Batman (2025-) #6

Batman (2025) (Single Issues)

by Matt Fraction, Jorge Jiménez (Artist)

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

30 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2026

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

[Machiavelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished Batman #6 (“Monster Smash”) and this was a blast. Big, kinetic action with Batman cutting loose, and Jorge Jiménez absolutely steals the show — the movement and monster-scale chaos look fantastic. Al’s has some good character work, and spectacle, but it totally works for what this issue wants to be. A really fun read. 4.5⭐️

[dusty · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This issue felt huge. I’m seriously loving what Matt Fraction is doing with this Batman run, and after that final page… I cannot wait to see how everything unfolds post–DC K.O. It genuinely feels like something big is being set in motion here.

First of all, it is absolutely hilarious (in the most classic comic-book way) that Dr. Zeller is still completely clueless about Bruce’s identity. Like… she sees Damian AS ROBIN calling Bruce “Father” and Bruce is driving around Gotham like a madman protecting her from ninjas, and her takeaway is that Bruce is just letting his kid work with Batman? She’s incredibly smart, which somehow makes her missing this even funnier. It’s so absurd that I kind of love it.

I also really loved the continuation of the Minotaur storyline and the absolutely wild move he pulled on Gotham’s villains. Seeing their reactions as they left that meeting was great, and the way Hugo Strange was tied into this issue worked really well. Matt Fraction is doing a fantastic job connecting the wider world of Gotham and making it all feel lived-in and interconnected. And honestly, those little info blocks about Batman’s gadgets? They never get old!! I get so excited whenever they come up.

The only thing I’ve been a bit skeptical about (and this really only started last issue) is the direction with Tim Drake. I like the idea, but at first it felt like it maybe came on a little fast. When I initially realized what was happening, I got nervous.. but by the end of Tim and Bruce’s conversation, I was fully on board. I’m really excited to see where life takes Tim next. And Tim’s moment with Damian? That was genuinely so sweet man.

Overall, just like I said… something REALLY big is coming with this run, which is wild because it already feels like so much has happened. That final page especially made it clear we’re in for something special. If you somehow haven’t picked this up yet, now is the time for sure. This run is just pure fun and genuinely SO good!

[emilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

this issue is the definition of having a very rough night

[Saket · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have gotten around Matt Fraction’s narrative structure. I do like each issue being self-contained. This isn’t being written for a trade paperback and that’s interesting to see. I’m used to the other way around.

But this issue has too much going on. Character decisions that come out of minimal prior development. Not enough dialogue to flesh out certain vaguer images & plot points.

Damn it though, Jiménez’s is too good 😭 what an incredible illustrator. His colourist whose name I am forgetting is doing a splendid job as well. Absolutely love how different this take on Batman is.

Alright issue overall, not as good as #5. 5 was a roller coaster.

[AJ Easterday · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like Tim was barely in this series and now he's already leaving! I will miss him so much. 😢 I hope he's not away for too long.

I am sad that Damian and Tim did not get a proper goodbye, but I understand that Damian was having a rough night. It does make me wonder when this takes place compared to the events of Batman and Robin though, because Damian definitely feels more mature in the current arc of Batman and Robin. I do wish there was a little more consistency between series.

I do find it hilarious that Annika doesn't assume Bruce is Batman after finding out his son is Robin. I was wondering if this comic would potentially go in that direction, and I'm glad it did.

This series is consistently great and I'm always so excited to continue reading it. Can't wait for what comes next!

[Jadyn❀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been a bit underwhelmed by this run. I just don’t like what it does with Damian, and how often I’m reminded that there’s no cohesion among DC’s titles, including those under the Batman umbrella. We’re retreading the same ground so often with Damian and Bruce that it’s starting to feel like the endless cycle of Jason and Bruce. I’m not mad about the choice made with Tim, I like it, even. I’m just frustrated about how this book was kind of marketed to feature Tim as Bruce’s Robin, just to back out after six issues (and, as I’ve mentioned before, seems to be entirely unaware that Bernard learned Tim’s Robin identity back in 2023). Let Tim take his break, and honestly, let Damian do the same. I’m sure Maps Mizoguchi would love to take a crack at being Robin for real if Bruce finds himself in need of one.
My complaints aside, I actually think what’s going on with Dr. Annika Zeller and the kid Huston Gray are kind of interesting, but the episodic-but-also-ongoing nature of this run means that there’s always too much going on to ever give any one plot thread ample time. I hope we’ll have time to return to the Vandal Savage stuff soon. It would also be cool if Anarky turned out to be more than a one-off appearance.

