SKU: 30148200792

HKM-E8M 79.9 Miles 72V 38.5Ah 2772Wh 4800W Dual-Motor Drive Long-Range Off-Road Electric Scooter - Black

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Description

HKM-E8M 79.9 Miles 72V 38.5Ah 2772Wh 4800W Dual-Motor Drive Long-Range Off-Road Electric Scooter - BlackHKM E8M High Performance Electric Scooter HKM E8M High Performance Electric Scooter Engineered for adventurers and urban commuters 4800W dual motor power, 72V ultra capacity battery, and all terrain dominance in a refined, portable frame. Dual Motor 4800W 59. 9 mph Top Speed 62. 969. 9 mi Range 2772Wh Battery Performance at a Glance Industry leading specifications engineered to redefine your riding experience from city streets to rugged backcountry

HKM-E8M - High-Performance Electric Scooter

HKM-E8M High-Performance Electric Scooter

Engineered for adventurers and urban commuters — 4800W dual-motor power, 72V ultra-capacity battery, and all-terrain dominance in a refined, portable frame.

Dual Motor 4800W 59.9 mph Top Speed 62.9–69.9 mi Range 2772Wh Battery

Performance at a Glance

Industry-leading specifications engineered to redefine your riding experience — from city streets to rugged backcountry trails.

4800W

Dual-Motor System

2×2400W motors for uncompromising torque and acceleration

2772Wh

Battery Capacity

72V 38.5Ah — the industry's most robust removable power system

59.9 mph

Top Speed

96.4 km/h — precision control with rapid acceleration

50°

Climbing Angle

Conquer steep inclines with all-terrain 11-inch wide off-road tires


4800W Dual-Motor Architecture

Two independent 2400W motors working in perfect synchronization deliver breathtaking torque, rapid throttle response, and exceptional control across every terrain type.

Independent Front & Rear Drive

Each wheel is powered by its own dedicated 2400W motor, distributing torque intelligently for superior traction on loose gravel, wet pavement, and steep gradients. The dual-motor configuration eliminates the efficiency losses of single-motor belt-driven systems, providing instantaneous power delivery with minimal maintenance requirements.

Adaptive Torque Distribution

Onboard controllers continuously monitor wheel slip, rider input, and terrain conditions — dynamically adjusting power distribution between the front and rear motors at millisecond intervals. This ensures optimal grip and stability whether you are accelerating out of a corner or climbing a loose-surface incline.

Dual-Mode Power Selector

Seamlessly switch between Eco, Sport, and dual-motor Turbo modes. Eco mode engages a single motor for maximum range during casual commutes, while Turbo mode unleashes the full 4800W for adrenaline-fueled off-road bursts. Each mode is calibrated to balance performance with energy efficiency.


2772Wh Smart Battery System

A removable, password-protected lithium power core that sets the benchmark for range, security, and charging convenience in the high-performance scooter category.

72V 38.5Ah

High-Voltage Architecture

The 72-volt configuration reduces current draw for any given power output, minimizing resistive heat loss and extending both motor and controller longevity. This high-voltage design is a hallmark of premium electric vehicle engineering.

62.9–69.9 mi

Extended Range

101–112 km per charge under mixed riding conditions. Real-world range varies based on rider weight, terrain, speed mode, and ambient temperature. Eco mode at moderate speeds yields the upper end of this range envelope.

Password-Protected Detachable Design

The battery module features an integrated digital lock with user-programmable password protection — a first in its class. Remove the battery for secure indoor charging at your office, apartment, or home. The robust locking mechanism prevents unauthorized removal when the scooter is parked in public spaces.

Dual-Port Rapid Charging

Two independent charging ports accept simultaneous input from dual chargers, effectively halving total charge time. Using both ports with the recommended 5A chargers, the massive 2772Wh battery reaches 80% capacity significantly faster than single-port systems — getting you back on the road sooner.

Lithium Cell Grade & Battery Management

Premium automotive-grade lithium cells with an advanced BMS (Battery Management System) that monitors individual cell voltage, temperature, and charge cycles. Overcharge, over-discharge, short-circuit, and thermal protection are all integrated, ensuring safe operation across thousands of charge cycles.


