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Batman (2025) (Single Issues)
Batman (2025-) #7
As Batman is beckoned to Arkham Towers by the mysterious man in Room Ten, nothing will prepare him for who he finds there. Some might call him the Caped Crusader’s archnemesis. Others might call him Batman’s best friend. Everyone calls him the Joker.
Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2026
About the author
Matt Fraction
1,233 books1,888 followers"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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 5, 2026
*4.5* A really cool read. Jorge Jimenez worked hard on this one. It’s gorgeous art, of course, especially that foldout page, but we don’t talk enough about how expressive his characters are.
The only thing that I didn’t love about this was when Dr. Zeller basically said she’d have the room kill Batman if he tried to harm her patient, the Joker. What doctor is willing to cause death to prevent harm?
I’m gonna have to take a look back at the last time we saw Joker (outside of K.O., where his inclusion now makes no sense) because I don’t remember how he got here.
The only thing that I didn’t love about this was when Dr. Zeller basically said she’d have the room kill Batman if he tried to harm her patient, the Joker. What doctor is willing to cause death to prevent harm?
I’m gonna have to take a look back at the last time we saw Joker (outside of K.O., where his inclusion now makes no sense) because I don’t remember how he got here.
March 6, 2026
Just finished Batman #7 by Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez and this one absolutely worked for me.
Instead of a huge action issue, it’s mostly Batman and Joker facing each other and talking — digging into the weird, twisted connection between them. Fraction really nails the tension of that dynamic. You never believe Joker, but you also can’t stop listening to what he’s saying.
Jiménez’s art is incredible as always, especially the sequences digging into Joker’s psyche.
It’s a bold, character-driven issue and I loved it.
Instead of a huge action issue, it’s mostly Batman and Joker facing each other and talking — digging into the weird, twisted connection between them. Fraction really nails the tension of that dynamic. You never believe Joker, but you also can’t stop listening to what he’s saying.
Jiménez’s art is incredible as always, especially the sequences digging into Joker’s psyche.
It’s a bold, character-driven issue and I loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2026
I kinda jumped out of the sofa with that last page
March 4, 2026
Yo… this was fire asf. Also the mic drop at the end?! I know a lot of people are tired of Joker and weren’t excited for his return, but I loved this issue ngl. What will happen next is the big question?!?!
March 5, 2026
Worth buying for the foldout spread alone! Jorge Jimenez cooked up a stunning visual feast for us and readers are eating good!
I'm also very intrigued by the plot of this issue, and of course, the bonkers cliffhanger ending! Matt Fraction is on fire with this one.
I'm also very intrigued by the plot of this issue, and of course, the bonkers cliffhanger ending! Matt Fraction is on fire with this one.
March 4, 2026
This new era with Matt Fraction writing is just getting better. But I still want Batman with Selina, no this new sketchy doctor.
March 8, 2026
Type of comic you call your mom to tell her about it
March 6, 2026
The physical media utilization here is off the charts gorgeous and impressive, such a cool idea to literally tap into Joker’s mind. I really enjoyed this issue, the continually fantastic art (even dad bod bacta tank joker, lol), and the central point of this issue: the conversation between batman and patient 10 (joker). Now one thing that does continue to bother me is Batman’s sentiments about being “alone,” like dude…I was just reading batgirl and Steph setup a family dinner with you majorly included, get that out of here and spend time with your family. I know the recent batman and Robin run is over but come on dude. But like any interaction with joker, we have to be manipulated to get into it, and this issue starts with an orderly walking out of patient 10’s room and making a call to get a meeting setup. This made its way to Gordon and Bullock, who called batman and passed the message along. Zeller is a bit of a confounding character, to be honest I don’t get a sense of much malicious intent, I think she truly believes she is making progress with joker and doesn’t want anything to ruin it, especially with the track record batman and joker have with each other. While it’s completely misguided, I truly think she cares about her patient. Which leads to her going into the extreme end of caution to make sure batman doesn’t beat the daylights out of joker. We are talking floors they light up where you can walk, and any step it lean out of it and you are shocked. we are also talking about Zeller having a kill switch (which I’m sure won’t be manipulated by joker at one point) to rip the oxygen out of the room if anything bad happens. Batman also has to take his boots off for this to be effective, so Zeller successfully got the bat feet out for free, lol.
