Batman #1, the latest installment of DC Comics’ beloved superhero saga, kicks off a new chapter for Gotham’s iconic crimefighter. However, as much as the excitement for a fresh start looms large, Batman #1 fails to live up to the expectations set by the decades of storytelling surrounding the Dark Knight. Written by Matt Fraction, this issue has some serious missteps that leave Batman fans questioning the creative direction.
The New Day Dawns in Gotham City
Batman #1 introduces a new dynamic in Gotham, with Police Commissioner Vandal Savage declaring war on the city’s vigilantes. Former Police Commissioner Jim Gordon has taken a step back and returned to his roots as a street-level cop. Meanwhile, Killer Croc is once again on the loose, having regressed into a childlike state due to his worsening condition. These elements certainly provide an intriguing backdrop, but as the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that something crucial about Batman is missing.
Fraction’s Batman: Misunderstanding the Hero
One of the central pillars of Batman’s character has always been his deep desire to protect others and ensure that they don’t meet a tragic end. This is a hero who believes that no one, no matter their past or status, deserves to die. However, Fraction’s interpretation of Batman feels significantly off the mark.
The issue seems intent on portraying a Batman who is struggling with his own mental state, holding imaginary conversations with the deceased Alfred Pennyworth. While this could’ve been an interesting angle, it feels overly familiar and lacks the emotional depth that makes Batman so relatable. Fraction’s Batman comes across as a more cynical, jaded version of the character, one who lacks the compassion and empathy that define the Dark Knight.
As noted by Mark Waid in Kingdom Come, Batman is fundamentally someone who refuses to let anyone die, regardless of the situation. Fraction’s portrayal of Batman here completely misses that aspect. This version of the hero is dismissive of the idea of handling Killer Croc with compassion, even when experts suggest that Croc is more of a danger to himself than others. This feels like a stark contradiction to the Batman that has always stood out as a force for good in a world full of darkness.
The Art: A Silver Lining
While the story may falter, Jorge Jiménez’s artwork is the shining star of this issue. Known for his ability to bring dynamic action and energy to every page, Jiménez’s portrayal of Batman is fluid and vibrant. The action sequences are engaging, and the atmosphere of Gotham is expertly captured. The art provides a visual thrill that compensates for the shortcomings of the narrative.
A Batman For A Different Era?
There’s undoubtedly a segment of readers who prefer a darker, more cynical take on Batman. For those who enjoy a Batman who feels more like a lone, emotionally distanced figure, Batman #1 may resonate. But for long-time fans who appreciate the compassion and heroism that Batman has historically embodied, this iteration feels like a betrayal of everything that made the character great.
This issue feels less like a superhero story and more like an exploration of a brooding, almost nihilistic anti-hero. The complexity of the character is lost, and the heart that should define Batman is sorely absent.
Final Thoughts
Batman #1 under Matt Fraction’s pen ultimately misses the mark. While Jorge Jiménez’s art is a bright spot, the story falters, presenting a Batman who feels out of character, cynical, and emotionally distant. This may appeal to some, but it leaves many fans questioning where the true spirit of the Dark Knight went. For anyone hoping to see the compassionate, resilient Batman they know and love, this issue feels like a disappointing departure.
Grade: 4/10
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