If you’re a fan of comic books, you know that No. 1 issues come around fairly often, even for characters that have been around for decades. It usually means a new story is happening, or a different creative team is taking over. In the case of the latter, we have the newest Batman comics by Matt Fraction (Hawkeye and Immortal Iron Fist) and Jorge Jimenez (Super Sons and Batman: Fear State).
Batman No. 1 creative team
- Writer: Matt Fraction
- Artist: Jorge Jiménez
- Colors: Tomeu Morey
The creative team was enough to get most comic book fans interested in the new ongoing series, but there’s nothing wrong with adding more eyes to the project. That’s why DC Comics has been promoting this for months.
Jorge Jimenez has shown fans the new gadgets and Batmobile Batman will be using via posts on his social media pages, while Matt Fraction has done interviews about what's new with the Caped Crusader. The DC Comics accounts have also posted videos that preview the series. But that was only the beginning. Now, the series has to deliver. Well, trust this writer: It delivers and proves that this is a new era for The Dark Knight.
What’s new, Bruce
Without any help from most members of the Bat Family after he saved The Joker's life (read Hush 2 for that story), Bruce Wayne must adapt. He’ll need new and better gadgets and have an improved outlook on life. The latter seems impossible, but good news, Caped Crusaders! It's happening.
We’ve already discussed the gadgets, but the change in attitude appears to be something Matt Fraction will focus on.
At the risk of spoiling too much, Batman is forced to choose between violence against a long-time foe or acknowledging that people can change. Instead of going into the confrontation with punches, Bruce goes with compassion. Not only does it work, but Batman breaks a rule that humanizes him in the eyes of an enemy. This is a moment that people will cherish for a while, and change the way comic book readers look at him.
One of the most shocking things came in the middle of the issue. Batman is in the Batmobile when readers notice a familiar way of talking. It’s revealed that Alfred Pennyworth is back! He even helps talk Bruce down when he’s about to fight. The problem is, we don’t know why Alfred exists like this. Or, and this is even scarier, if this isn’t in Batman’s head.
It’s easy to guess that this Alfred is the AI Bruce is using to help him deal with the Bat Family leaving him. The image is a light purple that looks like a hologram. But, something about this doesn’t seem right. It’s leading me to think that this isn’t a computer-generated image. Batman may be seeing and hearing Alfred, and he’s not there at all.
A lot happens in Batman No. 1, and it’s all good. Readers will be left with a clear view of some of the issues Batman and Robin (Tim Drake) will face, the new dangers in Gotham City, and understand that this isn’t the Dark Knight we’re used to seeing. He may not have a ton of people backing him up (especially if things go wrong with the Justice League), but he will always find a way to be the best in the business.
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