But even as Zeller describes Joker’s current state, he Hugh brain activity, how he has been medically immobilized and mechanically pithed, and how every aspect of him is controlled…it’s not a good enough description until you actually see him, the floating blob with Zeller’s specialized crown of storms managing his activity and implants converting his thoughts into speech in real time. With that kind of tech it should throw up even more red flags at his little he says, how carefully controlled it all is. And then there he is, shuttering even batman as that green and white murderer floats in a tank in the idle of a room looking completely different. Batman demands to know how joker called him here, joke is hesitant but with the argument that joker has already compromised the prison, and Zeller’s reaction to suspend and secure access for everyone, joker decides to tell them as long as batman stays. What I find interesting is Zeller’s tech around joker’s head, we saw how it changed Nygma before, but I take a special interest in the colors. How at times it will shift from blue to red with increased brain usage, I wonder if there is a deeper significance. If joker has somehow conquered it? Joker goes in about the orderly we saw at the start of the issue, he was an officer that came in contact with joker and left without a job and burns across his body. He eventually started working here and maybe it was to really help people or maybe he was just biding his time until he finally walked into room 10 to snuff joker out himself…but then he saw joker, he saw what he had become, and now he makes the rounds and the pair talk and joker asked a favor of him to reach out to get batman here.
But joker also relates that he isn’t sure if that’s how it happened, he finds it hard to tell…batman immediately hones in on that comment, questioning if that’s the new game that joker can’t remember all of the horrible things he’s done and has reformed. But it’s the exact opposite…joker remembers everything. With joker’s brain lighting up red, this is when we are introduced to a really cool fold out page which shows 4 interconnected pages of joker’s meshed together memories and dreams. It’s full of references raving from joker fish, to Jason’s body, to punchline and Harley, but everywhere you see joker…here also seems to be a batman. Joker claims he can’t tell them apart anymore, all the monstrous things, but Zeller’s device is what opened his mind and has given him clarity. Joker knows what he is and he is thankful to be contained. Batman doesn’t buy it, and Zeller despises that he doesn’t accept her “progress.” Batman sees the play, joker’s treatment has been successfully so why not just let him out, batman is fine here and wants to leave. But joker back tracks, he doesn’t want to be let out under any circumstances, he asked Batman here for two reasons…but the second is a secret. Joker claims the first reason is because he thinks batman is lonely and needs a friend, though all the memories of his obsessive needs to control every detail of his life…the it person who ever saw or understood that effort was Batman…because he understands it as well. But through all of it the only thing joker felt was loneliness. Batman didn’t buy into that, he may act alone but he is not lonely. But joker is a master manipulator, and with Zeller front and center he paints a picture that batman and him have the same mentality, that the idea of being alone but not lonely is one joker shares. I don’t buy it, but Zeller seems to be taking a keen interest to it.
Zeller is ready to call the meeting but joker ask for one last favor, he wanes to talk to batman about the secret reason but Zeller can’t know. She doesn’t have to stop watching, just stop listening for a little bit. She doesn’t like it, but she gives them 30 seconds. Once she stops listening joker admits that batman is correct, that he continues to hear all types of things from all of Gotham’s darkest corners, but he has heard something new…something dangerous is coming, and he has no clue what it is. An enemy even behind joker’s reach, making it all the more interesting. A danger in Gotham and it’s trying to come to kill Batman, what is it Tuesday, is water still wet, that’s just Gotham. But that’s where batman doesn’t understand, joker clarifies that when he says they are coming to kill him he doesn’t mean batman…he means Bruce. This stops batman dead in his tracks. I can’t help but wonder, if all of joker’s memories have been restored and clarified for him over all these years…could it be that one of the moments where joker figured out who batman was but didn’t care is now true to him, he isn’t blocking it out anymore to keep the game going. He may actually be fully conscious and somewhat sane. What an interesting predicament.
