Batman: Turning Points

Batman

by Greg Rucka, Chuck Dixon, Ed Brubaker

Explores the history of Batman's relationship with Commissioner James Gordon, as they fight crime in the streets of Gotham City.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Batman, Dc Comics, Graphic Novels Comics, Superheroes, Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 6, 2007

About the author

Greg Rucka, is an American comic book writer and novelist, known for his work on such comics as Action Comics, Batwoman: Detective Comics, and the miniseries Superman: World of New Krypton for DC Comics, and for novels such as his Queen & Country series.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this on DC Infinite and thought it looked cool.
Basically, it's 5 sweet stories looking back on major "turning points" in Batman's career, set against the backdrop of his friendship with Jim Gordon.
It was ok.



Uneasy Allies looks at the tentative friendship that starts between them sometime during the events of Batman: Year One.



And Then There Are...Three? is set sometime aroundish Robin: Year One and deals with the mixed feelings Gordon has went he meets Robin for the 1st time.



Casualties of War takes place after the events in both A Death in the Family & The Killing Joke, and shows the different ways that the two friends grieve and eventually heal.



The Ultimate Betrayal has Gordon wondering what happened to his friend after Bane broke him in Knightfall.



Comrades in Arms wraps everything up and bring the stories full circle. I don't know this for sure, but as best I can tell this takes place after Batman: No Man's Land. But I've never read that one, so that's just what I could find online.



Recommended for fans of Batman.

[Sam Quixote · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really - a book on Batman and Jim Gordon’s bromance? DC will milk every angle on Batman, won’t they? Turning Points is rubbish. There’s always been enough Batman/Gordon scenes in the background of better, more substantial stories to make something like this negligible. All this shows is that it fails as the main focus of a book because it’s so boring!

Writers Greg Rucka, Ed Brubaker and Chuck Dixon take turns hacking out forgettable standalone stories set at various points of Batman’s history: Year One, Killing Joke, Death in the Family, and Knightfall. I’m not sure why as they only make you want to put down this book and re-read those better comics instead!

Batman fights a crazed gunman in a church, takes on Mister Freeze with Robin for the first time, hunts a serial killer - standard, bland Batman stuff. The final story is mildly interesting as a callback to the first but for the most part the writing is really weak. We don’t get a better understanding of Batman and Gordon’s relationship or see anything we’d see in any other Batman book - this whole collection is pointless!

Steve Lieber’s art was great, especially coloured by Javier Pulido, and Paul Pope’s issue was superb too - always enjoy it when Pope draws Batman. Still, Turning Points is yet another low quality Batman book that’s not worth the time it takes to read.

[Subham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great read omg! I love this one!

This series basically explores the friendship between Batman and Gordon and I freaking love it, we see how they met in year one and the next one is when Batman started having a sidekick and then how Gordon felt about it and that was kinda cool and then when tragedy stuck in "The killing joke" and how that period tested their friendship and its heartfelt and showed how they got back together which was great and finally during knightfall with the new bat and it was meh and finally seeing how a person they helped.. reformed their life for good!

Its a great series exploring one of the oldest friend-ship in comics and its cool and I like how there are multiple writers in multiple segments and that makes the story all the more compelling and one cohesive whole showing the crazy history of Batman and how awesome it is and there have been so many moments which have tested their friendship but still they persist through it and why its the best and I just love that one plus the art was very nostalgic too! <3

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

"You can go back to the shadows, but don't pretend you don't know what else lives there . . . If I'm carrying on in this nightmare the least you could do is join me." -- Commissioner Gordon to Batman

Turning Points presents five short stories spotlighting the evolving work relationship between the fearless Dark Knight and the resilient Gotham PD commissioner Jim Gordon. In the initial outing Gordon is still a ginger-haired captain, stressing from a recent divorce while Batman is in the early and shadowy urban legend part of his crime-fighting career. Time quickly accelerates through the tales - the second features Gordon's concern / alarm over Batman's new teen sidekick Robin, and has one of the more utterly realistic scenes in a Batman book (with Gordon solemnly making the death notification to a murdered police officer's wife and child) - until the twisty finale, which is cleverly connects back to the first chapter and ends on a positive note (!). Nothing earth-shattering or essential here, but a decent little book from 'usual suspects' Rucka, Brubaker & Dixon.

[Molly™☺ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming selection of Gordon centric stories, it highlights just how key of a character the Commissioner is when it comes to the world of Gotham and the Batman franchise as a whole. Despite its short length, there are a lot of different themes being touched upon and it doesn’t shy away from exploring the Batman / GCPD dynamics from different angles. Another Rucka win that grounds the fantastical world into a mix of gritty police drama and heroics.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The interesting pitch here is that this is five installments which focus upon the growing relationship between Batman and Gordon, starting with when they barely knew each other to when they silently trusted one another without saying much of anything.



