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Batman (2025)
Batman Vol. 1: Daylight (Batman
The superstar team of writer Matt Fraction and artist Jorge Jiménez relaunch Batman for the current era, with a fresh take on the Caped Crusader and a perfect jumping-on point for fans!
It’s a new day in Gotham! For only the fourth time, DC is relaunching its flagship Batman series starting with issue #1—and this collection includes the first six issues of the must-read, superhero-forward take from writer Matt Fraction and artist Jorge Jiménez.
This new era celebrates the Caped Crusader in every iteration of his 85-plus year history and promises something for every Batman fan, including a new blue-and-grey costume, a new Batmobile, and new villains and allies—along with plenty of classic ones too.
Similar to Fraction’s beloved and influential run on Marvel’s Hawkeye, this Batman series features self-contained stories that progressively build out a larger narrative. Each installment is a new adventure and a new challenge for Fraction and Jiménez to put in front of the Caped Crusader, as they show all of the reasons why Batman is the coolest character in comic books.
This volume collects Batman #1-6.
It’s a new day in Gotham! For only the fourth time, DC is relaunching its flagship Batman series starting with issue #1—and this collection includes the first six issues of the must-read, superhero-forward take from writer Matt Fraction and artist Jorge Jiménez.
This new era celebrates the Caped Crusader in every iteration of his 85-plus year history and promises something for every Batman fan, including a new blue-and-grey costume, a new Batmobile, and new villains and allies—along with plenty of classic ones too.
Similar to Fraction’s beloved and influential run on Marvel’s Hawkeye, this Batman series features self-contained stories that progressively build out a larger narrative. Each installment is a new adventure and a new challenge for Fraction and Jiménez to put in front of the Caped Crusader, as they show all of the reasons why Batman is the coolest character in comic books.
This volume collects Batman #1-6.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2026
About the author
Matt Fraction
1,235 books1,891 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 87 reviews
Review of advance copy
There's just something about this run that Batman has been missing for a while now. It is charming, engaging, and a visual treat. There's no excess convolution to confuse the reader, and, at least so far, it has avoided being roped into unnecessary tie-ins. The only real shame is that the single issue storytelling seems to be redundant now, with more focus on overall arcs than shorts. However, Batman is now accessible again, and that's a huge win for DC who are currently struggling to create anything new or special outside of the Absolute universe.
June 6, 2026
I haven't read a new Batman book since Snyder's New 52 run so I was a little in the dark on a few things, like Vandal Savage being Gotham's commissioner, but I liked this quite a bit. It didn't feel like it was trying to a be a blockbuster big event, even though it's probably headed that way. I like when Batman is outgunned and it even fixed the multiple Robin problem for a bit. Bruce's new potential love interest having ***spoiler*** floating in a bacta tank or whatever in Arkham Asylum in the last panel was super cool.
June 10, 2026
A fun, back-to-basics(ish) approach. Looking forward to more (that's NOT what she said).
June 20, 2026
With DC has been on a roll in recent years with the number of quality titles under its belt, we have seen The Dark Knight Detective particularly has been doing well for himself. From limited series like Batman & Robin: Year One and Dark Patterns, to the ongoing Absolute Batman, these titles showcase how diverse a character Batman is, where he can be dark and radical, but also be funny and empathetic, the latter of which is very apparent in Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez’s ongoing run on DC’s flagship Batman title.
Although there is a continuation of some of the ideas that were introduced in his Sex Criminals collaborator Chip Zdarsky’s time on Batman, Fraction is very much putting his own stamp on Bruce Wayne and his world, and you can see that from the first issue, showing Gotham City bathed in daylight and Batman rocking the blue suit, which we haven’t seen in a long time. While you see Batman kicking ass when beating up a street gang as well as showing his new gadgets and Batmobile, when he actually confronts a mutated Killer Croc who went through a rampage, he resolves the situation not through violence, but through a friendly conversation.
Considering the main theme of James Gunn’s Superman movie is “empathy as punk rock”, you can see that here with Batman stepping out of the shadows, even if the rest of the world is out to get him. Speaking of family, as well as seeing the dynamic Bruce has with his sons Tim and Damian, each with their own relationship with the cape, you also have the return of his trusted butler Alfred, albeit a holographic version who gives Batman emotional support and witty remarks.
Meanwhile, the rest of Gotham City is out to get Batman and his family, including not just his rogues gallery, but Vandal Savage who uses his power as the police commissioner to bring fear to the city. While you can see Fraction taking influence from what Frank Miller did for Batman during the eighties, being socially relevant with themes of police brutality and corporate corruption, the tone is not far off from the writer did during his seminal Hawkeye run, from the lighter tone to the episodic nature.
Despite an ongoing narrative, each issue functions almost as its own storyline with Batman facing off against villains, old and new, whilst his alter ego develops new relationships along the way. In fact, the newest characters leave the biggest impression, from the sharp-witted Dr Zeller who is more than a romantic interest, to the mysterious Minotaur who takes organised crime to a new level in Gotham. As much I am excited to see where Fraction goes with this narrative, you can see the limitations of the book’s episodic structure, in how one-off conflicts like the Riddler and Huge Strange’s Monster Men get resolved so quickly.