But even as Zeller describes Joker’s current state, he Hugh brain activity, how he has been medically immobilized and mechanically pithed, and how every aspect of him is controlled…it’s not a good enough description until you actually see him, the floating blob with Zeller’s specialized crown of storms managing his activity and implants converting his thoughts into speech in real time. With that kind of tech it should throw up even more red flags at his little he says, how carefully controlled it all is. And then there he is, shuttering even batman as that green and white murderer floats in a tank in the idle of a room looking completely different. Batman demands to know how joker called him here, joke is hesitant but with the argument that joker has already compromised the prison, and Zeller’s reaction to suspend and secure access for everyone, joker decides to tell them as long as batman stays. What I find interesting is Zeller’s tech around joker’s head, we saw how it changed Nygma before, but I take a special interest in the colors. How at times it will shift from blue to red with increased brain usage, I wonder if there is a deeper significance. If joker has somehow conquered it? Joker goes in about the orderly we saw at the start of the issue, he was an officer that came in contact with joker and left without a job and burns across his body. He eventually started working here and maybe it was to really help people or maybe he was just biding his time until he finally walked into room 10 to snuff joker out himself…but then he saw joker, he saw what he had become, and now he makes the rounds and the pair talk and joker asked a favor of him to reach out to get batman here.
But joker also relates that he isn’t sure if that’s how it happened, he finds it hard to tell…batman immediately hones in on that comment, questioning if that’s the new game that joker can’t remember all of the horrible things he’s done and has reformed. But it’s the exact opposite…joker remembers everything. With joker’s brain lighting up red, this is when we are introduced to a really cool fold out page which shows 4 interconnected pages of joker’s meshed together memories and dreams. It’s full of references raving from joker fish, to Jason’s body, to punchline and Harley, but everywhere you see joker…here also seems to be a batman. Joker claims he can’t tell them apart anymore, all the monstrous things, but Zeller’s device is what opened his mind and has given him clarity. Joker knows what he is and he is thankful to be contained. Batman doesn’t buy it, and Zeller despises that he doesn’t accept her “progress.” Batman sees the play, joker’s treatment has been successfully so why not just let him out, batman is fine here and wants to leave. But joker back tracks, he doesn’t want to be let out under any circumstances, he asked Batman here for two reasons…but the second is a secret. Joker claims the first reason is because he thinks batman is lonely and needs a friend, though all the memories of his obsessive needs to control every detail of his life…the it person who ever saw or understood that effort was Batman…because he understands it as well. But through all of it the only thing joker felt was loneliness. Batman didn’t buy into that, he may act alone but he is not lonely. But joker is a master manipulator, and with Zeller front and center he paints a picture that batman and him have the same mentality, that the idea of being alone but not lonely is one joker shares. I don’t buy it, but Zeller seems to be taking a keen interest to it.
Zeller is ready to call the meeting but joker ask for one last favor, he wanes to talk to batman about the secret reason but Zeller can’t know. She doesn’t have to stop watching, just stop listening for a little bit. She doesn’t like it, but she gives them 30 seconds. Once she stops listening joker admits that batman is correct, that he continues to hear all types of things from all of Gotham’s darkest corners, but he has heard something new…something dangerous is coming, and he has no clue what it is. An enemy even behind joker’s reach, making it all the more interesting. A danger in Gotham and it’s trying to come to kill Batman, what is it Tuesday, is water still wet, that’s just Gotham. But that’s where batman doesn’t understand, joker clarifies that when he says they are coming to kill him he doesn’t mean batman…he means Bruce. This stops batman dead in his tracks. I can’t help but wonder, if all of joker’s memories have been restored and clarified for him over all these years…could it be that one of the moments where joker figured out who batman was but didn’t care is now true to him, he isn’t blocking it out anymore to keep the game going. He may actually be fully conscious and somewhat sane. What an interesting predicament.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2026
This is my third issue of this run and while I'm still enjoying it, I have to admit it's leveling off from the first issue (5) I read which was excellent.
I think people's mileage will vary depending on their love of "The joker" - easily add a star to my rating if you're a fan. I like the Joker but I'm so oversaturated with his appearances in every single run/version of Batman, that it's usually a retread. I think/hope Fraction is doing something clever here as Batman is almost meta-narrating how I (and possibly other fans/Fraction himself) feel about the overuse of Joker with him almost yawning at the well trodden tactics Joker is probably employing. I also think the reaction to the "twist/revelation" on the last page will have a similar reaction from Batman stating "I already know you know" in the next issue. Even with this, I feel Fraction is doomed because even if he genuinely does something new, Joker has to revert back because comics. Sometimes you just have to be in the moment with Marvel/DC or the whole experience becomes pointless.
There are some elements I found odd eg the whole kill switch element - seems an unethical and illegal "safety" measure that's only there for some future story beat. However, said kill switch is completely missing in the last few pages, is this deliberate or a mistake? If it's the latter, editorial should have spotted it. Are these behaviour helmets based on Mad Hatter tech? Something I may have missed in earlier issues.
The art remains very solid particularly the showstopper pages - although they almost make other parts of the book look minimal (it reads a bit like a TV show saving on it's budget by having a basic room/cell as the main setting). I also thought it was a mistake to design an "extra" with scars down one half of their body as I genuinely thought said extra was Harvey Dent/Two Face until it was cleared up later in the issue. It may be the artist was told to do this though?
What I am enjoying is how Jiminez appears to be playing with styles of artists who've left a mark on Batman over the years. Neal Adams is the most prominent but I've spotted hints of Infantino and there's a couple of panels that are very Frank Quietly. I don't know if this is just the artist keeping things interesting after so long on the book or if it's something Fraction has suggested. Either this is just a homage/attempt at a timeless Batman story, or there's something more going on. I can't tell at this stage and remind myself this isn't Morrison but a writer who is more inclined to do "modern"/grounded tales eg Hawkeye. I don't want it to become too smug and so far it's avoiding this.
What this title does really well though is episodic storytelling - each issue stands alone as well as part of something larger. Whether there's something bigger going on here remains to be seen but it's at the least a fun book that isn't dwelling on darkness and brooding.
Overall = 3/5
Writing = 3/5
Art = 4/5
Will I read the next issue? Yes.
Wait for the trade collection? No, this is fun in monthly installments. But whether this is a great run or just solid entertainment really depends on where this Joker story goes. By the trade collection we'll probably know the answer so that's a safer bet if you want to avoid disappointment.
Did I need to read previous issues/series? Yes, it really helps to know the relationship between the Dr and Bruce as well as her knowledge of Damian as Robin, neither of which are directly mentioned here.
Will I read previous issues? I've been reading since issue 5. I'm feeling less inclined to read the earlier issues at this stage.
I think people's mileage will vary depending on their love of "The joker" - easily add a star to my rating if you're a fan. I like the Joker but I'm so oversaturated with his appearances in every single run/version of Batman, that it's usually a retread. I think/hope Fraction is doing something clever here as Batman is almost meta-narrating how I (and possibly other fans/Fraction himself) feel about the overuse of Joker with him almost yawning at the well trodden tactics Joker is probably employing. I also think the reaction to the "twist/revelation" on the last page will have a similar reaction from Batman stating "I already know you know" in the next issue. Even with this, I feel Fraction is doomed because even if he genuinely does something new, Joker has to revert back because comics. Sometimes you just have to be in the moment with Marvel/DC or the whole experience becomes pointless.
There are some elements I found odd eg the whole kill switch element - seems an unethical and illegal "safety" measure that's only there for some future story beat. However, said kill switch is completely missing in the last few pages, is this deliberate or a mistake? If it's the latter, editorial should have spotted it. Are these behaviour helmets based on Mad Hatter tech? Something I may have missed in earlier issues.
The art remains very solid particularly the showstopper pages - although they almost make other parts of the book look minimal (it reads a bit like a TV show saving on it's budget by having a basic room/cell as the main setting). I also thought it was a mistake to design an "extra" with scars down one half of their body as I genuinely thought said extra was Harvey Dent/Two Face until it was cleared up later in the issue. It may be the artist was told to do this though?
What I am enjoying is how Jiminez appears to be playing with styles of artists who've left a mark on Batman over the years. Neal Adams is the most prominent but I've spotted hints of Infantino and there's a couple of panels that are very Frank Quietly. I don't know if this is just the artist keeping things interesting after so long on the book or if it's something Fraction has suggested. Either this is just a homage/attempt at a timeless Batman story, or there's something more going on. I can't tell at this stage and remind myself this isn't Morrison but a writer who is more inclined to do "modern"/grounded tales eg Hawkeye. I don't want it to become too smug and so far it's avoiding this.
What this title does really well though is episodic storytelling - each issue stands alone as well as part of something larger. Whether there's something bigger going on here remains to be seen but it's at the least a fun book that isn't dwelling on darkness and brooding.
Overall = 3/5
Writing = 3/5
Art = 4/5
Will I read the next issue? Yes.
Wait for the trade collection? No, this is fun in monthly installments. But whether this is a great run or just solid entertainment really depends on where this Joker story goes. By the trade collection we'll probably know the answer so that's a safer bet if you want to avoid disappointment.
Did I need to read previous issues/series? Yes, it really helps to know the relationship between the Dr and Bruce as well as her knowledge of Damian as Robin, neither of which are directly mentioned here.
Will I read previous issues? I've been reading since issue 5. I'm feeling less inclined to read the earlier issues at this stage.
March 26, 2026
So this was absolutely phenomenal. I've always preferred my comics on the lighter and more humorous end, but I value a well-told story above all else. This is my favourite issue yet in this current run.
Jorge Jimenez has outdone himself here; the art was a total showstopper (special shoutout to Tomeu Morey on colours!!). The bulk of this issue focuses on a conversation between Batman and the medically-immobilised Joker. Matt Fraction tempers the lack of action with high-strung tension, a stellar depiction of Batman and Joker's twisted relationship, and an uneasy atmosphere of not knowing who to trust. This is one of those moments where you understand why comic books thrive as a storytelling medium, because this issue would not have packed the same punch without this exact combination of panels and dialogue and colours.
I am also particularly curious about Annika Zeller now! I really did like her at the start of this run (and especially in issue 5!), but she seemed to come across as a little more naive and overconfident in this issue. I get that she's supposed to be a compassionate person and that she has great faith in her device being able to control the Joker, but personally, I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss THE BATMAN's opinion of my patient when he's been fighting the Joker and predicting his moves for years. Maybe I'm just biased because between Annika and Bruce, I will always be on Bruce's side lol. Also, I kind of glossed over the fact that Dr Zeller threatened Batman with a kill switch (!?!) in my initial read, but now that I'm thinking about it, it really is kind of messed up.
I'm so glad I put off reading this because now I only have to wait less than a week before issue 8 comes out. And yeah. I guess this issue was good enough that I kind of forgive what Fraction did to Tim in the last issue.
Jorge Jimenez has outdone himself here; the art was a total showstopper (special shoutout to Tomeu Morey on colours!!). The bulk of this issue focuses on a conversation between Batman and the medically-immobilised Joker. Matt Fraction tempers the lack of action with high-strung tension, a stellar depiction of Batman and Joker's twisted relationship, and an uneasy atmosphere of not knowing who to trust. This is one of those moments where you understand why comic books thrive as a storytelling medium, because this issue would not have packed the same punch without this exact combination of panels and dialogue and colours.
I am also particularly curious about Annika Zeller now! I really did like her at the start of this run (and especially in issue 5!), but she seemed to come across as a little more naive and overconfident in this issue. I get that she's supposed to be a compassionate person and that she has great faith in her device being able to control the Joker, but personally, I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss THE BATMAN's opinion of my patient when he's been fighting the Joker and predicting his moves for years. Maybe I'm just biased because between Annika and Bruce, I will always be on Bruce's side lol. Also, I kind of glossed over the fact that Dr Zeller threatened Batman with a kill switch (!?!) in my initial read, but now that I'm thinking about it, it really is kind of messed up.
I'm so glad I put off reading this because now I only have to wait less than a week before issue 8 comes out. And yeah. I guess this issue was good enough that I kind of forgive what Fraction did to Tim in the last issue.
March 20, 2026
This issue. This issue is peak. Peak. The art work here was AMAZING. The pullout was so AWESOME!
This merits a reread because there are so many plot points here. Just like the last issue, this is KEY.
- the doctor seems to be falling in love with Joker? A NEW HARLEY? Or maybe in Love with the science.
- the doctor was willing to kill Batman to protect joker. She might be crazy, or just proud that she did something no one else has: control joker.
- Batman doesn’t believe the Joker for a second. He is doubting him the entire time, until the end……..