All-Terrain Dominance

11-inch wide-profile off-road tires paired with advanced front and rear suspension deliver confidence-inspiring stability on pavement, dirt, grass, and rocky trails.

11-Inch Wide Off-Road Tires

The 11-inch (28 cm) diameter tires feature a deep, aggressive tread pattern optimized for loose surfaces while remaining quiet and efficient on asphalt. The wide contact patch increases grip during cornering and reduces the risk of pinch flats when rolling over curbs, roots, or potholes.

Advanced Front & Rear Suspension

The HKM-E8M employs a sophisticated suspension system with adjustable preload and rebound damping on both the front fork and rear swingarm. This dual-suspension architecture absorbs high-frequency vibrations from rough terrain while maintaining composure during hard braking and aggressive cornering maneuvers.

50° Climbing Capability

With a 50-degree maximum climbing angle, the HKM-E8M tackles gradients that would stall lesser scooters. The combination of dual-motor torque, optimized weight distribution, and high-traction tires enables confident ascents on steep hills — whether navigating San Francisco streets or mountain fire roads.


Unrivaled Speed & Precision Agility

A top speed of 59.9 mph (96.4 km/h) places the HKM-E8M in an elite performance tier, while refined throttle mapping and responsive braking ensure composed handling at any velocity.

0–30 mph

Rapid Acceleration

The dual 2400W motors propel the HKM-E8M from a standstill to urban cruising speed in mere seconds. Throttle response is tuned for smooth, controllable starts — not jerky surprises — while still delivering exhilarating pull when you twist the grip with intent.

Hydraulic Brakes

Precision Stopping Power

Dual hydraulic disc brakes with large-diameter rotors provide confident, fade-resistant stopping power from any speed. The brake lever feel is progressive and communicative, allowing nuanced modulation for gentle deceleration or emergency stops.

Electronic Regenerative Braking

An adjustable regenerative braking system recovers kinetic energy during deceleration, feeding it back into the battery. Riders can customize the regen intensity via the onboard display — opt for a free-coasting feel or aggressive energy recapture that extends range in stop-and-go traffic.

Steering Precision & Low Center of Gravity

The battery and motor assemblies are positioned low in the deck, creating an exceptionally low center of gravity. This design choice enhances straight-line stability at high speeds and inspires confidence during quick directional changes — the scooter feels planted and responsive rather than top-heavy.


Intelligent Security & Access

Modern convenience meets robust protection — NFC authentication and a password-secured battery ensure that your HKM-E8M remains exactly where you left it.

NFC Card Authentication

Tap your included NFC card against the scooter's reader to unlock and power on instantly — no keys, no fumbling with apps, no Bluetooth pairing delays. The encrypted NFC protocol prevents cloning and unauthorized duplication, while multiple cards can be registered for shared family or fleet access.

Battery Lock with Digital Passcode

The removable battery is secured by an electronic locking mechanism controlled via a user-set passcode. Without the correct code, the battery cannot be removed from the deck — deterring theft and preventing unauthorized access to the most valuable component of the scooter.

Anti-Theft Immobilizer

When locked via NFC, the motors electronically lock, making the scooter impossible to push or ride away. Any attempt to move the scooter while armed triggers an audible alarm, and the motor resistance provides a formidable physical deterrent against rolling theft.


Lightweight Durability & Thoughtful Design

At just 110 lbs (50 kg), the HKM-E8M balances robust construction with surprising portability — a feat of materials engineering in the high-power scooter segment.

110 lbs

Optimized Weight

50 kg — remarkably light for a dual-motor scooter with a 2772Wh battery. The frame uses aerospace-grade aluminum alloy forgings and extrusions, strategically reinforced at high-stress junctions while minimizing material elsewhere. The result is a frame that is both stiff and surprisingly manageable to lift into a vehicle trunk.

Folding Mechanism

Compact Storage

The stem folds securely at the base using a reinforced dual-locking hinge. When folded, the HKM-E8M occupies a compact footprint suitable for car trunks, closets, or office corners. The latch mechanism is designed for thousands of fold/unfold cycles without developing play or looseness.

