Brian Augustyn (1954–2022)

Gotham by Gaslight is a DC Comics one-shot by Brian Augustyn and Mike Mignola, with inks by P. Craig Russell (famous for his work with Neil Gaiman). The story revolves around a 19th-century version of Bruce Wayne making his debut as Batman just as Jack the Ripper has arrived in Gotham City. Not all the citizens of Gotham trust this Bat-man. Could the Batman be Jack the Ripper? Read to find out!

Although it was not initially labeled as such, Gotham by Gaslight is considered to be the first Elseworlds story in which DC Comics characters from alternate timelines or realities are featured in stories outside of the DC Universe canon (a sort of What if? scenario). While not originally labelled as such, subsequent printings of Gotham by Gaslight have incorporated the Elseworlds logo. It spawned one sequel, Batman: Master of the Future (1991), also written by Augustyn, with art by Eduardo Barreto, that was included in the edition I read.

Both stories are enjoyable for the alternative worldbuilding that is on display. I enjoy a good historical fiction/superhero mashups. Gotham by Gaslight was a bit disappointing in the end, however, as the motivation of our killer was absolutely ridiculous.… (more)

***after finishing***
The first two stories I could follow without knowing anything about the Batman universe but the 3th one... No idea. The last one was enjoyable but in the beginning I felt lost.

***before reading***
I'm not a big DC fan but I'm always happy to get into a fight to tell people Batman would totally kick Superman's arse.

So most of my comics on my shelf are actually from Marvel and looking at it right now I don't think I actually have.... Oh I do: Jonah Hex. What was I saying... Oh yes the reason I wanted this was I'm a huge sucker of the what if... Stories by marvel and really enjoy steampunk. So a broody batman doing things by gaslight, jup that sounds like a Me story.… (more)