Batman #1 Review
It’s time for another reboot!
Batman has only had three official #1 issues before (the original run, New 52, and Rebirth). This isn’t a hard reboot, though—the events since Zdarsky's run remain—but it’s the start of a new era. And I’m happy to say: it’s fantastic.
Comic legend Matt Fraction takes his turn with this iconic character, carrying more than 80 years of history. When DC announced that Fraction would be writing Batman, I was thrilled. For the most part, I enjoyed Tom King’s run, mostly enjoyed James Tynion’s, but wasn’t a fan of Chip Zdarsky’s (no shade—he’s written some great books). Over the past few months, Fraction has emphasized that he wants each single issue to tell a contained story rather than stretching everything across multiple issues. With Batman #1, he delivers exactly that. I’m sure larger storylines will emerge, but it’s refreshing to pick up an issue without stressing over what happened previously.
Jorge Jiménez remains one of the most reliable creative forces on Batman, and his work here proves why. With the debut of a striking blue Batsuit and a sleek new Batmobile, he breathes fresh energy into Gotham—making the city feel brighter, more vibrant, and alive. The panels are stunning throughout, from the city streets to a truly menacing take on Killer Croc. Visually, this issue is an absolute treat.
Fraction reportedly spent a year mapping out his version of Gotham, ensuring each area feels distinct, and that vision is already clear in this debut. Batman moves through multiple boroughs of the city, each one clearly labeled and visually unique. Another nice touch: the Bat-gadgets come with small side panels describing their functions.
Minor story spoiler ahead:
The villain of the issue is Killer Croc, though handled in a different way than usual. He’s being treated for his condition by Dr. Zeller, but (surprise, surprise) breaks free. Rather than relying solely on brute force, Batman actually removes the cowl and approaches Waylon as Bruce, trying to reason with him. It’s a quieter, more heartfelt moment that lands with real weight—showing Batman doesn’t always need fists to win.
That said, there’s still plenty of action and familiar faces returning to Gotham. Jim Gordon is back, though no longer commissioner—just a beat cop. Vandal Savage is commissioner now, and even Alfred makes a comeback. This time, however, Alfred exists as an AI hologram, always present to guide Bruce—think Cortana from Halo. The brief banter between them is already excellent.
If you’re a lapsed Batman reader, this is the perfect jump-in point. If you’ve been following non-stop, it still feels fresh without erasing what came before.
Verdict: A return to form for Batman that feels fresh, exciting, and accessible. With so many Batman stories out there, Batman #1 stands out as both a welcoming entry point for newcomers and a rewarding read for longtime fans.
Batman #1 Covers
Keep the Conversation Going
Thanks for reading! What are your thoughts on Batman #1? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below.
If you enjoyed this article and want more content about getting into comics, comic reviews, and deep dives, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter and follow me on social media!
Find a Comic Shop Near You
If you're looking for your next great read, there's no better place to start than your local comic shop. It's the best way to support the industry and find some hidden gems!