Integrated LED Display & Controls

A bright, sunlight-readable LED display mounted centrally on the handlebar shows speed, battery level, current mode, range estimate, and system status at a glance. The intuitive control layout places throttle, brake, mode selector, and NFC reader within effortless thumb reach — no need to reposition your grip while riding.

Integrated Lighting System

High-output LED headlights, brake-actuated rear lights, and side marker LEDs ensure 360-degree visibility during night rides. The headlight beam pattern is optimized for both throw distance and peripheral illumination, while the brake lights flash rapidly during hard deceleration to alert following vehicles.


Technical Specifications

Every specification refined through rigorous engineering and real-world testing — because every detail matters when you are traveling at speed.

Motor System

4800W Dual-Motor (2×2400W)

Battery

72V / 38.5Ah / 2772Wh Lithium

Top Speed

59.9 mph (96.4 km/h)

Range per Charge

62.9–69.9 mi (101–112 km)

Tire Size

11-inch Wide Off-Road (28 cm)

Max Climbing Angle

50°

Suspension

Front & Rear Adjustable Suspension

Brakes

Dual Hydraulic Disc + Regenerative

Net Weight

110 lbs (50 kg)

Charging

Dual-Port Fast Charging

Security

NFC + Password Battery Lock + Immobilizer

Display

LED Central Display — Sunlight Readable

Lighting

360° LED — Headlight, Brake, Side Markers

Frame Material

Aerospace-Grade Aluminum Alloy

Modes

Eco / Sport / Turbo (Dual-Motor)

Folding

Reinforced Dual-Lock Stem Hinge

* Specifications are based on laboratory testing under controlled conditions. Actual performance may vary depending on rider weight, terrain, riding style, ambient temperature, tire pressure, and battery charge level. Range figures are estimates obtained under optimal conditions with a 165 lb (75 kg) rider in Eco mode on flat terrain at 15–20 mph (24–32 km/h).


Why the HKM-E8M Stands Apart

In a market flooded with compromises, the HKM-E8M represents a no-compromise approach to electric scooter engineering — delivering power, range, security, and portability in a cohesive, rider-focused package.

No Range Anxiety

With up to 69.9 miles (112 km) of real-world range and a removable battery that charges anywhere, the HKM-E8M eliminates the constant worry of running out of power mid-journey. Commute all week on a single charge.

Truly All-Terrain

Unlike scooters that claim off-road capability but falter on anything beyond smooth pavement, the HKM-E8M's 11-inch tires, dual suspension, and 50° climbing angle make it genuinely capable on trails, grass, and gravel.

Best-in-Class Security

NFC ignition, password-locked battery, and electronic motor immobilizer — three independent layers of security that most competitors simply do not offer. Your investment stays protected wherever you park.

Portable Without Sacrifice

At 110 lbs (50 kg), the HKM-E8M is significantly more manageable than many competitors in the high-power category, which can exceed 130–150 lbs (59–68 kg). Fold and lift into a trunk without assistance.


Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common inquiries about the HKM-E8M electric scooter.

What is the real-world range of the HKM-E8M?

The HKM-E8M achieves a range of 62.9–69.9 miles (101–112 km) per charge under optimal conditions — Eco mode, flat terrain, 165 lb (75 kg) rider, moderate ambient temperature, and consistent speeds of 15–20 mph (24–32 km/h). In mixed riding with Sport mode acceleration and some incline work, expect approximately 45–55 miles (72–88 km). Factors such as rider weight, aggressive throttle use, cold weather, and hilly terrain will reduce the achievable range. The removable battery design allows you to carry a spare for truly unlimited range.

How does the dual-motor system compare to single-motor scooters?

Dual-motor systems provide significantly more torque, better traction, and superior climbing ability compared to single-motor designs. With both wheels driven, the HKM-E8M maintains grip on loose surfaces where a single-motor scooter might spin its drive wheel. Additionally, dual motors share the workload, reducing thermal stress on each individual motor during sustained high-power operation. The ability to switch between single-motor Eco mode and dual-motor Turbo mode gives riders the flexibility to prioritize range or performance as needed.

Is the battery really removable, and how does the password lock work?

