[Comic Review] “Midnighter” #1 – Gay Batman Kicks Ass

The simplest way to explain “Midnighter” #1 is a gay Batman that kicks some serious ass. The character is a tactical mastermind that can calculate his enemies every move before they’ve even made it. Steve Orlando and Aco’s debut issue is an action-packed debut that never forgets the titular character amidst the backdrop of some pretty impressive action.

WRITTEN BY: Steve Orlando

ART BY: ACO

PUBLISHER: DC Comics

PRICE: $2.99

RELEASE: June 3rd, 2015

It’s been a very long time since DC Comics have debuted a #1 issue with a voice this strong. Steve Orlando seems born to write Midnighter as the story begins with some cosmic level awesomeness that seems beyond characterization only to settle comfortably on a character piece. Orlando manages to make Midnighter unique and engaging without ever stooping to the level of cliche characterization. He’s created a boldly confident gay superhero who isn’t defined by his orientation but owns it all the same.

Despite the heavy beginning, the issue follows Midnighter on his attempts in the dating circuit. This provides the atypical backdrop for how we learn about his powers. As a superhero living out in the open his date naturally has a whole host of questions. But Mdinighter’s confidence with his date is embodied within every page.

When the action does get rolling, Orlando never stumbles with Midnighter’s voice. Despite the impeccable and razor sharp dialogue, ACO is truly the standout. The unconventional paneling serves the hero’s skill set and creates an extremely unique reading experience that engages unlike any other comic in DC’s lineup.

While a review shouldn’t be qualifying a book’s success on something like the titular character’s orientation – it’s sure to be a draw for some readers here. Midnighter’s interest in men ends up being a focal point for the book. It’s portrayed with a progressive sense of reality and even enjoys the freedoms laid out by having a gay lead. Ultimately it makes the book all the more refreshing and engaging to new audiences because it’s unlike any other superhero book out there. It never feels like a gimmick because it’s a natural part of the story and as it shouldn’t.

The entire issue reads like silk up until the last page. Sadly the book comes to all too abrupt end. It’s too bad that it couldn’t be longer because it feels that just as you begin to enter and understand the world – the book ends. The final page is a strange and tacked on piece of narrative information that should leave you excited to return, but a little confused as to the direction of the next issue.

“Midnighter” is a triumph on every level. It’s a shining beacon of light in DC Comic’s new and exciting creative direction. It proves that superhero comics are capable of hitting multiple beats with complex and engaging leads. Orlando and ACO have crafted a tight series that is unlike any book that came before it, and it demands your attention.