Fraction throws a lot in these six issues, which is why you get one of the best artists working at DC on this book. Although you instantly recognise his art-style and having previous experience of drawing Batman in earlier runs, Jiménez adapts to the ideas that a particular writer has towards the Caped Crusader. With more emphasis on gadgets, which opens the door for inventive set-pieces, and along with Tomeu Morey’s brighter colour aesthetic, there is a vibrancy to how Jiménez draws the diverse streets of Gotham, which can be summed up in the fifth issue where Batman is nowhere to be seen but Bruce has the most thrilling date night with Zeller.
As Fraction and Jiménez’s run serves as a relaunch for the main Batman title, even DC issuing a new #1, this is an exciting start for anyone wanting to read Batman’s comic adventures that are fun and kinetic, without having to go dark and serious for once.
Although there is a continuation of some of the ideas that were introduced in his Sex Criminals collaborator Chip Zdarsky’s time on Batman, Fraction is very much putting his own stamp on Bruce Wayne and his world, and you can see that from the first issue, showing Gotham City bathed in daylight and Batman rocking the blue suit, which we haven’t seen in a long time. While you see Batman kicking ass when beating up a street gang as well as showing his new gadgets and Batmobile, when he actually confronts a mutated Killer Croc who went through a rampage, he resolves the situation not through violence, but through a friendly conversation.
Considering the main theme of James Gunn’s Superman movie is “empathy as punk rock”, you can see that here with Batman stepping out of the shadows, even if the rest of the world is out to get him. Speaking of family, as well as seeing the dynamic Bruce has with his sons Tim and Damian, each with their own relationship with the cape, you also have the return of his trusted butler Alfred, albeit a holographic version who gives Batman emotional support and witty remarks.
Meanwhile, the rest of Gotham City is out to get Batman and his family, including not just his rogues gallery, but Vandal Savage who uses his power as the police commissioner to bring fear to the city. While you can see Fraction taking influence from what Frank Miller did for Batman during the eighties, being socially relevant with themes of police brutality and corporate corruption, the tone is not far off from the writer did during his seminal Hawkeye run, from the lighter tone to the episodic nature.
Despite an ongoing narrative, each issue functions almost as its own storyline with Batman facing off against villains, old and new, whilst his alter ego develops new relationships along the way. In fact, the newest characters leave the biggest impression, from the sharp-witted Dr Zeller who is more than a romantic interest, to the mysterious Minotaur who takes organised crime to a new level in Gotham. As much I am excited to see where Fraction goes with this narrative, you can see the limitations of the book’s episodic structure, in how one-off conflicts like the Riddler and Huge Strange’s Monster Men get resolved so quickly.
Fraction throws a lot in these six issues, which is why you get one of the best artists working at DC on this book. Although you instantly recognise his art-style and having previous experience of drawing Batman in earlier runs, Jiménez adapts to the ideas that a particular writer has towards the Caped Crusader. With more emphasis on gadgets, which opens the door for inventive set-pieces, and along with Tomeu Morey’s brighter colour aesthetic, there is a vibrancy to how Jiménez draws the diverse streets of Gotham, which can be summed up in the fifth issue where Batman is nowhere to be seen but Bruce has the most thrilling date night with Zeller.
As Fraction and Jiménez’s run serves as a relaunch for the main Batman title, even DC issuing a new #1, this is an exciting start for anyone wanting to read Batman’s comic adventures that are fun and kinetic, without having to go dark and serious for once.
June 3, 2026
For the first time in...ever, I think? I've stopped reading the Batman series monthly - I read the first four issues of this trade in singles before, and coming to re-read them now alongside the other two, I can see why.
There's just something off about the stories. They feel only vaguely connected, with plot points brought up and dropped at strange times. The Crown of Storms becomes a thing in issue 3, then gets ignored almost entirely in issue 4. Tim Drake shows up in 2 issues then decides to randomly quit being Robin after one bad fight. Some new villain named the Minotaur is also here, but mostly just pontificates and shoots a penguin.
I get that Fraction might be building to something bigger. But it all feels so disconnected that I found it really hard to get engaged. At the very least, he's continuing with the current status quo of Vandal Savage as Police Commissioner and Jim Gordon as a beat cop.
The saving grace here is the artwork, which is truly phenomenal, but then Jorge Jimenez has been the regular artist on Batman on and off for years at this point, and the guy's just a powerhouse. These six issues look amazing, from the smaller panels to the big double page splashes that each issue has as a title page.
Just...weird. I feel like this SHOULD be good? But it just doesn't hit for me.
There's just something off about the stories. They feel only vaguely connected, with plot points brought up and dropped at strange times. The Crown of Storms becomes a thing in issue 3, then gets ignored almost entirely in issue 4. Tim Drake shows up in 2 issues then decides to randomly quit being Robin after one bad fight. Some new villain named the Minotaur is also here, but mostly just pontificates and shoots a penguin.
I get that Fraction might be building to something bigger. But it all feels so disconnected that I found it really hard to get engaged. At the very least, he's continuing with the current status quo of Vandal Savage as Police Commissioner and Jim Gordon as a beat cop.
The saving grace here is the artwork, which is truly phenomenal, but then Jorge Jimenez has been the regular artist on Batman on and off for years at this point, and the guy's just a powerhouse. These six issues look amazing, from the smaller panels to the big double page splashes that each issue has as a title page.
Just...weird. I feel like this SHOULD be good? But it just doesn't hit for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2026
Read in single issues. While I liked the art, I felt the story fell a bit flat. I didn’t feel the excitement I usually feel with other Batman runs. Barring a few small things, I don’t think it’s trying to push the envelope and do something daring. This feels quite safe. It’s not good or bad, just something in between.
February 21, 2026
Really fun run. The little explainers of the Bat-tech were cool and the cliffhanger after #6 makes me excited to read even more.
May 29, 2026
Batman by Matt Fraction Vol. 1 — 4.5/5 ⭐
Matt Fraction’s Batman is the best Batman I’ve read since pre-2020, and it’s not particularly close. What makes this run special is that Fraction understands something a lot of modern writers forget — Batman’s greatest superpower isn’t the gadgets or the fear, it’s the hope. The opening issue with Killer Croc is a masterclass in this: Batman as a true detective, not just of crime scenes but of people, genuinely believing there’s still something worth saving in a man most would write off. It reminds me of the best Harvey Dent stories, where Batman refuses to give up on Two-Face no matter how many times Gotham tells him to. That’s the Batman I want to read.
The first few issues are largely standalone but the back half builds an overarching mystery that escalates with each ending — Fraction clearly has a longer game in mind. The Joker reveal at the close of Vol 1 is genuinely unsettling, and while the volume break feels like an awkward trade collection cut rather than a natural story pause, it speaks to how invested you are that it’s frustrating rather than alienating.
The art deserves mention too — it carries a slightly surreal, indie energy that separates this visually from mainline Batman and suits the tone perfectly.
Matt Fraction’s Batman is the best Batman I’ve read since pre-2020, and it’s not particularly close. What makes this run special is that Fraction understands something a lot of modern writers forget — Batman’s greatest superpower isn’t the gadgets or the fear, it’s the hope. The opening issue with Killer Croc is a masterclass in this: Batman as a true detective, not just of crime scenes but of people, genuinely believing there’s still something worth saving in a man most would write off. It reminds me of the best Harvey Dent stories, where Batman refuses to give up on Two-Face no matter how many times Gotham tells him to. That’s the Batman I want to read.
The first few issues are largely standalone but the back half builds an overarching mystery that escalates with each ending — Fraction clearly has a longer game in mind. The Joker reveal at the close of Vol 1 is genuinely unsettling, and while the volume break feels like an awkward trade collection cut rather than a natural story pause, it speaks to how invested you are that it’s frustrating rather than alienating.
The art deserves mention too — it carries a slightly surreal, indie energy that separates this visually from mainline Batman and suits the tone perfectly.
June 11, 2026
Batman Vol. 1 Daylight collects issues 1-6 of the DC Comics series written by Matt Fraction, art by Jorge Jiménez, and colors by Tomeu Morey.
In a new era of Batman, the Caped Crusader is being hit from multiple fronts by old foes who don’t quite seem themselves, increasingly violent attacks from small gangs, a hostile police force directed by Commissioner Vandal Savage, and a new mysterious mastermind who has united Gotham’s criminal underworld.
New costume. New Batmobile. New gadgets. New characters. New. New. New. For all this ‘new’ marketing this books feels like it’s firmly set in a world we already know by heart. I’m sure the story will lead to some new twists and turns, but so far it’s just a greatest hits of any creative relaunch and nothing that challenges the status quo for this title to be a #1 relaunch of one of pop culture’s most well known characters. The book is solid, don’t get me wrong, I just feel this should have continued the previous volumes numbering because it didn’t set itself apart as other relaunches have had. The element that I enjoyed the most is the new character of Dr. Annika Zeller and I’m very curious to see what directions her character goes.
The art is worth the purchase alone - Jorge’s work is extremely fun as always. He draws an incredibly fluid book that brings an energy that is hard to rival and is bright to vibrant life with Morey’s colors.
In a new era of Batman, the Caped Crusader is being hit from multiple fronts by old foes who don’t quite seem themselves, increasingly violent attacks from small gangs, a hostile police force directed by Commissioner Vandal Savage, and a new mysterious mastermind who has united Gotham’s criminal underworld.
New costume. New Batmobile. New gadgets. New characters. New. New. New. For all this ‘new’ marketing this books feels like it’s firmly set in a world we already know by heart. I’m sure the story will lead to some new twists and turns, but so far it’s just a greatest hits of any creative relaunch and nothing that challenges the status quo for this title to be a #1 relaunch of one of pop culture’s most well known characters. The book is solid, don’t get me wrong, I just feel this should have continued the previous volumes numbering because it didn’t set itself apart as other relaunches have had. The element that I enjoyed the most is the new character of Dr. Annika Zeller and I’m very curious to see what directions her character goes.