[Craig Schorling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great issue with some nice character moments. This team continues to nail it and the last couple of pages was really awesome.

[zachariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grey and blue suit for Brave and the Bold is a daily prayer

[Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad they didnt risk letting Zeller in on it.... but good lord is everyone in DC blind when it comes to Batman and Supermans identities??

[Antonio Escobar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This issue has a little bit of everything and I love it all

[Cybernex007 · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I really enjoyed this issue, as someone who is still newer to the comic space (especially when it comes to older batman runs) it helps to see others perspective on this issue as I’m still pretty oblivious to former characterizations and how they have grown or possibly regressed over the years. I mean just compared to the recent B&R run I definitely agree that Damian’s reaction to Tim hanging up the mantle this issue was a bit odd. That’s something Damian has contemplated at this point, and while I really want to see them do more with Tim (just make him Red Robin and pull Bernard in, geez) it feels like Damian would be more than okay with Tim taking some time for himself. But I have to admit my biggest shock comes at the start of this issue, ironically when Bruce and Annika Zeller are wrapped in shock blankets, as for some reason Zeller fully knows that Bruce’s son is Robin…but somehow can’t make the connection that Bruce is batman. LOL, you don’t see what is there when you don’t want to or expect to I guess, Bruce even seems slightly shocked that she didn’t figure that out but hey at least he left her with that really expensive cube that saved her life last issue. But Bruce does still feel a line was crossed by Damian, it was a stupid mistake and the whole point of their secret identities is to keep others safe. Bruce immediately showed his frustration with this when he got home and literally punched through the punching bag Damian was bloodying his knuckles on before Bruce destroyed it. Honestly enough said, do better. Bruce even got a little mind flash of Alfred before shutting it down himself. We really need to address that one of these days Bruce, it’s really not healthy.

Bruce isn’t the only one having a bad night though, as you may recall a bunch of mob bosses family members were executed tonight, including a Penguin, by the Minotaur to keep things in check. As everyone drove home with their loved one’s bodies in their car, one boss in particular got a call…Tozuki. Turns out his family was hired to take out Zeller last issue and they failed miserably. Who else but Hugo Strange would want a doctor at Arkham whacked? He called Tozuki in a rage as he sat on his throne of books, surrounded by dead bodies he was working on. So Hugo declares that he will take matters into his own hand and show Gotham what he can really do.

Elsewhere we drop in on Bullock, incidentally looking at a “play bird” magazine with a very lewd picture of Big Barda on the cover. I can’t help but think that is left over from Byrne’s run on Superman in the 80s, lol (IYKYK). But more importantly, Bullock is the last honest cop in Gotham (besides Gordon or course, and the fact Bullock isn’t a cop…which may be what makes him honest) according to Jack Dean. He has brought Huston over to show Bullock the footage who took. Bullock recognized the power in this kids hands immediately, actual video evidence of commissioner Savage planting evidence…but Bullock also sees the danger. It won’t hold up in this down, and they have no one to corroborate the events as the cop who was wheeled away died at the hospital…he was strangled and they need to watch their backs. Sheesh. The one hand they need to get this into is batman for sure, let him keep it and hold it as a card to be played later.

Hugo Strange ultimately decided to take out his frustration on Tozuki directly, unleashing his new batch of jokerized monster men on one of their facilities. There is one special moment in particular where a cleaning lady is hiding underneath a desk, with her fingers pointed up in the side of her head to emulate Batman’s ears, all while she continually says Batman as if to invoke his name will bring him to the rescue because his big ears can hear all…and you know what…it works! Right as one of their monster men smash away the desk a grappling line from the (probably) patented “bat-reel” comes flying in to wrap around the giant and drag it outside to be taken down. Batman is able to direct the woman to safety, and then rips out his own laser honed bat blades to start slashing through the rest of the monster men. With such a good looking cape (amazing colors) naturally one of them grabs it and batman is slammed to the ground. This couldn’t have happened at a better time, as even though he tried to call out to the monsters to get down…the hail of gunfire from the mounted laser sights that filled the room took them down first. Batman rolled out the back of the building and called his car in to smash through Vandal’s new trigger happy super cops, driving away before they could even get up.

