“When you chase your own shadow…it leads you into the abyss.”
In a Gotham City where every day feels darker and more irredeemable than the last, Batman makes a definitive choice-to kill off the Bruce Wayne identity for good and embrace the cowl full-time. But though he knows the streets of Gotham, Batman will soon come to find that he hardly knows himself.
A serial killer is on the loose, and while the murder victims seem random at first, every clue draws Batman closer to the terrifying truth-that they are all connected, not just to each other… but to him…
When an all-new rogues gallery of utterly depraved villains begins to emerge from the depths of the city, Batman will have to contend with the very nature of evil-including that which lurks inside in the darkest corners of his own heart-to face what’s coming for his city.
Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham brings Rafael Grampá’s twisted vision of both the Dark Knight and the city of Gotham to life in a DC writing debut that will reach its icy black tendrils into the deepest and darkest corners of human nature and leave you gasping for breath-and for more!
- 100
Batman on Film
Simply put, there isn’t a book on the stands like Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham! It’s a powerhouse of a comic, deftly written and lavishly illustrated. The narrative will suck you into Gotham and not let go. I felt like I was reading a spiritual brother to last year’s The Batman, just completely immersed in the environment and marveling at the visuals. This is a Bat-book you won’t forget! - 100
Get Your Comic On
An outstanding debut issue. Rafael Grampá has presented a truly gritty, psychological new gothic take on The Dark Knight that is worthy of a Batman Day launch. This series has Eisner Award-winner written all over it from the outset. - 100
First Comics News
Rafael Grampa brings his unique yet grim style to this new series that finds Batman tracking down a serial killer while making the ultimate decision, and this is in order for him to continue with the war on crime, he begins making plans to kill off Bruce Wayne so that he can be The Dark Knight 24/7. Grampa’s ravishing artwork does a fine job of bringing new layers to Batman as well as crafting a Gotham City that feels more dangerous than its previous incarnations which fits perfectly with the tone that Grampa is setting. This tale of total vengeance and seeing where this murder mystery heading really makes for an intense story that proves what a perfect Batman story it’s becoming and fans are in for a rare treat. - 91
Comic Watch
Batman fans, crime fans, or anyone looking for a gritty comic on the shelves, be sure to check out this series. Grampa’s story may not be for the faint of heart, but it certainly is worth exploring for the bloody and gritty experience. - 90
Geek Dad
There is a lot going on here, including fascinating ties to an obscure cartoon that the villain is obsessed with and has roots in a horrific school tragedy, as well as a growing socialist movement in Gotham that is asking whether the villain’s targeting of the rich is actually a net good. Grampa’s art is always astonishing, of course—check out the noir edition, in black and white, to see the full detail—and the story is intriguing, even if it might have a few too many subplots for a very busy first issue. - 90
ComicBook.com
Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham sets the stage for one of the most dynamic visions of its eponymous hero and Gotham City seen this century. Not only does it present the stunning linework and compositions Rafael Grampá is already renowned for, but it reveals new depths to their cartooning in how it shapes both character and theme throughout the issue in a tightly controlled work. Wherever this gothic murder mystery is heading, readers may rest assured knowing that they will experience a viscerally tense saga of vengeance and obsession only possible in the comics medium. - 90
But Why Tho?
Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham #1 is both classic and contemporary. Grampá uses the stalwarts of the Batman mythos to set the scene and surroundings. Gordon and Alfred are two of the most integral figures in his world, whilst the minimal cast allows for a true focus on Batman and Bruce Wayne. The atmosphere and the tone are true to the character. The foundations of the old faithfuls are there, but the new elements elevate the story. The new look and the new bad guy give the book a refreshing spin, but not one that takes the Bat out of his comfort zone. As a note, a noir version of this issue is also available, which removes 99% of the colors, intensifying the black and white even further. - 87
The Super Powered Fancast
The Story: Grampa crafts an engaging and compelling story in this first issue. This is an interesting take on the character and having one of the conflicts be Alfred fighting with Bruce to not kill off his alter ego is a great touch of drama that I want to see explored more. The villain is interesting as well and I like the mystery behind him because I want him to be someone new and exciting. The plot has a lot of exciting moments and I love the reveal at the end of the issue. The Art: Grampa delivers some beautifully gritty and visually engaging art throughout the issue. I love the visual style and how it works perfectly with Gotham and the story being told within it. - 85
Batman-News
Any Batman that actively wants to kill Bruce Wayne is a deranged individual. Although it may take a devoted psycho to catch one, Batman’s journey should heal his trauma instead of referring to himself as a child. If that’s where Rafael Grampá is taking the story, then I’m easily on board with this version of the Bat. While not saying anything new about corruption or innocence, the tale does nicely position Batman and his new foe as interesting analogues. Even if the metaphors aren’t subtle whatsoever, the artwork has a lot of distinct detail and unique personality like Crytoon and the neat cartoons he obsesses over. Despite that, the character designs like Batman’s textured body and bulbus head, caricature-like Asian characters, among other artistic liberties Grampá takes are a hard sell. Overall, it is a blast to read, even if it’s over the top. - 80
AIPT
Rafael Grampa and Matheus Lopes bring readers a strong but shaky introduction to their interpretation of everyone's favorite Caped Crusader, and despite their errors deliver an entertaining comic with a lot of discussion to be had about Batman as a myth. - 70
The Comicbook Dispatch
I went into Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham #1 excited for a new Batman story but left extremely underwhelmed with the story while simultaneously being a bit overwhelmed with the illustrations. The design was a mixture of cartoony meets gory in an effort to shock and amaze. However, I found the style took me out of the story on multiple occasions as well as the subtle story beats that were uncharacteristic of Batman and just didn’t jive well with the character. All the above being said, readers interested in Rafael Grampá are normally heading his way for what he brings artistically to a comic. If his style is your cup of tea, maybe you’ll get a bit more than I did out of the issue. - 55
Weird Science DC Comics
Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham #1 is a convoluted start to a story with some cool concepts, but it needs tightening up going forward. Whether you like this book or not is going to hinge mainly on if you like Rafael Grampa's art, and personally, nothing in this first issue wowed me. Hopefully, things improve in the next three issues, because this #1 was a big disappointment for me.