- Joker is Hannibal Lecture. How fricken scary. He knows he’s a psychopath. He sees everything from all his past lives, not knowing what’s a dream and what’s history. He understands that he’s being kept in the tank for his own good and the good of others. He KNOWS HES DANGEROUS AND TELLLS Batman to NEVER EVER LET HIM out of the tub. He tells him that he might manipulate the doctor, but he’ll never trick Batman. THIS IS INSANE!
- lastly , Joker calls Batman, Bruce. The doctor seems to heat! She knows now!!! He does this to get his attention, because apparently something is coming to kill him. Something or someone has a plan to kill Batman. Joker wants to help…….. WHAT!
Questions for next issue:
- did the doctor hear?
- who is coming to kill Batman?
- this is the SECOND villain that asks Batman if he’s okay. Croc asked him, and now Joker is checking up on him asking him if he’s lonely. This writing…… it’s giving me thoughts that Batman will struggle with his mental health even more than just seeing Alfred. Could we see a Batman who snaps? Who cracks?
This merits a reread because there are so many plot points here. Just like the last issue, this is KEY.
- the doctor seems to be falling in love with Joker? A NEW HARLEY? Or maybe in Love with the science.
- the doctor was willing to kill Batman to protect joker. She might be crazy, or just proud that she did something no one else has: control joker.
- Batman doesn’t believe the Joker for a second. He is doubting him the entire time, until the end……..
- Joker is Hannibal Lecture. How fricken scary. He knows he’s a psychopath. He sees everything from all his past lives, not knowing what’s a dream and what’s history. He understands that he’s being kept in the tank for his own good and the good of others. He KNOWS HES DANGEROUS AND TELLLS Batman to NEVER EVER LET HIM out of the tub. He tells him that he might manipulate the doctor, but he’ll never trick Batman. THIS IS INSANE!
- lastly , Joker calls Batman, Bruce. The doctor seems to heat! She knows now!!! He does this to get his attention, because apparently something is coming to kill him. Something or someone has a plan to kill Batman. Joker wants to help…….. WHAT!
Questions for next issue:
- did the doctor hear?
- who is coming to kill Batman?
- this is the SECOND villain that asks Batman if he’s okay. Croc asked him, and now Joker is checking up on him asking him if he’s lonely. This writing…… it’s giving me thoughts that Batman will struggle with his mental health even more than just seeing Alfred. Could we see a Batman who snaps? Who cracks?
March 14, 2026
I can’t quite decide if I want to give this five stars due to some reservations about the end… but wow! This was, for lack of a better word, thrilling, and had me hooked.
I wasn’t super excited to see the “Return of the Joker,” a story we all know very well by now. However, this issue was assembled with true craft (aside from one period that should have been a question mark) and Jiménez knocked it out of the park. Not only is his art very detailed, his characters are incredibly expressive. The use of the big text blocks breaks standard comic conventions, but their timing and pacing is without fault (and save Jiménez quite a bit of space). Batman almost serves as the reader, pointing out many of the expected cliches we expect to see happen, and the ending paid off all the built up tension.
With that in mind, my complaint about the ending is bit nit-picky. What Joker reveals is supposed to be a bit of a shock, but he just informed us he remembers “everything.” In my understanding, previous stories seem more or less clear in showcasing that Joker’s “secret” in this issue is well known to Batman.
I wasn’t super excited to see the “Return of the Joker,” a story we all know very well by now. However, this issue was assembled with true craft (aside from one period that should have been a question mark) and Jiménez knocked it out of the park. Not only is his art very detailed, his characters are incredibly expressive. The use of the big text blocks breaks standard comic conventions, but their timing and pacing is without fault (and save Jiménez quite a bit of space). Batman almost serves as the reader, pointing out many of the expected cliches we expect to see happen, and the ending paid off all the built up tension.
With that in mind, my complaint about the ending is bit nit-picky. What Joker reveals is supposed to be a bit of a shock, but he just informed us he remembers “everything.” In my understanding, previous stories seem more or less clear in showcasing that Joker’s “secret” in this issue is well known to Batman.
May 20, 2026
El Joker siempre es una amenaza... ¿Lo es incluso hasta cuando es retenido e inmovilizado quirúrjicamente? ¿Cuándo su comunicación apenas se basa en la escritura en una pantalla digital?