As batman gets back to Pennyworth manor after a long night, he is greeted by Tim who wanes to have a serious talk with Bruce. As it turns out he saw the Jim Lee cover for this book and now has to take a break, lol. In all seriousness, he has found a semblance of a normal happy life, but the more he lies the more it hurts him and his relationship and that’s just not healthy. Fortunately Bruce is on a healthier place himself after all these years and welcomes the prospect of Tim taking a break as that’s exactly what they’ve been fighting for, the door is always open for him to come back but he hopes he never has to. Tim pulls Bruce in for a hug, then walks up to talk to Damian who has locked himself in his room and has decided to call Tim a betrayer who is too weak for Damian to hang out with anymore. Tim tries to impart a lesson on Damian about the world being much bigger than the bat cave, like he hasn’t learned that himself in the recent B&R run.

But as the issue comes to an end we end on a highly shocking note. Zeller gets back to Arkham Towers to continue her work, she has that brain device Nygma was trying to get a few issues ago and she has a specific patient she is testing it on that can only talk through the computer system and seems to keep burning through it. They have gotten quite “chummy” with each other, reaching an informal stage of talking as Zeller feels comfortable opening up about her life. She doesn’t give away too many details, just mentioning she had a date with Bruce, she met his son, then got into a car crash later with a bad ride share driver. She doesn’t go into any future prospects she may have with Bruce, instead shifting it to the patient and asking if he has gotten in contact with his friend to schedule a visit. Turns out he has, but hasn’t heard back yet…but it’s only a matter of time because it’s his very best friend. The last page reveals that she has been talking to Joker while inside of a green bacta tank and hooked up all over the place with wires and feeding tubes and just what in the world is happening?! I actually had to double check it was joker, other than the skin complexion it looks nothing like him. And Zeller is just chill talking to him?! We’ve seen what that device did to Riddler, is it affecting joker at all or does his mind just burn through it and fight back? I’m really interested to see where this run continues to go. I know with this being a batman book the main focus will always be batman, but he’s a been through a lot and has a very supportive family. It would be a shame for them to feel like singular footsteps along this path instead of walking beside Bruce. Especially with Tim, no way the series starts with him as Robin and he is out by the 6th issue. I don’t really know Bernard’s deal as I haven’t read much with him in it, outside of this, but if he’s gonna be a legit member of the family here we gotta pull him in, lol, and get Tim back in the Red Robin saddle. And geez Bruce has gotta work through those Alfred emotions. It’s so clear that he is constantly checking himself on how he talks to the family, like with Damian, but he is holding those feelings down to continue to appear as the big bad bat. He needs to drop that and accept the Alfred side of himself to fully heal. What have we been learning from the recent batgirl run if not that, right? Cass needs to get in these series STAT and drop some of that knowledge.

[Neil Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sure I'd written a review of this on the week of review but this seems to have happened with a few of my reviews.

This went straight onto my pull list after the excellent issue 5 and I was looking forward to seeing how the cliffhanger would be resolved. The resolution is fun and while it stretches credibility, it is a fun twist for them to think Damien Wayne is Robin but Bruce isn't Batman.
I thought it was a little cold of Bruce how he dresses Damian down but I guess it was a major slip up that could have major consequences.
The rest of the issue is mostly concerned with clearing Tim Drake from the stage which seems untimely when Damian is making mistakes. It's hopefully not the last we see of Tim as I like the character.
The end reveal was a bit concerning as I'm pretty tired of the Joker (if that's who's in the tub) but even more disappointed that Bruce's girlfriend is essentially a villain making the Damian Robin reveal feel less important.
I'm willing to see if Fraction has something interesting cooked up with some of these less appealing plot developments.

I can't fault the art as Jimenez almost seems to be in a groove with his tenure on Batman. I did enjoy the body language on the page with Bruce sitting in the ambulance with the doctor regarding Damian's slip up.

Overall = 4/5
Writing = 3/5
Art = 4/5

Will I read the next issue? Yes.

Did I need to read previous issues/series? It would help to read how Damian made his mistake from the previous issue.

Will I read previous issues? I'll probably do so with a trade collection as physical copies are rare and I can buy the trade for same price as four digital copies.

