BATMAN #1 – A NEW DAY DAWNS IN GOTHAM

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.

Teaming up for this monumental occasion is Megan (NI editor/Vigilante Vibes Podcast), Matt (NI Lead editor/Hops Geek News) and yours truly (Ken – NI editor-in-chief/ODPH Podcast). Let’s see how this new era all unfolds! *** possible spoiler warning ***

HOW WAS THE STORY?

Megan: What I notice right away is Batman receiving a lesson in compassion from Dr. Zeller, who is Waylon Jones’ doctor. Batman is used to separating the person from their villainous alter ego and expecting the worst from them.

However, Dr. Zeller sees that while Killer Croc and Waylon are the same body, there’s a separation between the two. This is through her work with him. Batman knows what to expect from Killer Croc, as he’s dealt with him many times. He doesn’t see that there’s a change in him that brings him back to the heart of Waylon.

Matt: I found Fraction to have connected on an element that can often be missed with Batman. The element was showing a humanistic aspect to him. There is a scene where he just sits with Killer Croc and talks to him like a normal person. I found this move to hit home for me. Normally, we would see Batman kicking butt and asking questions later. This is already setting this run apart and making it fresh with this perspective.

ANOTHER NEW BATMAN?!

Ken: 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.

LET’S TALK ART & LETTERING!

Megan: Whenever Jorge Jiménez, Tomeu Morey, and Clayton Cowles are involved with the artwork of a comic, you can bet it’s going to be high quality. It’s compelling enough to keep your eyes locked in on the pages. That’s exactly the situation with Batman #1. Jiménez was able to capture the magic of what makes a Batman comic what it is, while bringing a new twist to the artwork.

Along with Jiménez, you have Tomeu Morey, who handled the colors of of the comic. Tomey took the artwork farther than most Batman comics will go. With the juxtaposition of the usual dark colors that are a staple in the stories of Batman and the vibrant colors of the city life of Gotham, Morey gave each page its own time to shine.

WHAT DID BANE DO NOW?!

Matt: From the get-go go Jimenez, Morey, and Cowles bring a breath of life into Gotham City with how vibrant and bright it is. I will also add that it is nice to see Gotham in the daytime as well, which is a side of the city not normally shown. There is new tech being used as well, which gives Batman a futuristic vibe and showcases how clever he is all at the same time.

The suit that the team is going with as well, has new life into it, and I really enjoy how sleek everything is from his cowl down to his cape and gauntlets. This is setting up to be a visually pleasing run, and so far, the team is bringing this aspect home.

Ken: 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 sleek look through the Dark Knight’s eyes.

OVERALL GRADE: 9/10

Megan: 9/10. This was a phenomenal start for our favorite dark knight, which is no surprise with Matt Fraction behind the story. The creative team started this run with so much heat, I’ll be anxiously waiting to see what comes next for Batman. I’m especially excited to see where they go with that cliffhanger because there’s now a feeling of change in the air of Gotham. CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM MEGAN!

Matt: 9/10. This is a vibrant and flashy new look at the Dark Knight as well as a less brutal and more emotional one, all at the same time. They hit the ground running right out of the gate and set the tone immediately, and I am excited to see where this run will take us. It’s bold, it’s different, and most importantly, it will be full of surprises. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM MATT!

Ken: 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.  CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN

Let us know your thoughts on Batman #1 in the comments below! Thanks for reading!