A new day has dawned on Gotham City. Commissioner Vandal Savage continues his dictatorial rule of the police. This has caused many strains. None may be greater than the relationship between the city & its’ Dark Knight.
When a rogue is on the loose, BATMAN looks to do what he does best. His mission vs. Savage’s orders. Something has to give.
BATMAN #1 by Matt Fraction, Jorge Jiménez, Tomeu Morey, and Clayton Cowles kicks off Fraction’s lead of the Caped Crusader’s adventures.
Let’s take a closer look at how events unfold now.
BATMAN #1 by Matt Fraction, Jorge Jiménez, Tomeu Morey, and Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
One element that is very clear from the start is Fraction’s tone with Batman. Coming off Zdarsky’s long run, the dialogue feels more disconnected. When conversing with Dr. Zeller, Bats comes across as cold and robotic. In some aspects, he’s talking down to her. This mood is picked up by his AI assistant. It’s a clever way to bring back a sorely missed member of the Bat-Family. Seeing this pairing on a case leads into a interesting perspective.
Readers watch as Batman investigates changes in his target. One notable change in this run is the reliance on new tech. “Where does he get those wonderful toys” indeed. Fraction leans into this area heavily while processing changes in the conflict. The dialogue shows how there’s more similarities between Batman and his rogue than thought. It leads into an unorthodox play from the Dark Knight. The move feels very outside the box. Readers see uncharacteristic moves.
It results in a more reflective closing. This peaceful tone is extinguished on the final page. Another familiar face is back and leaves the chapter with a great ending point. Suffice to say, this era of Batman is off to a fresh start at the very minimum.
Jiménez, Morey, and Cowles return for this new start. The opening sequence teases a monster is on the loose. It’s followed up by a full page image of Batman overlooking the city. His expressions look more grizzled and weathered than usual. This leads him into his chase. The two page splash gives a very modern look at Gotham City. It offsets Savage’s orders to the GCPD. Even for a brief page, the images change pace to elude to more danger en route.
Once back on the case, the art depicts the new technology being used. Readers watch as that dances between strong action scenes. This leads into the expected confrontation. A half panel shows Batman with his new electric gauntlets. It’s met with his target’s response via half panel. This leads into the very different method of subduing the situation.
The art shows Batman’s risky move. It leads into a gentler landing than expected. Events seem to calm to close with this aspect. Luckily, a full page image ties everything back to the true threat lurking in shadows. The art team picks up right where it left off with a bit more sleek look at Gotham through the Dark Knight’s eyes.
OVERALL GRADE: 8.8
A new era of the Caped Crusader leaps into action with a sleek new look. Fraction changes the standard stat quo with the writing. Jiménez, Morey, and Cowles present the bold takes with strong art. This chapter indicates to expect the unexpected with Gotham City’s protector. Judging by the last page, the fight on crime has been taken to a new place.
Let me know your thoughts on Batman #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!