Batman: The Dark Prince Charming is a standalone, non-canon story from DC Comics. It is written and drawn by European author Enrico Marini, who says in the introduction he took inspiration from Bruce Timm and Paul Dini, two epic comic book writers. He crafts a unique, but compelling story of the Dark Knight.
Bruce Wayne is hit with a paternity suit from a waitress who claims she became pregnant after a one-night stand with the billionaire playboy. The Joker, who is seeking a birthday present for Harley Quinn, sees an opportunity. He kidnaps the girl, Alina, putting her mother in a coma. He blackmails Wayne, in order to get a necklace for Quinn. The Joker takes a bizarre liking to Alina, though she is under no illusion that he is dangerous. Meanwhile, Batman is tearing Gotham City’s underworld apart trying to find the Clown Prince of Crime before the girl can come to any harm.
This is one of the most unique stories I have read in a long time. Whenever DC Comics pushes an out of canon story, you never know what to expect. However, Marini truly gets the spirit of the Batman mythology and does an excellent job. He chooses the characters wisely and uses them to shines a focus on the Dark Knight’s abilities as he searches for the young girl. Though he puts his own spin on the story-arc, he does not fall into the same trap other writers do by exaggerating the nasty parts of Batman’s personality in order to create “controversy” with his relationship with the Joker. It is cleverly written, adventurous, and compliments the mythology of the Dark Knight.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or novel you would like me to review. While you are at it, check out my movie review of Shazam and my review of Detective Comics Annual Issue 2. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this one.
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