Matt Fraction prosigue con su idea del tratamiento psicológico de los grandes villanos de Batman, y este 7º número nos coloca con un nuevo encontronazo entre el gran héroe y némesis del universo DC. Un diálogo abierto donde intentar creer que el Joker ha podido encontrar algo parecido a una paz en el puro caos en el que siempre flota... Pero en realidad, parece solo esperar su nueva oportunidad cuando Batman resuelva una nueva amenaza que atenta a su vida.
Como digo, este número es puro diálogo, lo cual me ha interesado más que el cliffhanger.
Matt Fraction prosigue con su idea del tratamiento psicológico de los grandes villanos de Batman, y este 7º número nos coloca con un nuevo encontronazo entre el gran héroe y némesis del universo DC. Un diálogo abierto donde intentar creer que el Joker ha podido encontrar algo parecido a una paz en el puro caos en el que siempre flota... Pero en realidad, parece solo esperar su nueva oportunidad cuando Batman resuelva una nueva amenaza que atenta a su vida.
Como digo, este número es puro diálogo, lo cual me ha interesado más que el cliffhanger.
March 7, 2026
Jim Lee should be shitting himself about now because Matt Fraction is wiping his ass with pages from Hush 2. He manages to put in these funny little parts like the driving lesson from one of the earlier issues, Bruce Wayne and the doctor sitting on the back of the ambulance with their awkward interaction not to mention their doomed Not-a-date from issue 5 that whole issue from beginning to end was just so good and having very little to do with Batman. Even in this issue the panel of Batman having to take off his Bat boots was chuckle worthy. But what makes this issue stand out for me was that it was silently menacing, so good this run goes up there just under Absolute Batman i feel.
single-issues
April 1, 2026I generally dislike anything involving the Joker, but I do think Fraction is doing something interesting with him and characterizes him well: inscrutable and senseless. I do think he's already setting seeds for conflict in Annika's and Bruce's developing relationship concerning their priorities and morals, and I think that'll be interesting to see.
I will say this the third time something along the lines of Bruce exposing or having his identity exposed has happened in 7 issues, and I am growing tired of it.
Visually, Jimenez's art is nice, and the foldout really did something for my monkey brain, but the coloring in this issue felt off
I will say this the third time something along the lines of Bruce exposing or having his identity exposed has happened in 7 issues, and I am growing tired of it.
Visually, Jimenez's art is nice, and the foldout really did something for my monkey brain, but the coloring in this issue felt off
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2026
i stopped pulling this run because i was dissatisfied with the direction the story was taking, but i surprisingly enjoyed this more than i expected. i liked how focused this was, especially compared to the previous issues which i thought juggled too many ideas at the same time. this one i would've loved to read physically. i'm still on the fence on how i feel about the run as a whole (reaaally not a big fan damian's characterization & idc if he's not anyone major here, he should still be written competently), and it'll depend on whether the succeeding issues will manage to maintain a solid grasp on the story.
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May 8, 2026such a fun issue!!
i found it so funny that they made the joker chubby, but honestly it just made him more interesting and made his conversation with batman ten times more tense.
i’m really enjoying what matt fraction is doing so far, and the art is absolutely flawless, it gave me this nostalgic feeling of older comics.
what really gets me is when they focus on his psychology instead of just throwing in random fights. i love the duality they build between batman as this dark vigilante and bruce wayne as a father to the kids. it’s that more human and deeper side that keeps me hooked and always wanting the next issue. so good.
i found it so funny that they made the joker chubby, but honestly it just made him more interesting and made his conversation with batman ten times more tense.
i’m really enjoying what matt fraction is doing so far, and the art is absolutely flawless, it gave me this nostalgic feeling of older comics.
what really gets me is when they focus on his psychology instead of just throwing in random fights. i love the duality they build between batman as this dark vigilante and bruce wayne as a father to the kids. it’s that more human and deeper side that keeps me hooked and always wanting the next issue. so good.
March 5, 2026
In this issue, the Joker returns in a very chilling manner. The artwork intimately displays Batman and the Joker meeting again under very unusual circumstances. The art changes moods and styles at times for dramatic effect. Even when the two characters are just talking in a room, the highly expressive dialogue feels dramatic and action-filled. The creative team expertly uses panel layouts and color palettes to heighten the tension between the two long-standing foes. The result is a psychologically intense story that feels both classic and innovative.