The art is worth the purchase alone - Jorge’s work is extremely fun as always. He draws an incredibly fluid book that brings an energy that is hard to rival and is bright to vibrant life with Morey’s colors.
May 27, 2026
Très séduit par cette nouvelle proposition de Matt Fraction qui veut rompre avec la tonalité habituelle pour proposer quelque chose d'un peu plus coloré et fun, comme l'indique le nouveau costume de Batman.
La promesse de vente est un peu galvaudée : oui chaque numéro propose une aventure différente, mais chacun s'inscrit tout de même d'emblée dans un grand tout. Ce n'est absolument pas un défaut, au contraire, mais il faut le savoir.
Graphiquement on reste dans des territoires extrêmement bien connus avec Jorge Jiménez mais le bougre s'en sort toujours aussi bien et peut se permettre une palette plus colorée, ce qui est très agréable.
Bref, j'espère que ça restera sur cette lignée, ça fait longtemps que je n'ai pas suivi un titre Batman jusqu'au bout !
La promesse de vente est un peu galvaudée : oui chaque numéro propose une aventure différente, mais chacun s'inscrit tout de même d'emblée dans un grand tout. Ce n'est absolument pas un défaut, au contraire, mais il faut le savoir.
Graphiquement on reste dans des territoires extrêmement bien connus avec Jorge Jiménez mais le bougre s'en sort toujours aussi bien et peut se permettre une palette plus colorée, ce qui est très agréable.
Bref, j'espère que ça restera sur cette lignée, ça fait longtemps que je n'ai pas suivi un titre Batman jusqu'au bout !
Read
May 30, 2026Je suis un peu divisée
J’ai l’impression de ne rien lire de nouveau ici, l’histoire de Bruce qui tombe un peu sous le charme d’une scientifique sexy ça a pas déjà été fait récemment ??
Sinon en vrai j’ai aimé les thèmes engagés anti capitalisme, anti violence de flic etc et aussi l’importance donnée à Tim et Damian.
Mais c’était pas à la hauteur pour moi au final malheureusement
J’ai l’impression de ne rien lire de nouveau ici, l’histoire de Bruce qui tombe un peu sous le charme d’une scientifique sexy ça a pas déjà été fait récemment ??
Sinon en vrai j’ai aimé les thèmes engagés anti capitalisme, anti violence de flic etc et aussi l’importance donnée à Tim et Damian.
Mais c’était pas à la hauteur pour moi au final malheureusement
June 15, 2026
I read the first issue when it came out and thought, "meh." But I love fraction and Jimenez so I gave it a spin when the first collection was completed. This blew me away. Of course Jimenez's art is perfect. Fraction's writing is truly a batman for the 2020's. He is the enemy of the police force because he calls them out and holds them accountable for brutality. The writing is sharp and witty with lots of great banter. Having a title for each issue is great but gets into wonderful fourth wall quirkiness when the title ends up being part of the dialogue.
June 1, 2026
3,7⭐️ Nice read. Getting exciting
June 11, 2026
surprised by how good this is
June 18, 2026
they made Batman WOKE and a FEMINIST
June 21, 2026
Fraction proves that it is possible to do a likable Batman without wearing the formula out.
February 6, 2026
Exactly what Batman should’ve been for years now.
Such a breath of life into the character.
Highlighting the hopeful over the dark is so affirming as a reader after years of every new run being another fall into darkness. I could read the scenes of him saving people all day.
Gadgets being back is so much fun too. This whole book is so much fun. The paneling really puts a smile on my face.
The voice for Damien is a little off to me. New writers please let go of Grant Morrison era Robin. Read anything from the last five or ten years.
This suit might be an all time favourite. Jorge really nails everything it’s supposed to represent. Morey’s blue colouring is gorgeous on the page.
Hope this run stays this good. Lotta hope for it
Such a breath of life into the character.
Highlighting the hopeful over the dark is so affirming as a reader after years of every new run being another fall into darkness. I could read the scenes of him saving people all day.
Gadgets being back is so much fun too. This whole book is so much fun. The paneling really puts a smile on my face.
The voice for Damien is a little off to me. New writers please let go of Grant Morrison era Robin. Read anything from the last five or ten years.
This suit might be an all time favourite. Jorge really nails everything it’s supposed to represent. Morey’s blue colouring is gorgeous on the page.
Hope this run stays this good. Lotta hope for it
June 19, 2026
In a weird tag-team move, Matt Fraction has taken over Batman from his Sex Criminals co-creator/artist Chip Zdarsky, so both the artist and writer of Sex Crimz have written Batman runs one after the other! What’s that aboot!?
And, prior to reading his comics, I would’ve said without a doot that Fraction’s Batman would show Zdarsky’s how it’s done - if only because Fraction is a better writer than Zdarsky by having actually written some good comics (even at DC - his Jimmy Olsen comic is brilliant).
Zap! Bang! Pow! There go my expectations - because Fraction’s Batman somehow gets off to a worse start than Zdarsky’s and shows no signs of being even slightly decent in the future. Batman, Volume 1: Daylight is an absolute stinker!
