Gordon of Gotham
Published by D.C. Comics
32 pages
Back issues, so prices vary.

Those who are even remotely familiar with the Batman character will probably have heard of Commissioner James Gordon. A tough-as-nails veteran cop, he plays a prominent role in the Batman mythos, as the caped crusader's friend and ally. And, while he's been spotlighted, to some extent, in the past, it may never have been done quite so well as in D.C.'s four-issue mini series, Gordon of Gotham, published in 1998.

While set in Batman's world, however, this is no super hero tale; it is a gritty, entertaining cop yarn, sure to please the most demanding fan of that genre.

In the story, the reader is taken back to Gordon's days as a young officer on the Chicago Police Force. Suspecting a fellow officer of involvement in illegal activities, he begins to dig for evidence, and becomes the target of said officer and his cohorts. Add to all of this an international assassin, who seems to have a penchant for saving Gordon's life, and becomes "the one that got away," and you have the makings of an engrossing read, with an element of redemption for the hero.

Writer Denny O'Neil, one of the best known Bat-scribes in comics, does a wonderful job of bringing all of the above elements together into an intelligent and involving adventure.

His characterization and dialogue are involving and believable. Meanwhile, artists Dick Giordano and Klaus Janson (also veterans of the world of Batman) provide the perfect dramatic style for such a tale; realistic and forbidding, with great shadowing and plenty of impressively-jawed bad guys.

Best of all, I found every issue in my favorite comic shop's bargain bin. These days, fans really can't afford to overlook the potential of the 25 cent box.

Gordon of Gotham is re-commended for those who enjoy good police drama and adventure. Find it in the back issue section of your comic shop, or at your favorite online auction site.

Mark Allen

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