Batman (2025-) #1

Batman (2025) (Single Issues)

by Matt Fraction, Jorge Jiménez (Artist)

A new day dawns for the Dark Knight Detective as Eisner Award-winningwriter Matt Fraction (Hawkeye, Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen) joins forces withsuperstar artist Jorge Jiménez (Batman, Summer of Superman Special) for anunforgettable new era of Batman!The best superhero in comics gets a brand-new first issue to kick off this newera that will test Batman and Bruce Wayne like never before!

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

30 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2025

About the author

"How he got started in comics: In 1983, when Fraction was 7 years old and growing up in Kansas City, Mo., he became fascinated by the U.S. invasion of Grenada and created his own newspaper to explain the event. "I've always been story-driven, telling stories with pictures and words," he said.

Education and first job: Fraction never graduated from college. He stopped half a semester short of an art degree at Kansas City Art Institute in Missouri in 1998 to take a job as a Web designer and managing editor of a magazine about Internet culture.

"My mother was not happy about that," he said.

But that gig led Fraction and his co-workers to split off and launch MK12, a boutique graphic design and production firm in Kansas City that created the opening credits for the James Bond film "Quantum of Solace."

Big break: While writing and directing live-action shoots at MK12, Fraction spent his spare time writing comics and pitching his books each year to publishers at Comic-Con. Two books sold: "The Last of the Independents," published in 2003 by AiT/Planet Lar, and "Casanova," published in 2006 by Image Comics.

Fraction traveled extensively on commercial shoots. Then his wife got pregnant. So Fraction did what any rational man in his position would do -- he quit his job at MK12 to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time comic book writer.

Say what? "It was terrifying," said Fraction, who now lives in Portland, Ore. "I was married. We had a house. We had a baby coming. And I just quit my job."

Marvel hired Fraction in June 2006, thanks largely to the success of his other two comics. "I got very lucky," he half-joked. "If it hadn't worked out, I would have had to move back in with my parents.

- 2009. Alex Pham. Los Angeles Times.

Reviews

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, vibrant, and I love how kind Bruce is here but also can be scary. Perfect balance.

[Machiavelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fraction and Jiménez debut a bold new era for Gotham. The city glows with neon noir energy, Batman debuts a high-tech suit (electro-gauntlets, detective visor, and AI Alfred), and the tone strikes a compelling balance between grit and hope. Jiménez’s art is dazzling—every page layered with detail and cinematic flair—while the script works both as a sharp standalone story and a confident foundation for what’s to come. A striking reset that makes Gotham feel alive in fresh ways.

[Molly™☺ · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic refresh for Batman. Fraction and Jiménez have created something special and very much needed for the character. Bruce is wonderfully humanised here, something that seems to be pushed to the back in many recent iterations. However, just because he is more emotionally available doesn't make him any less intimidating of a presence when he needs to be. The balance between the Bat and the boy who lost his parents is near perfect and sets up who this version of Bruce is. Jiménez's art accompanies Fraction's writing and is visually stunning, elevating the experience into a complete package. What with Loeb and Lee's Hush 2 still running parallel with this, the start of Batman Vol.4 offers a brighter alternative whilst maintaining the core elements of the character.

actual rating: 4.5 stars

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting enough first issue. Interesting things going on with Croc, a new commissioner and Batman has some new gadgets. Things laid out in this first issue seem like this could get real good. Time will tell.

[Veronika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pro: A.) Batmans Charakterisierung. Bruce ist hier verletzlicher, einsamer nach Alfreds Tod (*wein*), aber wirkt auch sanfter, weicher als in manch anderen Iterationen. Seine Interaktion mit Killer Croc war einfach... schön und berührend.
B.) Der Zeichenstil von Jorge Jiménez ist der Hammer. Jiménez ist richtig richtig gut, die Bilder sind ein Traum, sehr dicht, sehr atmosphärisch, extrem plastisch. Die Farben, die Linien - Chef's kiss! Auch die Charaktere sind richtig gut getroffen.
C.) Commissioner Gordon ist nur noch Detective Gordon und die gesamte Gotham Polizei ist nun Anti-Batman und auf der Jagd nach ihm. Das ist neu und interessant. Gefällt mir als Konzept und fühlt sich sehr back to the roots / Year One-Nostalgia an.