Yes, the 72V 38.5Ah battery module is fully removable. It slides out from the deck after releasing the electronic lock via the NFC-authenticated control panel. You can set a personalized passcode that must be entered before the battery can be physically removed — this prevents unauthorized extraction when the scooter is parked. Once removed, the battery can be charged indoors using either one or both charging ports. The battery weighs approximately 28 lbs (12.7 kg) and includes a built-in carry handle for convenient transport.

How long does it take to fully charge the battery?

Using a single standard 5A charger, a full charge from 0% to 100% takes approximately 8–10 hours. With the dual-port charging system and two 5A chargers connected simultaneously, charge time is reduced to approximately 4–5 hours. For daily commuting, a partial charge (e.g., 30% to 80%) can be achieved in under 2 hours with dual chargers. The BMS automatically balances cells and tapers current near full capacity to protect long-term battery health.

What maintenance does the HKM-E8M require?

The HKM-E8M is designed for low-maintenance ownership. Key maintenance items include: regular tire pressure checks (recommended every 2 weeks), periodic brake pad inspection (every 300–500 miles / 480–800 km), occasional suspension lubrication, and keeping the battery contacts clean. The brushless DC motors require no routine maintenance. The hydraulic brake fluid should be inspected annually and replaced as needed. We recommend a professional inspection once per year or every 2,000 miles (3,200 km), whichever comes first.

Can the HKM-E8M be ridden in the rain?

The HKM-E8M features an IP54-rated water resistance design, meaning it is protected against splashing water from any direction and limited dust ingress. It can handle light rain and damp roads without issue. However, it is not designed for submersion or heavy downpours. We recommend avoiding riding through deep puddles and storing the scooter in a dry location. The removable battery compartment includes additional sealing to protect the electrical contacts when the battery is installed.

Do I need a license or registration to ride the HKM-E8M?

Regulations vary by jurisdiction. The HKM-E8M's top speed of 59.9 mph (96.4 km/h) exceeds typical electric scooter speed limits in many regions, which often cap at 15–20 mph (24–32 km/h) for unregistered electric scooters. Depending on your location, the HKM-E8M may be classified as a moped, motor-driven cycle, or other category requiring registration, licensing, and insurance. Riders are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable local laws. We strongly recommend checking with your local Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent authority before operating the HKM-E8M on public roads.


Purchase with Confidence

Every HKM-E8M order is backed by comprehensive coverage — because your peace of mind matters as much as your ride.

Free Shipping on All Orders

Complimentary standard shipping to the contiguous United States. Your HKM-E8M arrives at your doorstep at no extra cost — carefully packaged and fully insured during transit.

180-Day Purchase Protection

Every HKM-E8M is covered by a comprehensive 180-day protection plan against manufacturing defects. If anything goes wrong due to materials or workmanship, we will repair or replace it at no cost to you.

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Not completely satisfied? Return your HKM-E8M within 30 days of delivery for a full refund — no questions asked. We stand behind our product and want you to be fully confident in your purchase.

24-Month Warranty Service

Beyond the initial purchase protection, the HKM-E8M is backed by a full 24-month warranty covering the frame, motors, battery, controller, and all major electronic components for long-term peace of mind.

* Policy terms apply. Please refer to our full warranty documentation for detailed coverage information, exclusions, and claim procedures. Free shipping applies to orders within the contiguous 48 United States; additional charges may apply for Alaska, Hawaii, and international destinations.


The HKM-E8M — where uncompromising engineering meets the freedom of the open road.