** SPOILERS **

For Batman fans the focuses are: Batman new to the job while Gordon is trying to avoid divorce from his wife; then the introduction of Robin and Mister Freeze; then the death of the first Robin and the fallout; Batman as the avenging and ominous Azraal (not Bruce Wayne); and then something of a happy ending tale.

** END SPOILERS **



The stories varied in quality because they had a group of writers, including Brubaker and Dixon. Artwork varied as well to suit the mood. The introduction of Robin artwork was Old School comic style (as in 80s or further back) and the one with Batman the avenging angel was dark and even gritty.


CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B; STORY/PLOTTING: B to B plus; OTHER BATMAN FOCUSES: B; GORDON BATMAN RELATIONSHIP: B to B plus; ARTWORK: B minus to B; OVERALL GRADE: B; WHEN READ: May 2012.

[Sesana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting concept for a miniseries. Originally five issues, Turning Points covers, briefly, five different points in Batman's career, and his relationship with Gordon at each of those times. The first is Year 1.5, the second right after he recruits Robin, then post The Killing Joke, then an Azrael-era story, and finally a "present" story (well, it was at the time). Three different writers are on board here, and for the most part, I think their styles meshed pretty well. Probably my favorite story was the Robin one, because I had sometimes wondered how others, especially Gordon, reacted to Robin showing up. The art was especially cool in this section, subtly retro. Overall, it's a nice way to recap the evolving relationship between Batman and Gordon, and to see the growth of the trust and respect between them.

[Santiago L. Moreno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esta pequeña antología de momentos engañosamente intrascendentes (ya lo aclara el título) en la relación entre el comisario Gordon y Batman se asemeja a esos agradecidos capítulos de descanso y recapitulación que, una vez por temporada, se dan en algunas series televisivas y de los cuales el espectador acaba guardando un gran recuerdo. Una pequeña y modesta joya que, desde la sencillez y en pocas páginas, explora uno de los puntales de la serie del murciélago, la amistad entre los dos titanes de la lucha contra el mal en Gotham. Gráficamente desigual, cuenta con un trío de guionistas de empaque. Rucka y Brubaker aportan aquello en lo que hicieron fuertes a los personajes, el toque noir, y Dixon escribe el capítulo más (anti)superheróico. Un pequeño bocado que deja muy buen sabor.

[Kyle Berk · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Batman: Turning Points is a really touching read. As someone who's familiar with all the beats of Batman's history this was a really good read for me. The stories individually are all well written. They're penned by Greg Rucka, Chuck Dixon, and Ed Brubaker. All of which are very accomplished and capable writers. But what they do is they take something that could be mediocre and make it better with the sum of it's parts. Rucka's stories tie together in a really touching way.

Overall I enjoyed this and think anyone who likes the Batman-Gordon dynamic will like this.

4 stars.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a neat collection of issues that recap some of Batman's most iconic moments/arc's. The neat twist with this trade was that it's told mostly from Jim Gordon's POV and how his relationship with Batman evolved over the years. The artwork was fantastic, and whilst it felt like retreading worn ground seeing it play out from a different POV made it feel fresher than perhaps it ought to have been. Good stuff!

[Dr Rashmit Mishra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look the general consensus about this book is that it's really a mediocre book , however against the majority i hold this book in high regard as i absolutely enjoyed this book .

The book narrates the various turning points in the relationship Jim Gordon and Batman , Namely 5 big incidents , the first one was in Year one when Batman first appeared and tried to win faith of Jim , the next was when Bats took his first Robin who was a kid and Jim was not having a kid in the middle of the mess known as Gotham , the third incident arrived after incident of Knightfall when Jim didnt know it but Azarael took on the mantle briefly , and finally the Follow up after death of Jason and Barbara being shot by Joker .

The book portrays all these incidents in distinct art styles similar to that of the era they were first published in , the dialogues the bat suits all similar to that age of comic book . Meanwhile the story really drills home how the bond of friendship has formed and retained between the two crime fighters . The final story arc really bought the story to a satisfying conclusion and really made me well off .

In the end , for me a critically acclaimed book/show/series may fail , but every tale that draws emotions from me , be it sorrow or laughs or excitement , i dub those books fantastic and ergo this was ... Fantastic

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hesitate to describe a Batman book as "sweet," but, well, here we are. "Turning Points" is a collection of 5 one-off stories about the relationship between Jim Gordon and Batman, and how it's evolved over the many years they've worked together. There's some very pleasant character work hidden underneath all the crime, particularly in Rucka's entries. You really get a sense for the mutual respect and reliance these men have for one another, and it's a great celebration of a team that often isn't even viewed as such. However, there just really isn't enough narrative oomph here to make it much more than that.

