Batman #1 – Matt Fraction, Writer; Jorge Jimenez, Artist; Tomeu Morey, Colorist
Ray – 9.5/10
Ray: H2SH is taking its time to finish and will be back at a later date, so instead, DC is rolling out…one of the most anticipated new creative teams in years. That’s just how things roll at the company these days. Never a dull moment. Star writer Matt Fraction makes his return to big two ongoing storytelling for the first time in ages, joined by veteran Bat-artist Jorge Jimenez, and this first issue is a fun, chaotic story that throws us right into a series of crazy changes to Batman and Gotham. Among them, Jim Gordon is back to being a beat cop (a little unbelievable, given his age, but hey), Commissioner Savage and a corrupt new Mayor are out for blood against vigilantes and have brought in private security, and Batman has apparently rigged up an AI of Alfred who now accompanies him around Gotham and delivers some dry British wit. Surely this isn’t a sign of anything unhealthy.
There really isn’t a huge lead plot in this issue, but that’s sort of refreshing. We focus heavily on Batman protecting Gotham, and the main threat is Killer Croc – who has been under the care of the mysterious Dr. Zeller at Arkham Tower. According to her, Croc has reverted to a childlike mind and isn’t a threat anymore – but he’s currently tearing through Gotham seemingly looking to eat anything and everything he can find. This issue shows a kinder, smarter, more forgiving Batman than we usually see, but it almost seems too good right now – is his new “Alfred” a sign of something he’s repressing? It does seem like coming after the Zdarsky run, which really took Batman to rock bottom, this is a different take and one that’s very welcome. But at the end of the issue, one of Batman’s partners is in serious danger – and that tends to bring out the darkest side of the Caped Crusader. Strong start, with just enough of the insanity I expect from Fraction.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes
