutality and the 'red light' side of Gotham. Not a 'surprise' if you know Frank Miller, but definitely not for the Saturday morning cartoon crowd.

Enriching

Top-tier literary quality in the graphic novel medium. It explores complex ethics, the cost of systemic change, and the human vulnerability of its protagonists.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Jim Gordon is the co-protagonist, showing a more grounded, human side of Gotham's fight for justice.
The art style by David Mazzucchelli is legendary—clean, moody, and light-years beyond standard 'superhero' drawings.
It tackles the reality of being a 'hero' in a city where the cops are more dangerous than the criminals.
It’s a short, punchy read that feels like a classic crime film.

⚠

What to Watch For

Selina Kyle (Catwoman) is introduced in a context involving the sex work industry, which is handled with grit, not glamor.
Violence is visceral—expect broken bones, gunshot wounds, and blood.
The language and themes are firmly in the 'PG-13 to R' territory depending on your family's threshold for urban realism.

Conversation Starters

"Why does Jim Gordon decide to stay in Gotham when he knows his fellow officers are corrupt?"
"Bruce Wayne fails a lot in this book before he gets things right. Why is it important to see a hero mess up?"
"Is Gotham a city that can actually be saved by one person, or does it need something else?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic