Batman has a renaissance like never before. First, we released Batman in theaters in 2022. After that, I decided to become brave and bold in DC Comics and create an absolute universe last year. A few weeks ago, DC Comics announced the new LEGO Batman game Legacy of the Dark Knight.
And of course, why we’re here: DC Comics reset its main Batman title for the first time since 2016. Did you know that this will be the fourth time in the history of a character who has #1? Outside of #1 in his first series, the title is only reset to the new 52, DC: Rebirth, and now. However, since his last #1, there have been so many changes for Batman. So are Matt Fraction and Jorge Zimenez taking them to a table that requires a full series reset? Now, let’s get into that.
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Matt Fraction has written some of my favourite books, such as Hawkeye: My Life as a Weapon and Sensulational Spider-Man Annual Annual #1. And although he wrote the character temporarily in Killing Jimmy Olsen: Jimmy Olsen, a fellow Superman from the hit miniseries, I’d love to see his long-term interpretation of Batman. And that won’t disappoint. Batman has lost many things in the last few years: his fortune (for a while), his love, and most importantly, his father is Alfred Pennyworth. And, if that’s possible, it’s clear that Bruce is beginning to get a little more sick of it, but there aren’t some of the same intense personalities as before. Here he is sometimes almost indifferent. He feels like he has embraced the reality that bad things happen. And it’s his job to prevent that. Looking at how Batman deals with it, this comes in the most unique way, but the story benefits completely from it. Through this story, the reader can connect with Batman’s humanity through one of his strangest conversations. Additionally, Fraction’s first issue in Batman shows how readers can expect this story to carry a more emotional undertone, helping to drive Bruce out of his comfort zone and find this issue very meaningful.
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Other than this, the story is rather fascinating, despite its very simple premise. It focuses primarily on Batman and the Killer Clock, but we find a lot about the Batman series aiming to stand apart from its predecessors. The story draws from every nook and cranny of Batman’s supportive cast by showing that some of the important Bruce allies are expected to be here, while also preparing us for the series’ first huge conflict. It may seem like Killer Clock is a real threat, but it’s actually police chief Vandar Savage. And while it’s still a bit offensive to see Vandal Savage running to the police in Gotham City, it’s a good idea to reflect Gotham is always in a constant cycle of corruption.
It’s time to talk about the enormous revelation of this issue in Batman’s endless mission spirit. Alfred is back. And while that’s not the way we all want, Fraction’s incorporation of characters adds a familiar tone of both wit and mind that the series lacks over the years. There may be an entire can of worms that can be unleashed about Batman’s use of AI in his life, but I think it’s best summed up as Batman’s mental health is always on the fragile side, and his use here speaks directly about his internal conflict with his internal conflict. As a result, Batman #1 is a great reset for characters who find immersive when longtime readers, those who have taken a break from the series, or those who are used to the character.
Jorge Zimenez has attracted many Batman in his career. He first painted Batman’s new 52 Earth 2 counterpart about ten years ago, but he has been the constant main artist of the hated Crusades for several years now, and is the main artist for both James Tanion IV and Chip Zudarski’s Batman Run. But this is my favorite rendition of his Batman. And most of it is suits. I love the huge logo. Its excellence helps it feel a keen and highly intentional feeling, as Bruce reminds the criminals protecting Gotham. Plus, since removing Batman’s DC: Regenerative Suit, I understand why the black and gray batsuits are iconic, but I feel a bit unstained to see them because I feel a bit unsharp. So, seeing Tomeu Molly pull out the electric blue suit for this run was definitely the best they could do. Both of these suits are homage to some iconic Batsits, paving their own way of being completely new and all different. Plus, Batmobile gets a new look and is fantastic. It’s a bit like Robert Pattinson’s Batmobile, so it’s not entirely new, but this car feels like it’s a perfect fit for the series. Seeing Battuts reminiscent of the Neil Adams era, it simply follows the same trend by the Batmobile resembling a muscle car. As a result of these subtle changes, the tone shift in this series creates a more attractive and familiar environment, with a modern twist.
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Beyond how spectacular the new Battoots and Batmobiles are, this is an incredible question. Jorge Zimenez seems to only get better with all the problems he portrays. In this book, Jimenez escaped from his typical pencil habits, drawing several pages in the old fashioned way, crafting them himself. I certainly know one page that was hand drawn, but there are several other pages that he decided to draw by hand on this issue to celebrate the fourth #1 in Batman history. This issue is sharply illustrated, with dynamic art that mainly transforms detective novels into detail. Plus, Jiminez introduces Batman gadgets to all of them in a similar way to unlocking them in an Arkham game. Another noteworthy point is that Tomeumory does an outstanding job of bringing vibrant colours into the matter, helping to create a more vivid story filled with life and raw emotions. Overall, this is a beautifully drawn comic from start to finish.
So is Batman #1 really special? Is it a suitable way to resume the legendary series or a cash grab? So far, it definitely seems more than just an attempt at another name. Comparing the previous three, each brings something new to the table. It’s a character introduction, a hard reset of myths, and a fusion of history. So, what does this bring?
After years of complicated narratives attempting to prove Batman’s relevance in the modern era, Batman #1 (2025) is a comfortable reset for characters trying to prove Batman’s relevance. It doesn’t have to be replicas or extravagant, it needs to be interesting, and the rest goes on. However, there is a lot to attract your attention in this issue as Gotham ultimately feels alive again. It is often considered a character of its own, but I think this issue is a prime example of what this means by introducing some new characters that I believe will become pivotal players in this arc. Things are lively thanks to their focus on characters other than Batman. This story will succeed and stand the test of time as it reminds us that Batman’s importance comes from his humanity and hope for a better tomorrow.
“Batman” #1 feels like he’s going home
This is the perfect introduction to Batman and his current status in Gotham City.
The story is visually stunning.
This feels like the beginning of a very memorable Batman story.