[Jerry Aguirre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome comic, the series that keeps giving. What’s going to happen now that Joker has entered the new series? Is he part of the Minotaurs group? What about Hugo Strange ? This was awesome.

From issue 4 to now, it all happened in one night. The end of this issue being called “The Long Night”

- The Minotaur executes someone special from each member of the group since his plans failed.

- Batman goes on a date with his doctor to figure out more about what she’s doing

- Bruce Wayne and the doctor get chased by ninjas, fall off a bridge in a car, escape an assassin OJO, escape a deathly alleyway and rooftop, and then at the end Robin comes and calls Bruce father in front of her.

- The doctor goes home but her uber gets in a car crash

- Damian Wayne GOT ACCEPTED into a college program, so does this mean he might live to see the world outside the batcave ?

- Tim drake tells Batman he’s going to hang the boos for a while and focus on his relationship.

- Batman destroys Hugo Stranges Monster men but almost dies from a group with guns shooting at the monsters. Is Hugo part of the group?

- The cop that survived issue 4 , who almost got strangled by Ras , dies, so the detectives are now watching their back.

- And we find out that the doctor was working, is working with The Joker.

AWESOME, Very important issue. All happened in one night crazy.

Further questions :
- what were the red smoke coming from the Sewers.
- are they part of the circle?
- why is she working with the joker?
- why is joker in a glass can?
- will damian leave Bruce ?
- WHO were the men that gunned down the monsters.


IM SO EXCITED !

[RubiGiráldez RubiGiráldez · Rating 3 out of 5]

La noche más mala o difícil no será la que suponga la enésima patrulla nocturna del Caballero Oscuro contra algo tan "clásico" como Hugo Strange y una nueva remesa de sus monstruosidades. Sin el traje con protecciones y super gadgets ni la máscara que defina al héroe, Bruce Wayne solo puede tratar de aceptar cómo se mantienen, evolucionan, o cambian sus relaciones personales. Las cuales aquí vemos en varios frentes clave, pasando de su enésimo interés romántico que puede que esté "frecuentando malas compañías", el lidiar con el temperamento de Damian y cierta decisión de Tim Drake que por supuesto contará con la comprensión paternofilial que merece cualquier miembro de la Batfamilia.

Matt Fraction demuestra que realmente puede definir una gran etapa de Batman (el talento gráfico está ya más que demostrado), pero sí que parece que aún no se puede discernir si será por causa de este tipo de números distanciados o la propuesta argumental general.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this new Batman run by Matt Fraction, but the issues are so short and it makes the pacing feel so choppy month to month (I barely remembered who Bernard was. I'm not up to date on all the current Batman canon either). None of the storylines get any depth or focus in any given issue. Might read better once it's all collected in a single volume, but I am reading these as they come out monthly. The Tim thing seemed to come a bit out of nowhere, but I like it as a character/story beat. Just wish it had been explored a little more ahead of time. The Tim/Bruce and Tim/Damian scenes were great 😭
I trust Fraction though (his Hawkeye run is still one of my favorites) and it seems like he's building up to something big with this.

[Molsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Can you imagine? A love you can see from the rooftops?’

‘What else have we been fighting for if not that?

Tim Drake, you’re the bravest soul I’ve ever known.

You can always come back.

But I hope you never have to.’

Gosh I love them so much it makes me sick.

Although I’m sad to see Tim leave so soon after anticipating a longer spotlight onto his and Bruce’s partnership this run, this issue tackled their relationship so incredibly beautifully I cant bring myself to be upset about it. Fraction has been absolutely killing it with each issue so I have high hopes for the future of not only Tim’s development but the relationships and dynamics of the whole Bat family.

This issue was so great and I can’t wait to see where this run heads next.

[Jason Holtzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good follow up to the previous issue. However, I am a little vexed as to how we’re supposed to believe that the doctor didn’t put two and two together and assume Batman is Bruce Wayne, but that remains to be seen. Maybe it will reveal that she did later. Regardless, I like the framing of this issue with the multiple emotional blows all hitting Bruce at once. However, I do think it was a bit of a struggle to fit them all in. The pace seemed off-kilter and some moments like the scene with Tim just seem to come out of nowhere with little-to-no lead up.