Part of the problem is a lack of a strong overarching narrative. Batman stalwarts Killer Croc, The Riddler, and Hugo Strange pop up to do what they always do and then pop down just as quickly having made no impact on the “story”. There’s something about a minotaur businessman doing something evilly capitalistic - that’s gonna be original. Vandal Savage is somehow the Commissioner of Gotham (Gordon is demoted to beat cop?!) and - you won’t believe this - he’s up to no good! He brings in his own private police force that, shockingly, is as corrupt as he is.
It isn’t just a meandering and vague narrative, it’s so fucking boring as well. You know Vandal is doing evil stuff, even without having to see cartoonishly evil things like planting evidence at the scene of a crime, so there’s no suspense. Similarly with the familiar rogues gallery making their obligatory appearances - Batman beats them up and off they go. So what?! There has to be more going on than childish plotting and box checking to engage readers.
Fraction introduces a new baddie in the form of a wind crow swordswoman who put me in mind of a similar character from one of the worst films ever made, Rebel Moon - which is a horrible reference to remind readers of. Oh yes, and, of course, with Hugo Strange follows - say it with me - the Monster Men! The Monster Men are the closest thing Batman has to a poison symbol - if these jokes are in the comic, it’s going to be a bad comic. And it always is.
Some plot elements made me think Fraction has completely lost whatever writing talent he may have once had: a kid films Vandal doing something illegal on his phone - but feels that the only way he can let the footage go out is via a newspaper?! No, I’m sorry but kids don’t put any stock in newspapers, let alone read or know anything about them - what would happen would be that kid posting that video on social media immediately. It’s ludicrously contrived that Fraction thinks a kid would believe the only way a video would have credibility is if it was delivered via legacy media - which has all the integrity always, right??
Dr Annika Zeller is a hotpants scientist who is Bruce’s love interest for this series. She’s framed as a genius but, when Damian Wayne/Robin calls Bruce “father”, and despite her watching Bruce do crazy martial arts fighting while in civilian clothes, and having the same build as Batman who she met in the first chapter, she doesn’t make the connection that Bruce Wayne is Batman. That totally undermines any assertion Fraction makes that this character is a genius. She isn’t - she’s a total dunce for not seeing the bleeding obvious.
Fraction finds a way around the Alfred-being-dead-thing by having him be a hallucination (or something?) that Bruce talks to, enabling him to have his cake and eat it too. It was great to see Batman wearing his classic blue outfit - makes a really nice contrast to all the black/grey/metallic outfits he’s worn these past few years. And it’s revealed how many gears the Batmobile (or this version of it anyway) has: 13 (4 of which are mental, naturally).
I read the first issue of this run when it came out last year and didn’t think much of it, so my expectations were quite tampered to begin with, but I still read this book with disbelief that it was as bad as it was, consistently throughout. Batman, Volume 1: Daylight? Save yourself from bothering with this forgettable slop.
And, prior to reading his comics, I would’ve said without a doot that Fraction’s Batman would show Zdarsky’s how it’s done - if only because Fraction is a better writer than Zdarsky by having actually written some good comics (even at DC - his Jimmy Olsen comic is brilliant).
Zap! Bang! Pow! There go my expectations - because Fraction’s Batman somehow gets off to a worse start than Zdarsky’s and shows no signs of being even slightly decent in the future. Batman, Volume 1: Daylight is an absolute stinker!
Part of the problem is a lack of a strong overarching narrative. Batman stalwarts Killer Croc, The Riddler, and Hugo Strange pop up to do what they always do and then pop down just as quickly having made no impact on the “story”. There’s something about a minotaur businessman doing something evilly capitalistic - that’s gonna be original. Vandal Savage is somehow the Commissioner of Gotham (Gordon is demoted to beat cop?!) and - you won’t believe this - he’s up to no good! He brings in his own private police force that, shockingly, is as corrupt as he is.
It isn’t just a meandering and vague narrative, it’s so fucking boring as well. You know Vandal is doing evil stuff, even without having to see cartoonishly evil things like planting evidence at the scene of a crime, so there’s no suspense. Similarly with the familiar rogues gallery making their obligatory appearances - Batman beats them up and off they go. So what?! There has to be more going on than childish plotting and box checking to engage readers.
Fraction introduces a new baddie in the form of a wind crow swordswoman who put me in mind of a similar character from one of the worst films ever made, Rebel Moon - which is a horrible reference to remind readers of. Oh yes, and, of course, with Hugo Strange follows - say it with me - the Monster Men! The Monster Men are the closest thing Batman has to a poison symbol - if these jokes are in the comic, it’s going to be a bad comic. And it always is.
Some plot elements made me think Fraction has completely lost whatever writing talent he may have once had: a kid films Vandal doing something illegal on his phone - but feels that the only way he can let the footage go out is via a newspaper?! No, I’m sorry but kids don’t put any stock in newspapers, let alone read or know anything about them - what would happen would be that kid posting that video on social media immediately. It’s ludicrously contrived that Fraction thinks a kid would believe the only way a video would have credibility is if it was delivered via legacy media - which has all the integrity always, right??