Contra: Tim Drake ist Robin. *eye roll* Ich weiß, ich bin damit in der Minderheit, aber ich bin mit Tim als Bruces Partner nie warm geworden. Tim ist mit ABSTAND der Robin (und der Sohn!) mit dem Batman am wenigstens Reibung hat. Sie sind beide analytisch, ruhig, nüchtern. Wenig Spannung, wenig Konflikte. (Aber wer will denn das lesen??)
Damian hat Bruce RICHTIG gefordert, als Vater und als Batman, und zwar auf allen Ebenen - emotional, ethisch, körperlich, alles. Bruce und Jason haben ein dramatisches, zerrüttetes Verhältnis mit zarten Annäherungen inmitten von Bergen an Schuld und Bedauern. Bruce und Dick sind INTENSE weil sie sich so viel bedeuten und so lange Partner waren und so ein inniges Verhältnis haben trotz aller Reibungspunkte.
Aber Tim und Bruce sind einfach beide so nüchtern und rational... das ist langweilig. Also möp. Dämliche Entscheidung ihn hier zum Robin zu machen.

[Jadyn❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I don't know if I agree Batman believes people don't change, if that's what we're teaching him again, I can't argue with a book with that reminds readers that people can change. I liked this take on Killer Croc, actually. What Savage is doing with the police isn't a super new idea, so let's see where they take it. Cautiously optimistic for future issues.

[Daniel Clausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comic that depicts Batman with a brain, a heart, and deep compassion...and with beautiful art. I can't wait to read more.

[Rizwan Khalil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read a Batman main continuity issue after a long, long time...but its Matt f'king Fraction writing Batman, specifying as each issue being standalone building up to something epic, with a slice of life touch, a la his legendary Hawkeye run, how could I not?

And yes, its exactly as heartwarming, glorious, beautifully written and perfectly characterized as I've hoped for, and then some! Just a little story of one typical crime-infested evening in Gotham, Batman out on patrol, and one of his long time nemesis (Killer Croc) escaping Arkham and currently on the loose, as per usual. Such a same old-same old way to begin a brand new run, YET the way story progressed to its unforeseen conclusion is anything but, in a refreshingly unique thoughtful way, and mixing a little hearttugging emotions as well. I had a smile a mile wide all the way through, a warm fuzzy feel afterwards. When did I say THAT last time to a freaking Batman story?

Jorge Jimenez's astonishing, gorgeous illustrations were just BREATHTAKING. Loved all the details of Gotham City, felt like a living breathing real-life city, and all the bright BLUES from Bruce's eyepopping brilliant new blue & gray batsuit to blue headlights of the badass batmobile to blue tints of the beautiful butterflies and Batman's gloves tasers and the whole evening afterglow of the city.

If this excellent first issue have shown anything, its that this Fraction & Jimenez Batman run is going to be GOOD, and genuinely original. That's the hope, at least. I really want to read the second issue right now, dammit.

[Madison Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. A kind Batman who actually talks to Robin.

[Steve Darrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new start!

Great book to start the new run. Surprised they started with Croc but not disappointed. Can’t wait for more Robbin next month.

[malilikoi Crayola Toyota Hotel Trivago]

So good so far!
I LOOOOOVE the art!!

Bros gonna have a character arc and I bet Fractions gonna have it in the bag. (Have I mentioned I love his Hawkeye comics)

I like the way Gotham is just Gothamy with the crazy stuff going on. Bro went on some side quests during main mission cuz it’s so crazy there.

The bullet proof ad on tv plsss lol
I like how he dealed with croc
The tiny dinosaur omg!
The commissioner is who- !! :O whaaat.
Bro hallucinating Alfred is so tragic :,,(

[dusty · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s crazy to me how there can be so many versions of Batman that feel drastically different, yet all stay true to the character.

I really love what Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez are doing with this run. Jorge is one of my favorite artists, and with only a few “Batman #1” issues ever made, I knew this one would be something special.

Bruce feels more human than ever, yet still incredibly dark and intimidating as the Dark Knight. The neon-noir Gotham paired with cutting-edge Bat-tech makes the story feel both fresh and timeless.

The first story centers around Killer Croc, and it’s not your typical “monster on the loose” tale. It adds surprising depth to a character often seen as just a brute.

There’s so much I could say about this first issue — I’m incredibly excited to see where it goes from here, and I’m loving it so far. Pick up a copy ASAP!

[Courtney]

This Batman completely eats. The best way to describe this is that it was softer. The butterflies and the childishness of Killer Croc. The way Batman just sits with him. Also the gadgets are sooooo good.

