Comic Review: “Batman #1” – A New Knight Rises? A Strong Start With Bold Ideas, Though Not Without Missteps

 

The year 2025 brings yet another attempt to redefine Batman’s role in a modern world a world where billionaires are viewed more than ever as engines of inequality, where police forces inspire fear rather than trust, and where classic superhero archetypes feel increasingly difficult to justify. Matt Fraction approaches this challenge with ambition and a clear vision: Batman has to change. Not through a radical reinvention, but through subtle reorientation transforming him from a quasi–police partner into a more human, empathetic, yet still dangerous figure who must confront both his own demons and Gotham’s new identity.

This comic impresses, frustrates, provokes and above all reveals massive potential. Fraction doesn’t flip the table; he slightly rearranges the pieces. And that’s enough to make an impact.

A New Batman, a New Gotham or rather… a Reframed One?

From the opening pages it’s clear that the creative team is operating on a different wavelength. Gotham, though still dark, is now saturated with color neon, light, modern architecture looming over old gothic bones. Tomeu Morey paints the city like a metropolis trying desperately to disguise its rot with fluorescent charm. This isn’t “Year One.” This is Gotham in the 21st century a suffocating, hyper-modern machine pretending to be better than it is.

Fans may be divided. Some have already complained that the city looks more like a polished futuristic hub than the grim nightmare we expect. But in the context of Fraction’s narrative, it makes sense: this is a world performing change. And Batman must decide whether he should follow suit.

The New Costume Too Toy-like for Its Own Good?

The most controversial component is Batman’s new suit: bright blue and grey, almost toy-like. Intentionally reminiscent of the pre-Crisis era, it feels at odds with modern expectations.Aesthetically, the suit has more in common with Batman: The Animated Series than Arkham Knight. But again the point is change. If Batman is evolving, his silhouette must evolve too.

Dialogue, Themes, and Social Commentary Fraction Walks a Tightrope

One of the strongest scenes is Bruce’s conversation with the doctor a debate between empathy and naivety. Batman pushes back against romanticizing psychopathy while simultaneously condemning the idea of calling the police because they’d “just shoot the guy.”

It’s bold commentary, though occasionally it feels like Fraction wants to critique the system without fully committing. Effective in parts, half-hearted in others.

Mayor Hulk Hogan? Croc as John Coffey? Fraction Trades Between Satire and Drama

The new mayor looks like “Hulk Hogan after a law degree,” and Killer Croc’s portrayal veers surprisingly close to The Green Mile’s John Coffey dangerous yet gentle, misunderstood yet volatile. These choices are risky and won’t be universally loved, but at least they aren’t predictable. Fraction refuses to retread old ground, even if the results sometimes wobble.

Gotham as Meme-City: Fraction’s Satirical Touch

Fraction peppers the narrative with meta-humor and satire:

-An Alex Jones parody ranting about Gotham’s “ninja problem”

-Social-media-style commentary

-The “colours in the dark” Shaq meme energy

-Jokes about which Robin is the “useless” one this week

Gotham is depicted as violent, absurd, hyper-commercial and very online. It works thematically, even if it occasionally leans too far into low-hanging fruit.

Jiménez + Morey = A Visual Knockout

The art is nothing short of phenomenal. Jorge Jiménez delivers some of the strongest work of his career. Gotham pulses with movement, danger, and life. Morey’s color palette neon blues, sunset oranges, harsh urban light makes each panel feel cinematic.

Every page looks like a concept illustration for a major film adaptation.

Alfred Illusion? AI? Trauma?

Bruce interacts with Alfred, despite Alfred being dead. Fraction leaves the nature of this presence ambiguous:

-Is it advanced AI?

-A psychological hallucination?

-A coping mechanism?

Whatever it is, Alfred serves as Bruce’s conscience, guilt, and lingering humanity one of the issue’s best narrative devices.

Tim Drake Returns and It Works

Despite the jokes about “which Robin screwed up this time,” Tim Drake is a welcome addition. He bridges past and future, grounding Bruce emotionally. Fraction hints at a deeper exploration of their dynamic.

The Story Simple but Effective

Narratively, the issue consists of:

-A mystery

-Killer Croc’s subplot

-Social exploration

-Batman’s inner shift

Some readers argue that the story needed more space and could have benefited from a two-issue arc. The thematic scope is big, but the pacing is brisk. Fraction has stated he’s aiming for “self-contained issues,” which is great for newcomers, even if it sacrifices some depth.

Batman Is Changing but Is It Real Change?

The core theme of the issue: Can Batman change?

Fraction suggests: yes slowly, painfully, imperfectly.

Batman here is:

-more empathetic

-less reactionary

-more reflective

-yet still intimidating

It’s a return to the spirit of 70s/80s pre-Crisis storytelling not the grim hyperviolence of Arkham or the cynicism of Miller.

Conclusion – Not a Revolution, but a Very Promising Beginning

“Batman #1” is a visually stunning, modern, emotionally aware take on the Dark Knight. Fraction doesn’t break the myth, but recontextualizes it for 2025. It’s not the groundbreaking reinvention some hype it to be, but it’s a compelling, confident, and highly engaging start.

If subsequent issues build on these foundations, this run could become something special.

Pros

+phenomenal artwork by Jiménez and Morey

+bold thematic exploration of empathy, policing, and Batman’s role in society

+a more human, introspective Batman

+excellent Croc and Alfred scenes

+strong balance between drama, humor, and satire

+accessible, self-contained structure for new readers

Cons

-the new costume may put off longtime fans

-some social commentary feels tentative or incomplete

-the pacing is too fast for the themes presented

-humor occasionally veers into meme territory

-the villain designs feel too silly and undercooked

Final Score: 8/10