Dr Annika Zeller is a hotpants scientist who is Bruce’s love interest for this series. She’s framed as a genius but, when Damian Wayne/Robin calls Bruce “father”, and despite her watching Bruce do crazy martial arts fighting while in civilian clothes, and having the same build as Batman who she met in the first chapter, she doesn’t make the connection that Bruce Wayne is Batman. That totally undermines any assertion Fraction makes that this character is a genius. She isn’t - she’s a total dunce for not seeing the bleeding obvious.
Fraction finds a way around the Alfred-being-dead-thing by having him be a hallucination (or something?) that Bruce talks to, enabling him to have his cake and eat it too. It was great to see Batman wearing his classic blue outfit - makes a really nice contrast to all the black/grey/metallic outfits he’s worn these past few years. And it’s revealed how many gears the Batmobile (or this version of it anyway) has: 13 (4 of which are mental, naturally).
I read the first issue of this run when it came out last year and didn’t think much of it, so my expectations were quite tampered to begin with, but I still read this book with disbelief that it was as bad as it was, consistently throughout. Batman, Volume 1: Daylight? Save yourself from bothering with this forgettable slop.
Review of advance copy
This was such a good volume and seriously had such a fun time reading it!
Its got so many things going like obv. going from Zdarsky run to this and we have Batman vs Killer croc who has escaped and Batman doesn't think he can be saved and then enter Dr Annika Zeller whose gonna be a huge part of this run and how she shows him otherwise.. vs Croc.. was really well done and love that convo with Croc and it sets up such great emotional beats!
I love the tone of the series and it feels so different than what has come before and then you obviously have the stuff with Robin as he is arrested and what happens thereafter and also setting up the stuff with Commissioner Savage who has set up a war vs the bat family and I love the beats of that also and how he is setting them up and the stuff with that kid who recorded them.. getting Snyder new 52 run vibes and you know we are in good hands with that one!
I am in love with this run man.. so many good things like the stuff with the new villain THE MINOTAUR and his organisation "The torus" and this new group which consists of new crime lords and all and like inspired by obv. things and sort of bringing the title to more street level/organized crime back.. like Batman vs them is gonna be interesting. Minotaur has the potential to be such a cool villain for Batman and like lets see how that one turns out!
Then the thing with Zeller and Bruce on a date and that issue was so action heavy I loved it like being chased by the assassins and also another assassin in "The Ojo" and her design is flawless and how she moves and all and that ending with Damian.. oof.. so good and the convo that needed to be had with Tim and what happens is huge and reminds me of detective comics #940 and like Tim saying he wanted to quit and all because there is more to life than this and if they are serious about it and actually do it.. it will be such a fun status quo change and like actually set up so many interesting things..
I am in love with this volume it has so many things going on and takes what was there and introduces so many new things and elements in the title and Gotham at large which if done properly/executed over the next few years is gonna be exciting and this will make it my favorite title to follow every month! Fraction is on fire with this run and I love the nods and mentions to all the bat gadgets haha and Jimenez continues to be the definitive Batman artist of this generation!! Loved this VOLUME! GET IT AND READ IT FAST!!
Its got so many things going like obv. going from Zdarsky run to this and we have Batman vs Killer croc who has escaped and Batman doesn't think he can be saved and then enter Dr Annika Zeller whose gonna be a huge part of this run and how she shows him otherwise.. vs Croc.. was really well done and love that convo with Croc and it sets up such great emotional beats!
I love the tone of the series and it feels so different than what has come before and then you obviously have the stuff with Robin as he is arrested and what happens thereafter and also setting up the stuff with Commissioner Savage who has set up a war vs the bat family and I love the beats of that also and how he is setting them up and the stuff with that kid who recorded them.. getting Snyder new 52 run vibes and you know we are in good hands with that one!
I am in love with this run man.. so many good things like the stuff with the new villain THE MINOTAUR and his organisation "The torus" and this new group which consists of new crime lords and all and like inspired by obv. things and sort of bringing the title to more street level/organized crime back.. like Batman vs them is gonna be interesting. Minotaur has the potential to be such a cool villain for Batman and like lets see how that one turns out!
Then the thing with Zeller and Bruce on a date and that issue was so action heavy I loved it like being chased by the assassins and also another assassin in "The Ojo" and her design is flawless and how she moves and all and that ending with Damian.. oof.. so good and the convo that needed to be had with Tim and what happens is huge and reminds me of detective comics #940 and like Tim saying he wanted to quit and all because there is more to life than this and if they are serious about it and actually do it.. it will be such a fun status quo change and like actually set up so many interesting things..
I am in love with this volume it has so many things going on and takes what was there and introduces so many new things and elements in the title and Gotham at large which if done properly/executed over the next few years is gonna be exciting and this will make it my favorite title to follow every month! Fraction is on fire with this run and I love the nods and mentions to all the bat gadgets haha and Jimenez continues to be the definitive Batman artist of this generation!! Loved this VOLUME! GET IT AND READ IT FAST!!
June 4, 2026
The artwork in this is incredible. Every page pops with color and is just so much fun to look at. The batsuit and overall character design of Batman (the blue suit especially) might be my favorite take on the character I've seen in any Batman comic I've read. It's almost like a modern look on an older aesthetic, especially with how all of his high-tech equipment is constantly highlighted in the series so far. Its the best.