I’m not sure how I feel about this subplot with the doctor and the Joker. I hope it doesn’t go too off the rails or fall into a pit of clichés.

[Nicolo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tim Drake retiring as Robin? Say it ain't so! Well, he did have a rough night, see Batman (2025-) #2, and he has more to lose now.

Just when it looking was like Tim was going to be the main Robin, he walks away. He was the best Robin. Dick was the best sidekick, but Tim was the best Robin.

For the price of five dollars, I got a comic book with less story than expected. If I'm going to pay full price I would it filled to the brim with a Batman story rather than subsidize DC marketing with previous pages of a book I'm not going to buy. At least, I still got Absolute Batman.

[DonHeimscheißer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This issue starts right where the last one left off and really shows that Annika cannot put two and two together. She literally saw Robin (Damian) call Bruce Wayne “Dad” last issue… and still hasn’t figured it out? That was kind of crazy to me.

The issue ends with the reveal of the Joker, and you can already tell he’s probably going to be the main focus of the next issue.

There were some really cool panels in this one, but I expected to see more of the Dr. Strange monsters. It felt pretty quick, and the cover makes it seem like that would be the whole focus, but it’s not. Also Tim Drake stop being Robin and Damian is all butt hurt about it.

[Abel Allwein · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can see why this issue was kinda controversial, what with Tim leaving so suddenly and us not getting a ton of time with him yet. But also his line about a love you can see from the rooftops and saying he thinks he has found that with Bernard!?!! *Puppy dog eyes*

I found it hilarious that twice in the same issue two different people put up their fingers to imitate Batman’s ears of his cowl.

I also loved the direction they went with having Annika not assume Bruce is Batman after last issue’s cliff hanger.

WAS THAT THE JOKER AT THE END?!?!?

[Nolan McNulty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this issue quite a bit. It builds towards a bigger story at hand, while further developing the lives of our characters behind the mask. Dr Zeller not realizing Bruce was Batman was so silly and funny to me, and Tim’s heart to heart with Bruce and Damian was sweet. I liked how this issue was a good standalone but I’m also looking forward to seeing where this is leading to.

[Gabriel Salvo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good follow up to the previous issue, we see the ramifications of Damian's slip up in front of Zeller. It feels like the calm before the big storm, all the pieces slowly falling into place for the next big arc of the run. There's a wholesome moment between Tim and Bruce, and Batman saves a civillian for Hugo's monster men. And that tease at the end...oh boy.

[fang · Rating 5 out of 5]

annika telling bruce “what’s he gonna do? call cps on you? beat me up like how he solves every other problem?” bc she thinks bruce is letting his kid moonlight for batman is so fucking funny

worse is bruce getting up and leaving her in the ambulance instead of coming up with literally any lie to cover that

[Sonio · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting issue I’m skeptical of Tim’s future however I did really like his moment with Damien and I really think it’s a reoccurrence between each Robin however it’s still pivotal nonetheless. Find it quite funny DR Zeller still doesn’t realise Bruce’s identity despite it being right it her face.

[Daniel Clausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This issue features another wonderful story with a few twists and amazing art. In this episode, you see a more human Batman with gentle, fatherly traits as a major character makes an important decision. I can't wait to read the next exciting issue and see where the story goes.

[Xaanua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Batman 6: Fraction está escribiendo lo que a mí me interesa leer cuando leo un cómic: la humanidad del personaje. Preciosa y muy emotivas las escenas de Bruce con Tim Drake, lo que le dice y lo que Tim le dice a Damian. hay alma en la historia

[Joseph Andress · Rating 4 out of 5]

The level of consistency with this run is proving to be very impressive. From the creativity of its art and panels, to the layered depictions of its characters, Batman is in good hands with this team.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this issue. Hate Bernard. Hate the name Bernard. Hated him in Wool / Silo. Hate him in Batman. Don’t name your kid Bernard. Hate hate hate. If I never hear the word Bernard again it’ll be too soon. Hate that guy.

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is genuinely such a good take on Batman, and the batfamily. I love the interactions with Damian (both with Bruce and with Tim) I liked the Tim and Bruce scene, and I'm super interested in learning more about the doctor too.

[alejandro galvez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good.

Very good but they need to get rid of Tim Drake. The character is trash now. But other than that, its been a good story. Not a lot happens in this issue but its a good series.