Review by Frank Plowright

One Dark Knight is Jock’s title play on Batman being Gotham’s sole protection on one dark night. It’s dark because a criminal gang leader called E.M.P. has emitted a pulse disabling the electrical power over large sections of Gotham. This is as he’s being transported from Arkham Asylum across Gotham to Blackgate prison. His own gang want him back, but he’s a target for every other gang member in town. In a passing amusing nod to the Batman tropes of old, E.M.P.’s actual name is Edward M. Pressler.

He’s being transported at the insistence of Rita Vasquez, head of Gotham’s prison system who’s butting heads with Commissioner Gordon. Anticipating trouble, Batman tracks the transportation convoy, so is on hand when matters inevitably take a turn for the worse. From there Jock is surely influenced by The Warriors as Batman has to carry E.M.P. through the darkened streets to Blackgate, all the while being tracked by thugs.

Jock’s art is proven quality, and he creates a jagged, gritty Gotham with Batman at first seen in flashes and Jock knowing where to drop an iconic pin-up or some great skylines. Later scenes illuminated by moonlight have a cultured gloom to them and Jock has an interesting way of highlighting the consequences of violence. It’s rare to see Batman so dishevelled and bloodied.

Unfortunately, with great art and a certainly viable concept, Jock can’t quite bring One Dark Knight home, and that’s down to the writing. Jock’s dialogue so often sounds false, especially what’s supposed to be light bantering between Batman and Alfred. The central conflict between Gordon and Vasquez never rings true as anything more than a personality clash, when the way things progress it needed a stronger foundation. It’s not as if there wasn’t a place to bolster this, as even allowing for Jock taking the time to establish the necessary mood there are plenty of scenes that aren’t needed. The biggest offender is the third chapter’s concession to more standard Batman by introducing a known villain. Vasquez has a forceful personality to begin with, but as the story continues she descends into caricature, and pulls everything down with her.

There’s enough wonder to the art to drag One Dark Knight to average, but overall it’s a missed opportunity.