Designed for those who demand more from every ride. More power. More range. More security. More versatility. Without compromise.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 30148200792

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Kurt
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Sequel to Long Halloween
Format: Paperback
This takes all of the great elements of the Long Halloween and keeps it going. The two of those books together is a great story telling. Ticks all the boxes of a great Batman book. If you like this and Long Halloween check out The Penguin show on HBO Max. and if you like The Penguin but haven't read these two books you should since the show pulls a lot of influence from them.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2024
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kindlemom1 (My Guilty Obsession Blog)
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Worth the price!
Format: Paperback
Great set!
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Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2025
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John Hall
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
The Robin Origin Tale We Needed
Format: Paperback
Hot off The Long Halloween Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale return for another murder mystery. This is a direct sequel and follows the aftermath of The Long Halloween. The art is stellar and the story is deep and dark. The trinity of Batman, Dent and Gordon is gone and the isolation is real. At the heart of it, life goes on. Sofia Falcone is back and ready to get revenge. Meanwhile, Dick Grayson's about to go through the darkest chapter of his life. There's a surprise villain who makes a chilling introduction and much more. If you wanted more after Batman: Year One and The Long Halloween, this is the book for you.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2025
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The Blue Thunder Bomb
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
The Best BATMAN Tale since YEAR ONE.
When I first started reading Scott Snyder's run on DETECTIVE COMICS, I was unfamiliar with his work. It seemed like they had just grabbed a new name after arcs done by distinguished writers such as Grant Morrison (which I actually thought was terrible during his RIP arc), Greg Rucka (who did a brilliant job with bringing the character of Batwoman into the fold), and Paul Dini (whose work ranged from not great to just about perfect). Snyder just seemed like a Johnny-Come-Lately, and the previous arc on DETECTIVE had been particularly disappointing, but alas I had faith that another solid arc was due for the Darkknight Detective, so I kept collecting. Nothing could have made me happier, since Snyder and his partners in crime, artists Jock and Francesco Francavilla had crafted the most solid, unified and smartest Batman tale since Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's eponymous BATMAN: YEAR ONE. Not to get too bogged down in plot detail, but essentially, the "Black Mirror" arc begins with Dick Grayson as The Batman (since Bruce Wayne was too busy fighting his way through time... argh...) and he's closing in on a secret auction where 'collectibles' of Gotham's most notorious villains are being sold to an elite crowd of wealthy degenerates, such as Scarecrow's fear gas and the crowbar actually used to beat Jason Todd almost to death. The main villain of the piece is hardly Batman's most powerful enemy, but it does leave some psychic scars on Dick. Next Dick is forced to deal with a dead woman found in an office building. Hardly worth Batman's specific attention, but what is is that the woman's body was found inside a dead killer whale's mouth in an office building. Making matters more complicated is that the woman this murder is sending a message to is actually the daughter of Tony Zucco, the gangster responsible for the death of Dick's parents. While these stories are exciting, well-crafted and beautifully rendered by Jock, we enter a much more personal tale of Commissioner Gordon: the return of his son James Jr., who we haven't seen much of at all in his life. Apparently, James Jr. is a psychotic who is taking a new anti-psychotic medication and hopes to return back to society in some way. This becomes a very personal tale for the Gordon family, including Gordon's ex-wife Barbara and of course his daughter Barbara, formerly Batgirl and now the wheelchair-confined information gatherer Oracle. These interludes are illustrated by the brilliant Francavilla, whose every page looks like it's suitable for framing. Unfortunately for everyone involved, Jr. is not exactly what he seems to be and this leads to a small-scale but highly emotionally charged finale. Scott Snyder did several things in this book that very few before him were able to do successfully. First and foremost, he captured the essence of Dick Grayson bearing the responsibility of being Batman. It's not something he shirks from, but he does feel out of place living in Bruce's penthouse and basically taking the mantle of Batman is no small matter. He is more emotional than Bruce and has more issues with his own fears. Second is that he's one of the few writers to really get the essence of Batman being a detective. While Dick is not