March 7, 2026
I don’t know if I need another “Batman and Joker are the only two people who understand each other” stories, though Jiménez and Fraction do make this one pretty interesting. The Joker looks frightening in a new and surprising way, and the dynamic developing between Annika, the Joker, and Batman is intriguing. I just don’t think this story leans into the strengths of this team the way the previous issues really have.
April 18, 2026
Am I excited about the return of Joker? No, not really. Was this issue really good, ending with a really well done cliffhanger? yes, it absolutely was. And I say that as a hate of cliffhangers. I think they're often overused, and signal lack of confidence in being able to keep the reader reading. But here, it almost felt like a pause was needed. It helps make out feel more monumental, more impactful. This is how cliffhangers should be, in my opinion.
April 26, 2026
Pretty good mic drop final panel. But overall as the story I think it drags on with where it’s trying to get to. I mean that boy who found out the new GCPD commissioner was planting false evidence took ages just to find the right persons but does Harvey tell Batman about it?? Nah he just says “hey guess what Joker wants to talk to you” shocker. I will continue reading it but it feels very jumpy and not flowing the way a comic series should.
May 20, 2026
It delivered in the stunning foldout sequence it hyped on the cover. It's a four-page splash sequence of Joker's key moments in his criminal history illustrated in detail by Jiménez. Though there were notable omissions, it's a succinct history.
Oh, the last page is the best surprise Joker could have pulled for Batman. Knowing such a delicate secret, the two should get married, and maybe even avoid that demonic divorce that has become a stain on the web-crawler for the other big publisher.
Oh, the last page is the best surprise Joker could have pulled for Batman. Knowing such a delicate secret, the two should get married, and maybe even avoid that demonic divorce that has become a stain on the web-crawler for the other big publisher.
March 5, 2026
EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT
I wasn’t super encouraged to get a Joker tease in the last issue but wow this was an awesome issue with great moments, insane art and great direction for this next arc of Fraction’s run. Super excited for what is to come next.
Jorge Jiménez is my favourite Batman artist ever.
I wasn’t super encouraged to get a Joker tease in the last issue but wow this was an awesome issue with great moments, insane art and great direction for this next arc of Fraction’s run. Super excited for what is to come next.
Jorge Jiménez is my favourite Batman artist ever.
March 13, 2026
This run is so good, like always excruciatingly short. I can’t wait a month for the next lol. Excited to see more of the joker and this more reformed version of him (for lack of a better word). Cliffhanger is insane as always, i hope it’s not a misdirection in the next. And I’m curious of the status of Jason Todd since it’s clear from the fold-out that the joker did get to him already
April 25, 2026
Fantastic issue introducing the joker and his current state within the run. Nice to see how joker didn’t want Dr Zeller to know Batmans identity and equally interesting he knows as this is something that varies a lot with his character and how he reacts. I think his current condition as a patient is actually perfect for it and I think it just adds a nice layer on top.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2026
Joker hasn't been this intriguing in a good ass time. This issue hits on point, but I am very confused about how he is where he is. The guy was jumping around in DC K.O. just a moment ago 🤷🏻♂️ have to go see what I'm missing
March 5, 2026
Set almost entirely in just one location with no superhero action, this issue has only its dialogue and artwork to lean on; and, par for the course with this series, Fraction and Jiménez absolutely knock it out of the park.
March 6, 2026
Wow this issue was something else. I like the idea of Arkham Towers, and how it feels like a rehab more than a prison. And seeing how the Joker is now is so odd, I was really waiting for him to trick Batman. But he didn’t, he had a one on one with him and gave him a tip, which was shocking…
March 6, 2026
Brutal, ese final con la revelación del Joker. Por cierto acierto de Fraction de devolverlo de la forma más inesperada y con ese plot twist final. Y ya lo del arte de Jorge Jiménez de potro planeta. Maravilloso
March 8, 2026
Tense and expertly paced. No action in this one but the back and forth between Batman and Joker is masterful. I am so eager to see how Dr. Zeller continues to play into this story and man, that final page was terrific. Fraction is on point and delivering with this.
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