Even though this is issue #1 of a new series, this throws you in the middle of an already well-established Gotham. Its hard to tell what has happened already but its clear this version of Batman is a veteran already and has quite a history. We see that Tim Drake and Damien (already Robin) are around, it seems like Dick Grayson has been killed already, and that Batman has some type of history with the new commissioner - Vandal Savage. It takes a bit to orient yourself with where the story starts off but at a certain point, it doesn't really matter because its Batman and we get to see him do plenty of Batman-like things and that's always a ton of fun.
There wasn't much of a resolution, or a completed arc, in this volume so things feel relatively open-ended in terms of the larger story. But basically, Savage has labeled Batman and all his buddies enemies of Gotham so it seems like the Gotham Police, and the private forces that Savage has also brought in, will be hunting Batman in the future comics.
I just found this a lot of fun to read, and even more fun to look at, so I will absolutely be continuing to read this and see where it goes.
Even though this is issue #1 of a new series, this throws you in the middle of an already well-established Gotham. Its hard to tell what has happened already but its clear this version of Batman is a veteran already and has quite a history. We see that Tim Drake and Damien (already Robin) are around, it seems like Dick Grayson has been killed already, and that Batman has some type of history with the new commissioner - Vandal Savage. It takes a bit to orient yourself with where the story starts off but at a certain point, it doesn't really matter because its Batman and we get to see him do plenty of Batman-like things and that's always a ton of fun.
There wasn't much of a resolution, or a completed arc, in this volume so things feel relatively open-ended in terms of the larger story. But basically, Savage has labeled Batman and all his buddies enemies of Gotham so it seems like the Gotham Police, and the private forces that Savage has also brought in, will be hunting Batman in the future comics.
I just found this a lot of fun to read, and even more fun to look at, so I will absolutely be continuing to read this and see where it goes.
June 11, 2026
After several post-King years of mediocre mainline Batman runs, it seems like there might be at least two great Batman ongoings at once with this series’ strong start plus Snyder’s Absolute series. A lot of the elements Fraction focuses on so far here are pretty standard stuff for a Batman comic, but his execution of those typical ideas feels captivating compared to the ultimately dull mess of the last few writers’ attempts; Fraction makes it seem effortless to balance fun thrills with emotionally compelling moments and intriguing plot mysteries to unfold in future issues.
Some of those typical elements that are highlights here: a sweet moment between Batman and Croc that simultaneously introduces a potential new love interest for Bruce Wayne and new femme fatale for Batman, plenty of BatDad moments with Tim Drake and Damian robins (plus an expectedly hilarious Drake and Damian relationship), a pervasive spotlighting of gadgets that avoids feeling gimmicky or overdone, and a corrupt GCPD with soft touch social commentary on bad policing.
Some of those typical elements that are highlights here: a sweet moment between Batman and Croc that simultaneously introduces a potential new love interest for Bruce Wayne and new femme fatale for Batman, plenty of BatDad moments with Tim Drake and Damian robins (plus an expectedly hilarious Drake and Damian relationship), a pervasive spotlighting of gadgets that avoids feeling gimmicky or overdone, and a corrupt GCPD with soft touch social commentary on bad policing.
June 8, 2026
I know a lot of you kids out there are all hepped up on Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’s Absolute Batman, but that’s not my cup of tea. For my money—or tea leaves—Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez’s current run on the Caped Crusader’s “regular” title is the real deal and the one book that will get me to visit my local comics shop when it comes out each month, even if it’s the only book I buy. The regular Batman title has had a trio of good writers since Snyder departed the book: James Tynion IV, followed by Chip Zdarsky, and not Fraction. To be honest, both Tynion and Zdarsky stayed a little too long on the title (but pound-for-pound, his first story arc/TPB collection, “Failsafe,” is one of my all-time favorite Bat-tales), but Fraction is operating on a whole different level , not seen since Frank Miller 40 years ago. His writing is complicated, sophisticated, and even wry at times and perfectly complimented by Jimenez’s art (he’s been the one constant over all three previously mentioned writers, too). I love everything about this book, including Tomeu Morey’s color art. So go off into your little Absolute Universe and enjoy yourself. I’ll stay right here with MY Batman and be perfectly fine. You will too, if you decide to join me.
June 16, 2026
I mean look at that Jorge Jimenez art bro come on!! I adore what he is doing visually with this book from the blue suit, the gorgeous spreads, the tech explanations, everything is so great and elevates the story. Fraction’s story I also love- the tone is so different from other Batman books. I saw someone say that this run is like “comfort Batman”, and i totally get where they are coming from. After settling in and reading the dark, brutal, amazing Absolute Batman, this is the perfect book to take you to the other end of the spectrum and boost your spirits lol. Mental health is a big subject, Bruce’s relationship with Tim is so great, the date issue is an alltimer of a fun comicbook read- the only thing that didn’t exactly fit the tone to me is how harsh Bruce is towards Damian, but maybe that is Fraction giving him something to work towards lol. Anyways this is a banger that I will gladly reread and I anticipate volume 2!