With each issue standing alone (apart from issues 1 and 5, which have a small correlation), each story has to read as thrilling and unique completely on its own. And while there's some very solid writing in here, there's just no time to build anything, no sense of lingering danger or intrigue. And, unfortunately, the stories just aren't quite compelling enough individually. I can barely even remember what each issue was about, storywise, which isn't a great sign.

If you are like me and are doing a Greg Rucka deep dive for some reason, then this one's worth it just for the character-building aspects. But as stories go, these aren't the most memorable.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one. It was a good, meaty read with lots of character interactions and plenty of action. Loved the ending, which came as a surprise for me

[Aidan]

The art all around in this is great, but its the Rucka issues that bookend this that really stand out- seeing a criminal reformed and happy with his new life is good Batman+Gordon material

[Guido]

Me pregunto si esto no se reedita en castellano desde Planeta...

[Iain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. One of the best collections I've read in a while. Five interlinked stories, each covering a "turning point" in the relationship between Batman and Jim Gordon. Starting at the early days when Batman first appeared and going full circle for the final installment, with a wonderful ending.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of by the numbers concept stories of moments in the lives and relationship between Batman and Jim Gordon. With all the writing talent here, I expected better.

[Ben Truong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Turning Points is a five-issue Batman limited series, exploring the turning points of the relationship between Batman and Commissioner James Gordon published by DC Comics. Batman: Turning Points collect all five issues of the 2001 limited series.

'Til Death Do Us Part (★★★☆☆) is a story takes place early in Bruce Wayne as Batman's vigilante career. Captain James Gordon has learned that his wife has left him and filed for divorce. Meanwhile, a wedding is being held hostage by Hale Corbett, a groom that had his fiancée died and Bruce Wayne as Batman comes to solve the problem without a loss of life. It is written by Greg Rucka and penciled by Steve Lieber.

From Generation to Generation Like Cancer (★★★☆☆) has Captain Gordon meets Dick Grayson as Robin for the first time after apprehending Victor Fries as Mr. Freeze. It is written by Ed Brubaker and penciled by Joe Giella.

Haunted (★★★☆☆) is a story set after Barbara Gordon's paralysis and Jason Todd as Robin's death at the hand of the Joker. Bruce Wayne as Batman and Gordon struggle to find peace after what happened to their loved ones to the point where Batman briefly contemplates cutting off contact with Gordon to focus on the mission until Barbara Gordon helps him see that doing that would only cause further harm to his friend. It is written by Ed Brubaker and penciled by Dick Giordano.

Transformations (★★★☆☆) is set during the events of the Knightfall saga, as Commissioner James Gordon is beginning to realize that the man beneath the cape and cowl is not the original Batman, and this suspicion is confirmed after a conversation with Bane. This leads Gordon to begin losing his trust in the Dark Knight. It is written by Chuck Dixon and penciled by Brent Anderson.

Old as the Stars (★★★☆☆) is set after the events of No Man's Land, at Gotham's Archie Goodwin International Airport. Dr. Hale Corbett returns on vacation to Gotham City with his new family after years moving to California. Bruce Wayne as Batman and Gordon suspect the professor's return is to seek revenge ten years previously. It turned out he only come to show his gratitude to the two of them, giving him the chance to start a new life after the deaths of his first wife and son, and also to fulfill the promise he made to his daughter of meeting a superhero. It is written by Greg Rucka and penciled by Paul Pope.

All in all, Batman: Turning Points is a mediocre collection of one-shots that has depicted the tumultuous relationship between Bruce Wayne as Batman and James Gordon throughout their careers.

[tony dillard jr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Turning Points is a five issue series that highlights the strange friendship between Jim Gordon and the Dark Knight. Taken from their earliest encounters, we see the strange evolution of begrudging trust mold into a symbiotic guardianship of Gotham City. Unwavering partnership was never the final destination of these two. As long of Gordon never really knows whose under the cowl, there will be the slightest doubt as to the Caped Crusader ability to not cross the line from vigilante into ruthless criminal.

Each issue features a famous artist and writer duo from the past 70 some odd years of Batman’s career. I loved issue one very much as it was a return to Frank Miller’s Batman: Year One storyline. Though, I wish they’d got Miller to do the writing or at least the plotting. Other issues involve Gordon going up the GCPD ranks from Lieutenant to Captain to ultimately Commissioner while Batman goes through a number of partners and gains members of the Batman family.