as brilliant as Bruce, he was trained by the best, and Batman is not just a machine of brute force dispensing justice with his fists and cool gadgets; he's also considered the world's greatest detective and it's always exciting to see an author with a good handle on that aspect of Batman. Third is Snyder's awareness of Gotham not just being a city, but as being an integral character in the adventures of Batman. There's a darkness to the city that the good people strive to rise above, which is why the partnership of Batman and Jim Gordon has been the lifeline of Gotham's survival. Also on wonderful display here is Snyder's understanding of the supporting cast. He gives all of them equal and necessary life in the story, and has a superb handle on their individual characters. In the few years since Snyder started in this business, first gaining prominence on AMERICAN VAMPIRE (which is another breath of fresh air to a dying genre) and then his work on DETECTIVE gaining him even greater accolades, he has become possibly the best writer currently at DC. Several people, including myself have heralded him as the next Alan Moore. He has an understanding of character, dialogue and structure that is unusual and continually striking. He's been the standout star of DC's "New 52", continuing his work on Batman with as well as bringing back one of DC's greatest horror titles, . He has also continued to establish himself as one of comic's premier horror writers by doing the best horror comic in years over at Image Comics called (you can find my review of that book via that link), as well as doing a mini-event that explores the beginnings of Gotham City in . THE BLACK MIRROR is a Batman classic that people will still be discussing in years to come, as well as his other work in the field. I couldn't suggest more highly picking up any of his books. It doesn't get much better.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2012
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JR. Forasteros
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
Dark, Brooding and 100% Batman
This review is super-spoilery. If you haven't read The Black Mirror yet, do yourself a favor and go grab a copy ASAP. You won't regret it. No matter who we are, we can't escape our past. Where we've come from and who we've been leave indelible marks on us. Nowhere is this more true than Gotham City, and in Batman: The Black Mirror, Scott Snyder gives us a glimpse into the Darkness that lies at the core of the city. If you're not a regular Batman reader, you may not know that everyone in the DC Comics universe thought Bruce Wayne was dead for a while. While he was gone, Dick Grayson - the original Robin - took up the mantle of the Batman. After Bruce Wayne's return, he kept Dick as the new Gotham City Batman.* Black Mirror is actually a story featuring Dick Grayson - not Bruce Wayne - as the Batman. Snyder's story is one of the best Batman stories I've ever read. It's a dark, brooding and good, old-fashioned detective story. And it actually works better with Dick instead of Bruce under the cowl. That's a writing feat nothing short of miraculous. Snyder's Gotham is a monstrous city that seeks to poison everyone in it. It turned both Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson into masked vigilantes. Dick was the child of circus acrobats who were murdered in Gotham. He was taken in by Bruce Wayne, who lost his own parents to Gotham criminals and trained Dick to become Robin. Eventually Dick outgrew the Robin persona and became Nightwing, working in a city near Gotham. Joining Dick in the spotlight of Black Mirror is Commissioner James "Jim" Gordon, who's no less a victim of Gotham's darkness than Dick. He and his first wife Barbara have a son named James, Jr., who left with Barbara when she and Jim divorced. Jim also has a niece named Barbara who came to live with him after her parents died. Barbara dated Dick in high school, and she became the first Batgirl. In Alan Moore's epic The Killing Joke, the Joker shoots Barbara in the stomach, paralyzing her. In a wheelchair, she's now the Oracle. She serves as the information hub for Batman, Robin and their allies. The Black Mirror introduces us for the first time to the adult James, Jr., who has returned to Gotham searching for a second chance. We learn from his suspicious father that James, Jr. is a clinical psychopath: he doesn't feel typical human emotion (yes, just like Dexter). But he comes claiming to be on a new medication that stimulates the brain to produce the chemicals psychopaths lack. He reveals that he's volunteering at Dr. Leslie Thompkins' free clinic. Jim Gordon is suspicious, distrustful. But he can't stop himself from being hopeful, too. Is it possible that his son has found peace and even redemption? Snyder keeps us guessing about James, Jr.'s true nature through the whole book. We feel the tension Jim Gordon feels, torn as he is between Oracle's pessimism and Dick's optimism. Barbara is convinced that James, Jr. is a monster who can and will never change, while Dick is hopeful. And so with this tension established, Snyder asks us a most basic question: can we be anything other than what we have been? We meet Sonja Branch, the estranged daughter of the mobster who killed Dick's parents. A wealthy, successful executive, Dick wonders to Jim Gordon