June 19, 2026
Matt Fraction finally gets a crack at writing a Batman run, and boy is this one special. Fraction finds a way to bring it back to basics, build off previous runs/events, makes it easy for new readers, and makes everything still fresh. He completely understands how to do the single issue, while also building a bigger plot. Really stellar work here. This could go down as one of the great modern Batman runs if DC gives him the runway.
While Fraction has a great voice for the characters here. Jimenez brings this all to life, and makes Batman his own. With his eye pleasing art, stellar composition/panel work, and amazing choreography. This man can DRAW action scenes. You feel every impact and never get lost in what’s happening. One of the best artists working in comics.
Overall this is an amazing start to a more bombastic fun Batman comic. I think I prefer Absolute Batman at the moment, but man Fraction is doing great things in this comic. Highly recommend checking this one out.
While Fraction has a great voice for the characters here. Jimenez brings this all to life, and makes Batman his own. With his eye pleasing art, stellar composition/panel work, and amazing choreography. This man can DRAW action scenes. You feel every impact and never get lost in what’s happening. One of the best artists working in comics.
Overall this is an amazing start to a more bombastic fun Batman comic. I think I prefer Absolute Batman at the moment, but man Fraction is doing great things in this comic. Highly recommend checking this one out.
Review of advance copy
There's a great contrast occurring here that I really like. A Batman comic baked in the classic blue and yellow hues of golden age style, but running away from itself with new faces and fresh ideas. It's as if Scott Snyder and Danny O'Neil teamed up to craft an in-between style, one that is quite effective when spotlighting its caped crusader. The world-building around it is a little less sure-footed, often leaning on tropes and exposition in the worst ways. That said, the mystery gaps left in this first volume are quite intriguing, as are the vacancies from the familiar rogue's gallery. All of that said, Jorge Jiménez's art is spectacular. Bold and colored, a bright visage of the shadowed, covered hero that is also never in argument with that essential nature of the character. It's futuristic and classic, distinctive and familiar.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Look it's not a bad read - it has some fun parts. But it's just another re-issue of Batman. It's done well but it's ultimately underwhelming. There's nothing really new here to get behind.
I do enjoy Matt Fraction's writing, and he's done a decent job of crafting an interesting arc here, but it just didn't capture me enough to continue. I think I'll be dropping the series at #6.
Artwork is interesting, and I like the little gadget tidbits. Not loving the new outfit, but it is what it is.
An okay jumping on point if you're just getting into Batman, but there's a lot that's come before that will leave a few blanks if you haven't read the previous. Still, ticks the boxes for Batman fans looking for a new continuing series.
I do enjoy Matt Fraction's writing, and he's done a decent job of crafting an interesting arc here, but it just didn't capture me enough to continue. I think I'll be dropping the series at #6.
Artwork is interesting, and I like the little gadget tidbits. Not loving the new outfit, but it is what it is.
An okay jumping on point if you're just getting into Batman, but there's a lot that's come before that will leave a few blanks if you haven't read the previous. Still, ticks the boxes for Batman fans looking for a new continuing series.
June 6, 2026
Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez are delivering the best superhero comic of 2026 in their fresh take on Batman, taking him back to his superhero roots a bit while maintaining some of the growth that Scott Snyder and James Tynion gave him. The use of Vandal Savage as antagonist in a very different role, the change in Jim Gordon's position, a very different take on the Joker, mix with new characters, like the mysterious lady assassin or the femme scientist who seems destined to be Bruce's new love interest and/or antagonist.
And I cannot say enough about how beautiful Jimenez's art is. Gotham comes to life in all his detail, and he is able to convey the sense of humor and the action beats perfectly.
And I cannot say enough about how beautiful Jimenez's art is. Gotham comes to life in all his detail, and he is able to convey the sense of humor and the action beats perfectly.
Review of advance copy
So this new Batman run by Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez is doing it for me. I like that it's interconnected one and done stories. It's not arcs. It's just an ongoing. I like the new costume. I love Morey's bright colors. The new dynamic with the police department is interesting. Vandal Savage is the police commissioner. He's a complete scum bag. Gordon is a beat cop now and most of the force are overreaching thugs. Jimerez's art of course looks great. The guy is talented enough that he's even doing some of the lettering. This is a book I'll continue to pick up monthly from my comic book shop.
Review of advance copy
Read in singles. Matt Fraction's current run is so good. Not only is Batman more fun, he's also exceedingly kind and humane, while still being our scary and super-efficient Dark Knight.
Absolute Batman succeeds because it's super dark with a very pointed purpose -- Fraction's Batman run succeeds because it shows us the light that Batman can be in a dark world.
Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about Jorge Jiménez's incredibly stylish and kinetic artwork that brings Fraction's script to life. There is a sleek dynamism to his drawings that makes the work endlessly fun and engaging to read.
Absolute Batman succeeds because it's super dark with a very pointed purpose -- Fraction's Batman run succeeds because it shows us the light that Batman can be in a dark world.
Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about Jorge Jiménez's incredibly stylish and kinetic artwork that brings Fraction's script to life. There is a sleek dynamism to his drawings that makes the work endlessly fun and engaging to read.
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