We’ve reached the end of Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez’s first arc on Batman, and so far, they’ve lived up to the hype. By making the series episodic rather than one continuous story, readers can pop in and out as they wish without missing too much, though following along consistently does help better contextualize the direction the series is heading.
Here’s what we know so far: Bruce is taking a new approach to changing Gotham City, both as Batman and as Bruce Wayne. We’ve seen him invest time, money, and personal interest in Dr. Zeller, who claims to be “rehabilitating” certain citizens of Gotham. If you’ve read my previous reviews, you know I think she’s teetering dangerously close to eugenics and is likely far more nefarious than merely morally gray. We also know that both Tim Drake and Damian Wayne have been operating as Robin, with the latter even exposing himself as Batman’s son in front of Dr. Zeller.
What remains unclear is who the series’ main antagonist will be, why Bruce is seeing Alfred, and why Batman has switched to a brighter color scheme. Does that last point matter much? No, but I do love the suit.
With all of that said, it’s clear this Batman run is aiming to modernize the World’s Greatest Detective while preserving his core elements and conflicts. The result has been a consistently enjoyable mix of action and emotion, with this issue serving as another strong example of just how intriguing a direction Fraction and Jiménez are taking the Dark Knight.
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This issue is a great example of how to maximize page space. Within its pages, we see Bruce Wayne deal with the fallout of Damian Wayne – while in his Robin suit – accidentally identifying Bruce as his father. We also see the two have a… conversation about that, get several updates on who Batman is chasing, and end the issue with not one but two shocking revelations. Wow, I’m winded.
The funny thing is, despite all of this, the issue never feels overcrowded. Fraction somehow crafts a story filled with redirections and tonal shifts that flows smoothly from start to finish. While this is a case where reading the series consistently helps in understanding the layered conflicts at play, it isn’t strictly necessary.
If I had one complaint, it’s that I’m not entirely sold on how Bruce reacts to Damian’s mistake. While it’s undeniably a dangerous error – and one that feels somewhat out of character for Damian’s usual precision – Bruce’s response serves as a pointed reminder of how flawed he still is as a father. That said, the issue remains an exciting read, packed with unexpected twists and shocking new conflicts for Batman to prepare for.
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Jorge Jiménez and Tomeu Morey continue to dazzle with their dynamic, detailed artwork. Jiménez excels at depicting the conflicts Batman faces, with a strong sense of motion and impact. A great example comes during Batman’s fight with the Monster Men, where Jiménez’s linework emphasizes just how swift and precise Batman must be to neutralize the threat. Morey, meanwhile, continues to complement Jiménez’s electric style with vibrant, energetic colors.
That said, this issue leans more heavily into emotional territory and may have benefited from a softer color palette to better underscore that weight. This stood out to me toward the end of the issue, when Bruce and Tim share a heart-to-heart that feels a bit lacking in emotional punch. That shortcoming may not rest solely on Morey, though; with an extra page or two, Jiménez might have been able to better pace and deepen the emotional exchange between the characters. Still, taken as a whole, the issue is well illustrated and effectively maintains the story’s fast pace.
DC
Batman #6 wraps up writer Matt Fraction and artist Jorge Jiménez’s first arc on the series in a way that ensures there isn’t a dry eye in the house. Like several of the issues leading up to it, this chapter is a strong reminder that Fraction is more than capable of transforming an action-driven thriller into a genuine tear-jerker. Not only does the issue place Batman in a situation that, while not unfamiliar, couldn’t come at a worse time, and also clearly signals the direction the series is heading next.
Things are going to get worse for Bruce before they get better. However, unlike other stories that simply batter the hero until he breaks, this doesn’t feel like Batman being used as an old punching bag. Instead, we see meaningful growth in Bruce’s character, showing how he’s learned from the challenges life has thrown at him over the years. Adding to the impact is another beautifully illustrated chapter, filled with stunning artwork and spectacular colors. Altogether, this issue feels just as much like a can’t-miss read as the #1 of this relaunch.
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