[Clint · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t pay attention to what is happening in the main universe of DC (or its competition for that matter), but when I heard of this (too late!) I was intrigued.

Last week, I found myself in a great little comic shop in Asheville, NC and scored a first edition of issue 1 and 2.

I read both last night and I am enjoying this take on Bats. I dig the Bat-Gadgets, the neon-noir Gotham, the self-contained stories. This is great stuff.

It has earned the honor of being one of the few comics added to my physical pull box.

[Annemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

really loved this one. the art is gorgeous. loved the characterization of Batman. that killer Croc scene was top-notch. increasing premise too, assuming we're following whatever is happening to killer croc.

[Gavin Peterman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the premise so far... let's see how it gets bad.

[AJ Easterday · Rating 4 out of 5]

So intrigued to see where this goes! Really interesting set-up! Love the new suit and new batmobile. Jorge Jimenez really went all-out with the art in this comic. It's absolutely beautiful. I'm also really impressed with Matt Fraction's writing, especially since I haven't been a fan of his comics in the past. This could be the one to change my mind about him. There's some really beautiful character writing in this, especially involving Batman and Croc.

I need to know what's going to happen to Robin. Excited to read more about Tim Drake.

[JD Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art is GORGEOUS and the overall plot of the issue is good, but I don't like how Bruce is written in this issue. I don't think he would say people don't change, nor would he speak so harshly about Killer Croc. I like how that ended, but it made Bruce feel, in the beginning, weirdly mean. The dialogue *around* Batman was really good, especially Alfred's, but Bruce Wayne himself felt a tiny bit off and forced to fit the theme of the issue.

I'll give issue 2 a shot when it releases but this book just left me feeling off.

[Jedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

so freaking good!! loveee the art and the way batman looks 😮‍💨

killer croc reminds me of bizzaro hes so cute "i ate the zoo" okay buddy

but im also confused on the timeline? gordan's a cop? the police hate batman? the freaking military type employment of the police btw? TIM DRAKEEE?

see i thought this was like early early batman but he seems well established w tim as robin. as it said officer gordon USED to be commissioner 🧐

[kesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

yk what hell yeah

this is a promising first issue that understands that batman remains firm in his vision of vigilante justice, we have a really touching moment between him and one of his ops and it makes you feel hopeful on this new era dawning

the references to the bat gadgets and blue-grey bruce as a nod to that classic batman design speaks to this meeting between old and new gens

let bruce go to therapy 🙏

4 stars.

[Zoey · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Killer Croc hasn’t been Waylon Jones for a long time. I try to keep them separate in my mind. It’s easier that way.” -Batman

I adore this series so far. Matt Fraction understands Batman as the hero he’s supposed to be— empathetic to a fault, and the type to sit with a reformed villain as they wait for help to come.

[Kay ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked:Everything. I was surprised. I want to read more of Matt Fractions work! He writes a good superhero.
Art & Coloring:Neat and vibrant. Action scenes look good.
Writing:Good dialogue. Batman can be too broody and cheesy at times. I liked his tone here.
What I didn't like:It kind of ended in a cliffhanger.
Final thoughts: When is the trade coming out?
Continuing?: Yes

[Abel Allwein · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5
So lovely for my first classic Batman ongoing series! Excited to see where it goes. I love the mental health angle this story seems to be taking and how very anti-police it seems to be in its messaging.

[Jason Holtzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this series leans too much into the premise of changing Batman’s mjnd against the fact “that people can’t change” and that he “doesn’t need help” then it will lose any novelty really quickly — both of those stories have been told numerous times.

With that in mind, on its own this is a really great first issue, getting us acclimated to the new status quo and cast of characters. The story is very sweet, doesn’t fear involving the character’s history, and is brilliantly illustrated!

[Anthony Tran · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 but rounding up. Not sure if I'm down with the story choice of making a veteran Bruce learn that people *can* change ... but it's very vibrant & fun. Not a bad start !

[Phantom II Lyda · Rating 4 out of 5]

alright so far

Alright so far. I like the costume FOR SURE!
Could have been longer. Hope to see things pick up in the second issue.

[⟡ Amira ⟡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love a kind Batman, not sure if Batman thinks ppl can’t change, rehabilitation is his whole thing but glad he found his way back to the idea that they do change

[Jonathan Kamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing first issue and some of the most beautiful comic art to date. Feels like an authentic true to character Batman unlike so many other portrayals.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

We’ll see if Fraction can write me into reading Batman.

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was meh to me, but I will continue reading.