if she's as upstanding as she seems. Dick muses that "it's nice to know that maybe, once in a blue moon, the apple does fall far from the tree in Gotham." The expression on Jim Gordon's face as he echoes, "Once in a blue moon," reveals that he's still wondering about James, Jr. An old case has led Jim to reflect on his son to wonder yet again what made him the way he is. To wonder what he could've done differently. He concludes that Gotham is fundamentally sick. He wonders to Dick: Do you ever feel like... like the more good you do or try to do for people out there, for strangers, the more the ones close to you, the ones you love, get hurt? ...I don't mean in general. I mean here. In Gotham... I'm talking about the damn bedrock. There are times I feel a dark heart down there, Dick. A dark, malformed heart. Since Alan Moore's The Killing Joke, the Batman mythology has suggested that Gotham's villains arise as a response to the Batman's presence. The Joker of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns is comatose, awaking only when news breaks that the Batman has returned to Gotham. And Heath Ledger's Joker in The Dark Knight laughs that Batman thinks Joker wants him dead - the Batman completes Ledger's Joker. But Snyder dares to step beyond this to suggest that it's Gotham, the city itself that creates both the heroes and the monsters. Gotham created the Batman just as it created the Joker. Gotham created Robin by murdering Dick's parents. And now that Dick is the Batman, we learn that Gotham has been creating a new nightmare just for him. Dick's opposite, his dark mirror, isn't the Joker. That surprise comes when we finally meet the newly-escaped Clown Prince of Crime after Batman tracks him down. The Joker knows instantly, chastising Batman: Do you even know what Gotham means, little bird? ...It means a safe place for goats! And do you know what preys on goats? Bats. The bat makes the goat sick. But every bat does this in its own way. And you, you're not my bat! So what sickness has arisen as a response to Dick's new Batman? By the time we reach Snyder's gut-wrenching, perfectly, agonizingly timed reveal, we realize it could have been no one else but James, Jr. James, Jr. is a pure, true psychopath. He's reversed his medications - instead of stimulating the brain to produce more of the drugs that give us emotions, James, Jr.'s drug suppresses them. His master plan - an eerie successor to the Joker's inaugural caper - is to drug a factory in Gotham that manufactures infant formula. James, Jr.'s goal is to create a generation of psychopaths, to remake Gotham's children in his own image. He calmly explains as much to Dick as he tortures his cousin, Barbara: Gotham is a city of nightmares... in the truest sense because what's a nightmare if it isn't a warning? A vision of yourself at your weakest... Batman - the real one - he shapes Gotham out of an obsession... but you new crop, you do it out of compassion. Out of empathy. Out of weakness... And out of all of them, Dick, you're the weakest. [Gotham] is a city of nightmares, and I'm yours. I'm the face you see in the glass. A man with no conscience. No empathy. Gotham made me to challenge you... I am Gotham's son. And the city made me so I could help usher in a new generation of children. Dick proves that his compassion is more a weapon than a weakness, thwarting James, Jr. (probably). But Black Mirror leaves us with an unsettled, uneasy sense that this fight is darker and longer than we thought. We start to wonder if the Batman's quest is actually winnable, in the end. But Dick Grayson never wonders. That's what separates him from the James, Jrs. of the world. That's what separates him even from Bruce. This is a different Batman. Full of optimism. Playful - he makes jokes and teases his teammates. Dick's Batman is at once totally different from Bruce's and at the same time wholly Batman. Most importantly, Dick is hopeful. And it's ultimately that hope that lifts us up over even a surprisingly ambiguous ending. Dick said it perfectly early in the book: I couldn't understand why Bruce... always chose to drive through the streets, moving on the ground... when he could've just soared above it all. But I get it now. Because even back then he understood that Gotham is a place you can never get above, a place you can never see clearly... I can't help it, though. I'm built differently. Because there's something about seeing Gotham from the sky that energizes me, gives me hope, if only for a moment before I come back down to earth. Dick hopes that Gotham can be better. It's a hope that transcends anything even Bruce has. And it's that hope that draws him and those around him - like Jim and Barbara to fight the good fight. Bottom Line: Whether you're a long-time fan of the Batman or only know The Dark Knight, Snyder's book is a must read. The characters are amazing. The plot is fantastic. The art is breathtaking. From start to finish, The Black Mirror is a sterling example of the literary power of comics you'll want to read over and over again. *Since DC Comics has rebooted their entire franchise, none of this is the case anymore. Bruce is back to being the Batman and Dick Grayson has returned to his role as Nightwing.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2011

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