I do wish that the fourth issue wasn’t set when Azrael was the Batman. I know that that issue highlighted the doubt that will forever linger in the back of Gordon’s head like I mentioned earlier. I just wish that all five chapters could’ve involved the Bruce Wayne Batman. Also, I think a sixth issue epilogue would’ve been great. That one could’ve been set during the Dark Knight Returns timeline and maybe in a twist featured the Batman: Beyond Caped Crusader rising to ranks as the new protector of Gotham City.

While that story would’ve been awesome, the final chapter is a unique and heartwarming ending to events that unfold in issue 1. Thus a cycle of what is old is new again is complete. So, despite my fan boy dream team, I think Turning Points ended as strongly as it began a fantastic tribute to two of the DC Universe’s most trusted crime fighters.

[Nate]

Five stories by different creative teams, each highlighting pivotal moments in Batman’s relationship with Gordon over the years. The first takes place after Year One in the early stages of their friendship and features Mazzuchelli-style art. Next up is a story showing Gordon’s first meeting with Robin, and his lukewarm reaction to Batman having a kid fight crime. I thought this one was pretty interesting because I’ve always wondered how people first reacted to Robin. In the third, we see Batman retreating from Gordon after Jason Todd’s death and Barbara’s injury; this was a dark period in Batman’s life and this story shows how Gordon and Barbara, amidst all the tragedy, help keep him grounded. The fourth issue focuses on Jean-Paul Valley Batman and, unsurprisingly, it’s the worst of the bunch. Finally, the last story comes full circle to the first, taking place in the present and revisiting a character whom Batman and Gordon helped out.

Turning Points is a decent look at this unique friendship. By focusing on a series of small moments, the creators are able to hone in on the respect and trust that grows between the two men as they work to protect their city.

[Mike Jozic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable but kind of uneven. I think Rucka's issues were probably the best, and Sixon's revisiting of the Knightfall era was equally interesting. Strangely, the Brubaker issues ended up being the weakest of the five installments. I wasn't expecting that.

On the art side, Lieber, Anderson, and Pope are the standouts. I'm a sucker for anything by Paul Pope and having him team with Greg Rucka was the icing on the cake. The fact they did the last installment actually leaves me with a better taste in my mouth than I probably should have, right now. End with the best, I guess.

An interesting concept with middling execution. Pretty much for Batman fans only. I don't see casual readers getting much out of this.

[Sotofunkdamental · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buena lectura, que los fanáticos de Batman apreciarán. Argumento: "Batman y James Gordon han luchado codo a codo por salvar Gotham City del crimen desde el primer momento. Desde entonces han vivido una serie de tragedias que han asolado sus vidas de forma paralela. Desde el final del matrimonio de Gordon al poco de llegar a la ciudad hasta la muerte de Jason Todd, la parálisis de Barbara Gordon, la llegada de Bane y el cambio de Batman por Jean Paul Valley hasta la mayor crisis de Gotham con Tierra de Nadie. Ambos han pagado el precio que supone marcar la diferencia en una ciudad tan corrupta como Gotham City".

[Brandon Forsyth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun little slice of nostalgia from the two writers who would go on to do GOTHAM CENTRAL (still one of the greatest Batman books ever). While this doesn’t quite reach those heights, you can see some of the early ideas percolating here, and the idea of a book primarily focusing on Commissioner Gordon and Batman is weirdly not something that I’ve really seen before (YEAR ONE and KILLING JOKE, for obvious reasons, serve as major touchpoints here). I liked the way the writers riffed on the different eras of Batman, but ultimately the whole thing feels a little rushed. Brubaker and Rucka deserved more time with all of their Bat-stories, but this is still worth your time.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of stories about the relationship between Batman and Commissioner Gordon: the turning points in their relationship. These are vignettes that span the time from Year One to just after No Man's Land, and with Rucka, Brubaker, and Dixon writing the stories, they deliver on the promise of being quite strong. Ultimately the last issue was rather weak, and I don't think they perfectly stuck the landing, but overall it was a good read on the way the two went from wary allies to close friends.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the stories where Batman is human and shows his vulnerabilities and needs. We see in this series a man who needs others and share friendship. This is what Jim is to Batman, his glue to continue the fight when times get tough for both of them.

[Anders · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yeah this was okay. Retro art and the stories were all pretty standalone although they did follow up on big moments from the canon Batman story line. I did like the one that was a sequel to The Killing Joke and a look at how it changed Batman. Pretty skippable, but alright as far as things go.

[Tim]

I read this as individual issues.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

That last story in this book was worth the read.

[Amna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing special, but nice little vignettes of Batman/Gordon's friendship from three of my favorite writers.

[Jake Van Hoorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inconsistent quality in the artwork but terrific writing the Batman-Gordon relationship is at the heart of the Batman mythos and this book is a terrific exploration of its evolution over the years